In June of 2021, LGBTQ music festival impresario Jeffery Sanker passed away leaving behind over three decades worth of work in the music entertainment industry. His name is synonymous with the gay mega-circuit destination parties popular among the gay community.
It was announced in November 2021 that his legacy will live on as White Party Global (WPG) presents White Party Palm Springs* which will take place from April 29 – May 1, 2022.
“It is an honor to continue White Party Palm Springs for my dear friend Jeffrey,” says White Party Global Executive Producer Chris Diamond. “As we move forward with his vision of inclusion, diversity, and decadence, we are truly excited to once again showcase new dance music trends, global DJs, recording artists, state-of-the-art sound & visuals – and most importantly our returning guests… beautiful men from all over the world!”
Palm Springs has seen a major renaissance over the past few years. What was once a golden-era Hollywood staycation spot in the 1930s turned into a west coast gay port of call thanks mostly to the flamboyant pianist Liberace in the 80s.
From there, Palm Springs underwent some changes. Clothing optional resorts, gay nightclubs, Pride events and renovated midcentury hotels became watering holes for the LGBTQ community. It saw a mild decline in tourism and infrastructure through the 90s, but in the past few years, Palm Springs has risen from the ashes to reclaim its gay heyday.
In 1990 Jeffery Sanker brought his brand of entertainment to the city with the White Party (everyone dresses in white) making it one of the most popular circuit extravaganzas in the world.
Next year, the White Party returns to Palm Springs after taking a hiatus in part because of the pandemic and also in recognition of Sanker's death. Ticket holders who purchased passes pre-pandemic will be able to exchange those for the upcoming Palm Springs event.
In celebration of its return, there will be three pool parties at the host hotel: Hilton Palm Springs.
Here is some information* about White Party Palm Springs. Keep in mind some details and times may change as special celebrity guests have yet to be announced.
SOAKED! will feature poolside dancing, state-of-the-art sound and video, hot go-go guys, and a sensational line-up of Global DJs including Orel Sabag (Israel), Isis (Mexico) and Bruno Knauer (Brazil), and Arno Diem (France).
Friday night, cruise into Rio’s Jungles and Rainforests with DJs Liza Rodriguez (Brazil) and Dani Brasil (Brazil) for an epic throw-down to kick off WPG weekend. Non-stop Jungle themed entertainment will keep partygoers captivated throughout the night and into the wee hours for a cruise-fest-filled night!
Saturday brings the weekend’s most anticipated night as White Party Global celebrates 30+ years and moves forward into eternity with an “Eternal” themed White Party spectacle.
This 6-hour superhero-themed party will feature jaw-dropping state-of-the-art staging, sound, lighting, and FX’s that will leave you marveling over. And as always, YOU are the dance floor “STARS;” so come dressed as always in traditional white or even better, as your favorite inter-dimensional superhero character! Your superpowers this night knows no limits! DJ’s driving White Party’s main event are DJs Rick Braile (Brazil), Chris Turina (Chile), and Phil Romano (Italy).
On Sunday, it’s time to converge under the beautiful desert sky for the world-famous T-Dance. “Big Top Circus” starts in the afternoon and continues into the night as the sun sets behind the spectacular mountains of Palm Spring. State-of-the-art sound, lighting, video, and all new surprises are in store for our guests at this year’s Big Top Circus. Warm breezes and hot dancing bodies fill the outdoor dance floor with music by International DJs Ben Bakson (Germany) and Dan Slater (Australia). The night culminates with a climactic firework and video display in a tribute to the White Party Palm Spring’s gay party impresario Jeffrey Sanker.
The weekend culminates in a high-energy closing party with “Afterlife” Sunday night. DJs Joe Gauthreaux (New Orleans) and Mauro Mozart (Brazil) will provide the night’s beats that will leave you dancing into a new dimension.
Additional special guests will be unveiled within the coming months. To be kept up to date on the latest announcements and new musical guests, please click HERE and follow us on social via Instagram and Facebook.
This year, White Party Palm Springs is powered by Kettle One Vodka, Andrew Christian, and Wet Platinum.
*Back in August 2021, the City of Palm Springs issued mask and vaccine mandates for hotels, indoor services, and large outdoor events. According to the City's website, as of this writing, those protocols are still in place.
