Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - October 2018

INSIDE:

Meet the creatives showcasing their work throughout the community

ELECTION 2018: Echo announces endorsements

THE

ARTS ISSUE LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 30 #1 | ISSUE 709 | OCTOBER 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

Proud supporter of the Arizona LGBT community for over 16 years!

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Upcoming Concerts Front Country October 4 Fatoumata Diawara October 5 John Paul White A Solo Acoustic Performance October 12

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The Steel Wheels October 25 And many more!

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INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

Issue 709 | Vol. 30, #1 | October 2018

NEWS 8 12 14 16 24 26 28

Letter From The Editor News Briefs Elections 2018 Datebook Tucson Pride Latino Pride Rainbows Festival

ENTERTAINMENT 72 74 76 78 80

At The Box Office The Small Screen Opening Nights The Playlist Between The Covers

OUT & ABOUT 18 27 38 44 52 56 92 94

Dancing 4 one•n•ten Queer ARTivismo Phoenix Storm Rugby Exposed Studio & Gallery Phoenix Women’s Chorus Orpheus Male Chorus Alyssa Edwards at Volt Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor at Charlie’s

ON THE COVER Tucson-based fashion designer Estéban Osuna and model Hailey Swanson. Photo by Vickie Lan.

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CELEBRATE As National LGBTQ History Month, October promises a wide variety of celebrations – and you’re invited.

WEB EXCLUSIVES INSIDE:

Meet the creatives showcasing their work throughout the community

ELECTION 2018: Echo announces endorsements

Whitney Fenimore Phoenix-based music artist shares her experiences since starring on “The Voice.” echomag.com/whitneyfenimore

THE

ARTS ISSUE LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 30 #1 | ISSUE 709 | OCTOBER 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

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CREATE Get to know this year’s artists who are fostering community through a variety of creative outlets.

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STRUT

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From the basketball court to the pageant stage, find out who’s putting in werk this season.

ENGAGE We’re kicking off the arts season by introducing you to the films, shows and performances that made our must-see list.

A Sharp-Dressed Museum Arizona Costume Institute showcases the best things to come out of the closet since you. echomag.com/aci

The World Awaits Echo’s theater expert Seth Reines offers 25 reasons to take in a touring show this season. echomag.com/touringshows-2018-2019

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LETTER EDITOR FROM THE

By KJ Philp

E

ach October, we invite you to celebrate a few of the things that are most important to us at Echo.

The first is LGBTQ History Month, an observance of the gay rights movement – spanning from the first LGBTQ march on Washington in 1979 to this year’s National Coming Out Day, observed Oct. 11.

The second is Echo’s birthday, as this month marks 29 years since readers were introduced to the very first issue. We’re thankful for all of you who have supported Echo – by reading, advertising, distributing, writing or photographing – throughout the years!

The third celebration is Echo’s annual arts issue. As one of our longest-running and most-loved traditions, our annual arts issue spotlights all forms of creative expression, as well as the artists who create or perform it. Because that’s a tremendous amount of people, venues, mediums and events to cover, we’ve nearly doubled the size of our usual issue to bring you as much coverage as possible. Thank you to the local creators, groups and advertisers who make this arts season kick-off possible – your senses await.

This season is also one of change here at Echo, so you’ll notice a few updates in the pages ahead (we hope you enjoy them) and we’ll continue to refresh and refine our look throughout the coming months.

But the changes don’t stop there.

This issue marks my final installment as Echo’s managing editor. Before getting into the details of what that means moving forward, I want to thank the individuals who entrusted me with telling their stories. That is what I was born to do. It is the myriad of people, and their stories, who have enriched my four and half years at Echo beyond measure. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to get to know you and to consider some of you friends.

Throughout the past 58 issues, we’ve seen a lot of headlines together – each bringing its own unforgettable moments: seeing the way marriage 8

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equality redefined what love and family look like, bragging rights following the Phoenix Mercury’s third WNBA championship, grieving and healing together following the Pulse nightclub massacre, answering the call to action this presidential administration evoked in so many of us, navigating the reintroduction of the military’s Trans Ban, rallying to protect ourselves, demonstrating for visibility and protesting social injustices. Thank you all for being there by my side.

We’ve also celebrated you by presenting nearly 100 Readers’ Choice Awards, inducting 25 community heroes into the Hall of Fame and recognizing six local trailblazers as Leaders of the Year. Congratulations again to all of you on these honors, it’s been a pleasure to become better acquainted with you and the work you do for our community.

And then there are the milestones that didn’t earn headlines: launching Echo’s 25th anniversary logo and our echomag.com facelift, adding the Q to LGBT and honoring they/them/their as a singular pronoun (long before these were AP Style standards), evolving our Man and Woman of the Year recognition into Leaders of the Year, opening up our Hall of Fame up for community nominations, releasing our 700th issue and connecting with nearly 12,000 of you across social media.

The experiences I’ve had at Echo and the people who have impacted my life are too immense to quantify here.

So, I’ll simply end with a thank you. But it’s not goodbye.

As I introduce my successor to the inner workings of our operation, I’ll still be reachable at editor@echomag.com.

Once my replacement is announced, I plan to continue to make contributions to this brand – which I’ve believed in for so many years – just in a new way.

On to the next chapter!

KJ Philp is the managing editor of Echo Magazine and he can be reached at editor@echomag.com.

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: KJ Philp CONTRIBUTORS: Seth Bracken Edward Castro Buddy Early Michelle Talsma Everson Tamara Juarez Laura Latzko Tuesday Mahrle Liz Massey Kaely Monahan

Devin Millington David-Elijah Nahmod Tia Norris Seth Reines Mikey Rox Terri Schlichenmeyer Rachel Verbits Nikole Tower Megan Wadding

ART DEPARTMENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lindsey Kelly PHOTOGRAPHY: Gregg Edelman, Fernando Hernández and nightfuse.com.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING: Ashlee James ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Gregg Edelman Rosanna Portugal-Miles NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

ECHO READERSHIP: 50,000 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $29/year ACE PUBLISHING, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 16630

Phoenix, AZ 85011-6630 PHONE: 602-266-0550 EMAIL: manager@echomag.com Copyright © 2016 • ISSN #1045-2346

MEMBER:

Echo Magazine is published by ACE Publishing, Inc. Echo is a registered trademark of ACE Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Written permission must be obtained in advance for partial or complete reproduction of any advertising material contained therein. Opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. ACE Publishing, Inc. does not assume responsibility for claims by its advertisers or advice columnists. Publication of a name, photograph of an individual or organization in articles, advertisements or listings is not to be construed as an indication of the sexual orientation, unless such orientation is specifically stated. Manuscripts or other materials submitted remain the property of ACE Publishing, Inc.

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NEWS BRIEFS Scottsdale Church Celebrates 20 Years of LGBTQ Inclusion Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ invites everyone to join in a celebration marking 20 years of LGBTQ inclusion from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 13.

The celebration, which will include refreshments, entertainment and children’s activities, will take place on the church campus at 4425 North Granite Reef Road (between Indian School and Camelback roads).

“Our vision and mission both reflect our ‘open and affirming’ values, the term UCC uses to describe congregations that are LGBT inclusive,” said Pastor Carol Reynolds.

“But ours is not just a paper affirmation. We live it out! SCUCC has been actively involved in supporting Rebel & Divine UCC, a community that serves LGBTQ youth.

We participate in Phoenix Pride, and we truly believe that ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’”

Scottsdale UCC updated its

constitution in 1998 to welcome persons of all sexual orientations into the full life and ministry of the congregation.

It was one of the first mainstream Protestant churches in the Phoenix area to do so. The United Church of Christ was the first mainline Protestant denomination to ordain an openly gay minister in 1972.

For more information, call the church office at 480-946-2900, visit artinworship.com or facebook.com/scottsdalecongregationalucc.

Source: Scottsdale Congregational UCC.

Photo by Lynn Trimble.

Grand Avenue Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary The 10th annual Grand Avenue Festival, produced by Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation, will highlight the arts, small businesses, adaptive reuse, recycling and the storied history of Grand Avenue.

The art-centric, nontraditional walking festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 10, with afterhours festivities from 8 to 10 p.m.

The festival continues the tradition of fostering local music; art installations in unexpected places; vintage building tours; mural projects; pop-up galleries; handpainted and artist-designed selfie stands; wandering performers (stilt walkers, poets, dancers, balloon twisters, face painters); arts and crafts vendors; food trucks; and free hands-on make-and-take art and craft stations along the street.

“Under the Vintage Roof,” organized by members of Arizona Preservation Foundation, will provide free tours of adaptive reuse

projects early in the day. And visitors can make “trashy hats,” to be worn in a fashion show or merely to show off during the day.

The “Trashy Hat Promenade,” “Untrashed Recycled Fashion Show” and a local designer fashion show curated by Arizona’s “Hip Historian” Marshall Shore, will return this year.

Free Jam Tram shuttles and pedicabs will transport visitors to their destinations.

Free on-parking is available along Grand Avenue and in designated lots. Festival guides/maps can be found at info tables along the street and volunteer guides will greet visitors throughout the day.

For more information, or a printable map/ guide, visit grandavenueartsandpreservation. org or look for Grand Avenue Festival 2018 on Facebook (bit. ly/2OmvDSv).

Source:Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation.

ARTsplat celebrates poetry and performance for LGBTQ History Month As part of LGBTQ History Month, you’re invited to explore your artistic side in a nontraditional setting, when ARTsplat comes to Stacey’s @ Melrose for National Coming Out Day, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 11.

The event will provide an evening of entertainment and artistic stimulation that may include, but is not limited to, visual art and photography, poetry and written works, as well as dance or 12

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performative pieces.

This multidisciplinary art happening, for the whole community (ages 21 and up), will emphasize the ways in which queer experiences inform the creation of art in all its forms.

The objective of ARTsplat is to highlight local artists and to tell LGBTQ stories in new places and spaces.

The event is free to the public and will include giveaways and a silent auction.

Attendees will also be able to learn about the event’s beneficiary, Trans Queer Pueblo, an organization that supports LGBTQ migrants and people of color in pursuit of justice and a supportive community.

For more information, including questions about participation, visit the Facebook event (bit.ly/2OmXUsb) or email submissions@artsplat.org.

Source: ARTsplat. news

Kyrsten Sinema

David Garcia

Katie Hobbs

ELECTION 2018

Echo Magazine proudly endorses the following candidates FEDERAL

State Senator, Dist. 9: Steele, Victoria

U.S. Senator: Sinema, Kyrsten

State Senator, Dist. 10: Bradley, David

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 1: O’Halleran, Tom

State Senator, Dist. 11: Atchue, Ralph

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 2: Kirkpatrick, Ann

State Senator, Dist. 13: Harris, Michelle

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 3: Grijalva, Raul

State Senator, Dist. 15: Dybvig-Pawelko, Kristin

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 4: Brill, David U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 5: Greene, Joan U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 6: Malik, Anita U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 7: Gallego, Ruben

State Senator, Dist. 12: Brown, Elizabeth State Senator, Dist. 14: Alvarez, Jaime

State Senator, Dist. 16: Carmitchel, Benjamin “Ben” State Senator, Dist. 17: Weichert, Steve State Senator, Dist. 18: Bowie, Sean State Senator, Dist. 19: Chavira Contreras, Lupe State Senator, Dist. 20: Ervin, Douglas

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 8: Tipirneni, Hiral

State Senator, Dist. 22: Garcia, Wendy

U.S. Representative in Congress, Dist. 9: Stanton, Greg

State Senator, Dist. 24: Alston, Lela

STATE

State Senator, Dist. 26: Mendez, Juan

State Senator, Dist. 23: Lohman, Daria State Senator, Dist. 25: Mohr-Almeida, Kathy

Governor: Garcia, David

State Senator, Dist. 27: Rios, Rebecca

Secretary of State: Hobbs, Katie Attorney General: Contreras, January

State Senator, Dist. 28: Marsh, Christine Porter

State Treasurer: Manoil, Mark

State Senator, Dist. 29: Quezada, Martin J.

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Hoffman, Kathy

State Senator, Dist. 30: Navarrete, Otoniel, “Tony”

Corporate Commissioner: Kennedy, Sandra | Sears, Kiana Marie

State Representative, Dist. 1: Manolis, Jan | Gogek, Ed State Representative, Dist. 2: Gabaldon, Rosanna | Hernandez, Daniel Jr.

LEGISLATIVE State Senator, Dist. 1: Craycraft, Jo State Senator, Dist. 2: Dalessandro, Andrea State Senator, Dist. 3: Gonzales, Salley Ann State Senator, Dist. 4: Otondo, Lisa State Senator, Dist. 5: Moraine, J’aime State Senator, Dist. 6: Carlisle, Wade State Senator, Dist. 7: Peshlakai, Jamescita State Senator, Dist. 8: Girard, Sharon 14

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State Representative, Dist. 3: Cano, Andres | Hernandez, Alma State Representative, Dist. 4: Fernandez, Charlene | Peten, Geraldine “Gerae” State Representative, Dist. 5: McCord Robinson, Mary State Representative, Dist. 6: French, Felicia | Tyler, Bobby State Representative, Dist. 7: Tsosie, Myron | Teller, Arlando State Representative, Dist. 8: Casillas, Carmen | Gross, Linda C.

State Representative, Dist. 9: Friese, Randall “Randy” | Powers Hannley, Pamela State Representative, Dist. 10: Engel, Kirsten | DeGrazia, Domingo State Representative, Dist. 11: Lyon, Hollace | Quiroz, Marcela State Representative, Dist. 12: Robinson, Lynsey | Bisaccia, Joe State Representative, Dist. 13: Tzitzura, Thomas State Representative, Dist. 14: RenneLeon, Shelley, Karp, Bob State Representative, Dist. 15: Samuels, Jennifer | Gunnigle, Julie State Representative, Dist. 16: Stinard, Sharon State Representative, Dist. 17: Pawlik, Jennifer State Representative, Dist. 18: Epstein, Denise “Mitzi” | Jermaine, Jennifer State Representative, Dist. 19: Espinoza, Diego | Sierra, Lorenzo State Representative, Dist. 20: Chandler, Hazel | Gilfillan, Christopher “Chris” State Representative, Dist. 21: Romero, Gilbert | Hughes, Bradley State Representative, Dist. 22: Harris, Valerie | Sarmiento, Teri State Representative, Dist. 23: Kurland, Eric State Representative, Dist. 24: Shah, Amish | Longdon, Jennifer State Representative, Dist. 25: Martin, Johnny State Representative, Dist. 26: Salman, Athena, Blanc, Isela State Representative, Dist. 27: Bolding, Reginald | Rodriguez, Diego State Representative, Dist. 28: Butler, Kelli, Lieberman, Aaron State Representative, Dist. 29: Chavez, Cesar, Andrade, Richard State Representative, Dist. 30: Meza, Robert | Teran, Raquel Source: Echo Magazine. news

DATEBOOK 14 OCT.

The 30th annual AIDS Walk Tucson, presented by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, will take place from 7 a.m. (registration) to 10 a.m. (10:00 am Quilt Opening Ceremony) with the fun run and walk beginning at 7:30 and 9 a.m. respectively, at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library,101 N. Stone Ave, in Tucson. aidswalktucson.saaf.org/registration-andfundraising

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SEPT.

ArizonaDrag.com presents Pose, a ball-style competition benefitting the Pride Scholarship Fund, will include various categories, a haus versus haus finale and trophies and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place hauses, will take place at 6 p.m. at The Rock, 4129 N. Seventh Ave., in Phoenix. arizonadrag.com

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ARTsplat, an event that will showcase queer poetry, storytelling and other and live performances to highlight local artists and to tell LGBTQ stories in new places and spaces, will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Stacey’s @ Melrose, 4343 N. Seventh Ave., in Phoenix.

OCT.

SEPT.

28-30 13

The 10th annual Desperado LGBT Film Festival will screen eight feature-length films and eight mixed shortsat Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 18401 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix. (See story, page 60.) desperadofilmfestival.com 16

A part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino Pride Alliance (LPA) presents the first-ever festival Latino Pride Festival, including stages entertainment, a Western Rodeo/Mexican Charreada, culture, art and flavors, will take place from 11 a.m.- midnight at Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds, 7611 S. 29th Ave., Laveen, Ariz. (See story, page 26.) lpfaz.com

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OCT.

OCT.

20-21

Phoenix Pride presents Rainbows Festival, two-day event boasting a full lineup of entertainment, community resources and vendors, will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Heritage Square Park, 113 N. Sixth St. in Phoenix. (See story, page 28.) rainbowsfestival.org

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Aunt Rita’s Foundation and Walgreens presents AIDS Walk Arizona 2018, a fundraiser featuring five stages of entertainment, will take place from 7:30 a.m. (registration) to 1 p.m., with the walk/ run beginning at 10 a.m., outside Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St. aidswalkaz.org

OCT.

SEPT.

