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inferno foam bash
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Summer is Here. Are you Ready?
W
e live in exciting times. Good and bad. Change is everywhere.
Judgement Day
Well, it didn’t happen. In fact, it’s been moved to October 21st, 2011. But there have been major events happening around the globe that makes you think: Japan has experienced one of it’s worst earthquakes, followed by a tsunami, then a nuclear meltdown. There’ve been numerous volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes throughout the world. Forest fires engulf entire regions every year. The Midwest has had record flooding and killer tornados. On top of all that, the planet is fighting more wars on more fronts than ever before. It makes me happy to call Arizona home.
Gay Pride Month
While we celebrated our Pride festival in April, June is National Pride month. Phoenix Pride is hosting their annual Pride Gala June 11th. Another way to celebrate is by by packing up the car and spending the weekend in Flagstaff for “Pride in the Pines”on June 18th. ION is a proud sponsor and will be making the trip once again for a great, fun, cool weekend “up North”.
Summer in the Desert
Typically this time of year the Valley oven heat slows down our community to a crawl. Why should this summer be so different?
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Pumphouse II has new owners and will reopen as Claude’s Lounge. There’s a new male cabaret, JJ’s, and a new bar and restaurant, Paradise, in Mesa. Plus you won’t want to miss the “Miss Gay America Arizona 2011” preliminaries and the finale along with Mr. Gay Arizona USofA / Mr. Wild West USA at Anderson’s (formerly Forbidden). That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Check out all the events happening in an around our community.
Goodbye, My Friend
When I moved to Phoenix in 1998, I didn’t know anyone. After several months I ventured out into the Phoenix gay community and scared to death. One person came up to me, introduced himself and took me under his wing. He showed me the ins and outs of the community and inspired me to start ION Arizona. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Charles Bently II passed away late last month. I will never forget you, Charles, for your hospitality and friendship. You will be missed. Life is short. You only have one shot at it. Make the best of it. Sincerely,
Jack M. Tesorero - Publisher
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3819 North 3rd Street Ste. #10, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 308-4662 • Fax (602) 271-0939 www.IONAZ.com
ionarizona@me.com
Publisher / FOUNDER Jack M. Tesorero - Ext. 5 ................. jacktesorero@me.com
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Bill Knoop .................................................... (602) 301-8457 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Bushaw - Ext. 4 ..................... kbushaw@me.com Editor Deon Brown - Ext. 3 .................. ionazeditor@me.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Tom King ................................. ionarizona@me.com PRODUCTION & Artwork SUBMISSIONS ionazproduction@me.com Advertising Sales Jack Tesorero Ext 2 - ionazsales@me.com Photographers:
Michael Fragale Fernando Hernandez
Jerry O’Conner Don Thompson
Cover Photo by Fernando Hernandez National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 ContributORS:
Wes Bergman Addison DeWitt Jackson David Kelly Ted Kirby
Kim Ruff Joey Sarandos Paul Sanchez Scott Taylor
Published monthly by
1995-2011: 16 Years of Design and Creative Excellence
© 2011 JMT Designs, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN PHOENIX, AZ
All original artwork and photography for ION Arizona Magazine remain property of JMT Designs, Inc, and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee. NOTE: The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ION Arizona, its staff, or that of its parent company. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ION Arizona is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. To our knowledge, all people photographed and published in ION Arizona are over the age of 18. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove it from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos, and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ION Arizona is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.
Grand Opening “Take my hand ... I’m a stranger in Paradise.” You won’t want to miss the Grand Opening of the place to see and be seen June 10-11. Friday is the VIP cocktail reception, models, appetizers and more. On Saturday you’ll get martinis and manicures, appetizers, and Margarita Madness giveaways! Besides, you’ve gotta meet Rigo. Trust us. Last stop on the Light Rail at 1749 W. Main St., Mesa. RSVP@SWAYevents.com
GALA This is one very special evening honoring the contribution of businesses, organizations, political leadership and some of the amazing individuals who make up the GLBTQ community right here in our own back yard. Come for an evening of entertainment, awards, keynote speakers and Phoenix Pride Scholarship presentations on Saturday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Sheraton, 340 N. 3rd St. For more info and tix visit PhoenixPride.org
Flagstaff Pride At nearly 7000 feat above sea level, Flagstaff is the perfect getaway! Take a drive an celebrate Pride in the Pines! You’ll find food, fun, and entertainment along with lots of Lumberjack hospitality! Taylor Dayne takes the stage along with funny gal Suzanne Westenhoefer with Morgan McMichael’s in The Green Room. Saturday, June 18, Wheeler Park, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Kiki Vermont’s Amateur Strip Show Think you got what it takes to make guys get all hot ‘n’ bothered when you’re up on stage? Get your Little Monster in a pair of BVDs, (stuff it with a sock if you have to) and shake your moneymaker at Dick’s Cabaret on June 21! Every third Tuesday of every month at 10 p.m. is Kiki Vermont’s Amateur Strip Show! What’s more — there’s prizes! Start practicing! Dick’s Cabaret is at 3432 E. Illini St. Phone: 602-274-DICKS 20
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Jell-O Wrestling “Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle! Cool and fruity!” And we ain’t just talkin’ about the gelatin dessert, either! It’s not exactly how they did it in Ancient Greece or Rome, but put on a singlet and come to the cultural event of the season! The crowd pleasing Jell-O Wrestling comes back to Charlie’s on Saturday, July 9, benefiting the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus and the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. Doors open at 6 p.m. 727 W. Camelback Rd. Phone: 602-265-0224
JUNE 2011 ION EVENTS LISTINGS DATE EVENT & LOCATION CITY Mon. Poker - icepics Phoenix Tues. Martini Social Club - Apollo’s Phoenix Weds. Top 40 Wednesdays - Karamba Phoenix Thurs. Inferno Thursdays - Trinity Scottsdale Fri. Fiesta Fridays - Roscoe’s Phoenix Sat. Top 40 Saturdays - Karamba Phoenix 10 Salsa Lessons - Club Sutra Phoenix 11 Paradise Party - BS West Scottsdale 11 Phoenix Pride Gala - Sheraton Hotel Phoenix 10-11 Paradise Grand Opening Mesa 14 Locker Room Tuesday - icepics Phoenix 15 Britney Spears Party - Karamba Phoenix 17-18 Customer Appreciation - Dick’s Cabaret Phoenix 18 Flagstaff Pride - Wheeler Park Flagstaff 19 Barbra Seville’s B’day - Cruisin’ 7th Phoenix 19 Mr. Gay AZ US of A - Anderson’s Scottsdale 21 Kiki Vermont’s Amateur Strip Show - Dick’s Cabaret Phoenix 29 Barbra Seville Roast - Karamba Phoenix JULY 2 2 9
Uniform Party - BS West Beyoncé Party - Club Sutra Jell-O Wrestling - Charlie’s
Scottsdale Phoenix Phoenix
cityscape
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designer district fashion show
Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival Okay, so this is out of town, but this is a great way to discover some of the cuisine of northern Arizona’s finest restaurants and taste regional wines. Bid on auction items, travel packages and support the restoration, expansion of county parks, trails and open spaces. It happens at the Ft. Tuhill County Park, Exit 337 off I-17, three miles south of Flagstaff, June 11-12. Visit flagstaffwinefest.com for more info.
