250 ION Arizona January 2023

FESTIVAL OF TREES

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Happy New Year!

AI: The Future is Here

Last month for the first time ION Arizona didn’t have people on the cover. Instead, we paid tribute to Club Q by displaying five roses representing the five people lost in Colorado Springs. The 19 leaves symbolized the 19 injured while the dried roses on the table represented the 49 Club Pulse victims; we tend to forget tragedies. I’m so proud of our team for taking up this challenge for our cover and breaking with our norms. Hopefully this will help keep all the victims in our memories and help us heal.

When I was a kid, artificial intelligence referred to someone who thought they were smart but weren’t. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) brings new meaning. In a creative business like ours, everything you see and read was created by talented people. In the future you won’t know who or what created anything. A little scary for many industries, but also exiting. This month’s cover feature was created by our Creative Director, Alex Campos, totally using AI, another ION first. This technology is in its infancy but it’s truly ground breaking.

As we celebrate a New Year it’s always good to look back and appreciate how far we have come: Lessons learned. People we’ve lost. Friends we made. Milestones we celebrated. This month, while ION Arizona is almost 22 years old, my company, JMT Designs is celebrating 28 years.

As we celebrate the past and look forward to a better future, I want to thank all the hard working creative team we have had over the years. I also want to thank you for sticking with us, supporting our advertisers and for getting involved in your community. We’ve all laughed, cried, and learned together. The best is yet to come.

Jack M Tesorero

PS This article was NOT written with AI. Yet!

ION EVENTS

PHX ATTRACTIONS

Kenny Thames & The Messengers at Bunkhouse

Hit me, daddy! Eight to the bar! Simmer down with some hot and cool jazz with Kenny Thames and his combo, The Messengers, every Sunday night at 7 p.m. at Bunkhouse, 4428 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix. Can you dig it? Cool, daddy-o! And mommy-o, too! Sundays

FLEX Spas Phoenix

Temps are dropping this winter, but things are heating up at FLEX Spa! This private spa has theme nights to make your thermometer rise, if you know what we mean. Wednesdays is Pup & Fetish Gear night, wear your jockstrap on Thursdays, and Friday is Blackout Night, plus daily specials. 1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy. in Phoenix. Visit FLEXspas.com to find out more.

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Get set for Season 15 with 16 bloodthirsty queens vying for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar!” Barbra Seville runs the show at Kobalt with fun & games, while Clayton McKee hosts a viewing party at Stacy’s @ Melrose, screening the show from week before in case you missed it.

Friday nights, beginning January 6 at 7 p.m.

Kenneth Blake as Dolly Parton

French toast and Falsies! The blondacious Barbra Seville welcomes the legendary Phoenix ex-pat Kenneth Blake for two brunch spectaculars! Saturday, 11 a.m. January 7 at Copper Blues, 50 W. Jefferson in downtown Phoenix, and Sunday, 11 a.m. January 8 at the Hot Chick, 4363 N. 75th St. in Scottsdale.

Bats, mitts, nets, gloves, pins, targets, and balls … oh, yes … lots and lots of balls, boys! Whatever your “racquet” is, there’s something for you. Some league’s are already underway, some begin soon; ION gives you the rundown on LGBTQ+ inclusive sports leagues in the Valley and how everyone can join in the fun this Winter & Spring. Remember, it’s not about whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. Well, winning is usually better. Trust us. Anyway …

Cactus Cities Softball League

22 teams, 20 per team max. Sure, these players love the game, but they also believe in developing LGBTQ+ ties by playing slow pitch softball. Games are played at Cesar Chavez Park 7858 S. 35th Ave. in Laveen. Look for the the annual Marla Hooch Chili Cook-Off at Charlie’s in March, and the Saguaro Cup coming on April with closing party at Charlie’s. CactusRegistration open through February 11. For details visit CactusCities.com

ALPHA - Hockey

Hey! Puck you! The Arizona Legacy Pride Hockey Association is an adult developmental ice hockey league for all cultures, sexualities and gender identifications in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Visit AZPrideHockey.org for details.

