By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/5/25 – This November 6–9, 2025, Pride and Veterans Day weekend will shine brighter than ever as Sweet Baby J’ai presents the Sunset Music & Comedy Festival, an all-queer, women-focused celebration of music, comedy, and community empowerment.
Backed by the Sunset Music and Education Foundation, the festival is more than just a lineup of stellar performances, it’s a movement for visibility, representation, and opportunity. At its heart is the Foundation’s SMARTS initiative (Sunset Music & Arts for Students), which provides underserved youth with mentorship, instruments, and scholarships. From guitars and drums to keyboards and horns, SMARTS is helping children find their voice through music, improving their academic success and future opportunities.
Sweet Baby J’ai has curated a festival that defies boundaries and celebrates inclusivity. Audiences can expect:
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- Grammy- and Tony-nominated legends spanning jazz, R&B, rock, and singer-songwriter traditions, with soulful voices like Lady Blackbird, Amythyst Kiah, and Ann Hampton Callaway.
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- Special tributes, including a moving Roberta Flack Homecoming show at Agua Caliente Casino featuring the incredible voices of Sandy and Amber Flame
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- A celebration of womyn’s music history led by activist-artist Holly Near, who will also be honored with the Sunset Music Legend Legacy of Inspiration Award.
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- Get ready to laugh out loud with three comedic firecrackers—Vickie Shaw, Jason Stuart, and Mimi Gonzalez.
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Performances spanning jazz, R&B, rock, singer-songwriters, and comedy, with appearances by artists such as Amethyst Kiah, Ann Hampton Callaway, and comedian Vicki Shaw.
To cap off the weekend, Holly Near will lead the Goddess March during Sunday’s Palm Springs Pride Parade, bringing art, activism, and community together in one powerful statement of unity.
While initially considering different dates, Sweet Baby J’ai and her team decided to align the festival with Palm Springs Pride, creating an official partnership that amplifies LGBTQ+ voices—particularly women who have historically been overlooked in Pride programming.
“Music is a universal language,” Sweet Baby J’ai said. “This festival is open to all, but it’s especially for women and queer audiences who deserve to see themselves reflected on stage. Visibility matters, and this is our moment to shine.”
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival is more than an event, it’s a platform. By supporting SMARTS, every ticket purchased helps fund opportunities for youth who may otherwise never have access to music education. Sweet Baby J’ai emphasized that children involved in music programs are 20% more likely to attend and graduate college, making SMARTS not only a cultural investment but an educational one.
The weekend also holds a personal resonance: the festival coincides with journalist Valerie Milano’s birthday on November 9th, adding another reason to celebrate during Pride weekend.
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Sweet Baby J’ai is finalizing the script for Roberta Flack’s Homecoming show (Thursday, Nov. 6).
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She is coordinating with Holly Near for both her tribute concert and the Legacy of Inspiration award ceremony.
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Preparations are underway for the Goddess March during Sunday’s Pride Parade.
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The Hollywood Times will continue coverage with a published feature and YouTube interview upload and as a proud Media Partner
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Tickets and festival information are available at www.sunsetmusic.org.
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival promises to be a groundbreaking celebration: a space where music, comedy, activism, and community intersect. With its dynamic lineup, cultural tributes, and commitment to empowering the next generation, Sweet Baby J’ai’s vision is clear—this is not just a festival, but a legacy in the making. Enjoy our interview here:
Tickets are on sale now. Join the movement, support the SMARTS initiative, and celebrate Pride with purpose this November in Palm Springs.