9

Voss Events presents RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour, featuring Kameron Michaels and queens from Season 10 along with fan favorites Kim Chi, Valentina, Shangela and Violet Chachki, beginning at 9 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 W Adams St., in Phoenix. (See story, page 42.) werqtheworld.com

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Gay Skate Arizona presents Rainbow Skate 2018, benefiting the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Fund, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Great Skate Glendale, 10053 N. 43rd Ave., in Phoenix. bit.ly/2pd48zT

The third annual PHX Zine Fest, featuring people from all over the nation who create a culmination of DIY small press publications, comics, photo books, art and more, will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Unexpected Gallery, 734 W. Polk St., in Phoenix. phxzinefest.com

OCT.

OCT.

&

OCT.

SEPT.

SEPT.

22 6 27

Trans Queer Pueblo presents ¡Wáchale!

FilmFest, free screenings of Latin American titles that engage POC and LGBTQ audiences, beginning at 6 p.m. at TQP, 1726 E. Roosevelt St., in Phoenix. (See story, page 70.) facebook.com/transqueerpueblo

As part of Aunt Rita’s third annual Savor Life event series,you’re invited for an evening of food, cocktails, raffle prizes and information on how you can make a difference from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the AMA offices, 818 N. First St., in Phoenix. support.auntritas.org/fundraiser/1476710

OCT.

SEPT.

22

The Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus presents its Coming Back Out Ball, a celebration of LGBTQ history through music and videos from all the generations since Stonewall, from 7 p.m. to midnight at The Parson’s Center for Health and Wellness, 1102 N. First St., in Phoenix. phoenixmenschorus.org

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Tucson Pride presents Pride on Parade and Pride in the Park, a parade (beginning at 11 a.m.) and celebration of community featuring entertainment and vendors (noon-10 p.m.) both on the same day, along Country Club and at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way (respectably), in Tucson. (See story, page 24.) tucsonpride.org

OCT.

22

The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present the Mr. Phoenix Prime Beef 2018,a contest for and celebration of men over 50, will take place at9 p.m. at 8 p.m. at Pat O’s Bunk House, 4428 N. Seventh Ave., in Phoenix.

(See story at echomag.com/prime-beef-2018.) azsisters.org

MARK OUR CALENDARS To have your event considered for Echo’s print and online calendars, submit your event details to echomag.com/ community-calendar *All submissions are subject to Echo’s discretion. news

Dancing 4 one•n•ten

Aug. 19 at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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TUCSON PRIDE

CELEBRATE 28

26 celebrate

RAINBOWS FESTIVAL

LATIN0 PRIDE EchoMag.com

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New Beginnings in

TUCSON

Pride in the Desert celebrates the rainbow after the storm

But first, we celebrate.

By Megan Wadding

P

ride in the Desert, Tucson’s annual celebration that includes the Pride on Parade and Pride in the Park, will take place Sept. 29.

The theme for this year’s festivities is “New Beginnings,” which is fitting because Tucson Pride has seen a lot of changes in recent years, with concern to both the board and the new direction for the organization.

“It is no secret, Tucson Pride as an organization has undergone significant changes,” said Sam Cloud, Tucson Pride 24

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the community, building and nurturing relationships with similar organizations and an overall mission to strengthen our community.”

board’s vice-president. “A year ago, the board was considering dissolution because of a financial crisis resulting from an incident of alleged theft and fraud.”

Pride on Parade

Cloud said the organization “spent months” figuring out how to regroup and restructure.

The celebration kicks off with Pride on Parade, which has historically been held on the Friday evening before the Festival.

This year, due to community feedback, it will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 29, and precede the festival (also Saturday).

“New Beginnings reflects the refocus of the organization to move forward in a positive direction, with a new foundation, stronger and more resolute than ever before,” Cloud said. “Our strategic plan goals include financial structure and stability, positive engagement with

“Many folks from our community voiced concern over holding the parade in the dark, as if we were hiding in the shadows.

With the addition of the streetcar downtown, public safety during the parade has also become a primary concern, as we were only able to shut down one direction celebrate

Johnathan Celestin.

Taylor Renee.

entertainment all day to a variety of food vendors and various activities at the vendor booths, Cloud said festival attendees can expect “a ton of community resources in one place.”

festivities. (Check out the next issue of Echo for more information of Tucson’s 2018 titleholders.)

“Vendors and exhibitors go beyond every year, by bringing interactive activities for attendees,” Cloud said. “Entertainers will be mingling with the crowd, [and] we have tons of community members adding their own flavor to the celebration, including volunteers greeting every attendee with a smile and an offer of a hug to welcome them and set the tone.”

Through the new beginnings, Tucson Pride’s mission remains to unify, celebrate and strengthen the LGBTQA+ Community of southern Arizona through advocacy, education, leadership and support.

As for the entertainment, this year’s headliners include singer/songwriter Johnathan Celestin, singer, dancer and femme phenomenon Taylor Rene and God-Des, one of the first openly gay rappers (first seen in the hip hop/soul duo, God-Des and She).

Pride in the Park will take place Sept. 29 at Reid Park in Tucson Photo by Bill Gemmill.

of traffic,” Cloud explained. “This year we are thrilled to bring the parade back to into the daylight and as a celebration leading directly into the festival.”

According to Cloud, event organizers are expecting more than 50 parade contingents for the procession along the new route: south down Country Club Road from Broadway Boulevard and continuing on to Reid Park.

Pride in the Park This year’s festival, which will take place from noon to 10 p.m. at Reid Park, will include several new additions, a line-up of entertainment, as many as 100 vendors, exhibitors and sponsors and approximately 4,000 attendees, according to Cloud.

From nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQ community and staged celebrate

God-Des.

A Reason To Celebrate

“We believe nothing is ever completely lost. One of the most beautiful things about our community is we are resilient.

We do not give up,” Cloud said. “We come back to the drawing board, time and time again, and never lose sight of this one universal truth; with open dialogue and pooling our strengths together, we can accomplish even what others perceived impossible.”

A veteran Pride in the Park performer, God-Des said she always loves coming to Tucson for the festival.

Additionally, Cloud added that the message Tucson Pride wants to send to the community is one of inclusiveness and integrity.

“I’m so excited to be coming back to play Pride,” God-Des said. “Tucson is one of my favorite cities to visit and perform.

[The] community is so supportive, and the shows are always lit!”

“We welcome everyone, LGBTQI+ and allies, to join us in celebrating our diversity,” Cloud concluded. “We want everyone to feel free to be themselves and to feel welcomed, accepted, and loved.”

Spotlighting Community

For more information on the 2018 Tucson Pride festivities, visit tucsonpride.org.

Community feedback is often the driving force of Tucson Pride’s lineup, according to Cloud. And, as a result of such feedback, this year’s festival will have a renewed emphasis on local entertainment.

“Our community is diverse in strengths and talents and we plan to feature more local entertainers from within our community than ever before,” Cloud said.

With the return of the Miss and Mr. Tucson Pride Pageant last year, Southern Arizona performers have another outlet for not only entertaining, but also giving back to their community.

Miss and Mr. Tucson Pride 2018 Lady Ashley and Justin Deeper, who were crowned Aug. 26 at La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucson - Reid Park, will formally kick off their reign as part of the Tucson Pride

Tucson’s Pride in the Desert Pride on Parade

11 a.m. Sept. 29 Along Country Club Road (from Broadway Boulevard to Reid Park)

Pride in the Park

Noon-10 p.m. Sept. 29 Reid Park 900 S. Randolph Way

Megan Wadding is a freelance writer and travel addict with a degree in journalism.

Follow her on Twitter at @MeganWadding.

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Latino

PRIDE

First-ever festival celebrates community empowerment, respect, justice and dignity

By Tamara Juarez

T

his year, celebrations of both Hispanic Heritage Month (observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15) and LGBT History Month (October) will converge in Phoenix at the first-ever Latino Pride Festival.

The event, which will take place Oct. 13 at Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds, was created to inspire, educate and commemorate one of the most diverse minority communities in the Valley.

Presented by the Latino Pride Alliance (LPA), a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that works to address the critical need to educate and engage the Latinx LGBTQ community, with a focus on Spanish language families.

“The event is definitely tailored to families,” said Steve Gallardo, event organizer and the District 5 representative on the Maricopa County 26

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Board of Supervisors. “We want families to come out and enjoy the rodeo, see the arts, listen to live vocal performances and enjoy different types of food.”

Hispanic artists – both locally based and from as far away as Latin America – will showcase their talents on the Festival Main Stage and the Freedom Stage throughout the daylong event.

According to event organizers, Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds was the perfect spot for the celebration, which will also include a Western Rodeo/ Mexican Charreada. The festival will also host a large Dance Tent, featuring the sounds of a dozen Valley DJs. In addition to the entertainment and the community resources, the festival will also bring together culture, art and flavors from around the world, highlighting Latin American artists in the Art and Expression Tent and cuisine via

participating food vendors.

“We’re going to have a variety of vendor booths; however there is a focus on what will be inside each vendor booth,” said Gallardo. “We’re hoping that most of the services and foods are occupied by nonprofits and local organizations from the county and Phoenix.”

When planning the event, leaders from the Latino Pride Alliance aimed to ensure all community members felt accepted and welcome to attend the festival.

“We want to invite everyone,” Gallardo said. “This pride will be no different than if they were to go to Phoenix Pride or other pride events in another city. We want this event to be available to engage all people, particularly LGBT[Q] Latino youth and Spanish-speaking individuals who can benefit from connecting with services.”

Phoenix’s first-ever Latino Pride Festival will also serve to provide attendees with the opportunity to network with local community leaders and organizations that help address prevalent issues faced by LGBTQ Latinos, such as family acceptance, xenophobia, celebrate

Queer ARTivismo: Independencia Sept. 8 at Trans Queer Pueblo, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

Steve Gallardo, Latino Pride organizer (left) with Congressman Ruben Gallego.

homophobia, family separation, bullying, homelessness, high-risk health behaviors and HIV/AIDS. “We have really been trying to identify the services that may be needed by the LGBTQ+ community,” Gallardo said.

“That’s why we are reaching out to local high schools, Arizona State University and University of Arizona. We want to bring in education ... If someone is needing help, they will be able to get engaged with those services, which will range from healthcare, to immigration, to domestic violence.”

According to Gallardo, Latino LGBTQ youth face special obstacles that can impact their emotional and mental wellbeing, such as machismo or xenophobia.

However, there are numerous resources and tools available to them that they may simply not be familiar with.

“We want this event to unite families and the community alike,” he said. “We want people to come and celebrate their heritage and also embrace people of all backgrounds, regardless of their sexuality, ethnicity, religion or race ... we really want people to come together and have a positive experience.”

For more information on Phoenix’s first-ever Latino Pride Festival or Latino Pride Alliance, visit latinopridealliance. org or call 602-262-2877.

Latino Pride Festival 11 a.m.- midnight Oct. 13 Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds 7611 S. 29th Ave., Laveen, Ariz. lpfaz.com

Tamara Juarez s a student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. During her spare time she loves to read, hike and make bad puns. celebrate

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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A Community of

RAINBOWS

Phoenix Pride hosts annual street fair celebration

By Laura Latzko

I

n Phoenix, the nation’s fifth largest city, pride and community are celebrated in many ways. From each individual’s creative expression to the businesses and organizations they choose to support – both can be found in nearly every aspect of daily life.

Only a few times a year, though, are there opportunities for the entire community to converge and celebrate pride together – one of which is Rainbows Festival.

Each fall, as summer begins to fade, this street fair-style event offers the

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LGBTQ community and allies of all ages a place to gather, see a full lineup of entertainment, eat and drink, shop, become acquainted with local resources, network and – most importantly – celebrate.

Produced annually by Phoenix Pride, this year’s festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 20-21 at Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix.

According to Mike Fornelli, Phoenix Pride executive director, attendees can expect to see an increase in the number of exhibitors and vendors this year, due

to a greater interest – and support – from LGBTQ and allied organizations.

Fornelli attributes this, in part, to the current political climate and upcoming election. This year, such organizations as the Arizona Democratic Party and the Human Rights Campaign will have booths at the festival in an effort to encourage, and register, community members to vote in the November election.

“It’s a huge opportunity to get it out there [and spread the word] that people need to get to the polls and vote for LGBT[Q] initiatives,” he added.

The community-focus, that doesn’t cost to attend, also coincides with LGBT[Q] History Month (observed nationally each October).

“I think it’s important to have a community celebration that doesn’t cost celebrate

Detox.

“Because it’s more of a communityoriented event, more so than the Pride Festival, I want to utilize as much local entertainment as we can,” Fornelli said.

“We are lucky here in Phoenix because we have … two amazing events where we can be free to be our authentic selves without fear,” Robbins said.

Following a hiatus, the Miss and Mister Junior Phoenix Pride Pageant will return to the community stage this year.

According to Phoenix Pride, the goal of the Miss and Mister Junior Phoenix Pride Pageant is to “encourage youth participation in on-stage performance and encourage more young people to take an active role in being a leader in our LGBTQ community.”

During her time as accessibility manager, Kowalczyk has worked to make both Phoenix Pride and Rainbows festivals accessible to everyone, including those who are hearing and visually-impaired.

Pageant contestants compete in the categories of creative rainbow wear, on-stage question, and talent. Judges score the contestants in each category.

The preliminary competitions are open to youth ages 14-20. For more information, visit phoenixpride.org.

Rainbows Festival’s Main Stage at Heritage Square Park. Photo courtesy of Phoenix Pride.

Phoenix Pride works alongside hundreds of volunteers and businesses each year to organize Rainbows Festival, the Phoenix Pride festival and parade, the Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride Pageant, the annual Pride Brunch and other LGBTQ events.

Paying It Forward anybody anything,” he said. “I think the intimate feel of a street fair, as opposed to a huge festival, means a lot to a whole lot of people.”

A Street Fair with Flair In the same format as previous years, the 2018 Rainbows Festival will feature a variety of entertainers on two stages, a pet area, food vendors and exhibitors throughout the grounds.

This year the festival will feature two headliners from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Detox (Season 5) will take the main stage Oct. 20 and Raja (Season 3 winner) will perform Oct. 21.

Additionally, local bars and pageant systems will showcase their most-loved entertainers and reigning titleholders on the festival’s stages. celebrate

Raja.

It takes countless volunteers to bring Rainbows Festival to life each year.

Dedicated volunteers, including Alek Robbins and Stella Kowalczyk, take on leadership roles that require their attendance at meetings leading up to the two-day celebration.

After serving as assistant volunteer manager at last year, Robbins will be donating as the support liaison.

Kowalczyk, who started out as volunteer interpreter, has moved into the role of accessibility manager.

Robbins first became involved with Phoenix Pride shortly after moving to Phoenix from San Diego, where he attended his first Pride at age 18.

For him, that experience was lifechanging and he hopes to help make Rainbows Festival just as meaningful to festivalgoers.

“The people in the deaf community are a big part of the LGBT[Q] community, and as such, we need to make sure that … the festivals themselves are accessible to [all],” Kowalczyk said. “Every year, I try to make sure we get a little bit better.”

“You can be walking the grounds after Rainbows Festival .. and you can realize that people have had experiences that they are going to take with them for the rest of their lives,” Kowalczyk said. “Maybe it’s their first Pride. Maybe it’s their first opportunity to be their authentic selves. Maybe it’s their first opportunity to come out. And you haven’t seen it. You haven’t touched it, but I guarantee you have felt it in your heart … Being a part of the community, being able to bring that to the community is amazing.”

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Phoenix Pride, visit phoenixpride.org/get-involved.

Rainbows Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 20-21 Heritage Square Park 113 N. Sixth St. rainbowsfestival.org

Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

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ENOU NOUG OUG GH IS H IS E H ENOU NO GH

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Sign up to volunteer with HRC Arizona at HRC.im/VolunteerAZ

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A NIGHT @ THE CENTER

Welcome Home Saturday, November 10, 2018 Parsons Center for Health and Wellness Cocktails, Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, & Clinic Tours 6 – 7:30 pm Main Event & Entertainment 7:30 – 10 pm Purchase tickets at: nightforlife.org

THE

ARTS ISSUE

Photo by Devin Millington.

Photo by Scotty Kirby.

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PHOENIX MERCURY

STRUT Photo courtesy of WerqTheWorld.com.

40 strut

MISS GAY

ARIZONA AMERICA

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KAMERON MICHAELS EchoMag.com

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Another Trip Around

THE SUN

A look back at the Phoenix Mercury’s 2018 season Story and photos by Devin Millington

T

he 2018 WNBA season was a condensed affair due to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which began immediately following the WNBA Championship.

This meant that the 34 regular-season games had to be played within a 91-day window. With such a condensed season, questions about fatigue and injury were of paramount concern.

And soon the Phoenix Mercury would discover what that meant for its roster.

The Regular Season Under the tagline “Be Heard,” the Phoenix Mercury kicked off its 22nd season May 19 against the Dallas

Wings. The team put up a couple wins, followed by a few losses, and then something wonderful happened: the Mercury jump-started June with an eight-game winning streak, five of which were on the road.

