Festive pool parties. Phenomenal entertainment acts. Bashes celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity. When it comes to White Party Palm Springs, everything stays creatively erect.
After a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, the fiery phenom makes its highly anticipated return (April 29-May 1), with a few changes. Celebrated restauranter Chris Diamond is the new executive director of White Party Global in the wake of Jeffrey Sanker’s death in May 2021. Sanker, the event’s celebrated brainchild, began his “quasi-intimate gay dance party” in Palm Springs back in 1989. Eventually it morphed into a three-day megafest that stayed buoyant for more than 30 years, stimulating the local economy and attracting 30,000 people annually to boot.
Admittedly, Diamond is “amazed” by his friend/business partner’s legacy, and taking over the reins is somewhat daunting. “It's a great honor to do this, but these are definitely big shoes to fill,” Diamond says. “I’m constantly thinking, ‘What would Jeffrey do?’”
On the heels of a mind-bending pandemic, the first call to action was to follow current Covid protocols.
“We'll follow whatever needs to be done to keep people healthy,” Diamond shares. “We’ve been in discussions with the city. Whatever state and local protocols are in place at the time—vaccination cards, Covid test results and such—we’ll adhere to them.”
All around, the preeminent soiree seems to be in good hands.
A 30-year veteran in the restaurant industry (Crumble Inc., Diamond & Elias Restaurants), Diamond is an expert in all areas of operations. For more than 15 years, he and business partner Chef Wayne have been satisfying palates at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, a glittery, champagne-toasting, celeb-infused affair if there ever was one.
“Chris is an awesome leader because he’s extremely passionate about what he does and he cares about making the experience top-notch,” Wayne reveals of Diamond’s expertise. “He’ll infuse new energy to the festival and his good nature brings both a calming and festive vibe to the new rebirth of White Party Global.”
Diamond attended his first White Party more than 25 years ago. It wasn’t long before he and Sanker bonded and Diamond began working alongside him, mostly assisting with licensing. Deep trust formed. “I think that’s one of the reasons the torch was passed on to me—Jeffrey trusted me,” Diamond reflects. “He knew I had experience with talent and events. He didn’t want to pass this on to one of the promoters because he felt those promoters would just do their vision, not his.”
That vision always revolved around LGBTQ+ rights, leadership, fellowship, and philanthropy—the event has regularly donated to LGBTQ+ causes and organizations.
Beyond splashy pool parties and festive DJs, attendees this year can expect a jungle-themed “Rio Throwdown” and Saturday evening’s behemoth six-hour celebration at the Palm Springs Convention Center. That event is dubbed “Eternal” because Diamond et al “wanted people to know Jeffrey’s wishes were that White Party went on eternally.”
Toss in a big top circus-themed T dance along with a groovy closing night party, and the 2022 outing promises to be one for the history books.
“While battling liver disease, Jeffrey was explicit—he didn't want to bring down the vibe of the party this year,” Diamond says. “He wanted everybody to have a good time. So, at the end, during the fireworks, we’re going to do a nice tribute to him. I really want people to know that Jeffrey had the biggest heart in the world. He loved his friends and loved being on the cutting edge of business. We had Lady Gaga, who was nobody when she played the pool party. Ariana Grande was another great act. I’m excited to try new things like he did and to keep growing.”
For tickets and additional information, visit whitepartyglobal.com.