Chippendale’s See the boys who started it all, complete with little bowtie collars and cuffs and a little banana hammock. And that’s it. Okay, it’s a little old school, but take your aunt and mom to see the famed Chippendale’s strippers give the old girls a thrill. You might get a chubby out of it, too. 18+ Friday, June 17 at Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St.
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Hurry, hurry, hurry! The Greatest Show on Earth makes a stop in town. You’re never too old to enjoy the acrobats, lion tamers and the man on the flying trapeze, although the clowns coming out of the tiny car are still a little bit scary. Maybe a rogue elephant will trample the audience! It all happens June 22-27 at the US Airways Arena, 201 E. Jefferson. For tix visit TicketMaster.com or call 800-745-3000
JUNE 2011 ION around town listings DATE EVENT / LOCATION CITY Fridays Music at the Desert Botanical Garden 4-5 Folk Art Fair - Sharlot Hall Museum 7 Guy Fieri Food Show - Mesa Arts Center 11 Bloomin’ Beerfest - Irish Cultural Center 11-7/9 Prowl ‘n’ Play - Phx Zoo at Night 11-12 Flagstaff Wine ‘n’ Food Festival - Ft Tuhill Park 17 Chippendales - Celebrity Theatre 22-27 Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus - US Airways Ctr. 4 Phoenix Fabulous Fourth - Steele Indian School Park
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Phoenix Prescott Mesa Phoenix Phoenix Flagstaff Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix
STRUT Heats Up
icepics By Deon Brown Photos by Jerry O’Conner Makeup Caroline Winkler & Lauryn 26 bywww.IONAZ.com JuneMichelle 2011
They say, “Dance like nobody’s watching.” Forget it. The men
of STRUT love to dance and they love it when people watch. Since January, audiences have been watching Geo, Emilio, Ish, and Dallas — well — struttin’ their stuff. And they keep getting better all the time. The enthusiastic and charming STRUT promoter, director, producer and co-founder John Griffey attended the Mr. Gay US of A pageant when he saw all the talent men could do instead of traditional female drag.
Audiences have had the opportunity to see STRUT perform at a variety of locations, including pageants and galas, but they’re happy to call icepics videobar their home. They perform the last Sunday of every month to packed house. “Icepics has been so supportive. We couldn’t do it without icepics.” “We’ve been discussing more options for performing in the future. We’re hoping to go to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Pride celebrations out of state. “We really want the community to have a chance to experience STRUT,” Griffey said. “It’s really an amazing, fun-filled show; It’s not raunchy. Although there is a little bit of skin and it’s a bit sexy, it’s not a beefcake show. You could bring anybody! Bring your mother. Bring grandma!”
“I discussed it with the Geo, the Arizona contestant, and we figured, ‘Why not?’” Griffey “We’re the dancers...” L to R Geo, explained. Emilio, Dallas, & Ish June 19th the pageant, “But the best part of “Matrix,” includes a STRUT is watching double crowning: the second annual Mr. the men of Phoenix showcase their talent. Gay Arizona US of A, and the first ever Mr. It’s something different, something new. Wild West US of A, a regional pageant with At the end of the day it’s really about the contestants coming in from Las Vegas, camaraderie. They’re a great team. All the Nevada and California. men have something to bring to the table. We honestly couldn’t do it without them, and the support of others you don’t see on Catch it at Anderson’s Fifth Estate (formerly Forbidden) at 6820 E. Fifth the stage.” Avenue, Scottsdale beginning at 6 p.m. VIP tables for four are available for $100 STRUT dancer and choreographer Emilio or $15 at the door. Advance tickets are said, “It’s a lot fun what can we can come $10, available at Boom Boom LaRue’s. For up with. From a blank page you come up more information call John Griffey at 602with an idea. We all work together, cut the 403-9414 or email him: JHN249@aol.com music, rehearse it, and put it on stage and entertain people.”
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Bruno Mars In addition to “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade” this talented little hooligan in the funny little pork pie hats also wrote the catchy “Right Round” by Flo Rida and the negative “F%#k You,” which isn’t very nice, if you ask me. Catch the Grammy Award winning Best Male Pop Vocal Performance artist at The Comerica Theatre on Wednesday, June 15 at the Comerica Theatre 400 W. Washington. For tix visit TicketMaster.com or call 602-379-2888
Britney Spears Oops! She did it again! The sluttiest Mousketeer of them all seems to be past her crazy spells and is back on the road. After all ... it’s Britney, bitch! You can still get a piece of her live, on stage along with the kookie Nicki Minaj on Wednesday, June 22 at the Jobing.com Arena. 9400 W. Maryland Ave. Tix at TicketMaster.com or call 800-745-3000
NKOTBSB Oh. My. God! It’s a a boyband wet dream come true! Combine New Kids (that’s a bit of a stretch now that they’re in their 30s) On The Block and Backstreet Boys (approaching their 40s) minus hottie Kevin Richardson. They’re still hangin’ tough and larger than life. The only thing that would make it perfect would be NSync. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson. Visit TicketMaster.com or call 800-745-3000.
JUNE 2011 ION Concert Calendar DATE ARTIST LOCATION 2 Al Jarreau Wild Horse Pass Casino 3 Kansas Celebrity Theatre 3 Tim McGraw Ashley Pavilion 10 Aqualung 40th Anniversary Tour Comerica Theatre 10 “Weird Al” Yankovic Wild Horse Pass Casino 15 Bruno Mars Comerica Theatre 16 Dr. John & Mavis Staples Celebrity Theatre 16 Rush US Airways Center 17 The Oak Ridge Boys Wild Horse Pass Casino 17 Motley Crue, Poison & NY Dolls Ashley Pavilion 19 Luis Miguel Comerica Theatre 22 Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj Jobing.com Arena 30 NKOTBSB & Matthew Morrison US Airways Center
PHONE 800-840-0457 602-267-1600 800-745-3000 602-379-2888 800-840-0457 602-379-2888 602-267-1600 800-745-3000 800-840-0457 800-745-3000 602-379-2888 800-745-3000 800-745-3000
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by Jackson David Kelly jacksonkelly@cox.net
Yo, DJ! What’s New? In addition to these, check out new albums from BT (remixes), Paul Simon, Neil Young, Jill Scott, David Cook, Vanessa Carlton, Depeche Mode (remixes), Matt Nathanson, Pitbull and Ledisi.