In fact, June was so successful for the Mercury that Diana Taurasi earned player of the month and head coach Sandy Brondello earned coach of the month honors.

Unfortunately, the last day of June was a season changer. Sancho Lyttle suffered a catastrophic ACL tear in a road game against the Washington Mystics. The offseason acquisition of the free-agent wasn’t seen as a big deal until she hit the court in Phoenix.

Brittney Griner led the WNBA in blocked shots (2.56 blocks per game) for the sixth consecutive season.

Lyttle was impressive and started all 18 games until she sustained her injury.

From there, the team’s record and their rank in the standings dropped quickly.

In Lyttle’s absence, Brondello tried a variety of starting lineups throughout the rest of season with little success – at first. The Mercury won only two of its nine games in July, but managed to bounce back in August, winning five of seven, including the last four regular season games.

The team’s strong finish, a season record of 20-14, paid off and the Mercury clinched its sixth consecutive playoff berth – 13th in franchise history – Aug. 9.

Mercury Milestones Well rested, Taurasi had a stellar regular season, setting more records and proving she’s nowhere close to retirement. Wasting no time at all, Taurasi became the first WNBA player ever to make 1,000 career threepointers. She joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Damian Lillard as the only four players to reach 1,000 threes before their 400th game.

Brittney Griner also made basketball history this season. During the team’s June 1 victory over the league’s defending Champions, the Minnesota Lynx, Griner hit a historic milestone in both the WNBA and NBA. With three blocks, Griner tied Alonzo Mourning as the fourth fastest player in combined league history to reach 500 blocks, doing so in 153 career games, and the fastest in the WNBA history to the milestone.

Worth noting in both instances is that WNBA games run only 40 minutes in length, compared with the NBA’s 48-minutes games.

And, after earning WNBA Player of the Month in June, Taurasi came back and scooped it up again in August.

Also in August, Griner was named to

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STRUT

the 2018 WNBA All-Defensive First Team for the third time. Griner led the WNBA in blocked shots (2.56 blocks per game) for the sixth consecutive season.

When the All-WNBA honors were handed out in early September, Taurasi landed on the First Team for the 10th time in her career. It was her 13th time overall on the First or Second Team, surpassing the record she shared with Lisa Leslie and Tamika Catchings.

Pride Night The WNBA celebrates the LGBTQ community annually with its Pride Night each June. In Phoenix, fans were greeted at their seats with colorful signs that created a 360-degree rainbow area effect as the Mercury took on the Connecticut Sun. This year, the Mercury honored Team USA figure skater Adam Rippon. After winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea, Rippon made history by becoming the first openly gay U.S. male athlete to win a medal in a Winter Olympics event.

In attendance with his boyfriend, Rippon participated in a halftime interview conducted by Phoenix Suns and Mercury vice president and color commentator Ann Meyers Drysdale.

The game concluded with a fierce round of drag bingo hosted by Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride 2018 Mya McKenzie and Daniel Eckstrom.

All-Star Break This year, Taurasi, Griner, and DeWanna Bonner were voted as WNBA All-Stars.

The game, which took place July 28 in Minneapolis, Minn., featured a new roster selection format for the annual mid-season break.

The new format removed the traditional “East vs. West” teams in favor of rosters that felt more like a pick-up game down at the local park.

Mystics star Elena Delle Donne and Sparks standout Candace Parker were voted as team captains and they picked from the pool of All-Star players – with Phoenix’s big three all landing on Team Delle Donne.

The All-Star coaches were determined by which two teams had the best records following July 13 games.

Therefore, head coaches Dan Hughes (Seattle Storm) and Phoenix’s Brondello, respectively.

The game itself, which Team Parker won, 119-112, was a typical All-Star game in that the very little defensive effort made way for fancy passing and easy dunks. Overall, it was an entertaining STRUT

matchup and a great opportunity to see players interact on a more social level with their regular season opponents.

A Controversial Call The Phoenix Mercury fan base, known as the X-Factor, were ready to cheer on a very strong Mercury team and did so throughout the season, but they also were very vocal when the referees blew calls – of which there were many.

WNBA President Lisa Borders claimed that the long-standing referee problems would be fixed soon because a head of WNBA referee performance and development position was created to address such issues.

Unfortunately, they named a longtime WNBA referee Sue Blauch to this new position Aug. 1. With a a reputation for being one of the worst referees in the league, Blauch will have her work cut out for her.

In her new role, wnba.com reported that Blauch will oversee the day-to-day management and on-court performance of the WNBA’s officiating staff. Blauch will report to Monty McCutchen, NBA vice president, head of referee development and training.

half, when the Mercury’s big three – Taurasi, Griner and Bonner – took over and built a strong double-digit lead, earning the victory.

The Mercury faced the Seattle Storm in the semifinals and fought hard, pushing the series to five games.

After leading the Storm for most of the deciding matchup, Sept. 4 in Seattle, the Mercury fell short by just 10 points and the Storm advanced to face the Washington Mystics (who squeaked by the Atlanta Dream in a five-game series) in the 2018 WNBA finals.

Back at home, it’s another summer in the books for the X-Factor as the long countdown to training camp begins.

It should be an interesting off season as the Phoenix franchise sets out on its quest to find the talent necessary to make its fourth WNBA championship attainable next season.

Devin Millington is a retired teacher-turned-freelance writer and photographer. He is also the web designer and accomplished portrait artist behind devinmillington.com.

In Phoenix, die-hard fans have used everything from their T-shirts to their wallets (by not renewing their season tickets) to send the message that poor officiating is ruining the game.

Blauch has worked the WNBA Finals since 2005 and officiated the 2006 and 2011 WNBA All-Star Games. Her international career began in 1997 and culminated with the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Bronze Medal game at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Blauch has the experience and expertise to make the changes that the X-Factor is longing for, especially after such close-scoring games in the semifinals.

Playoff Picture The Mercury entered the 2018 playoffs as the sixth seed and played two single-elimination games. They traveled to Dallas in the first rounds and defeated the Wings handily.

Their next opponent, also on the road, was the Connecticut Sun. The game remained close until the second Diana Taurasi became the first WNBA player ever to make 1,000 career three-pointers May 19.

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Phoenix Storm Rugby Bootcamp

Sept. 8 at Longview Elementary School, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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Out & About

La Reina Miss Gay Arizona America Adriana Galliano is set to spice up the national stage

By Laura Latzko

I

n recent years, the art of female impersonation has been heating up in the Southwest, particularly in terms of Arizona’s representation at the Miss Gay America pageant.

Last year, six Arizona queens (plus two more with local ties) qualified for the national stage in New Orleans.

With the combination of two state prelimi nary pageants and local queens earning their ticket, there will be a strong showing of Arizona talent at the 2019 Miss Gay America Pageant Oct. 3-6 in St. Louis.

This year, Savannah Stevens will return to the national pageant as first alternate to Miss Gay Nevada America 2018; Claudia B. will return as first alternate to Miss Gay Arizona America; and Dextaci will return as first alternate to Miss Gay Western States America 2018.

Newcomers, making their debut appearance on the MGA stage, include Fifi Dubois, Miss Gay Western States America 2018 and Adriana Galliano as Miss Gay Arizona America 2018.

The second time was a charm for Galliano, who first competed in the system in 2012, and on June 17 at Tempe Center for the Arts she won the prestigious title as Olivia Gardens stepped down.

According to Daniel Eckstrom, Miss Gay Arizona America (MGAA) promoter, this pageant system has become more modern and diverse in recent years – with a pool of contestants ranging from newly emerging queens to more established performers.

The Arizona pageants, he said, have always been cutting edge and diverse.

“A lot of the Miss Gay America prelims are in the Midwest or [on the] East Coast. We are so far away, so we kind of do our own thing,” Eckstrom said.

“I think you see that year after year at [MGAA] … the contestants are doing something [different], whether it’s bringing a plane onstage or coming out of a pot in presentation.”

According to Eckstrom, Galliano fits with the new direction of the pageant system.

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“I think they will love her at Miss Gay America because she’s different. She’s fresh. She’s new. She’s young. She’s pretty,” Eckstrom said.

A Crowning Moment At the moment of her crowning, Galliano said she was overwhelmed with emotions, and it took her a few seconds to realize that her name had been called.

“When they are announcing the placement, you just black out. You don’t even listen,” Galliano recalled. “I’m like, ‘Wait, who won?’… I went there prepared. I did my best. When they say your name, you just feel this beautiful emotion. I cried because it was very emotional.”

Since that moment, Galliano stepped into the role with spice and grace as she prepares to represent Arizona on the national stage, where she and the aforementioned queens will compete for the coveted crown.

A Symbol of Sisterhood Galliano first competed for Miss Gay Arizona America in 2012. She has also gone to nationals as a dresser for Barbra Seville, a former Miss Gay Arizona America and Miss Gay Western States America.

It’s the sisterhood of the MGAA that Galliano said drew her into the system from the very beginning.

“I fell in love with the system,” Galliano said. “Right here in my hometown, it is a loving system. I love how they respect each other.”

Galliano attributes her experiences competing on the Miss Gay USofA Newcomer national stage three times with her growth as a performer.

“I’m very thankful … because I learned a lot,” she said. “It was a great experience, and I made a lot of friends and connections … I think the main thing I learned through these years is to become a professional entertainer.”

Being a titleholder within the MGA system means being a “symbol of

excellence.” For Galliano, this means being the best version of herself.

“Be a mentor, not just [an] entertainer, not just a good person,” she said. “Be who people look up to.”

Made For The Stage At the MGAA 2018 pageant, 10 contestants competed in male interview, talent, presentation, evening gown and onstage interview (top five) categories.

With a background in fashion design, Galliano has always considered evening gown to be her strongest category. She designs elaborate gowns and costumes for herself and for other queens, as well.

Galliano said her future goals include being more creative in the presentation category. At MGAA, she revealed a white orchid ensemble with flowers ascending into the air above her petite stature.

For nationals, she’ll be designing a “Fantastical Creatures” look.

To see Galliano perform a talent number, a spectator would never know she’s had no formal dance training (outside of a local charity dance competition).

“I guess it just comes in my blood,” she said. “As a Latino, I just know how to dance … I like to move [and] entertain.

That’s just me. I just love being onstage.”

At MGAA, she performed to a dance mix of “Copacabana,” a Spanish and English version of “Fever” and the Miami Sound Machine’s “Conga.”

Naturally, she plans to bring a dancefocused talent number to nationals as well.

“I’m going to do what I love to do: dance,” she said. “I think that’s what talent is all about.”

Realeza de Arizona Throughout the year ahead, Galliano hopes to be a positive role model who inspires more contestants to become involved in this pageant system, especially Latino performers. strut

Miss Gay Arizona America 2018 Adriana Galliano. Photo by Scotty Kirby.

“I’m very proud of my Latinos, and I’m proud … that I got to do this contest, and I got to win,” she said.

“I’m also really excited to represent – not just my Latinos, but my state – at nationals.”

According to Eckstrom, having Galliano and Geo Johnson as Miss and Mr. Arizona America will help to foster greater diversity in the Arizona system. (For Echo’s interview with Geo Johnson, visit echomag.com/geo-johnson.)

“They are both part of this community that’s so big in Arizona … Sometimes, I think we don’t celebrate the Latino community enough in the Miss [Gay] America system,” Eckstrom said.

“I’m so that happy that they are the faces of Miss and Mr. Gay Arizona.”

When she’s not fundraising, rehearsing or designing new costumes, Galliano can be found hosting her new Sunday night show, “Latin Explosion,” at Charlie’s or performing with the cast of Elements each Friday at BS West.

For more information on Miss Gay Arizona America, visit missgayarizonaamerica.com.

Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. strut

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Kameron Michaels From the workroom to werqing the world, Season 10’s runner-up dishes on “Drag Race”

By Edward Castro fter encountering drag while working as a go-go dancer, Dane Young first dabbled in the art form at the age of 18. At the time, he was working full-time as a hair stylist and donning the makeup, wigs and heels on the weekends.

Fast-forward 14 years and his alter ego, Kameron Michaels, is taking her drag on a world tour. But it didn’t happen overnight.

To overcome a difficult breakup, he beat his mug to filth and auditioned for the 10th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

The Nashville queen was announced as part of the cast Feb. 22 and, as soon as filming started, she was quickly dubbed “Bodybuilder Barbie,” “the trade of Season 10” and, eventually, the season’s lip sync assassin, having lip synched for her life four times in a row without being sent home. Oh, and she earned runner-up bragging rights.

Now, she’s headed to Phoenix as part of the Official RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour, co-starring Aquaria, Asia O’Hara, Eureka, Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi and Violet Chachki, and hosted by celebrity judge Michelle Visage.

Echo Magazine caught up with Michaels as she prepares to the “Werq the World,” to find out more about her experience on the show, her drag idols and her memorable verse during the finale episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season X.

androgynous, and Michaels, because there were none at the time in my city when I picked my name over a decade ago.

Echo: Where did the name Kameron Michaels come from?

Michaels: My verse has spoken to SO MANY people as it’s a common story for gay youth, many of us were bullied and ostracized by our peers. I wanted to be very real and very honest about where

Michaels: My name is pretty random: Kameron, because I wanted something 42

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Echo: Who were/are some of your drag inspirations?

Michaels: Erica Andrews, Sasha Colby, Roxxxy Andrews, Raja, Aurora Sexton, Brooklyn Hytes, Bianca Del Rio. All for different reasons.

Echo: Some pageant royalty and some RPDR veterans, I see. So, how many times did you audition for the show?

Michaels: I sent a last-minute audition for, I believe, Season 7. I literally sent it in minutes before the deadline, so I’m not even sure they saw it. One time, two if you count that one.

Echo: How was your experience on the show? If asked to do All Stars would you return for another season?

Michaels: My experience was pretty rough. I was very intimidated by the whole experience. I was in survival mode and forgot to have fun. Yes, I would love another opportunity to showcase my personality.

Echo: In the final episode of Season 10, the top four had to write a verse to the RuPaul song “American.” Your verse seemed very personal and from the heart. What was your inspiration for writing those words?

What message did you want to send across in that 30 seconds?

I came from because it’s important for people to know that I dealt with the same things they were or are dealing with now. And that it DOES GET BETTER! Echo: It does! And how has your life changed since RPDR? Michaels: Drastically. I’m usually a homebody, going out only occasionally.

Now, it’s quite the opposite! I’m adjusting to life on the road fairly well; I just miss my couch sometimes.

Echo: Speaking of life on the road, what’s your favorite part about taking your brand on tour?

Michaels: The fans are always my favorite part. Despite my demeanor on the show, I’m quite blessed to have the fan base that I have. I wish I had more time to see the sites in the cities I visit, but my schedule does not normally allow that.

Echo: This tour stars you, the other top three from your season as well as a few queens from previous seasons. What can the audience expect from this lineup?

Michaels: Voss Events is a long-running event business so you can always expect top-quality production and entertainment. I’m most excited to spend time with my sisters, as a lot of us don’t get to see each other because we are always in different cities. I’m also very stoked to meet some of the alumni and work with them as well!

Echo: Speaking of the sisterhood, what would you tell a queen who’s interested in auditioning for the show? strut

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World 9 p.m. Oct. 9 Orpheum Theatre 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix vossevents.com/events/ werq-the-world

Michaels: THINK TWICE! It’s not for everyone and a lot of girls realize that once they get there. It’s hard. So hard.

Mentally, physically, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life.

It’s an amazing experience; just make sure you’re really ready to go all in.

Echo: After it’s all said and done, what do you hope that you are remembered for?

What do you want your legacy to be?

Michaels: I want my legacy to be my relatability. I struggle with life and hardships just like everyone else and I’m very honest about that. Nothing is cooler to me than meeting one of your idols and having something in common with them, especially a hardship you have both overcome.

AND TO BE KIND. I’m drama-free and I would love to see more of that in our world. PUPPIES AND KITTIES AND RAINBOWS DAMMIT!.

Edward Castro is an Echo Magazine Hall of Famer, the creator of ArizonaDrag.com, founder of the Diamond Crystal Awards and resident authority on all things drag. strut

Kameron Michaels, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10 runner up. Photo courtesy of WerqTheWorld.com.

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Fall Show Artists Reception

Sept. 7 at Exposed Studio & Gallery, Phoenix.

Photos by Gregg Edelman.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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Out & About

Lucia Micarelli Oct 20 7:30 p.m.

Pink Martini Jan. 18 · 7:30 p.m.

Lea DeLaria

Friday, Nov. 9 • 7:30pm Adult Content

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Feb. 2 · 7:30 p.m.

Charles Phoenix Retro Holiday Jubilee Nov. 16 · 7:30 p.m.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

Mar. 14 - 16 · Times Vary

Tickets on sale at

ChandlerCenter.org · 480.782.2680 EchoMag.com

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WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF WE SPOKE THE TRUTH?

THE FIRST MUSICAL ON BROADWAY WITH A LESBIAN PROTAGONIST OCTOBER 10 - DECEMBER 2 AT PHOENIX THEATRE FunHome-Echo-OctAd.indd 1

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Visit PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602.254.2151 for tickets.