AZ Gay Volleyball Association

Games are already underway with 2-man, 4-man, and 6-man (gals are allowed, too!) teams who play every Mon. Tues. and Weds. night at Steele Indian School Park. Visit AZGV.org for more information.

Out Loud Sports League Phoenix

All sexualities, genders and personalities are welcome. For more info about Pickleball, Shuffleboard and Kickball registration happening through January, check out OutLoudSports.com/Phoenix and join their Facebook group.

Cactus Dodgeball

This recreational league plays all over Arizona offering Foam, and No-Sting Dodgeball Leagues, plus an elite/competitive practices every Tuesday and Thursday night starting January 31. More information is at CactusDodgeball.com

Cactus Tennis Alliance

Grab your racquet and swing on down to the Phoenix Tennis Center 6330 N. 21st Ave. Drop-in Tennis Fridays and Sundays. Search “Cactus Tennis Alliance” on Facebook for more information or e-mail Omar Garcia at CactusTennis@outlook.com The Cactus Open is February 18-20. Registration is now open.

Gay Bowling Phoenix

This league of knocks pins down nearly every night at Let It Roll, 8925 N. 12th St. at Dunlap in Phoenix. For details about the 2023 season and how to sign up visit GayBowlingPhoenix.com

Phoenix Gay Flag Football League

The Fall Season just finished, but follow these sportsters on Instagram and Facebook at “PGFFL” and check out at PGFFL.com for info about the upcoming

Gay & Lesbian Association of Darts (G.L.A.D.)

Bull’s eye! Sharpen up those darts! Find out more about this popular league when you check out their page on Facebook, visit GLADPhxAZ.org or email them at GLADPhxAZ@gmail.com

Fun & Games with PHX Fray

PHX Fray registration is open for a for select leagues in January. There’s something for everyone! They even have cornhole! (Not that kind of “cornhole!” Dirty birdies!) To find out more, to register and sign up, check them out at PHXFray.com or search for them on Facebook.

Frontrunners & Frontwalkers Phoenix

Get on your feet! This is a running and walking club for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Join them for weekly run, walks and trail runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They have all speeds and levels. There’s no cost to join. More information is available at PhxFrontrunners.org

Phoenix Storm Rugby Club

This local league’s rough and tumble game is inclusive and all fitness levels are welcome! But you better be a touch cookie! Check them out at PhoenixStorm.org and on Facebook.com/PhoenixStormRFC

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ION ARTS

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

An electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin. This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph featuring a live band and unforgettable vocalists. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St. Phoenix. Tix: 602-262-7272 or AmericanTheatreGuild.com/Phoenix

January 13-15

Tosca

Picture it. Rome. June, 1800. Puccini’s political potboiler tells a story of love, jealousy, betrayal, lust, and self-sacrifice. The action takes place over a span of less than 24 hours making it a white-knuckle thrill ride. Does anybody die? Of course. It’s an opera! Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. in Phoenix. Tix: 602-266-7464 or go to AZOpera.org

January 20-22

Jesus Christ Superstar

EGOT winners Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s legendary rock opera juggernaut about Jerusalem’s number one singing troublemaker, Jesus Christ and his band of Christian hoodlums. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. in Tempe. Tickets: ASUGammage.com or call 480-965-3434

auntritas

1899

When international travelers steaming across the Atlantic find an abandoned ship with only one spooky kid and a magic beetle on board, the journey goes from hopeful to horrific. We’re digging the hot priest and his sexually predatory playboy gay brother. This makes the Titanic’s maiden voyage look like a pleasure cruise.

ION STREAMING

The Almond and the Seahorse

Two women grapple to understand their partners who suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Together they “fight to re-imagine a future” that has cast them adrift from the people they love, finding solace in each other’s arms. Starring newly queer Rebel Wilson in her first dramatic role. Theatrical release simultaneous with streaming.