Lady Gaga
Born This Way By now the whole planet has already heard Gaga’s new album. Much in the way Alanis and Lauryn suffered from sophomore slumps, Gaga will also experience some setbacks. Though she did right by “venting steam” with the release of singles prior to its official debut, the critics will still ask, “What happened?” However, this album is great with mostly upbeat, electronified jams. It’s only when you compare it to its predecessor and to an unjust anticipation where it falls short. As a stand alone album it listens quite well. Track of choice here is “Americano” with its haunting, lush and full sound while “Government Hooker,” “Judas” and “Scheisse” all give great support. GRADE: B
Above and Beyond Group Therapy
Their debut is considered to be one of electronica’s significant albums of the 2000’s. Though mainly known for remixes, A&B flex their musical muscles to give you an original album that starts and finishes beautifully. My only criticism is a deficiency of instrumental tracks. Much in the way “Filmic” and “Sun in Your Eyes” provides subtle and atmospheric sounds, the rest proves more commercial with vocal contributions and a concept that is full of “oomph.” Mix the best of ATB, Paul van Dyk and Schiller and you have this outstanding release. Arguably, “Love is Not
Enough” is the standout track here, but also check out “Sun & Moon” as well as “You Got to Go.” GRADE: ASoundtrack
Book of Mormon
Two 18-year-old missionaries travel to Uganda to spread their beliefs. Mix that with a vulgarity and a politically incorrect context, and you have the brilliance of the newest Broadway sensation. Nominated for 14 Tonys, this cast recording finally hits shelves this month. Most of the music is straightforward, but with some African undertones that makes it more worldly. It’s original, hilarious and not for the faint of heart. It’s South Park meets Jack Black meets Avenue Q. Though no single track is meant to stand out, this recording works and provides great visions of a show that makes you pee your pants. GRADE: B
Jackie Evancho Dream With Me
Eat your heart out, Charlotte Church. Fresh off a second place finish on America’s Got Talent, this 11-year-old hopes to be as famous as Gaga and give Sarah Brightman a run for her money. Though I wouldn’t place bets on the former, she’s already ahead in the latter. Her depth and range is amazing while she tackles Disney, Broadway and opera and she does something Susan Boyle did not – have real crossover appeal. Working with 16 time Grammy winner David Foster sure doesn’t hurt either. Check out the single “Somewhere” with Barbra Streisand, “Nessun Dorma” and “Nella Fantasia.” GRADE: BJune 2011 www.IONAZ.com 35
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Les Misérables Not exactly a show that’ll leave you in a “feel good” mood. Based on a novel about “the wretched poor” by laff-meister Victor Hugo, the same guy who brought you the heartwarming story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this focuses on ex-con Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. Prostitutes! Factory workers! Revolutionaries! Catch this boffo blockbuster June 7-12 and you’ll be humming “I Dreamed A Dream” for a week. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. Tempe. For tix call 480-965-3434 or go to ASUGammage.com
Larry King “Take my ex-wives. Please!” CNN’s hard-hitting, tough-talking blabbermouth is retired from the Boob Tube but now he’s got an act as a stand up comedian. No kidding. Hilarious and insightful, each performance includes a Q&A session where the audience turns the tables and put the curmudgeon in suspenders in the hot seat. Check it out Sunday, June 12 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Phone: 877-840-0457
Eating Raoul Don’t spoil your appetite! Set in the late 1960s, Mary and Paul Bland start killing “swingers” for profit so they can open a restaurant. The self-described hot-blooded, emotional, crazy Chicano, Raoul, their sexy, swarthy janitor helps them dispose of the bodies. This little morsel is based on the 1982 midnight movie cult classic. Done only the way Nearly Naked Theatre can do it June 4-25 at the Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd. Visit NearlyNakedTheatre.org or call 602-254-2151 for tix.
JUNE 2011 ION THEATER + STANDUP DATE EVENT LOCATION 2-4 Ralphie May Standup Live - Citiscape 3-5 Kevin Farley The Comedy Spot 3-26 All Shook Up AZ B’way Theatre 7-12 Les Miserables ASU Gammage 8 Outsourced Comedy Tour The Tempe Improv 9-12 Pablo Fancisco Standup Live - CitiScape 10-11 Michael McDonald The Tempe Improv 23-26 Bobby Lee Standup Live - Citiscape thru 11 Abe Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party Stray Cat Theatre thru 12 The Music Man Mesa Arts Center thru 18 Eating Raoul Nearly Naked Theatre
PHONE 480-719-6100 480-945-4422 623-776-8400 480-965-3434 480-921-9877 480-719-6100 480-921-9877 480-719-6100 480-820-8022 480-644-6500 602-254-2121
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Eating Raoul: The Musical
An Appetizing Comedy in Deliciously Bad Taste! By Damon Dering Photos by Jerry O’Conner Art by38Tom King www.IONAZ.com June 2011
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t’s that time of year! Even as the temperatures start to rise, wonderful things always seem to happen in Phoenix: Snowbirds fly away, blockbuster movies arrive, swimsuits become acceptable mall-wear, guys start walking around with their shirts off, and Nearly Naked Theatre produces some crazy, zany, wild musical that always knocks our socks off. Who’d have thought you could take some lowbudget, 80s cult flick that has absolutely nothing to do with musical theater, singing or dancing, and turn it into a wacky, musical comedy? Many of you ‘young-uns’ might not have heard of it. As cult flicks go, it was kind of a sleeper. Still, it had a pretty good turn across the country, shocking audiences and making them laugh at the same time. Eating Raoul, the movie, had a just barely bigger budget than your typical 70s sexploitation film, but definitely a much lower-budget than any other 80s studio film and filled with all sorts of ridiculousness. Aside from a plot that has absolutely no basis in reality, it also had lots of gratuitous soft-core sex and violence and quite a bit of bad acting. You begin to wonder how much of that bad acting was on purpose. That’s when the true “wonderfulness” of Eating Raoul comes out. Just when you thought this was an experiment in “What if a sexploitation movie took itself seriously?” you realize that nothing about Eating Raoul takes itself seriously. We’ve learned from many campy Nearly Naked musicals, that is always a great musical-theater time!
name, they couldn’t be less interesting. She’s a nurse, he’s a wine salesman. They sleep in separate beds. Why? Sex and lust disgust them. They live in Los Angeles, the city of decadence, and their apartment building is overrun with swingers. Sexcrazed, 60s swingers. They have a dream to escape. They want to buy a restaurant in the country and live a peaceful, quiet life with no degenerates running naked down their hallways; however, Los Angeles has other plans. They realize that they have only a few weeks to come up with the money for their restaurant and they have no way to do it. Then it happens. Mary is attacked by a drunk swinger who almost rapes her, and when Paul saves her, they discover that these swingers seem to carry a lot of cash around. They concoct a plan to pretend to be swingers, get the perverts to their apartment, and rob them. What happens to the swingers? As far as Paul and Mary are concerned, who cares? Their plan is almost foiled when Raoul, the hot, young
So, how ridiculous is it? Well, it’s about a very square married couple named Paul and Mary Bland. Just like their last
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Latino superintendent catches on. And Raoul wants in on the deal — and into Mary’s bedroom. As the love triangle develops, Mary succumbs to a world of pleasure and loses sight of her goal to own a restaurant. She wants only to be walking, talking, breathing, sleeping and eating Raoul! Quirky, campy and even a shade kinky, Eating Raoul: The Musical owes as much to Sweeney Todd as it does The Rocky Horror Show. We all owe a bit of gratitude to Nearly Naked Theatre. They continue to find the funniest and hottest ways to make an Arizona summer a lot more bearable. Eating Raoul: The Musical is recommended for mature audiences (with immature tastes), containing adult language and themes, sexual situations and nudity. It runs June 4 – June 25 at The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix. Thu-Sat at 8 p.m. & Sun at 6 p.m. or 2 p.m. (alternating). For tickets call 602254-2151 or visit www.nearlynakedtheatre. org
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by Kimberly M. Ruff kimberlymruff@yahoo.com
Previews X-Men: First Class
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Till Ever wonder what mutant life was like before Charles Xavier (a.k.a. Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (a.k.a. Magneto) become sworn mortal enemies (a.k.a. archnemeses)? Well, now’s the time to throw away your speculative fan fiction that no one’s been reading anymore (your Blogger stats confirm; you’re a terrible writer), and check out X- Men: First Class! James McAvoy (Atonement) stars as a young Charles with Michael Fassbender as a young Erik. In the days before the great mutant schism, it becomes obvious that the world is “careening towards destruction” in a totally unspecific but wholly destructive way and the two must lead a team of mutants as they attempt to save the world. As time slips through the hourglass, Charles and Erik butt heads like deer during rutting season (without the rutting, of course), leading to an entire X-Men franchise that gave Anna Paquin something to do between “creepy girl” in The Piano and “creepy woman” in True Blood. Release Date: 06/03/2011.