8/24/18 12:52 PM

EchoMag.com

THE

ARTS ISSUE

Photo by Paul Davis.

48 CASA DE ESTÉBAN

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54 create

BLK BOX PHX

ARIZONA REGIONAL THEATRE

Courtesy photo.

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Casa de

Osuna Tucson designer recounts the journey of his most popular creation

By Laura Latzko

EstĂŠban Osuna and model Hailey Swanson.

Photo by Vickie Lan. 48

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create

F

ew emerging designers have the opportunity to showcase their work on a nationally televised red carpet event, and seeing a creation come to life before millions is a career-changing experience.

Tucson-based designer Estéban Osuna had this opportunity this year.

ASU Gammage executive director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, the sole Arizona voter, wore a dress from Osuna’s “Casa De Osuna” collection on the red carpet proceeding this year’s Tony Awards June 10.

The dress, as described by Osuna, was a ball gown/evening dress, with a unique feature.

“The top is actually a body suit, and then the ball gown itself is a separate piece. It’s actually a [floral brocade fabric] skirt. So, they are separate,” he explained. “It makes it even more comfortable to wear as well as a cool piece to interchange.”

According to Osuna, JenningsRoggensack selected the dress right off the runway.

“The reason she picked this gown is because it reminded her of Michelle Obama’s self-portrait,” Osuna said.

“That was her inspiration … She fell in love with my piece and was able to appreciate it and not change it too much.”

Osuna then customized the gown for Jennings-Roggensack, which included redesigning of the top to make it more appropriate for Broadway’s biggest night.

“I wanted to give her a more classic look, a more regal look,” Osuna recalled.

“The original top was sheer and had a lot of beadwork and Swarovski crystals covering the whole top … I wanted to recreate it to change the look completely. That way we could make a whole new design for her to present at the Tony Awards.”

The Road to Radio City Known for his couture, one-of-a-kind eveningwear, Osuna describes his style as a fusion of European and Wild West inspirations.

perfected while earning a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from The Art Institute of Tucson.

Ultimately, the designer hopes that the exposure the Tony Awards afforded him leads to more opportunities to work with other designers.

“I get more excited when people want to work with me,” he said. “It’s not so much selling and getting more clients. I love the whole creative perspective and working with a team.”

This also includes the collaborations with Vicki Lan, Paul Davis and Neil Peters, who have brought Osuna’s creations to life through their photography, which has landed in Avant Garde, Blum, Promo and Pump magazines.

Cut From A Different Cloth Osuna grew up working surrounded by art and working with exotic leathers at his father’s boot shop.

“My dad was a boot man … on the side [he] would do architecture,” Osuna recalled. “I would always love looking at the blue prints. My dad has always created our homes from scratch. So, he would give me leeway to design here and there throughout the house.”

in fashion design.”

Experiences throughout his teenage years paved the way for his future in fashion.

“I was emancipated at age 14,” he shared. “So, I had to grow up fast. I pretty much became my own adult at a young age. I was homeless. I just didn’t have a sense of belonging in the world. I expressed everything through painting, through sculpting. I just put all of my thoughts into my sketches and … growing up that way, I created my own fairytale of what a family would be.”

The Blueprint Leading up to college Osuna was faced with decisions about his career direction: as a lover of every aspect of art, he decided to pursue interior design on a scholarship to The Art Institute.

“When I got there, the lady did not like [my decision],” he recalled. “She said, ‘I think you belong in fashion.’ I started

Osuna also began painting and sculpting at a young age, still fashion design was never on his radar.

“I always pictured it as a cliché,” he said. “For one, I am gay. Another thing, I grew up in a strict family.

The last thing I wanted to do was to tell my dad I’m gay, and I’m also

Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage.

ASU Gammage executive director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and the dress she wore on the red carpet proceeding this year’s Tony Awards June 10. The dress is part of Estéban Osuna’s “Casa De Osuna” collection.

“I love taking a European style and converting it into a western flair,” he said. “I grew up with the Western lifestyle … Then, the European side, I’ve always been intrigued by their history. I loved fairy tales. I loved reading stories.

I think it became a combination of those two that I reflect in my designs.”

His work stands out because of its intricate beadwork, which often includes Swarovski crystals – a technique he create

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laughing. I was like, ‘I can’t even afford clothes. You want me to make clothes for other people?’”

He acquiesced, but to his initial dismay.

“I hated it for the first year,” he said. “I hated sewing. I didn’t feel like I belonged … clothes weren’t really a priority growing up … I couldn’t relate to, [or] catch up with, the other students ...”

Feeling intimidated, Osuna fell back on one of his other creative outlets.

“I started to translate my paintings into my designs,” he said. And then he moved on to his next challenge.

When it came time to create eveningwear, Osuna’s classmates were experimenting with beautiful, expensive fabrics. Once again, he got creative.

“I didn’t have a big budget, so I’d try to find things that were cheaper [and] make them look expensive,” he explained. “That’s when I started to add my beadwork. [I’d] find what I could around the area, what I could afford, [even] breaking necklaces and repurposing them onto my designs.”

Looking at the final products, Osuna said, you’d never know he achieved them on a budget of $80 compared with the $300 budgets of the other students.

It wasn’t until his second year – when Osuna was introduced to manipulating, dyeing and adding embroidery to regular fabric in a textile class – that he truly began to believe in himself as a designer.

Left to right: models Carli Shepherd, Elizabeth Lane and Bianca Brotherton.

Makeup and hair by Kristopher Osuna. Photo by Paul Davis.

“That’s when I fell in love with fashion,” he said. “I had my first runway after that, and that gave me the moment to see my clothing come alive. After that I was like, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

Estéban Osuna on the runway at Tucson Fashion Week.

Photo by Neil Peters.

Fashion Forward Since then, Osuna has participated in Tucson Fashion Week four times and showcased his mostrecent collection, “VIS” (Latin for power, force, strength), at the 2016 event.

And, in the months since his work sashayed its way to Radio City Music Hall, the designer revealed that he’s changing his focus from the red carpet to the poolside.

“I’m … working on the men’s swimwear line and the women’s collection to go with the men’s swimwear,” he said. “It’s in the same boundaries, but the men’s side will be more ready-to-wear and the women’s side will be more of a refinement of the men’s swimwear,

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more on the couture end.”

These items will be a part of his next collection, which he plans to debut in 2019, also mark his first time creating an extensive men’s collection.

“I’m excited about it … It’s a cool way to introduce to a new niche market,” he said. “In today’s society, men are trying a lot more than before, taking care of themselves with products. Men are starting to have a fashion sense …

We’re starting to see a whole new shift and change in menswear.”

Focusing on menswear has evoked a new creative process for Osuna.

“Now that I’m doing menswear, I’m thinking about myself, what makes me happy as a person, as a designer,” he said. “Now, I can actually wear some of my designs, which is great because when I do go out … and people give me a compliment, it’s a whole different appreciation.”

For more information on Estéban Osuna, including the latest on his collections, visit estebanosuna.com.

Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. create

Phoenix Women’s Chorus Rehearsal Aug. 28 at Faith Lutheran Church, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

Save The Date As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the Phoenix Women’s Chorus will kick off this season with four performances for its newest show.

• 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 17 • 2 and 4 p.m. Nov. 18 For more information, including concert location, visit azpwc.org.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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AZ Regional Theatre Local actresses take on the role of creative direction

By Seth Reines

T

he newest addition to the Valley’s theater landscape opens its doors Sept. 28 with Jekyll and Hyde The Musical, starring Matravius Avent in the title role.

Arizona Regional Theatre (ART) was founded by local actors Kayla Etheridge and Kimberly Sheperd, who met during rehearsals for a local production and immediately began daydreaming about owning and running a theater company.

“We strive to bring more opportunities to the talented people of Arizona.

We strive to present professional productions with local talent. We plan to deliver a varied and exciting season of productions to Arizona audiences.

And above all, we are excited to foster Relationships in the already-thriving arts community,” they shared via arizonaregionaltheatre.org.

Echo caught up with Sheperd and Etheridge ahead of ART’s premiere production and here’s what they had to say.

Echo: Why did you found ART?

mental health organizations, [campaigns for] raising awareness and a special performance for the members of the Maricopa Integrated Healthcare system.

Certainly, we will treat any future shows that deal with LGBTQ+ issues with the same respect and care.

A Phoenix Premiere ART’s premiere production, Jekyll and Hyde stars local musical theater performer Matravius Avent in the title role.

The Phoenix-based vocalist/actor began studying music at age 12 and has performed genres spanning opera, musical theater, jazz, rock, and soul.

His past favorites shows include Ragtime, The Pajama Game, Passing Strange, Les Miserables and Memphis. In addition to singing in concert reviews all over Arizona and also in the local theater scene, Avent spent a full year performing Big Band Beat at Tokyo DisneySea. Echo recently caught up with Avent to find out how he became involved with ART, and here’s what he had to say.

Sheperd & Etheridge: We founded this company because we are both young women who have been involved with theater throughout our lives and we feel that we have a perspective that is often underrepresented. We are coming into this open to working with as many new people as we can each season, so that everyone is getting fresh opportunities.

Echo: What makes ART so unique?

Echo: What makes ART unique in the Phoenix theater scene?

Echo: How did you get involved with them?

Sheperd & Etheridge: Our commitment is to professionalize the community. We plan to be a fully equity house within the next five years and will have our own state-of-the-art facility within that same time frame, so that we can produce larger shows that employ as many local artists as we can. Also, we plan to arrange our seasons based on what our creative team is passionate about. Rather than hunting down a director for a certain show, we would rather ask our directors what they care about.

Echo: What plans do you have for tackling issues surrounding marginalized communities, like the LGBTQ community?

Sheperd & Etheridge: We are doing Next to Normal, which deals with the stigma of mental illness and we are not taking this lightly. There will be talkbacks with 54

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Avent: It’s rare to find women artistic directors. I think it is very special to have TWO founding this company and starting it off by directing and choreographing the inaugural production. They’ve started the company from the ground up and put together a great season. I’m very happy to be a part of it.

Avent: A couple [of] folks told me that a new theater company was starting up in town. A bit later I saw their audition posting for Jekyll & Hyde. I’m a huge fan of the score and always wanted to sing it on the stage. I think audiences not familiar with the show will be surprised at how much of the music they already know. I moved to Phoenix 10 years ago and it has only been produced twice, I believe. I’ve also never seen a person of color cast as Jekyll/Hyde.

So, I figured, “why not now?” I was pretty excited when they offered me the role!

All ART performances take place at Third Street Theatre at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., in Phoenix. For more information, or tickets, call 602-698-8668 or visit arizonaregionaltheatre.org.

Kimberly Sheperd, ART co-artistic director, has been seen performing on stages across the Valley, including Arizona Broadway Theatre, Broadway Palms and Hale Theatre. She has 25 years of dance training and attended Point Park University and Arizona State University, where she earned a BFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance. She also holds an MA from Grand Canyon University.

Source: arizonaregionaltheatre.org.

Kayla Etheridge, ART co-artistic director, attended a performing arts high school in Phoenix and attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She has worked as both an actor and costume designer at many theaters, most recently at Fountain Hills Theatre. Kayla has her real estate license and a certificate in nonprofit management from Lodestar at Arizona State University.

Source: arizonaregionaltheatre.org.

Matravius Avent grew up studying music and attended Denver School of the Arts. In high school, he developed a love for harmonies, a cappella groups and vocal arranging for male voices. He attended the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music where he focused on classical music and developing his voice as a solo performer. Matravius relocated to Phoenix to pursue a graduate degree in music performance at Arizona State University.

Source: matravius.com.

CREATE

BLK BOX PHX

New theatre company strives to think outside the box

By Seth Reines

P

hoenix’s newest theatre company, BLK BOX PHX (BBP) was created by producing artistic director Daniel Davisson as “a means to provide the Valley with an alternate theatre option.”

With more than 30 years of involvement in the local theatre scene, Davisson is best-known for his work as a lighting designer for many of Arizona’s top professional and community theatre and dance companies. He’s also the guru behind Davisson Entertainment. As the director of production for numerous performing art organizations in the Valley, Davisson has experience producing various large-scale events, festivals, shows and other entertainment outlets throughout the state.

This season he adds BLK BOX PHX to his list of collaborative efforts.

“We are a group of collective theatre artists and designers who have worked in the Arizona theatre scene and have decided to form our own 501(c)3 performing arts theatre company,” he explained. “By working so heavily in the local theatre scene, we have experienced a number of repetitive shows and have learned a lot of ‘what

not to do’ that we want to provide the Valley with content that we would want to see.”

One objective that’s central to BBP’s mission in inclusivity.

“We want to include everybody in our works and to give artists a means of work and opportunity to those that may not normally have them,” he said. “We understand the art of collaboration and professional theatre and aim to provide an outlet to Arizona artists. Being an organization primarily cultured around the inclusive movement, we plan to fully support everyone, especially our LGBTQ family and friends. That can be seen in our closing show this season, I Am My Own Wife.

According to Davisson, audiences can expect productions that fall outside of “average run-of-the-mill programming” at BBP. “We want to provide professional theatre, from a different perspective,” Davisson explained. “By opening our arms, we will welcome all the varying talents in our state to flourish and grow with us. We encourage diversity and establishing work for local artists … We plan to learn from our mistakes

All BLK BOX PHX shows will be performed at Phoenix Theatre’s Judith Hardes Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, in Phoenix. For more information, and tickets, call 602-734-5734 or visit blkboxphx.com. Courtesy photo.

CREATE

Daniel Davisson. Courtesy photo.

and to listen to our communities … we value qualities that result in noble leadership to establish the communities we live in.

Once consideration made for every production that BBP takes on is, whether or not those involved would find the subject matter interesting and want to attend.

BBP’s inaugural season kicks off with a classic tale of good and evil in Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, playing Oct. 31-Nov. 11. Two boys become lured to a mysterious carnival that passes through their town. Soon they discover the diabolical truths behind the funhouse mirror maze and the eerie cast of characters.

The boys fight to save their town from the sinister Mr. Dark who threatens to destroy it.

The theatre’s second show, S#!tfaced Shakespeare, combines the words and characters of Shakespeare with the maniacal tomfoolery of a totally smashed cast member. Audiences get to pick the play and which actor they would like to see stumble through Shakespeare, after imbibing a few shots of whiskey. This show runs Nov. 30-Dec. 31 with a special performance and party on New Year’s Eve. I Am My Own Wife closes out BBP’s inaugural season. The Pulitzer- and Tony award-winning show, written by Doug Wright, is based on a true story of an East German transgender woman, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. The play, a vivid portrait of a unique person whose ability to endure and survive the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German regime, plays March 7-16, 2019.

M. Seth Reines is an award-winning theater buff who has directed more than 500 productions nationally for stage and television, and formerly served as head of Roosevelt University’s musical theatre program.

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Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix Rehearsal

Aug. 28 at Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

Save The Date As part of its Legacy Concerts Series, the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix joins the award-winning Phoenix Children’s Chorus for two concerts.

Two concerts will be presented Sept. 30: • 3 p.m. at Trevor G. Browne High School, 7402 W. Catalina Drive, in Phoenix.

• 7 p.m. at Camelback High School, 4612 N. 28th St., in Phoenix.

For more information, visit orpheus.org.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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Dear Evan Hansen. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

10 SHOWS NOT TO MISS

ENGAGE Bitter Melon. Photo by Susie Heyden.

70 engage

ยกWร CHALE! FILMFEST

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DESPERADO LGBT FILM FESTIVAL EchoMag.com

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Roll Out Rainbow Carpet the produced by

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Desperado celebrates a decade of showcasing LGBTQ stories on the big screen

By Tuesday Mahrle n 1970, Myra Breckinridge graced the big screen. In 1980, Dear Boys hit theaters. In 1990, Paris Is Burning premiered. In 2000, If These Walls Could Talk 2 debuted. And, in 2010, the Desperado LGBT Film Festival rolled out the red carpet for the first time and, at the end of the weekend, named Big Gay Musical its first-ever Audience Award winner.

As LGBTQ narratives continue to evolve – both on and off screen – Desperado continues to bring relevant storylines to Phoenix audiences.

This year, the 10th annual Desperado Film Festival will showcase eight feature-length films and eight mixed shorts from Sept. 28 to 30 at Paradise Valley Community College.

Spoiler alert: Festival organizers recently announced that permanently moving the event from February to September has been in the works for a while now.

“This positions us to be in a great spot at the end of September, especially having more access to films while they are still on the festival circuit,” said Alan East, the festival’s programmer.

presents

TO A MORE PERFECT UNION

According to East, this is done while trying to be mindful of all represented cultures within the LGBTQ community.

United States v. Windsor

Donna Zaccaro Director Donna Zaccaro and Paula Heredia Producers Edited by Paula Heredia Funding Provided by

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A committee of mostly LGBTQ community members and Maricopa County Community College District faculty determines the titles that will make it to the festival screens each year.

and Carol Ammon & Marie Pinizzotto

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engage

“We especially look for authenticity in film roles,” he added, “that aspect is very important to us.”