Bros

This major studio gay rom-com that got so much press about people not going to see it that nobody ended up going to see it. Now’s your chance to not see this charming, funny, screwball love story between two white cis gay men. Don’t take it so seriously. Co-written and starring Billy (On the Street) Eichner.

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2424 E. Thomas Rd. (602) 334-1462 3702 N. 16th St. (602) 266-9001 4301 N. 7th Ave. (602) 515-3667 7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale (480) 945-9028 4428 N. 7th Ave. (602) 200-9154 1730 E. McDowell Rd. (602) 253-0689 202 N. Central Ave. (602) 254-8226 727 W. Camelback Rd. (602) 265-0224 3702 N. 7th St. (602) 212-9888 3432 E. Illini Rd. (602) 274-DICK 105 W. Portland St. (602) 287-8700 1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy. (602) 271-9011 222 E Portland St (Cambria) (602) 675-3500 5114 N. 7th St. (602) 265-8454 1724 E. McDowell Rd. (602) 254-0231 8925 N. 12th St. (602) 795-6007 3110 N. Central Ave. Ste 175 (602) 264-5307 3347 N. 7th Ave. (602) 277-4831 5002 E. Van Buren St. (602) 267-9959 1804

Global shifts are unfolding, largely because of temperamental Pluto. Mercury retrograde lasts until January 18, and that could bring out some inner bitchiness. Have someone hold your earrings in case you gots to fight. ¶ Flirty Venus hooks up with power top Pluto on New Year’s Day, so break out the Astro-Glide and poppers! This pair sets the tone for your love life in 2023. Show someone how you love, and how you need to be loved, too. We all need it. Especially now. Now, take off your pants, baby. Get into bed! Pluto says so!

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

You’re impulsive (sometimes a little bit too much.) This year it works to your advantage and you’ll be pushed in the right direction. Your forgetfulness might land you in hot water.

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

HOMOSCOPES

ION

Everything seems to annoy you, especially around the New Moon. Quit yelling. A messy situation turns around to your advantage. Keep calm. You meet new people who help.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

Pluto return last year brought you lots of gifts, especially in the “intimacy” department. (Did you notice? You’re welcome.) It’s a good time to revisit significant moments in your life.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Mars is loafing around adding pressure. You might over-expect and be demanding. Just cut it out. Hard work and persistence pays off thanks to Saturn and Jupiter. Say, “Thank you.” Now.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

Expect a financial boon mid-January. You’re not gonna be rich or anything, but you’ll have a few extra dollars coming your way. This is all because of your buddy, Mars.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

Saturn has you feeling insecure. Screw that! It’s a new year! Devote yourself to a full, personal development. Everyone clamors for your attention. Just make sure it’s all the right ones.

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Mercury retrograde makes this a perfect time to reflect on long-term visions before you hit the ground running. You have the Golden Ticket to a spectacular new path. We all wish we were you.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

You’re a little aggressive, and others are feeling sensitive, so be nice. Mars makes you adventurous, but don’t get reckless and make bad decisions like you did last March. Nope. We haven’t forgotten.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

You’re blunt, but you’re also charming and independent. Feeling an emotional growth spurt? It’s because of Mars and Venus. You’ll gain from it. Expect positive transformations.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

It’s all about taking control. Take bold, creative leaps. Maybe at work, home, or with your hair. Who knows? Got a birthday? You’re not one for silliness, but a dream has you carefree since grumpy Pluto is moving out of your way for the first time in 15 years.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

It’s all about priorities. You often go ten different directions at once. Stop it. Now. Okay? Is it your birthday? It’s all about being noticed for you. Relax. It’s not a contest. Thanks to Pluto, you let your freak flag fly. (What else is new?)

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

Courage comes from Mars in retrograde. Be brave! You’ll discover that you’ve got the gumption to repair that little mistake you made last year. You know the one. Yes. That one.