universe is held in balance not by certain core principles of physics, but by a centuries-old order called The Green Lantern Corps. Naturally, they’re warriors, and in addition to taking an oath to protect, serve and keep order, they also get a ring that grants them superpowers. So far, everything’s gone swell. But now a new enemy, Parallax (which, from the sounds of it, is either a type of function in Calculus or a principle that comes into play in one of the laws of Thermodynamics), the Green Lantern Corps has a new recruit — Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) — that must save the day. The first human to join the Corps, he’s got the missing ingredient: humanity. If he can harness his new powers and infuse them with the right blend of humanity, he will save the day. If he also adds three sticks of butter to the mix, he will create Paula Dean. Blake Lively co-stars as fellow pilot/childhood sweetheart, Carol Ferris. Release Date: 06/17/2011.
The Green Lantern
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett According to revisionist historians of the comic book variety, our May 2011 www.IONAZ.com 45
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by Wes Bergman wesobergman@yahoo.com
Two if by Sea Undertow (2009)
Starring: Tatiana Astengo, Manolo Cardona, Cristian Mercado Set in a fishing village in Peru, Undertow is a wonderfully told modern ghost story and a heartbreakingly beautiful film. Miguel (Cristian Mercado) has two lives — one, in which he’s a devoted husband and expecting firsttime father, and another in which he has a fulfilling romantic relationship with his male lover. Yet, social mores and the stigma of homosexuality in his small, tight-knit and highly-religious village preclude Miguel from allowing his relationship with Santiago (Manolo Cardona) to step out on dry land. When Santiago’s life abruptly ends after getting caught in the undertow, Miguel finds himself haunted by his ghost. In order to release Santiago’s spirit, he must locate his body and bury him properly with a service by the sea. To make this happen will require Miguel to be honest about an entire part of his life he managed to keep hidden while Santiago was alive. I can’t even begin to express to you how supremely beautiful this movie is. I was so touched by the storyline, the richness of the characters, and the purity of the acting, I found myself in absolute hysterics at several key points in the film. Usually when we get movies to review, I think, “Yes, this would be good for our demographic”, but this is one of those rare occasions where I see something so wonderfully done, I want everyone to see it. Available from WolfeVideo.com
A Marine Story (2010)
Starring: Dreya Weber, Paris P. Pickard, Anthon Michael Jones Alexandra Everett (Weber, The Gymnast) has been one in a long, proud tradition of military service in the Everett Family. Yet after getting caught in the vicious web that is the Armed Force’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, she is forced to discharge honorably from the Marines. Returning to her hometown, she’s immediately entrusted with the task of prepping a misguided young woman, Saffron (Pickard), for basic training. At the same time she helps her young protégé put her past behind her, she’s forced to deal directly with her own — including admit some things about herself she wasn’t willing to share both in (and out of) the military. The entire film is rock solid, but the most notable element is Dreya Weber’s performance as Alexandra. She shuttles effortlessly between being her hard-edged persona as a military lifer and the almost girlishly sincere side as a woman struggling to reconcile the two fractured elements of her life. Outside of her performance in the film, Weber is an absolutely fascinating woman — an accomplished aerialist (an air-bound gymnast) who has helped choreograph shows for Cirque du Soleil, P!NK, and Madonna, she’s also a well-known actress and did a wonderful job in another film, The Gymnast. Point is, it’s a great, great film and please, fellas, don’t shy away from watching it because it deals with a Lesbian. You love art and this film is art. Ladies, put this on your “must see” list. Available from WolfeVideo. com June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 47
Drag Race Winner
Raja! by Deon Brown All Photos by Traver Rains unless otherwise noted
Her Glitter, Glamour and Gleam... Drag Race Superstar Headlines Dragalicious
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aja, the celebrated winner in season 3 of LOGO TV’s smash hit RuPaul’s Drag Race won the crown this year, plus the $75,000. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. As Sutan Amrull he spent six seasons as a makeup artist on America’s Next Top Model, and at 36-years-old he’s an accomplished performer and artist — more than just your garden variety drag queen, although he describes himself as a “Tranma.” His famous “Carrie Bucket-of-Blood” hat is on loan to Planet Hollywood in Times Square. He even taught his bestie, Adam Lambert, all he knows about eyeliner, blush and lip gloss. Look how that paid off for him!
give out for this year’s Christmas gifts. ION: Did your heritage and experience affect your world view and performance? RAJA: I think so. My parents instilled that. It’s been the encouragement of my parents that make me think and function the way I do. I’ve traveled a lot and I’m really lucky. I grew up in Baldwin Park, in the ‘Hood, and it really taught me a lot. I was a teenager there, walking around in a Caesar haircut, platforms and cut-off short. Chollos in low riders were throwing things at me. That was the most challenging place I’ve ever lived. West Hollywood is a piece of cake compared to that. ION: Long days filming while standing in heels. Cloistered from the world. Cat fights. Would you do it again? RAJA: That’s a tough one. Sure. Above and beyond anything, it was a great learning
Amrull’s exotic Indonesian/Dutch heritage and experience growing up in Bali and Jakarta — where Gay men were called “banci” (bonkee) the equivalent of “faggot,” and Los Angeles’s Baldwin Park helped shape his experiences before he became the acclaimed, high fashion, magical creature we all know today as Raja. Amrull spoke to ION Arizona about the “reality” of reality TV, advice for all of today’s youth, and what he’s planning to June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 49
experience. You’re separated from everything you know and love for six weeks. You’re forced to do a lot of introspection and challenging yourself. Really looking inward. ION: Now, just how shitfaced do the dolls get in the show’s “Interior Illusions Lounge”? RAJA: We don’t get shitfaced at all! At the beginning we kinda did, but they started taking our cocktails away so we could only have one. (Laughs) So you had to enjoy that one cocktail. You only shoot that part in about an hour. ION: The “Heathers” clique was a little controversial. Do you regret the creation? RAJA: A little!? (Laughs) I don’t regret it. We came up with that when the cameras weren’t rolling. The four of us [Raja, Carmen Carrera, Delta Work, Manila Luzon - Ed.] really gravitated with each other. Everybody loves those movies, Heathers and Mean Girls. We’re not actual bullies. We’re big ol’ geeks who were picked on as well. It was in the confines of 50
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competition. In the last two seasons there were never really “teams.” I knew going into it there had to be something sensationalistic. Some controversy. I even thought there might be somebody I would do kaikai with. [When two drag queens have sex together. - Ed.] but no. ION: Rule #1: Reality TV isn’t. Was much about Drag Race “engineered” by the studio? RAJA: “Engineered” is kind of a strange word. I would say about 40%. They really wanted us to speak, so that’s where they really sort of “engineered” it. Most of the time we were really tired and we’d just sit there and look at each other. They were, like, “No, no, no, no! No sitting! You and you — go talk about this. You and you — talk about that.” It’s important to have that or else you’d just have a bunch of exhausted drag queens sitting around and staring at each other. ION: Who did you think would be your biggest competition? RAJA: Alexis Mateo. When I first walked in and she had that sparkly, feathery number. I never saw any of the girls in the past two seasons rocking such beautiful, pageant style rhinestones and feathers. I thought, “Okay, this one might be the one I have to watch out for.”