While attendees may notice that the 10th annual film festival is set to be smaller (it’s the second one this year, after all), East said Desperado isn’t going anywhere.

“We want to continue to offer and support [this] unique platform for these special stories to be told, heard and acknowledged,” he said. “Especially, providing our festivalgoers content they can connect with on many levels. We are excited to continue to bring these powerful and engaging films to the LGBTQ market here in Arizona.”

What to Watch Once again, Desperado weekend will kick off with an opening reception followed by the opening night film, Riot. Based on real people and events, Riot shines a spotlight on Australia’s 1970s Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement and the passionate individuals who, facing ever-present adversity, conceived a celebration of diversity.

The festival will resume Saturday with TransMilitary, To a More Perfect Union, Bitter Melon and Wild Nights with Emily.

TransMilitary, the 2018 South By Southwest Audience Award-winning feature film, follows several of the 15,500 transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military who must conceal their gender identity based on current military policies.

The documentary follows these service members as they put their careers and their families’ livelihoods on the line by coming out to some of the Pentagon’s top officials in hopes of attaining equal rights to serve.

TransMilitary will be followed by a meetup hosted by Trans Spectrum of Arizona.

To a More Perfect Union: United States v. Windsor is a documentary that follows Edie Windsor and attorney Roberta Kaplan in their quest for justice. After 40 years together, Edie is forced to pay a large estate tax bill after her partner passes away. Edie decides to challenge the U.S. government – and wins.

Bitter Melon is a dark comedy about a Filipino-American family who reunites for a Christmas party at the family’s San Francisco home. When the siblings find that Troy, the second-oldest child, has been ruling the home and abusing their mother and his wife, the family holiday quickly turns into a plot to murder.

Staring Molly Shannon, Wild Nights with Emily imagines what Emily Dickinson’s 19th century life was like. This film breaks down the reclusive spinster persona to reveal a lively, funny and engage

Desperado Weekend Screening Schedule Friday, Sept. 28 7:30 p.m. Riot Saturday, Sept. 29 Noon TransMilitary 2 p.m. To A More Perfect Union 4 p.m. Bitter Melon 6:15 p.m. Wild Nights with Emily 8:15 p.m. Tucked romantic woman.

Tucked is a tender and comedic drama about an 80-year-old drag queen who forms an unlikely friendship with a young and emerging queen as they both struggle with gender, identity and mortality.

Sunday begins with a lineup of mixed shorts and concludes with My Big Gay Italian Wedding and Lez Bomb.

My Big Gay Italian Wedding visits Desperado from the European film scene. Happily engaged Antonio brings his fiancé, Paulo, back to his old, Italian village to reveal his sexuality to his headstrong parents. The film underscores the homophobia that still prevents same-sex marriage from being recognized in Italy.

The closing night film, Lez Bomb is a hilarious coming-out story from director Jenna Laurenzo and executive producer Bobby Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary). The story follows a closeted lesbian who brings her girlfriend along for Thanksgiving with her family. The eccentric cast of characters that make up her extended family have their own stirring surprises, preventing her reveal from going as planned.

LGBTQ Representation Since the ninth annual Desperado Film Festival, which took place Feb. 9-11, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released its sixth annual report on LGBTQ inclusion on screen.

Despite the success of a handful of mainstream films with LGBTQ storylines – Love, Simon, A Fantastic Woman and Call Me By Your Name – the 2018 Studio Responsibility Index revealed that of the 109 major releases surveyed from 2017, only 14 (12.8 percent) included LGBTQ characters, down from 18.4 percent the previous year.

Among the 2017 films that include LGBTQ characters, gay men were most present (64 percent) followed by lesbians (36 percent) and bisexuals (14 percent).

Sunday, Sept. 30 1 p.m. Sunday Mixed Shorts Sam Did It Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls Pretty The Inherent Traits of Connor James Grace and Betty TransMute Magic H8 Ball Sex Notes 3 p.m. My Big Gay Italian Wedding 5 p.m. Lez Bomb No major releases included transgender or non-binary characters.

“Hollywood is at a tipping point. The past year has seen the rise of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements, which have transformed the conversation in the industry and among the movie-going public, and are driving change behind the scenes and in the media,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s president, in the study. “On screen, record-breaking films like Black Panther and Wonder Woman prove that not only does inclusion make for great stories – inclusion is good for the bottom line. It is time for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer stories to be included in this conversation and in this movement.”

Community platforms, like Desperado, continue to be important outlets for LGBTQ actors, directors, writers and producers, and critical for community members who aren’t seeing a reflection of themselves in mainstream titles.

“We need our images, our stories, our drama, our laughter, everything up there on the screen,” East said.

Following the Desperado LGBT Film Festival, the above-mentioned films will contend for the Jury, Audience, Best Short Film and Best Student Short awards.

Proceeds from the event fund the festival and LGBTQ scholarships through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. For more information, visit mcccdf.org.

Desperado LGBT Film Festival Sept. 28-30 Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix desperadofilmfestival.com

Tuesday Mahrle is a film critic and host of “Whiskey and Popcorn,” a Phoenix-based movie podcast.

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To A More Perfect Union

journalistic stance, they outline what made Windsor’s case unique and also successful. Other featured interviewees include Rosie O’Donnell, Frank Rich, and even Matt Staver, the founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel.

The film neatly lines up how Kaplan and her team managed to win Windsor’s case, detailing, at times ad nauseum, the legal steps it took to get the Supreme Court to change its mind. At one point Edie was hit with an enormous estate bill we hear how one goes about changing from the State of New York and the federal the Supreme Court’s mind and how it government. At the time, their marriage is different than any other court. Some was not recognized in the U.S., and this of the legalese bogs the film down, but chain of events led to Windsor’s decision Zaccaro keeps the story moving. to sue the government.

To her credit as a filmmaker and From there, viewers are introduced journalist, Zaccaro boldly incorporates to Roberta Kaplan, Windsor’s attorney. interviews with Staver from the Liberty If Windsor is the lead, then Kaplan is Counsel. It was fascinating to get the other her supporting character. Kaplan’s own side’s perspective straight from the source, story and background is touched on as it were, and hear how their argument briefly, but most-illuminating is the fact stacks up against Kaplan and her team. that she knew Thea Spyer, who was a As a documentary, To A More Perfect psychologist. Kaplan had sessions with Union stands in lock-step with any other her as a college student when she was solid history-based documentary. It struggling with her own concerns about certainly doesn’t wow – as most of us being a lesbian in a straight world. lived this part of recent history – but it Kaplan and her team took on Windsor’s does illuminate the LGBTQ community’s case pro bono, and it was Kaplan’s desire struggle to gain acceptance and full to fast-track the case due to Windsor’s recognition for same-sex marriage under age and health. Kaplan wanted Windsor the law. However, likely due to the focus to see victory before she passed. of the film, there is little to no mention Adding their perspectives on the of trans or queer individuals. dynamics shaking the country leading up Also noticeably absent from the to the historic Supreme Court decision storytelling is any diversity. There’s are NPR’s legal affairs correspondent no attention or acknowledgment paid Nina Totenberg and to people of color within CNN’s chief legal the LGBTQ community, an analyst Jeffery omission that wouldn’t Toobin. From their have been so glaring if TO A MORE PERFECT UNION the focus of the film had United States v. Windsor remained on Windsor’s personal story and her case. But, since Zaccaro takes the time to walk us through the history of the gay rights movement, it would have served the film to at least acknowledge the unique experience and roles of people of color within the community’s Donna Zaccaro timeline.

Donna Zaccaro Paula Heredia Paula Heredia As is usually the case, Carol Ammon & Marie Pinizzotto there is only so much you can cram into a doc before it becomes unwieldy and unfocused. Overall, Zaccaro’s storytelling is tight and efficient, and it doesn’t dally too much as it moves to its victorious climax. It is worth seeing for the interviews with Windsor alone, as she was perhaps one of the most charming people in the world, and her legacy will live on with every same-sex marriage in America.

To A More Perfect Union screens at 2 Edie Windsor (left) and her attorney Roberta p.m. Sept. 29 as part of the Desperado Kaplan. Photo courtesy of To A More Perfect Union.

LGBT Film Festival. For more information, visit perfectunionfilm.com.

Documentary chronicles a widow and her attorney on their quest for justice

By Kaely Monahan

T

he LGBTQ community’s fight for equal rights is the focus of documentarian Donna Zaccaro’s film To A More Perfect Union: United States v. Windsor.

This history lesson takes us from the fledgling gay rights groups of the 1950s to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013.

To A More Perfect Union runs as a traditional documentary, pairing the historic timeline of events with a variety of interviewees to weave together a picture of how Americans changed their views on gays and lesbians – and samesex marriage – and the community that relentlessly fought for that right.

It’s filled with archival photos and footage and in the first third of the film we get the abridged version of the gayrights movement, from Stonewall to the AIDS epidemic and, ultimately, the pivotal moment of the Supreme Court’s decision.

The core of the film is focused on Edie Windsor’s case. She was married to the love of her life, Thea Spyer, in Canada. But when Spyer passed away,

presents

Director

and

Producers

Edited by

Funding Provided by

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and

engage

Jackie (Derren Nesbitt) and Faith (Jordan Stephens) co-star in Tucked.Photo courtesy of Tucked.

Tucked Two performers become unlikely friends in this slice-of-life story

By Kaely Monahan

A

couple of queens walk into a bar ... and challenge the definition of drag in this British film that won the audience award for Outstanding Narrative Feature as well as the Grand Jury Award for Best International Film following its premiere at this summer’s Outfest Los Angeles.

Beneath the wigs and the sequins, however, Tucked is the story of two performers who have very little in common at first glance. But once Jackie (Derren Nesbitt) and Faith (Jordan Stephens) get past their obvious differences, they’re able to form a relationship as they discover just how much they have in common.

Jack Collins is not gay. In fact, he identifies as straight. In the film, he says he loves women and loves being with them. He also likes to wear women’s clothes and perform as Jackie, which is what led to his divorce and his lonely and engage

celibate life since.

We meet Jackie (Jack in drag) on club stage in Brighton, England, where she delights regulars with a string of naughty jokes and astringent teasing.

Saddled with showing Faith the ropes on her first night, Jackie ends up becoming the young queen’s entire support system.

Faith, a 21-year-old gender fluid queen of color, has been kicked out of her parent’s home, is currently living in her car – until Jackie finds out and insists she sleep on her couch. Their relationship is tense at first. Jackie has grown accustomed to living alone and Faith is initially apprehensive about a straight man offering drag advice. But barriers fall, and Faith comes to rely on Jackie’s sage advice and level-headedness. As the story unfolds, both performers learn mutual lessons on what it’s like to be accepted and to accept someone regardless their background or identity.

Tragedy dogs the newly formed bond, however, as Faith learns that Jackie has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Determined to make sure Jackie gets to experience her bucket list, the duo set out to check off everything from a visit to a strip club to buying coke and from Jackie’s first tattoo to tracking down his estranged daughter. Most touching, is the father-daughter reunion, which is not simply resolved. Years of anger cannot

be erased, but it’s a beautiful scene that will pull at your heartstrings.

Nesbitt, 83, delivers a nuanced and powerful performance that draws you in from the very first moment. Swinging from resigned to raging at fate, he imbues Jackie with an authenticity that is to be expected from a veteran actor.

Stephens, a Brighton native, has made appearances in such “small” films as Shaun the Sheep Movie and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In this project, his rapport with Nesbitt is instantly noticeable. He’s not intimidated by Nesbitt and holds his own in each scene. With his remarkable talent, he brings a raw, moody attitude that says to “back off” and “come hither” to the role of Faith.

Although Tucked does not break new ground in terms of LGBTQ storytelling (films starring drag queens are abundant), what makes writer and director Jamie Patterson’s film stand out is his message of inclusion at a time time when we’re seeing the question of who can be a drag queen come up more and more often.

Tucked screens at 8:15 p.m. Sept. 29 as part of the Desperado LGBT Film Festival.

Kaely Monahan is creator and host of “Whiskey and Popcorn,” a Phoenix-based movie podcast.

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TransMilitary Four troops offer a glimpse into their lives as transgender service members

By Kaely Monahan

W

hen the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy – the discriminatory ban on gay and lesbian service members – was lifted, the LGBTQ community and its allies celebrated. However, for troops who identified as transgender, there was an abrupt realization that the benefits afforded to their gay and lesbian counterparts were not extended to them.

In the opening sequence, TransMilitary points out that there are an estimated 15,500 transgender individuals currently serving in the U.S. military, making the military the largest employer of trans people in the country.

From there, the feature-length documentary follows the events spanning from Defense Secretary Ashton Carter being sworn in on Feb. 17, 2015, through the appeals process following the current commander in chief’s tweets July 26, 2017.

But it’s not just a collection of headlines and archival footage. Directors Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson capture the stories of four transgender service members as they navigate deployments, dress and appearance standards, advocacy and family life.

We first meet U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Logan Ireland, who’s serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He shares how he’s been able to work

and live just like any other guy on this deployment as well as his apprehensions about returning home to a command that has him still documented as female.

U.S. Army Corporal Laila Villanueva, Airman Ireland’s fiancée, enlisted at age 17 and was trained to become an interrogator who followed the government’s most-wanted list. The devastating irony of her job comes to light when she shares that she believes her unit is building a case against her.

The documentary follows her through her out-processing as she prepares to be medically retired, an honorable discharge, after 12 years of service. “… I won’t be in to see that [policy] change, but I’ll be alive to see that change,” she says in a Skype call with Ireland.

Army Captain Jennifer Peace, who is stationed with her wife and three children at Joint Base Lewis–McChord, in Washington, shares her experiences being caught between male and female dress and appearance regulations and gendersegregated facilities. After being assigned to a new unit, she was ordered to speak to a local psychiatrist whose assessment was that she was not transgender (out of concern that an accurate diagnosis would lead to her discharge).

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Logan Ireland.

Photo courtesy of TransMilitary.

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“The military promotes family involvement so much … I was told that I wasn’t allowed to attend any more unit functions,” she shares. “I’ve put in 11 years of my life … I deserve to be here as much as anyone else. This is my Army, too.”

Army First Lieutenant El Cook, a West Point graduate, is preparing for his third deployment, his second to Iraq. He’s surrounded by a very accepting family in Clarksville, Tennessee, including his mother, who is a reverend. He shares that he’s not out to anyone in his unit, because it’s not simple.

“Imagine … I’m deploying with you and I tell you this thing,” he shares. “Now we’re scheduled to be roommates, you have to sleep in the bed next to me … I’ve been the same person … but now you’re uncomfortable and you have a name for it. It becomes very much not about my comfort or my safety, it becomes about your comfort and your safety. Because you feel threatened that I’m the same person I was yesterday …”

It’s clear that each individual is committed to putting service before self, by dedicating their lives to serving their country, but the system has worked against them for decades.

While 18 countries allow transgender troops to serve openly, including Canada, Bolivia and Australia, the U.S. does not.

Or rather, as the documentary explains, the policy is on hold. Still, every other federal department and agency in the U.S., including the CIA and FBI, allow transgender personnel.

Told from the perspective of those who’ve volunteered to put their lives on the line, TransMilitary reveals the very personal day-to-day effects the trans military ban has on these four service members, as well as their parents, spouses and even friends and coworkers.

Silverman and Dawson weave together a stunningly intimate story that follows the political ups and downs of the policy surrounding trans individuals serving in the military as they fear for the future of their careers.

As the film comes to a close, these final words cross the screen, “As of February 2018 the situation is not resolved …”

TransMilitary screens at noon Sept.

29 as part of the Desperado LGBT Film Festival. For more information, visit transmilitary.org. engage

they were well aware that there could possibly be negative repercussions for their careers, which adds to why they were so courageous for even coming out in the first place.

As the project evolved … and the ban was lifted, obviously their concerns shifted, and they became a little less [concerned] … The security of their job was never guaranteed by participating in this project, just like anybody who's coming out. Maybe "whistleblowers" is the wrong term, but … [for anyone] telling their truth in the face of systemic discrimination, there's no guaranteed protection. So that adds to why we really see all four of these characters as courageous human beings.

Director Fiona Dawson.

Director Gabriel Silverman.

Forward, March Directors Fiona Dawson and Gabriel Silverman recount their steps in filming new doc

E

cho caught up with TransMilitary directors Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson to find out more about the making of this film and the story behind these stories and here’s what they had to say.

Echo: What is the story behind this documentary? How did it come together?

Dawson: I had been one of the advocates around the repeal of “Don't Ask Don't Tell.” It wasn't until after that repeal that I, myself, came out and found that it allowed lesbian, gay and bisexual people to serve, but transgender people were still banned. So, I started documenting their stories around October 2012.

In 2015, The New York Times approached us in order to include these stories in [its] “Transgender American” series. They paired us all up together, Gabe, [writer/producer Jamie Coughlin] and I. Together [we] made the op-doc Transgender, at War and In Love. Seeing the impact of that film – how it helped raise the issue, how it really connected with people – and then also knowing that our service members were still putting their lives on the line by coming out as trans in the Pentagon and working to end the ban, [led] the three of us … to make this feature documentary that came out earlier this year. And here we are.

Silverman: The film clearly tapped a nerve in the right circles, we believe. engage

Which kind of emboldened us to continue the story because, even though these positive steps were happening, the fight wasn't over. Obviously, the ban was still in place, the story was incomplete, and we had access to people who were still going into the Pentagon to state their case. So, we figured, let's keep this going and see where the film concludes.

Echo: You managed to capture some raw and highly personal moments in the lives of the four service members highlighted in the film. And the diversity of your cast, if you will, really struck me.

Silverman: That has always been an important thing. El says it best in the movie: just like being black, being trans is not a monolith. So, it was important that we don't try to paint this as one singular experience.

Dawson: These four … naturally rose to the surface and we were very determined to have a diverse representation as well – as far as we could without having too many characters in the film.

Echo: How did you ensure their stories were told and also that the lives of our subjects could still continue in safe and positive ways?

Silverman: Well, I think it's important for us to … put us back into context in 2015 ... Logan and Laila [were] not guaranteed their safety or their jobs when they came out in The New York Times. In fact,

Echo: How did President Trump’s tweet, indicating he intended to reinstate the trans ban, affect the production of the film and, ultimately, the story?

Silverman: [Similar to] a lot of issues under this administration, we certainly were blindsided … We thought that once the ban was lifted – in June 2016 – that the film was finished. … We were really in the middle of editing when [President Trump's] tweet happened ... we had to race to, not only go back into production and tell the story adequately, but then go back into post-production to complete it ahead of time for the film festival circuit.

For us, there was heartache because … over the years we've really gotten to know these service members … These people have become very dear to us. So, we also understood that while this was a plot twist in the documentary, this also has grave consequences for people who are supporting families and supporting children …

Do we follow the tick-tock of this fight politically? Or do we end the fight before we know the final conclusion so that we're able to get out there and be part of the conversation in time? What I think we all [would] regret, would be sitting on these very impactful personal stories of what this ban actually looks like from a service member [perspective] and not being able to interject [them] into the conversation before any decisions were settled. So, we decided we were going to make this about the individuals and their experiences and try to get this film out appropriately and as quickly as possible to have to be part of that conversation.

(Editor’s note: This interview was edited for clarity, continuity, and length. To hear it in its entirety, visit soundcloud.com/ whiskeyandpopcorn.)

Kaely Monahan is creator and host of “Whiskey and Popcorn,” a Phoenix-based movie podcast.

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10 Shows

Not to Miss LGBTQ, social justice themes inspire this season’s must-see productions

W

hether you prefer the type of performances that require you to use your imagination or the variety that document the most literal of human experiences, the odds are that you’ll find a show that sparks your interest in the season ahead.

From politically charged Native Gardens and Two Trains Running to a controversial baker in The Cake and a drag queen with a spatula in Cookin’s a Drag, Phoenix stages will showcase a variety of LGBTQ and social justice themes this season.

Here are our top 10 must-see professional shows for 2018-2019:

“A true breath of comic fresh air. It’s a biting, perceptive, and ultimately hopeful sendup to our fraught relationships with those around us – even right next door … ” – DC Theatre Scene

honors of making the wedding cake at her bakery. Della’s cakes are legendary, even earning her a spot as a contestant on the “Great American Baking Show.”

She is overjoyed at Jen’s request until she realizes there’s not just one bride, but two, forcing her to re-examine some of her deeply-held beliefs, as well as her own marriage. Food, faith, and family loyalty take center stage in a paradigmshifting comedy sure to leave you hungry for more.

“I laughed, I cried, I learned, I loved.…

Bekah Brunstetter has written that rarity among LGBT-themed plays, one that might actually inspire baby steps towards mutual understanding.” – StageScene LA.

2. Fun Home

1. Native Gardens Arizona Theatre Company Tucson: Sept. 8-29 Phoenix: Oct. 4-21 Karen Zacarías’ hilarious new comedy is the story of high-powered lawyer Pablo and his wife, Tania, a doctoral student, who are working toward the American Dream. They move into a wellto-do, mostly white neighborhood in our nation’s capital. A delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out, ludicrously comic border dispute, exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class and cultural privilege through a refreshing comedic lens.

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Phoenix Theatre Oct. 18-Nov.4 If you missed the national tour of this Tony Award-winner at ASU’s Gammage last season, don’t miss Phoenix Theatre’s regional premiere!

Based on out cartoonist Alison Bechel’s autobiographical novel, Fun Home follows Bechel’s coming to terms with her closeted father’s suicide while dealing with her own sexual identity.

“The emotional honesty of Fun Home gives it a universal accessibility. This is a proud lesbian musical that also happens to be one of the best new musicals of our era.” – Los Angeles Times

3. The Cake Stray Cat Theatre Nov. 9-24 Sometimes a cake isn’t just a cake.

Jen lives in New York, but has always dreamed of getting married in her small North Carolina hometown, so she heads down south with her partner to ask Della, her late mother’s best friend, to do the

4. Dear Evan Hansen ASU Gammage Nov. 27-Dec. 2 A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in.

Dear Evan Hansen, a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it, won six Tony Awards in 2017, including Best Musical, and the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

“One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.” – The Washington Post.

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5. Two Mile Hollow

7. I Am My Own Wife

Stray Cat Theatre Jan. 18- Feb. 2, 2019 When the Donnellys gather to divide their belongings after the sale of their oceanfront mansion, both metaphorical and literal storms start brewing. Two Mile Hollow cleverly explores the ageold genre of plays about affluent white families retreating to their waterfront homes to battle it out with brutality, awe and compassion. Only this time, none of the white characters are played by white actors.

BLK BOX PHX March 7-16, 2019 I Am My Own Wife closes out BBP’s inaugural season. Pulitzer- and Tony award-winning show, written by Doug Wright, is based on a true story of an East German transgender woman, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. The play, a vivid portrait of a unique person whose ability to endure and survive the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German regime.

9. Harlem Shakespeare Festival’s All Female Othello Southwest Shakespeare Company at Taliesin West April 19-28, 2019 Debra Ann Byrd, founder and artistic director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival, leads an all-female cast in the title role of Othello, the Moor of Venice.

This unique vision of one of Shakespeare’s most-famous plays about jealousy, intrigue and betrayal is brought to the stages of Scottsdale as you’ve never seen it before. Do not miss this once-ina-lifetime production, straight from New York City to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.

8. Sisters in Law 6. Two Trains Running Arizona Theatre Company Tucson: Jan. 19-Feb. 9 Phoenix: Feb. 14-March 3 One of Pulitzer Prize-winning author August Wilson’s most beloved works, and part of his 10-play cycle, Two Trains Running focuses on the crossroads of a revolution. There’s a new president in the White House. Racial tensions are on the rise. But no, it’s not 2018. It’s 1969, and the Civil Rights Movement is sending tremors through Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

Two Trains Running explores a time of extraordinary change and the ordinary people who get left behind.

The New York Times called Two Trains Running, “Mr. Wilson’s most adventurous and honest attempt to reveal the intimate heart of history.”

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Phoenix Theatre April 3-28, 2019 This stunning world premiere of this new play features the relationship between polar opposite modern-day legends, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Sandra Day O’Connor, sitting together on the United States Supreme Court.

Previously examined by Linda Hirshman in her New York Times Bestseller by the same name, the relationship between associate justices was summed up by publisher Harper Collins’ as “Republican and Democrat, Christian and Jew, western rancher’s daughter and Brooklyn girl – transcends party, religion, region, and culture – Strengthened by each other’s presence, these groundbreaking judges, the first and second to serve on the highest court in the land, have transformed the Constitution and America itself, making it a more equal place for all women.”

10. Cookin’s a Drag Phoenix Theatre April 24-May 19 Grab your spatula and touch up your lipstick. Cookin’s a Drag points the spotlight – and the TV camera – on Betty D. Licious and her scrumptious back-up boys for her fifth anniversary special, cooking on live TV. What could go wrong?

This world premiere features music and lyrics by Clint Edwards, with additional lyrics by Michael Barnard. Based on the book by Michael Barnard with additional book text by Vincent VanVleet and D. Scott Withers.

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Charlie Parker’s Yardbird. Photo by James Gill Photography.

music. As he straddles the line between life and death, Parker must come to grips with his impact on the lives of those he left behind, including trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, his mother and his four wives.

Arizona Opera’s Manistage Series

Brave.

Bold.

Brilliant.

AZ Opera reveals major key changes

By Seth Reines

A

rizona Opera, originally the Tucson Opera Company, was founded in 1971 by a dedicated group of opera enthusiasts.

Arizona Opera’s New RED Series

Its inaugural season featured two performances of Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville in Tucson. By the 1976-1977 season, Arizona Opera was performing complete seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix.

To offer audiences an opportunity to experience this art form in a more visceral way, the new fall series, will be presented in more intimate venues, Herberger Theater Center (222 E. Monroe St., in Phoenix) and Temple of Music and Art (330 S. Scott Ave., in Tucson).

Since its inaugural year, Arizona Opera has produced over 170 fully-staged operas and concerts.

Maria de Buenos Phoenix: Sept. 28-30 Tucson: Oct. 6 -7

“Arizona Opera continually strives to be an ever-growing, dynamic part of the arts community in the state of Arizona,” said John Johnson, Arizona Opera board chair. “We are working to help connect our community more fully to a broader artistic conversation that is happening nationally and internationally, through this powerful art form.”

Created by the great tango master, Astor Piazzolla, this masterpiece of contemporary opera comes to life in a surreal, seductive and compelling story. Born “on a day when God was drunk,” Maria is driven by a wild passion for freedom – embodying tango in the midst of the alluring and dangerous underbelly of Buenos Aires. The ill-fated Maria comes to life through Piazzolla’s irresistible nuevo tango and the provocative poetry of Horacio Ferrer.

September marks a bold new chapter for Arizona Opera, as they expand programming to create a more-inclusive opera season. Arizona Opera will continue to deliver large-scale productions of classic operas supported by world-class singers, while further diversifying its lineup with adventurous contemporary works to entice newcomers to the vibrant world of opera.

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Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Phoenix: Nov. 9- 11 Tucson: Nov. 17-18 Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette Wimberly’s jazz-influenced opera tells the story of the great American saxophonist, Charlie Parker, as he searches for redemption from his personal demons through the power of

The more traditional winter/spring series will feature two works from opera’s classic repertoire along with one modern masterwork. These productions will be presented in Arizona Opera’s traditional venues, Symphony Hall (75 N. Second St., in Phoenix) and Tucson Music Hall (260 S. Church Ave.).

La Traviata Phoenix: Jan. 25-27 Tucson: Feb. 2-3 Verdi’s powerful and passionate masterpiece, La Traviata, is one of the best known and loved operas of all time.

Violetta, a courtesan, and Alfredo, the man who falls madly in love with her, ignite a passionate love affair as they seek to escape the realities of the realities of family, love, life and death. Can they survive as the world threatens to tear them apart?

Silent Night Phoenix: March 1-3 Tucson: March 9-10 Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Silent Night, is a gripping retelling of the real-life World War I Christmas Eve truce among enemy combatants in 1914. When soldiers from Germany, Scotland and France find themselves on the front line, personal lives collide with the horrors of war, and each side must reconcile their role as adversaries with the compassionate spirit of the season.

The Marriage of Figaro Phoenix: April 5-7 Tucson: April 13-14 Mozart’s comic tale of wit and mistaken identity comes brilliantly to life in The Marriage of Figaro. In a country estate outside Seville, the valet Figaro plans for his wedding to the maid, Susanna.

When he discovers that his employer, the philandering Count Almaviva, plans to seduce his bride, Figaro vows to outwit his master. Mistaken identities, desire, and infidelity all play a role in determining whether love conquers all.

For more information on Arizona Opera’s 2018-2019 season or tickets to the RED and Main Stage series, visit azopera.org.

M. Seth Reines is an award-winning theater buff who has directed more than 500 productions nationally for stage and television, and formerly served as head of Roosevelt University’s musical theatre program.

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¡Wáchale!

TQP launches festival of Latin American cinema

By KJ Philp

I

n an effort to create a new space for engaging LGBTQ and POC audiences, Trans Queer Pueblo launched ¡Wáchale!

FilmFest, which runs through Oct. 27.

Event organizers selected a combination of new releases and classics from across Latin America to spotlight the narratives of queer/trans people of color from developing nations while creating a pace for audiences to commune, transform and organize.

While screenings of Chavela and A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantastica) have already taken place, the festival continues with the following film screenings: Nostalgia For The Light Sept. 22 A film about two different searches conducted in the Chilean Atacama Desert: one by astronomers looking for answers about the history of the cosmos, and one by women looking for the remains of loved ones killed by Pinochet’s regime.

A special screening to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1973 U.S.-backed coup d’etat against the government of Salvador Allende in Chile.

Hell Without Limits (El Lugar Sin Limites) Oct. 6 The return of Pancho to a small Mexican town stirs up discord between La Manuela – an aging trans woman who runs a weathered brothel – and her daughter, La Japonesita. Honor, greed, machismo, transphobia and the dreams of sex workers collide in this vintage hit, newly restored by the Mexican Institute of Cinematography.

Canoa: A Shameful Memory Oct. 27 For Halloween, we explore Mexican history through horror. Canoa reimagines a real-life incident in

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gory detail: a small-town priest stirs up a lynch mob, accusing a group of university employees on a hiking trip of being communist agitators. The events cast light on a political horror on its 50th anniversary – the October 1968 Massacre of Tlatelolco, which left more than 200 student protesters dead.

All films are in Spanish with English subtitles and admission is free.

Screenings will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at TQP, 1726 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.

At each event, Con Sabor a Justicia – a trans migrant catering cooperative – will sell Mexican street food to benefit LGBTQ folks recently released from detention.

Echo Caught up with Stephanie Figgins, member of TQP’s media collective, to find out more about the festival, and here’s what she had to say.

Echo: Why is this film festival significant for Phoenix?

Figgins: ¡Wáchale! FilmFest is significant for Phoenix because as LGBTQ+ people, as POC and as migrants, we can be in community and take joy in seeing ourselves and our stories on the screen in a city that lacks cultural spaces where we can see ourselves represented. In fact, most of what we see is cultural institutions that profit off of Black, Latinx and Indigenous art and history, but then refuse to stand up for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people … we refuse to separate art from politics.

Echo: Why is this space important for POC and LGBTQ audiences?

Figgins: … we need spaces to have fun and make community; because we need to see ourselves on the big screen; and because film is such a powerful way to connect to culture and history.

Echo: What can attendees expect from these screenings?

Figgins: For ¡Wáchale! FilmFest, the films are just as important as where we show them. Our people’s cinema is set up outside the TQP house. We roll down a big white screen and set up a projector, chairs, cushions and blankets. It’s a cinema that was made by the hands of our community – my mother, a migrant from Lima, Peru, hand-sewed the screen for us.

It’s key that all ¡Wáchale! screenings are completely free (although we of course accept donations). Our communities are much more likely to be poor because of hundreds of years of governments taking resources from our communities, and movie tickets cost a lot these days … We want to provide a truly accessible space where people can enjoy new and classic films from Latin America folks [they] wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Echo: How were these films selected?

Figgins: The ¡Wáchale! film program is selected by an all LGBTQ+ migrant and POC team of TQP members. First, we set out rules: balance classic and contemporary Latin American films and pick films accessible in Spanish and English. Then we chose themes: “outing Latin American cinema,” “queer icons” and “ghosts of Latin American history.” Then we brainstormed, read books, articles, film reviews, and came together to screen films and talk about how they might fit.

The ¡Wáchale! program is developing people of color, migrant cultural leaders by facilitating a democratic process of curating film programs – it’s a slow process but a rewarding one.

For more information on the ¡Wáchale! Film Festival, visit facebook. com/transqueerpueblo or follow @ wachalefilfest on Instagram.

¡Wáchale! Film Festival Sept. 22, Oct 6 & 27 Trans Queer Pueblo 1726 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.

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AT THE BOX

OFFICE

By Tuesday Mahrle

A Star is Born In theaters Oct. 5 | R | 135 Minutes | Drama, Music

Mother Monster hits the big screen in her first leading role in a major motion picture in A Star is Born, written and directed by Bradley Cooper. The story follows Jackson Main (Cooper), a country music star spiraling downward from his self-destructive drinking habit. He meets talented, but unknown songwriter Ally (Lady Gaga), and they quickly become lovers. While reluctant at first, Jackson coaxes Ally to perform, catapulting her to stardom overnight. While she continues to climb, Jackson’s career continues to fade. Can their relationship survive? True fans, aka “Little Monsters” are sure to be there opening night.