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Also Manila. Her personality really stuck out because she was so loud and really abrasive. I really thought I was going to dislike her. Severely. But we talk every other day. We’re very close. And Mariah: I thought I’d really have to look out for her. ION: Tell us about the judges. RAJA: Michelle Visage scared me the most. I thought, “Oh my god, this woman is gonna attack us all! She’s just painted so evil. She’s got those villain brows. Really, she’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. We’ve kept in touch. The very last day we got to talk to some of the judges — they
wouldn’t let them speak to us during the entire season. Meeting Michelle was such a blessing. ION: The makeup mirrors are twoway. What was it like with cameras filming while you’re painting? RAJA: There’s part of me that likes to be watched. I’m a total exhibitionist that way. Knowing that there was a camera back there was intriguing. I’m kind of naughty in some ways. You’d kind of forget the cameras were there then you see the red light of the camera past the mirror instantly. ION: Can we have some Kryolan lipstick? You won a lifetime supply. RAJA: I don’t even know what that means yet! I can’t imagine getting more Kryolan. I know a lot of people are gonna be getting Kryolan for Christmas.
Photo by Lee Cherry
ION: You’ve become a bit of a role model. Your advice for young, GLBTQ people? RAJA: Being steadfast, strong and confident — and this doesn’t necessarily go out to Gay people, but to any young person who feels like they’re a little bit freakish and picked on and doesn’t feel like they quite fit within a group. The ultimate goal is to always 52
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be authentic and be true to yourself. Be the best you can be. I remember in high school people calling me “freak” and “fag” and all of these awful names. I remember saying, “You know what? When I get out of here I’m gonna be the best freaky fag the world has ever seen!” That motivated me. I knew that whatever limitations people tried to put on me, there was something outside of that. Something greater and more fulfilling. Young people need to realize that.
time a lot of time at home where I can create things and just be in my head. I’ve always been like that; ever since I was a little boy. I played alone a lot. I think that’s how you harvest these creative ideas. You listen to these really cool voices in your head. People don’t realize that I’m a lot warmer than I appear. I’m pretty easy going. Also, a lot of my tattoos are from Phoenix. Most of my left arm was done there, and my right arm, too. I’m just a big ol’ glitter hippy!
ION: What would you like readers to know about you? RAJA: I’m a Gemini. So that people don’t realize, is there’s a side of me that’s really quiet and likes to be alone. I definitely like to spend
This July ArizonaDrag.com celebrates two years of supporting and promoting the art of Drag in Arizona with Dragalicious II. The celebration begins on Friday, July 8 with the First Annual Diamond Crystal Awards. Ten awards will be presented including the ArizonaDrag.com Hall of Fame Award, and King of the Year and Queen of the Year at The Rock. Saturday July 9, ArizonaDrag.com presents Dragalicious II with special guest, Raja. Guest performers include Showgirlz; Arizona Miss Gay Copper City America, Di Va; the Men of Strut and hosted by Barbra Seville. Two seatings, 7 and 11 p.m. only. Hurry! There are only 100 tickets per show; $60 VIP include a Meet-n-Greet with Raja, and $40 General Admission tickets are available on ArizonaDrag. com
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JoeY ARIaS & Sherry Vine
Photos by Deon Brown
Miss Gay Arizona America 2011 This is one of the big ones, folks! Beauty, brains, talent, poise, charm! And all of these “girls” have something “extra.” Seriously. It all starts on Saturday, June 25 with the Miss Gay America Preliminary Competition at 6 p.m. at Charlie’s followed by the Official Miss Gay Arizona-America Review Show hosted by 1992 Arizona winner Pussy LeHoot and guest starring Miss Gay America 2000, the lovely Catia Lee Love, honoring 2001 Arizona Queen Phaedra. Sunday June 26th at Tempe Center for the Arts is the final night competition 6 p.m. For more info email WickedProAZ@aol.com. Prelim tix available at BrownPaperTickets.com
JUNE 2011 ION DRAG LISTINGS DATE
TIME LOCATION SHOW / PERFORMER(S)
Wed 1 Fri 3 10:00pm Sun 5 Sun 5 8:00pm Sun 12 8:00pm Thur 16 9:00pm Sat 18 10:00pm Sun 19 8:00pm Sun 19 8:00pm Wed 22 9:00pm Thur 23 & 30 8:00pm Fri 24 10:00pm Sat 25 6:00pm Sun 26 8:00pm Sun 26 6:00pm
The Rock The Rock The Rock Apollo’s Apollo’s The Rock The Rock Apolllo’s icepics Charlie’s The Rock The Rock Charlie’s Apollo’s TCA
Dragtini Scandaleyez with Savannah Stevens ArizonaDrag.com presents Showgirlz Afeelya’s House of Bunz Tequila Nights with Tyra Marie Glamazon Barbra Seville’s BDay with Venus D’Lite The Cougar Cabaret Drag 007 with Dianna K. Shane Night at La Cage with Claudia B. and Nicole DuBois Summer Stock Trailer Trash Revue starring Lady Christian Miss Gay Arizona America Preliminary Benefit for Joplin, Mo. Miss Gay Arizona America Pageant
Mondays Tuesdays Tuesdays Wednesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Third Thursdays Fridays Fridays Saturdays Saturdays Saturdays Saturdays Sundays Sundays
Apollo’s BS West Karamba Cruisin’ 7th Charlie’s Karamba Trinity Cruisin’ 7th BS West Cruisin’ 7th The Rock icepics Charlie’s Charlie’s Karamba
Drag Bingo Stars of Tomorrow with Kendra St. James Savannah Moussier Steppin’ Out with Judy & TC Claudia B. & Company Ruby Reynolds Inferno with Ruby Reynolds Devina’s TGIF Elements 7 Deadly Sins - followed by Mandi BoomBoom Host Mia Adams The Barbra Seville Show The Chane Jordan Show Pussy’s Patio Show Pussy LeHoot & Friends Diamond’s Show
9:30pm 8:00pm 10:30pm 10:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 10:00 10:30pm 9:00pm 10:30p 10:00pm 10:00pm 9:30pm 8:30pm 10:30pm
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S
It’s a Pita Jungle Out There
ometimes you want to get away from it all. Leave civilization behind. Run away. But then there’s the whole problem about accommodations, running water, bath facilities, blow dryers and hair product. And don’t even mention there’s no internet access, let alone nobody on Grindr. Then there’s all the bugs. Haven’t you seen Survivor?
Okay, so you’re tired of the rat race here in the city. Heck, even if you win, you’re still a rat, right? There might not be a solution to this. You can’t exactly chuck it all in. But if you were stuck in the middle of nowhere and were craving some great, fresh food that’s affordable, you’d want to be in a jungle. Pita Jungle. For 17 years Pita Jungle has been serving up creatively prepared, fresh — and amazingly affordable — dining that’s not only inventive, healthy and nutritious, but delicious. You won’t find that in the great outdoors. Pita Jungle’s emphasis is understandably on the Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern side; the founders’ heritage is Lebanese and inspired by their families’ recipes. Still, you’ll find many items, like the Gambas con Ajo (sauteed shrimp with garlic, cilantro in a light tomato sauce topped with cheese and pesto, $8.99) have a southwestern flair. A nod is given to the City of Brotherly Love with the Philly Steak or Chicken Pita for around $7.
Best of all, after nearly three years of negotiation, a long promised Pita Jungle opened up in the venerable Gold Spot Market on Roosevelt Street near Third Avenue six months ago. Serving a loyal and devoted downtown business and residential communities and ASU for 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) keeps them at the top of the food chain. The warm and enthusiastic manager of the newest, most fashionable, urban location, Andreane, credits her staff and kitchen with their success, acknowledging how social they are and how important customer contact is. No wonder; they serve 500-800 guests daily at this cozy, yet chic
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location. The art is all locally done and rotates every month. What do you choose, if you’re an urban Hunter/Gatherer? You’ve got 15 different appetizers, including faves like Tzatziki, Hummus, Dolmades and more for only mostly $6-$8 for generous servings. 14 different styles of their signature Pitas — both, hot and cold, including wraps — are up for grabs, but you’ll have to use both hands. A classic is their Mediterranean Roasted Chicken Schawarma. Tender chunks of breast, marinated with spices and lots of lemon give it its unique, tart flavor. Or try the traditional Beef Gyro. They range from around $6-$9. Four kinds of burgers are featured, although nothing on the hoof is featured, so the lion sleeps tonight in Burger Land. The Grilled Portobello Mushroom is a crowd pleaser, along with the Black Bean and Veggie Burger. Six
different WoodFired Pizzas are palate pleasers, too. Sample a bit of everything with the Mediterranean Platter. For only $10.99 you’ll get hummus, baba ganoosh, tzatziki, taboule, feta cheese, domades, falafel and green beens with two pitas. Wow! A wide variety of 11 large salads will make anybody happy, including chicken, seared Yellowfin Tuna, chicken pasta and Wood Fired Salmon. Pita Jungle’s large, spacious, airy dining room with big windows looking out include comfy, private booths. Take advantage of their patio, with an open window to the bar for easy ordering from their full bar. Try asking National Geographic for that. Make Pita Jungle a destination for your Happy Hour safari. From 3-6 p.m. 14 delectable tapas including domades, baba ganoosh, shrimp ajo and steamed mussels in a white wine sauce are all within easy reach at $1, $2 and $3. Quench your thirst at the watering hole with $3 beer, or try the sangria, or any of the three drafts on tap. For a little bit of fruit of the vine they have four white and eight red wines. Cocktails are $1 off. You can’t get that anything like that with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. It’s a great way to end the day, catch up with everybody, relax, and enjoy yourself. Stay a while. Relax. Have fun! After all ... isn’t that the law of the jungle? It is at Pita Jungle.
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Pita Jungle 1001 N. 3rd Ave. 602-2587482 pitajungle.com
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Night for life
More
THE PHOENICIAN
PHOTOS at www.IONAZ.com
BREAK OUT OF THE MOLD!
Event Date: Saturday July 9th at Charlie’s Phoenix. See their ad on page 44 Photography by Jerry O’Conner Art Direction by Scott Taylor & Kevin Bushaw Wardrobe courtesy N2N & Off Chute Too Cover Photo features Singlets from N2N June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 67
Tamara vs. Stephanie
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Micah vs. Jeff June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 69
Bree vs.
Mike 70
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Ash is wearing glasses from Mont Blanc and a Swimsuit from Sauvage
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Micah 72
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Freddy
Jeff
Mike, Brian & Kenny 74
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James Tudor Underwear Launches British Brief Invasion
8' x 4 ' black AND red logo on white vinyl, six grommets
J
ames Tudor, the uniquely British underwear company, is igniting its own pop invasion this summer with the launch of its pop-inspired Retro Collection. The sophisticated tailored briefs come in an assortment of 70s inspired colors from psychedelic pink to funky yellow. All include James Tudor’s signature button detailing and bold designer waistband. Until now, they’ve focused on classic British styling. The Retro collection introduces their brand’s first step into modern British pop culture. “We cater to today’s fashion forward man,” adds Alec Harrison. “Our customer takes
care of his appearance, and knows how to dress. He appreciates the fine details and regards his underwear as a key component of his wardrobe.” While emulating British tailoring, the collection also emphasizes a contemporary edge. In addition to the Retro Collection, James Tudor is introducing the Placquet Collection. They’ll also unveil the Battalion Crystal brief, featuring over 700 rhinestone crystals embellished within the James Tudor waistband logo and silver button detailing. The James Tudor Retro Collection is available online at LAJock.com.
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Vol. 5, Issue 1
JUNE 2011
OUTRAGEOUS! OUTRAGEOUS! Unfair and unbalanced. We decide.
ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL
Get Ready to Grindr Oprah Style! OUTRAGEOUS! CHICAGO — Daytime talk’s Chatty Cathy Oprah Winfrey retired from grilling and gloating on her TV sofa after 25 years last month. “I have my magazine ‘O’ and my new cable network, OWN, but the day-to-day business of sucking up to celebrities, selling books and giving away cars...it’s a real grind. That got me to thinking ... buying Grindr and Oprah-fying it would be perfect! I’m big with the Gays. Well, I’m just plain big, anyway. They all love me! Look at Stedman and Gayle! So get ready to GrOPRAH”
Say goodbye to the icons featuring pictures with hundreds and hundreds of headless torsos holding iPhones in a bathroom. Instead your screen will be tiled with picture after picture of Oprah. Fat Oprah. Skinny Oprah. Big Hair Oprah. Sad Oprah. Oscar Oprah. “Celie” Oprah. Filthy rich Oprah. Oprah, Oprah, Oprah. All Oprah. Every city. All the time. Oprah Grindr will feature GPS location accuracy within 328 feet of Chicago.
OUTRAGEOUS!
One Grindr member expressed some doubts
ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTHabout IS the TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL new format as GrOPRAH. Grindr, the enormously popular mobile social “app” which introduces men to men and allows them to chat to one another’s chest will be modified to fit new CEO Oprah with GrOPRAH!
Looking for Friends Only? Click on Oprah. Need to Network? Click on Oprah. Want to date? Click on Oprah. Seeking a relationship? Click on Oprah.
“I dunno,” said “Wassup, Dog?” in Asuza, California. “When I get on Grindr I might say that I’m looking for chat only, but I really just kinda wanna hook up, know what I mean? I’m not sure if only having hundreds of Oprahs to grope is really gonna work for me. And I really don’t wanna see her with her blouse off.”
OUTRAGEOUS!
GrOPRAH will debut later this month.
ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL
OUTRAGEOUS!
Palin Moves In.
There Goes the Neighborhood!
OUTRAGEOUS! OUTRAGEOUS!
ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL
SCOTTSDALE — An exclusive bedroom billiards room, wine cellar and Sno-Mobile Recreation Area. community in tony north Scottsdale near Hayden and Dynamite Roads is home “Not in my backyard!” groused one Cranky where the Valley’s struggling, filthy rich Old Man. “It sends a bad message once you barely manage to eek out a living on just let a Republican like her set up housekeeping seven-figures a year. Call the Welcome in town. Everything’s going downhill here!” Wagon! Give a big, Grand Canyon size, “Howdy!” to your new neighbor, expageant queen, former Alaska governor and Famous north Scottsdale residents ANY RESEMBLANCE TOTO THE TRUTH IS IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL ANY RESEMBLANCE THE TRUTH TRAGICALLY include millionaire star of filmsACCIDENTAL for the Veep hopeful and good ol’ Hockey Mom, discriminating gentleman, Jenna Jameson, Sarah Palin and her husband what’s-hispro-football player and dog breeder Michael name and kids. Vick, musician and firearms enthusiast, The Grizzly Mom and her bunch will move rapper DMX. The list goes on and on. into an 8,000-square-foot, dark brown Construction will begin soon on a 500stucco with a guard gate that sits atop four acres with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, foot tall observation tower so Palin can see a six car garage, swimming pool and Mexico from her backyard. She plans to put an American flag on top of the tower so spa, full basement with a home theatre, everyone will know how patriotic she is.
OUTRAGEOUS! OUTRAGEOUS!
OUTRAGEOUS!
ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 85
OUTRAGEOUS!
Old Navy Ex-Modelquins Living in Squalor! OUTRAGEOUS! district wearing a SAN FRANCISCO ratty, stained pink — Just a scant polo and a pair year ago the everof plaid “skorts” smiling, lean, and a pullover tied lithe, good-looking casually around her ”modelquins” who ANY RESEMBLANCE TO THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL neck. stared smiling vacantly on TV ads “You lookin’ for a for the retail clothing sale on hoodies or giant were the toast a good time?” she of the runways in asked this reporter New York, Paris and as she smoked the Milan. The wooden butt of a cigarette. beauties acted as the Her arms looked as spokespeople for if she’d had nails in the cheap, poorly them. Literally. made clothing line after the death of Another modelquin fashionista, the was a mere shade of his former self, sitting beloved Carrie Donovan, one-time editor of ANY RESEMBLANCE TRUTH TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL nearISFisherman’s Wharf, raving, “Bermuda Vogue magazine in 2001. TO ANY RESEMBLANCE TOTHE THE TRUTH IS TRAGICALLY ACCIDENTAL shorts! $9.99! Pocket tees! $5.99! Bats! Bats! All over me! Bats!” “It’s heartbreaking, really,” said Sgt. Virginia Woodford of the San Francisco Old Navy executives refused to comment division of the Salvation Army. “They’re on the contract specifics for the retired regulars at the soup kitchen here. They’re modelquins. nothing but skin and bones now. Or wood and wire, actually.” “You should’ve seen what they did to Magic, the dog, when they ‘retired’ him,” One of the ex-modelquins was spotted said one inside source. “Tragic.” working in the city’s seedy Tenderloin
OUTRAGEOUS!
OUTRAGEOUS! OUTRAGEOUS!
OUTRAGEOUS!
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IONPHOENIX 1.
Amsterdam Amsterdam
718N.N.Central Central Ave. Phoenix 718 Ave.--Downtown Downtown PHX
(602)258-6122 258-6122 (602)
2.
Apollo’s Apollo’s
5749N. N.7th 7th St. 5749 St.- -Phoenix Phoenix
(602)277-9373 277-9373 (602)
3.
Bar 1
Bar 1
3702 N. 16th St. - Phoenix
3708 N. 16th St. - Phoenix
(602) 266-9001
4.
Bliss / Rebar
5.
BS West
6.
Bunkhouse
4428 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 200-9154
7.
Cash Inn
2140 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 244-9943
8.
Charlie’s
727 W. Camelback Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 265-0224
9.
COMING Claude’s Lounge 4132 McDowell Rd. - Phx The ChuteSOON: Men’s Club 1440 E IndianE. School Rd. - Phoenix
BS West
Bunkhouse Cash Inn
Charlie’s
Cherry Bar
Cherry Lounge
7125 E. 5th Ave. - Scottsdale
901 N. 4th St. - Phoenix 4428 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
7125 E. 5th Ave. - Scottsdale 2140 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix 727 W. Camelback Rd. - Phoenix 1028 E. Indian School Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 266-9001 (480) 945-9028
(602) 795-1792 (602) 200-9154
(480) 945-9028 (602) 244-9943
(602) 265-0224
(602) 277-7729
Every Thursday starting January 11th - Mill Ave. in Tempe
(602) (602)275-3509 234-1654
Sutra 10. Club Clarendon Hotel
2424 E. Clarendon Thomas Rd. 401 W. Ave.-- Phoenix Phoenix
(602) (602)682-5088 CLARENDON
Club Vibe 7th 11. Cruisin’ Cruisin’ Cabaret 7th 12. Dick’s
3031N. E. 7th Indian Rd. - Phoenix 3702 St.School - Phoenix
(602)212-9888 224-9977 (602)
3702E. N.Illini 7th St.Rd. - Phoenix 3432 - Phoenix
(602)274-DICK 212-9888 (602)
13.
3432SE.Black Illini Rd. - Phoenix 1517 Canyon Hwy - Phoenix
Dick’sMen’s Cabaret FLEX Club The Door
14. Friends
Forbidden
15. icepics videobar Homme
1126 N. Scottsdale Rd. - Tempe
1028 E. Indian School Rd. - Phoenix 6820 E. 5th Ave. - Scottsdale
3108 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix 138 W. Camelback Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 271-9011 274-DICK (602) (480) 967-DOOR
(602) 277-7729
forbiddenaz.com
(602) 267-8707 (602) 266-0875
16. NEW! JJ’s All Male Review 1702 E McDowell Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 435-2655
17. Karamba
1724 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 254-0231
18. Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 264-5307
19. Lush Lounge
2050 N. Alma School - Chandler
(480) 857-9444
20. OZ OZ
1804 Home - Phoenix (602) 1804W. W. Bethany Bethany Home Rd.Rd. - Phoenix (602)242-5114 242-5114
icepics videobar Incognito Karamba Kobalt
3108 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix 2424 E. Thomas Rd. - Phoenix
1724 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix 3110 N. Central Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 267-8707
(602) 955-9805 (602) 254-0231 (602) 264-5307
OPEN! PARADISE BAR 1749 W. Main - Mesa paradisebaraz.com 21. NOW Plazma 1560 E. Osborn Rd.St. - Phoenix (602) 266-0477 Pumphouse II 22. Plazma
4132E. E.Osborn McDowell Rd.- -Phoenix Phoenix 1560 Rd.