First Man

Beautiful Boy

In theaters Oct. 12 | PG-13 | 138 Minutes | Biography, Drama

In theaters Oct. 12 | R | 112 Minutes | Drama

Based on the best-selling memoirs Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff and Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

by Nic Sheff, this film looks at meth addiction through the eyes of both father and son. Chronicling many years, this movie shows the true heartbreak and inspiration amid lies, multiple relapses and ultimate recovery for not only an addict but the family that loves the addict. Golden Globe Award-winner Steve Carell plays father David Sheff.

Following their six-time Academy Award-winning musical, La La Land, director Damien Chazelle and heartthrob Ryan Gosling come together again for First Man, the story of NASA’s saga to land a man on the moon. This first-person account of Neil Armstrong (Gosling), based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong, follows the failures and triumphs leading up to the most dangerous space mission in history.

Halloween In theaters October 19 | R | 109 minutes | Horror

In this 11th installment in the Halloween franchise, and slated as the direct sequel to Halloween, Laurie Strode and Michael Myers come back for a final showdown on Halloween night. Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle revive their roles so Laurie may finally seek justice after four decades of torment and fear. The movie is being released just a week before the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter’s original Halloween.

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Tuesday Mahrle is a film critic and host of “Whiskey and Popcorn,” a Phoenix-based movie podcast.

Entertainment

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THE SMALL

SCREEN

By David-Elijah Nahmod

“Conframa”

New web series explores throuples within the LGBTQ community

W

hat do you do after you’ve earned an acting degree, hit all the auditions, haven’t gotten the callbacks and still don’t see accurate representation of your community in the media?

If you’re Anthony Bawn, you start your own online streaming platform.

As the CEO of Bawn Television, he has not only created a service that offers programming that lends visibility to African American LGBTQ community, but he’s also responsible for much of the service’s content.

“We’re not properly represented in the entertainment sphere,” Bawn said.

“When you see a black gay man on screen, in film or on TV shows, it’s always an overly dramatic portrayal.

I wanted to create shows that are more realistic.”

The pilot for his latest project, “Conframa,” aired on Bawn Television Sept. 7. The term Conframa comes from the ’80s slang for confu-

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sion and drama and, in this case, fittingly addresses “throuples” – three-way relationships within the LGBTQ community.

As the story begins, we meet Angel (Bawn) and Bretton (Max Morten), a happily married African American gay couple living in Los Angeles. Both have just received promotions at work – Angel has an office job that appears to be in the tech industry and Bretton is the manager of a pet supply store.

Bretton is close friends with Keisha (Alexandria McGaughey), the daughter of the store’s owner.

However, Keisha and Angel have an intense distaste for each other and delight in trading insults. The cause of their animosity is never made clear, but these scenes do provide the series with some humorous banter.

At a party, Angel and Bretton find themselves being cruised by Chase (Robert Love), a hand-

EchoMag.com

some, young guy, who they invite home with them. The next morning, to Keisha’s horror, Angel and Bretton invite Chase to return. He promises that he will.

Angel and Bretton are a sweet couple. Actors Bawn and Morten have terrific chemistry together onscreen and are absolutely believable as two people in love. It’s easy to see what Angel and Bretton see in Chase –he’s particularly good looking and sparks fly when the trio first meets.

McGaughey is also quite good as the show’s wisecracking comic relief. This is a woman who says what’s on her mind and doesn’t care what people think.

She’s fast on her feet and quite funny as she delivers one zinger after another, often at Angel’s expense.

Production value is superb for a low-budget production. Shot entirely in real locations, “Conframa” pulls viewers into the world its characters inhabit.

One of the most impressive aspects is the authenticity of Morten’s portrayal of Bretton, a laid-back gay man who rolls with the punches and always has a smile on his face.

“I’ve always been cast in ethnic roles, being brand new in the industry,” Morten said. “I’m a freshman. This is my first lead role. I love my character, he’s very strong and comical. He likes to be able to make sure that everyone’s OK, he’s a caregiver.”

The fact that Morten identifies as straight may surprise some viewers, as he’s quite comfortable in his portrayal of a gay man, and his onscreen lovemaking scenes are passionate.

“I don’t think there’s a difference between straight and gay,” he said. “You have to be in touch with yourself, personally, and being introduced to a view I’ve never seen before has been nothing but an adventure. It’s a true blessing to work with this cast.”

According to Morten,the show’s portrayal of a three-way relationship is in line with his own sentiments on love.

“I believe that everyone should be able to love, and Entertainment

Left to right: Chase (Robert Love), Angel (Anthony Bawn) and Bretton (Max Morten) in “Conframa.” Photo courtesy of Bawn Television.

I don’t think it’s impossible to love two people at the same time,” he said.

“I’d do another show like this in a heartbeat. Love is a powerful thing. It should be shared with everyone, it doesn’t matter who it is.”

As for the storyline, Bawn added that there’s a lot of truth to “Conframa.”

“It’s my story,” he said. “It’s a story that is real between my husband and I, though not all the details are true out of respect for the parties involved … This story is important to tell because it happens in real life.”

Bawn noted that his husband is on board with using their real-life experiences as inspiration for the new show.

“The message behind the series is that we shame something that we don’t understand,” Bawn said.

“There are relationships like this … The message is to

put it out there as normal, and it should be understood as human. Everyone is trying to search for love within themselves. If it happens with three individuals there’s nothing wrong with that.”

According to Bawn, there will be six episodes

for the first season of “Conframa,”each running between 22 and 30 minutes in length.

David-Elijah Nahmod is an American-Israeli dual national writer of Syrian descent who’s currently based in San Francisco. He’s been published in LGBTQ publications, monster magazines and more. He can be reached on Twitter at @DavidElijahN.

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OPENING

NIGHTS

By M. Seth Reines

West Side Story Cast member shares how the Phoenix Theatre’s latest production still resonates with audiences today

T

his year marked a worldwide Centennial celebration of the late great Leonard Bernstein.

The Phoenix art scene feted the flamboyant composer/ conductor/author/music lecturer/pianist with Arizona Opera’s Candide and Phoenix Symphony’s West Side Story in Concert.

Bernstein, one of the first American conductors to receive international acclaim, composed in a wide range of musical styles from symphonies to Broadway scores.

For more than six decades, Bernstein’s West Side Story, the musical retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, has reflected its times.

The original 1957 Broadway production, which was created by Jerome Robbins (director/choreographer), Arthur Laurents (book) and Stephen Sondheim (lyricist in his Broadway debut), drew its inspiration from the gangs that ruled New York City’s upper West Side in the 1950s.

In 1961, West Side Story became a highly acclaimed film, winning 10 Academy Awards, including Best

West Side Story Through Oct. 14 Phoenix Theatre 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 602-254-2151 phoenixtheatre.com

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Picture. Now, filmmaker Steven Spielberg has announced that he is remaking West Side Story for a new audience. The film, still a musical, will feature an edgier new script by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Awardwinner Tony Kushner (Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.)

In the meantime, Valley theatergoers can catch the show that’s become widely known as one of the most performed productions in American history at Phoenix Theatre through Oct. 14.

“West Side Story is full of fire and passion. It’s violent, it’s sexual, it’s rife with tension just on the verge of explosion. Our production pushes all of those tensions to the surface in a way that’s incredibly relevant today,” stated director Michael Barnard via phoenixtheatre. com.

Arizona native Edward (Eddie) Maldonado stars as Bernardo, reprising the role he played in Phoenix Symphony’s West Side Story in Concert and Virginia Repertory Theatre’s highly acclaimed summer production.

Echo caught up with Maldonado ahead of the show’s Sept. 5 opening, and here’s what he had to say.

Echo: What makes Phoenix Theatre’s West Side Story unique?

Maldonado: Phoenix Theatre’s producing artistic

|

EchoMag.com

Edward Maldonado’s theatrical credits include iLLA: A Hip Hop Musical (OffBroadway), Richie Valens in Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story (national tour), “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, Miss Industrial Northeast in Pageant (Arizona Broadway Theatre) and Judas in Godspell (Phoenix Theatre). Courtesy photo.

director Michael Bernard and Broadway choreographer Patti Colombo have crafted a gritty and raw concept that highlights nuances and details you may not have recognized in other incarnations of the classic.

The Valley of the Sun is a community built on diversity.

To reflect that diversity on [Phoenix Theatre’s] stage, to dramatize injustices we are still facing today combined with passion, an epic love story, high quality dancing and brilliant scenic design is riveting!

Echo: Why do you love playing Bernardo?

Maldonado: He is truly an extension of me … his passion, his values, his perspective on tradition and loyalty – it all resonates to who I am in real life.

The social injustices and corruption, the unforgiving circumstances that Bernardo is navigating is unlike any story I had yet to tell until my time at Virginia Repertory Theatre this past summer.

Broadway’s Nathaniel Shaw [an ASU graduate] directed me to really delve into the

heart and soul of Bernardo, face his challenges as my own. It was breathtaking and a game changer for me as an actor, singer [and] dancer.

Bernardo isn’t the bad guy people want his character to be. He’s a family man, a young guy looking to protect his values and family, pursue the American dream in a place that is soiled with inequality and violence. Honestly, if I, as an actor, can capture that humanity and still make you smile and relate to his passion at times – root for and hate him, understand and challenge him – then that’s why I love playing the role.

Echo: Why is West Side Story so relevant today?

Maldonado: Gun Violence.

Racial injustices. Social Inequality. Especially in Arizona, with the border issues, with DACA [and] our political leadership. You have foreigners fighting to belong to a place they think will be better, they dream will make life more tolerable, only to be greeted with hatred, corruption and, at times, violence. West Side Story is too relevant today.

M. Seth Reines is an award-winning theater buff who has directed more than 500 productions nationally for stage and television, and formerly served as head of Roosevelt University’s musical theatre program.

Entertainment

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THE PLAYLIST

By Nikole Tower

Ariana Grande

Sweetener

Republic Records

Opening with a 37-second cover of Bob Gaudio’s “An Angel Cried,” Ariana Grande showcases her wide-ranging vocals, a not-so-subtle reminder that she is much more than just a pop sensation.

Sweetener, Grande’s fourth studio album, is still packed with all the bops fans would expect including guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams, who also helped produce the album.

Still, it takes a few steps away from her previous work, which tended to be about getting radio attention rather than presenting herself creatively and vulnerably. This album is more honest and serves to teach listeners more about Grande than any of her other works – from the powerful, sex-positive “God is a woman” to the love song “pete davidson,” which is

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dedicated to her fiancé.

A stand out track has to be “get well soon.” Her voice captures the flow of soul music and the rhythm of a ballad.

Inspired by the devastating attack that took place outside her concert at the U.K.’s Manchester Arena last year, she encourages fans to take care of each other while addressing her own emotions following the event.

Pharrell serves as a songwriter and producer of half the album, while Grande contributes to twothirds of the album’s songwriting, which is more than usual. The two play around with layering vocals and different sounds as Grande shows her versatility by embracing gospel, rap, R&B and pop sounds. Regardless of whether you’re an “Arianator” or not, this 15-track project is her most impressive collection of songs to date.

Death Cab for Cutie

Thank You for Today Atlantic Records

The rebirth of Death Cab for Cutie begins with the release of Thank You for Today. The band fell a little short with their 2015’s Kintsugi, which was surrounded by frontman Ben Gibbard’s divorce and the coming departure of founding member Chris Walla. The band’s ninth LP leaves all of that in the past, using this new opportunity to create something that will get people to hit the replay button.

The album opens with “I Dreamt We Spoke Again,” a personal favorite.

Gibbard sings about an imagined encounter with someone backed by dreamy and spacey sounds. It blends smoothly into the rest of the album.

The simple and soft moody tracks, including “When We Drive” and “You Moved Away” are broken up by more textured and lively songs, such as “Gold Rush” and “Northern Lights.”

There are moments throughout the album where the sounds don’t necessarily mesh with Gibbard’s voice and songwriting, but the band uses that to its advantage. And, at times, the upbeat melodies are a welcomed foil to the melancholy lyrics. They tinker with synths and sounds from ’80s pop to create a sonic experience that’s new for them – and it comes across polished. It’ll be interesting, however, to see how the album translates on stage.

The band’s fall tour to share the album live in small, intimate venues comes to The Van Buren Sept. 29.

Entertainment

Jason Mraz

Know.

Atlantic Records

Jason Mraz kicks off his new 10-track album with his smooth vocals and his guitar in “Let’s See What the Night Can Do,” singing about getting lost in the night with a special someone.

Know., Mraz’s sixth studio album, is a continued collaboration between the singer/songwriter and indie-rock band Raining Jane.

Love is what makes the world go ‘round, at least to Mraz, and it is the prominent theme in his work once again. He’s described this project as a series of love letters. In interviews since the album’s Aug. 10 release, he’s said that the songs are for his wife, Christina Carano, whom he married in 2015. Rather than singing about how he hopes to someday meet the girl of his dreams, he’s celebrating the feeling of finally being with “the one.”

Meghan Trainor joins Mraz in “More Than Friends,” a relatable and catchy feelgood track. “Unlonely” showcases Mraz’s lyrical ability. Then he goes to how he’s “Better With You” and “Sleeping To Dream” about the person he’s with. Mraz finishes with a slow ballad, “Love Is Still The Answer.” It’s the kind of song that makes you want to pull your SO closer and take in the moment.

This project effectively captures the essence of those early relationship feels and we’re thankful for it, because when was the last time you received a love letter after all? While the order makes sense, the songs glide along so smoothly that there’s little distinction from one to the next.

Mraz brings his current tour to Mesa’s Ikeda Theater Dec. 21, where he’ll be performing an acoustic set with Toca Rivera and special guest Gregory Page.

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Nikole Tower, an Arizona native enrolled at ASU, has an extreme case of wanderlust and an insatiable passion for music. She can be reached on Twitter at @CandidlyNikole.

Entertainment

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BETWEEN THE

COVERS

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

And Then We Danced: A Voyage into the Groove

Y

ou can’t stop your feet. They need to move, to tap-tap-tap, to side step and do-si-do.

The music’s on and you gotta move. You can’t help it, your toes gotta go and in And Then We Danced: A Voyage into the Groove by Henry Alford, you take the lead.

Think of all the times you danced in your life. Your first was likely some bouncytoddler thing you did, and the adults around you laughed. Later, you endured embarrassing and awkward boy-girl classes, or school events until you became cool (even if only in your mind) and snuck into clubs.

You’ve danced at weddings, for fun, for joy; and Alford has danced for work. He’s a journalist who immerses himself in his subject in order to write about it but, in the case of dance, he’s been immersed his whole life.

Dance, he says, is a “universal language.” If you suddenly found yourself

in Siberia and you began dancing, nobody would mistake what you were doing.

It’s an art, yes – but it’s so much more.

Dance, he says, is a way of “Social Entrée.” Cotillions and debutante balls are good examples, dancing in a club falls into this category, and if you ever took classes from an Arthur Murray studio, you get the picture.

Politics can step onto the dance floor, Alford says.

Think about your favorite candidate on the campaign trail, dancing with potential constituents. Or think of the Cakewalk, a dance that was “Originally devised as a way for slaves to mock their masters…”

Teenagers know that dance can be a form of rebellion; icons such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham knew that, too.

Dance can be a form of emotional release, happy, sad, or angry, and it can involve one’s entire body,

Henry Alford.

Photo by Greg Villepique.

And Then We Danced: A Voyage into the Groove by Henry Alford.

Simon & Schuster, 2018 | $26.

almost without thought. Any good church choir can tell you that dance is spiritual.

With the right group, it can bring on feelings of nostalgia. And dance, if you need it, can be healing.

There are a few pleasant little surprises to this book about moving your body: it’s also Alford’s memoir, and it’s a series of mini-biographies of dancers you may know and admire. And it’s delightful.

Part of the reason is that Alford uses his youth as example here: he was a gawky kid who tried very hard to ignore his gayness, an attempt that made junior high boy-girl dances understandably more awkward. His tales

are mostly universal (who didn’t hate forced dance class?) and they’ll make you laugh, while anecdotes of researching to write this book – Alford dives into dance, remember – are woven between the life stories of Murray, Duncan, Graham, Savion Glover, Toni Bentley, and other dancers, as well as lighter-side dance history through the ages.

Yes, there are “Awww, naw” moments along here with the Nae Nae, but the joy in this book supersedes any sadness. All in all, it’s a quickstepper, and for a hoofer, ballerina, line dancer, or anyone who shimmies and bops, And Then We Danced will have you on your feet.

Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm, lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 13,000 books. She’s been reading since age 3 and, to this day, she never goes anywhere without a book.

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FEBRUARY 2018

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Complimentary Consultation EchoMag.com

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DRAG CALENDAR SEPTEMBER Sept. 22

11 p.m.

SEÑOR SUSHI

Galilea Sodi & Friends

Sept. 23

6 p.m.

THE ROCK

ArizonaDrag.com presents POSE: The Competition

Aug. 19

9 p.m.

BRODIE’S TAVERN

Diamond Divas hosted by Jessica Michaels & Holly Woodland (Tucson)

Sept. 26

10 p.m.

KOBALT

MOD hosted by Doja Stevens

Sept. 27

10:30 p.m.

CLUB VOLT

Facelift hosted by Savannah & Whitney Stevens

Sept. 28

10 p.m.

THE ROCK

Lady Christian’s Trailer Trash Review hosted by Lady Christian

Sept. 29

9 p.m

CANS DELI

VAMP hosted by Jenna Dumay (Tucson)

Oct. 3

10 p.m.

KOBALT

Garden Varity Revue hosted by Olivia Gardens

Oct. 4

9 p.m.

STACY’S AT MELROSE

New Kings on the Block Show hosted by Blake Riley

Oct. 4

9 p.m.

IBT’S

The PlayHaus hosted by Haus of Kunt (Tucson)

Oct. 5

10 p.m.

THE ROCK

Barbra Seville Girlie Show hosted by Barbra Seville

Oct. 6

7 p.m.

VALLEY BAR

Retro Game Show Night hosted by Tempest DuJour

Oct. 6

10:30 p.m.

OZ BAR

Sinful Saturdays hosted by Sonja Jae Savage

Oct. 7

6 p.m.

BS WEST

Mister Az USofA M.I. & Miss Az USofA Diva 2018

Oct. 7

9 p.m.

THE ROCK

Late Nite Snax hosted by Benaddiction

Oct. 7

9 p.m.

BRODIE’S TAVERN

Diamond Divas hosted by Jessica Michaels & Holly Woodland

Oct. 9

9 p.m.

ORPHEUM THEATRE

RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World 2018 Tour

Oct. 10

10 p.m.

KOBALT

Barbra’s Big Break hosted by Barbra Seville

Oct. 11

9 p.m.

SKY BAR

NailPolish hosted by Allona Dee (Tucson)

Oct. 11

10 p.m.

CHARLIE’S PHOENIX

Charlie’s Phoenix welcome Valentina from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 9

Oct. 12

10 p.m.

THE ROCK

Barbra Seville Girlie Show hosted by Barbra Seville

Oct 14

3 p.m.

CRUISIN’ 7TH

The Cotton Club Revue hosted by Devina Ross

Oct 14

7 p.m.

IBT’S

Sucia Sunday’s hosted by Diva (Tucson)

Oct. 17

10 p.m.

KOBALT

2 Girls, 1 Cup hosted by Celia Putty

Oct. 18

9 p.m.

STACY’S AT MELROSE

Boys are Back in Town hosted by Blake Riley

Oct. 18

9 p.m.

SKY BAR

NailPolish hosted by Allona Dee (Tucson)

OCTOBER

Mark Your Calendars For Echo’s complete event listing, visit echomag.com/communitycalendar.

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Bar Guide

EVERY MONDAY 9 p.m.

KOBALT

Naughty or Nice Bingo hosted by Olivia Gardens

10 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

The Strip Factor hosted by Claudia B & Piper M’Shay

EVERY TUESDAY 9 p.m.

STACY’S @ MELROSE The Queer Agenda featuring Carnita Asada, Dahli, Rubye Moore and Benaddiction

EVERY WEDNESDAY 8 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

La Loteria hosted by Susan Martell & Juan

9 p.m.

BRODIE’S TAVERN

Naughty Drag Bingo hosted by Jessica Michaels (Tucson)

9 p.m.

IBT’S

Viva la Diva hosted by Diva (Tucson)

10 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

Diamond en Fuego hosted by Diamond Dallas

10:30 p.m.

KARAMBA

The Karime Lizaldi Show hosted by Karime Lizaldi

EVERY THURSDAY 9 p.m.

THE CASH

Truth or Dare Drag Bingo hosted by Freddy Prinze Charming & Felicia Minor

9:30 p.m.

BOYCOTT BAR

Glamourhood: Drag! Live Music! Dance! Comedy!

10 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

Pipin’ Hot Thursdays hosted by Piper M’Shay

10 p.m.

KARAMBA

Urban Thursdays hosted by Aubrey Ghalichi

EVERY FRIDAY 9 p.m.

PLAZMA

Freaky Fridays hosted by Celia Putty

9 p.m.

IBT’S

Flawless Fridays hosted by China Collins (Tucson)

10 p.m.

CLUB VOLT

4Some Revue hosted by Luna, Gigi, Joey & Toothpick

10:30 p.m.

CRUISIN’ 7TH

Thank Grande It’s Friday hosted by Espressa Grande

10:30 p.m.

BS WEST

Elements: The most decorated showcast in Scottsdale

11 p.m.

LA PUPUSA LOCA

Labios Rojos Show de Imitadores

EVERY SATURDAY 9 p.m.

IBT’S

9 p.m.

STACY’S @ MELROSE Keeping up with the McKenzies (starting Sept 29, 2018)

9:30 p.m.

AQUA NIGHT CLUB

Susana Martell Siluetas Travesty Show

10 p.m.

THE ROCK

The Barbra Seville Show hosted by Barbra Seville

10 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

Saturday Night Under the Stars hosted by Claudia B

10:30 p.m.

CRUISIN’ 7TH

Lady & The Tramps hosted by Lady Christian

Saturday Night Starletts hosted by Janee Starr (Tucson)

SPECIALTY DISH

EVERY SUNDAY 7 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

7 p.m.

STACY’S @ MELROSE Stacy’s Follies featuring special guests

11 p.m.

CHARLIE’S

Latin Explosion hosted by “The Latin Dynamite” Adriana Galliano (starting Sept. 23)

11:30 p.m.

AQUA NIGHT CLUB

Labios Rojos Show de Imitadores

bar guide

Fine Chinese Cuisine Wine  Cocktails

Pussy LeHoot & Friends

Honey Walnut Prawns 602.266.4463 Third Street / One Block S. of Osborn

www.chinachilirestaurant.com EchoMag.com

|

OCTOBER 2018

87

PHOENIX BARS

Phoenix Bar Guide

20 19

7 7

23 22 55 26 25 19 18

16 11 10

16 15 27

22 21 17

5th

9 8

32nd St. St. 32nd

8

Bethany Home

24 25 3 21 3 20

e.

Av

6

1 15 2 14

2

24 23

10 9

13 12 44

18 17

14 13

11 12 *MAP IS NOT *Map is notTO drawn DRAWN SCALEto scale

90 60 92

OCTOBER 2017 FEBRUARY 2018 2018|| |EchoMag.com EchoMag.com EchoMag.com

LOCAL BUSNESSES

11

ANVIL ANVIL

2424 E. E. Thomas Thomas Road Road 2424

602-334-1462 602-334-1462

M, D, D, L L M,

2 2

AQUA NIGHT AQUA NIGHT CLUB CLUB

1730 E. E. McDowell McDowell Road Road 1730

602-253-0682 602-253-0682

F, N, D, E, F, E, N D

3 3

BAR 11 BAR

3702 N. N. 16th 16th St. St. 3702

602-266-9001 602-266-9001

M, N, E, N M, E

4 4

eBAR BLISS/R BLISS REBAR

901 N. N. Fourth Fourth St. St. 901

602-795-1792 602-795-1792

MF,N,N,ER M,

5 5

BOYCOTT BAR BOYCOTT BAR

4301 N. N. Seventh Seventh Ave. Ave. 4301

602-515-3667 602-515-3667

MF, D, D, E E MF,

6 6

BS WEST BS WEST

7125 E. E. Fifth Fifth Ave. Ave. 7125

480-945-9028 480-945-9028

MF, D, D, E E MF,

77

BUNKHOUSE BUNKHOUSE

4428 N. N. Seventh Seventh Ave. Ave. 4428

602-200-9154 602-200-9154

M, N, L, N M, L

8 8

CARAVAN TAP ROOM CHARLIE’S

4835W.N.Camelback 15th Ave. Road 727

602-592-9386 602-265-0224

MF,C,E,E,ND M,

9 9

CHARLIE’S CLUB VOLT

727 Road 3108W. E.Camelback McDowell Road

602-265-0224 602-244-1465

M, MF,E,D,DE

10 10 10

CLUB VOLT CRUISIN’ 7TH

3108 Road 3702 E. N.McDowell Seventh St.

602-244-1465 602-212-9888

MF, M, ED, E

11 11 11

CRUISIN’ 7TH DICK’S CABARET

3702 Seventh 3432 N. E. Illini St. St.

602-212-9888 602-274-3425

M, M, E, G N

12 2 12 12

DICK’S CABARET FEZ

3432 Illini St. St. 105 W.E.Portland

602-274-3425 602-287-8700

M R

13 13 13

FEZ FLEX SPAS PHOENIX

105 St. Hwy 1517W. S. Portland Black Canyon

602-287-8700 602-271-9011

MF, R M, AO

14 14 14

FLEX SPAS PHOENIX KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB

1517 Canyon Hwy 1724S. E.Black McDowell Road

602-271-9011 602-254-0231

M, D, EA

15 15 15

KARAMBA KOBALT NIGHTCLUB

1724 E. McDowell Road 3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125

602-254-0231 602-264-5307

D, MF,E E, N

16 16 16

KOBALT LOS DIABLOS

3110 Ave., Ste. 175 1028 N. E. Central Indian School Road

602-264-5307 602-795-7881

MF, MF, E, R, N N

17 17 17

LOS DIABLOSSALOON NU TOWNE

1028 School 5002 E. E. Indian Van Buren St. Road

602-795-7881 602-267-9959

MF, N,LR M, N,

18 18 18

NU OFFTOWNE CHUTE SALOON TOO

5002 E.Seventh Van Buren St. 4115 N. Ave

602-267-9959 602-274-1429

M, M, L, AN

19 19 19

OFF CHUTE TOO OZ BAR

4115 1804N. W.Seventh BethanyAve. Home Road

602-274-1429 602-242-5114

MF, MF, A N

20 20 20

OZ BAR PLAZMA

1804 W.Osborn Bethany Home Road 1560 E. Road

602-242-5114 602-266-0477

MF, MF, N N, E

21 21 21

PLAZMA ROYAL VILLA INN

1560 4312 E. N. Osborn 12th St. Road

602-266-0477 602-266-6883

MF, E, N M, AO

22 22 23

ROYAL VILLA INN STACY’S @ MELROSE

4312 St. Ave. 4343N. N.12th Seventh

602-266-6883 602-264-1700

M, MF,AD, N

23 23 24

STACY’S @ NIGHTCLUB MELROSE & LOUNGE THE CASH

4343 N.McDowell Seventh Ave. 2140 E. Road

602-264-1700 602-244-9943

MF, F, C, D, DN

24 25 24

THE NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE THE CASH CHUTE

2140 Road 1440 E. E. McDowell Indian School Road

602-244-9943 602-234-1654

F, M,DAO

25 26 25

THE THE CHUTE ROCK

1440 E. Indian School 4129 N. Seventh Ave. Road

602-234-1654 602-248-8559

M, M, A N, E

26

THE ROCK

4129 N. Seventh Ave.

602-248-8559

MF, E, N

MAP CODES: 27 2601 ON CENTRAL A Adult Retail & Entertainment M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MAP CODES: MF Mixed Male/Female M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MF Mixed Male/Female

LOCAL BUSNESSES

2601 N. Central Ave. N Neighborhood Bar R Full Restaurant D Dance Club C Country Dancing A Adult Retail & Accomodations D Dance Club E Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag)

602-466-2074 MF, E, R L Leather/Bears E Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag) G Go-Go Dancers AO Accommodations/Other L Leather/Bears N Neighborhood Bar R Restaurant

EchoMag.com OCTOBER 2018 EchoMag.com EchoMag.com| || FEBRUARY 2015

91 61 93

BAR

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Superstar Alyssa Edwards

SPECIALS

Aug. 21 at Club Volt, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

BUNKHOUSE S $1 drafts & HH prices all day & night M 7 p.m. Darts with Acxell T Latin Night with Diego W 9 p.m. Karaoke T Underwear night: $1 off all drinks if in skivvies! GoGo dancers 9 p.m.

F 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Miller family products.

4 & 6 p.m.: Free-to-join poker S 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Bud family products

CHARLIE’S S Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open to close M 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 8 p.m.-close, 1/2 off drinks for wearing underwear, $3 Jack Daniels T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 cocktails & beer 8 p.m.close W 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; $3 Three Olives vodka, 8 p.m.close T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 drinks open-close F 2-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics, $3 pitchers; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $1 drafts 10 p.m.- midnight S Noon-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $3 Absolut & Bacardi 10 p.m.-midnight

STACY’S @ MELROSE S $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells, Open - 7p.m.; Showtime 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $1 Rolling Rock & Wells; $2.50 Bud Light; $3 Fireball shots 7 p.m.-Close; Happy Hours 10 p.m.-Close M Happy Hours; $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY T Happy Hours; $5 Martinis & $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY W 2-4-1 all day*; *no shots T Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells 8 p.m.-midnight F Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close S Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close 92

OCTOBER 2018

|

EchoMag.com

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos Out & About

t s e t a l e h t t Ge

, r e v e ! n r e e h v W ere h w at y a od t e b i r c s Sub

. m ra g o ch e / m o c . g a m o ech

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Superstar Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor friends Aug. 23 at Charlie’s, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

94

OCTOBER 2018

|

EchoMag.com

Out & About

EchoMag.com

|

OCTOBER 2018

95

24/7 GYM

PERSONAL & GROUP TRAINING AVAILABLE

Text rates to 474747 for more info Mention this ad and receive 1/2 off enrollment.

3135 E. Indian School Road. + 35 other Valley locations

96

OCTOBER 2018

|

EchoMag.com

= s p u k o Ho

Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Please support our advertisers who help keep Echo free

ACCOUNTANTS/ TAX PREPARATION Robert F. Hockensmith, CPA, PC Steve Price, CPA

77 85

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT Squirt The Chute

97 96

APARTMENTS

Fun Home, Phoenix Theatre Musical Instrument Museum Opening Act Phoenix Theatre Rainbows Festival Sparkle, Glitter, GLSEN The B*tch is Back WERQ The World

84 100 11

ASSISTED LIVING Bridgewater Assisted Living

73

Christine Cracciolo, Forakis Law Firm, PLC 71 Jackson White Attorneys At Law 85 Phillips Law Group 13

GALLERIES

AUTO SERVICES

Brooklyn Bedding Carpet Depot Don’s Painting Service Metro Cleaning Quandt Landscaping Rainbow Bug Tilton Electric TRM Roofing Valdez Refrigeration

Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair

4

AUTOMOBILE DEALER Right Toyota

69

BARS & CLUBS Bunkhouse Charlie’s Phoenix Stacy’s @ Melrose

91 9 89, 90, 91

BEVERAGES

Exposed Studio & Gallery

Smirnoff

45

DENTISTS My Dentist Open Wide Dental

79 10

33 84

99

79

95 77 84 73 84 84 85 77 85

73

INSURANCE 79 3 20

Maricopa County Community College District

Nelson Estate Jewelers

69

83

MARKETING

ELECTION 2018

850zip.com

HRC Turn Out 2018 Q The Vote

Foto Forum

Arizona Gay Realtors Alliance

OCTOBER 2018

|

3

Berney Streed, Re/Max Excalibur

84 3

Carrick Sears, SVN Desert Commercial Advisors

81

David Oesterle, ReMax

3

Fred Delgado Team, Keller Williams

3

Jan Dahl, HomeSmart

3

Matthew Hoedt, Realty One

3, 81 71

Nicholas Yale, Brokers Hub Realty

3

Shawn Hertzog, West USA

3

RELIGIOUS GROUPS Community Church of Hope

84, 88

RESTAURANTS China Chili

87

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

58

Hula’s Modern Tiki

57

Mother Road Brewing Co.

39

Easley’s Fun Shop

81

Off Chute Too

95

RETIREMENT PLANNING Calvin Goetz, Strategy Financial Group

83

3

SALONS 84

WELLNESS Adelante Healthcare

19

Anytime Fitness

96

Estrella Mountain Life Coaching

84

MORTGAGES

FitPro, LLC

84

IGNITE

52

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

34

21

Caliber Home Loans 71 Jeremy Schachter, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

3

Willo Medi Spa

85

To find out more about advertising in Echo, call 602-266-0550 98

75

32 15

EVENTS Latino Pride Festival

PHOTOGRAPHY

Salon 24

JEWELERS

EDUCATION

79

RETAIL

HOSPICE

Benefits Arizona Edward Vasquez, Allstate Health Markets Insurance

69

CVS specialty Pharmacy

Melinda Murphy, Lifestyle Partners

HOME SERVICES

Hospice of the Valley

Fairmont Pharmacy

Bradley B. Brauer, HomeSmart

FUNERAL SERVICES Abel Funeral Services

ATTORNEYS

85

FINANCIAL SERVICES Discover Card JW Advisors Inc.

PHARMACIES

REALTORS

FASHION What Would Oscar Do?

East and West Apartments Mark Taylor Properties Peak 16

46 5 46 30, 31 82 2 17

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