(602)266-0477 275-3509 (602)
Retro Bar Cactus 23. Rainbow
3114 N. E. Cactus Rd. - Phoenix 15615 Cave Creek Rd. - Phoenix
(602)971-1086 493-0355 (602)
The Rock Rock 24. The Roscoe’s 25. Roscoe’s
4129N. N. 7th 7th Ave. 4129 Ave.- Phoenix - Phoenix
(602)248-8559 248-8559 (602)
Rainbow Cactus
4531 N. 7th St. - Phoenix
4531 N. 7th St. - Phoenix 15615 N. Cave Creek Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 285-0833
(602) 285-0833 (602) 867-2463
26. Trinity Nightclub (Thurs) 1420 N. Scottsdale Rd. - Scottsdale infernonights.com Velocity
2303 E. Indian School Rd. - Phoenix
27. Velocity
2303 E. Indian School Rd. - Phoenix
28. Z Girl Club
4301 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
Wild Card
Z Girl Club
801 N. Arizona Ave. - Chandler 4301 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 956-2885
(602) 956-2885 (480) 857-3088
(602) 265-3233 (602) 265-3233
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IONBAR GUIDE PHOENIX
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Apollo’s
Frat Dance Night 10pm 2-4-1 well/dom 50¢ draft refills
$5 red cup/50¢ refills 10a-10p Karaoke 9pm
$5 red cup/50¢ refills 10a-10p Male Strippers 10:30pm
Bar 1
Friday Happy Hour 4-7p 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
Saturday $2 dom bottle 6-9p 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
$2 Brown Bagged Beer 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
Happier Hour 3-6:30p 2-4-1well $5 martinis-$3 all beer & h wine
Brunch 10am-2pm $4 Bloody $3 glass or $10 mimosas pitch
Sunday Chill 2-7pm 2-4-1 alcohol / $10 bucket beer
BS West
ELEMENTS Illusion Show Mandi & the Boom Boom Boys
2-4-1 everything all night Go-go dancers - A new tradition
Karaoke 9pm $1 Miller Lite drafts
Charlie’s
$3 pitchers/2-4-1 well/dom 2-7p $1 Happy Hour 7-9p/Afterhours
$3 pitch./2-4-1 well/dom 12-7p $1 Happy Hour 7-9p/Afterhours
Volleyball 4-7pm, NEW 3-4-1 $3 Long Islands, $3 pitchers
Club Sultra
Happy Hour All Night $4 Wine/$5 Martini/Shot Special
$4 Lng Islnd / Adios M.F.$5 Afterhours ‘til 4 Free before 1
Cruisn’ 7th
TGIF - Devina 10:30 pm
AZ Leathermen Strippers 4:3 New Show Hostess Mia Adams
Morning Madness 1st & 3rd Sun $3 Svedka cocktails 7p-close
Dick’s Cabaret
2-4-1 VIP Dances 7pm ‘til 9pm
Off the Hook Tons of Prizes & Giveaways
2-4-1 Cover Charge, Dances & VIP Wristbands
$3 Pomegranate Presses Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
$3 Bottle Beer & Tequila Shot Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
$3 Brunch Drinks 50% off bottles of wine
icepics
MEAT - Hot Go Go Dancers $2.50 dom / $3 well / $4 Lg Isl.
The Chane Jordan Show! $4 SKYY cocktails 10pm
Show Tunes Sundays 2pm-8pm 2-4-1 drinks
Karamba
Vaquero Fridays 9pm-11pm Reverse Happy Hour $2 drinks
Top 40 Saturdays 9pm-11pm Reverse Happy Hour $2 drinks
Top 40 Sundays Diamond Show $3 Pitcher Beer Bust
Roscoe’s 10:00p- 1:00a
Cruisin’ 7th | Plazma 4:30p - 7:00p | 10:30p - 1:30p
R Bliss / ReBAR
R FEZ
The Leathermen
FRIDAY
R Maizie’s
Happy Hour 3-6pm Everyday
Happy Hour Brunch 9a-2p 3-6pm Everyday
Brunch All Day Closes at 4pm
R Mi Patio
Fridays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Saturdays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Sundays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
R NEW! Paradise Bar
Now Open! Grand Opening Party June 10th-11th Happy Hour ‘til 8pm- Open 2-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm-Open 11-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm-Open 11-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
R Roscoe’s*
The Leathermen! Great Happy Hour
Happy Hour 10am-7pm Free Darts All afternoon
Make your Bloody Mary Bar $8 Lg Isnd Pitch. $3 Beer Pitch.
R Switch
Fri: $3 House Margaritas Open from 11am-Midnight
Sat: $3 House Cosmo Martini Open from 10am-Midnight
$3 Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade $3 Breakfast Carafes Open @ 10
R Ticoz
Fridays 1/2 off Coronas all day Happy Hour 3-6:30pm
Saturday 1/2 off well vodka Brunch 10a-3p - HH 3-6:30p
Sundays 1/2 off Sangria Pitch Brunch 10a-3p - HH 3-6:30
The Rock
Trinity Nightclub Z Club
R 92
FULL MENU
INFERNO: The only 18+ Nightclub every Thursday! Fridays FREE Hot Wings! DJ Tsunami 9p-2a
* LIMITED MENU/TIMES
www.IONAZ.com June 2011
Saturday DJ Rebel X 9p-2a
Sundays with Truett 2-4-1 3 Olives
FREE PROJECT HARD HAT CONDOMS
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Drag Bingo 9:30 2 for 1 u-call-it all day/night
Live Cabaret Show 8 pm $2 off any martini
Happy Hour All day / All night
Karaoke 9:30pm
Monday $5 Martini and Manicures
KAROKE $2.50 wel, dom 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
$1 OFF in your undies/leather 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
Thursday 2-4-1 U Call It 10a- cl 10a-4p $1.75 well/ bud draft
Student Salvation Mondays $20 Plate of apps + bottle wine
Twofer Tuesdays $20 2 burgers/fries/2 dom beer
2-4-1 Wednesdays 9pm-close 2-4-1 on ALL drinks
Thirstday Thursdays $4 AMF, Lng Islnd/ Skinny drink
W.H.O.R.E. Service Industry $2 dom $3 well $4 bombers
Stars of Tomorrow Show with Kendra St. James $4 Skyy
2-4-1 All Day and All Night A valley tradion!
Alternative Night w/Shane Ecks $2 drafts
2-8p $3 pitch./2-4-1 well/dom 8p-close $3 Pinnacle
2-4-1 All Day! Cocktails and beer
Karaoke 9pm
Steppin’ Out TC Taylor hosts 10:30 pm - $2 domestic
AZ Leathermen Strippers 10:30 pm
2-4-1 Cover Charge, Dances, VIP Wristbands
Amateur Night Starts at 10pm
Wacky Wednesdays $5 Cover and almost everything else
Stripper Karaoke
$3 Burgers $ Margaritas Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
‘tini Tuesdays $3 Martinis Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
$20 Any Bottle of Wine Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
$3 G Spots Happy Hour Everyday 4-6:30 p
FREE Poker Tournament 7pm and 10pm
GLEE starting at 7pm 2-4-1 drinks during the show
Karaoke starting at 9pm $3 well/$2.50 dom./$4 martinis
2-4-1 in undies beer/well 9p-cl $3 Three Olives Thursdays
Karaoke Mondays DJ Ramon $2 drinks & $3 Pitch. Beer Bust
Salsa Tuesday Savannah Show $2 drinks & $3 Pitch. Beer Bust
Top 40 Wed. Barbra Seville $2 drinks & $3 Pitch. Beer Bust
Tejano Thurs. $2 drinks & $3 Pitch. Beer Bust
Underwear Party 8-cl 1/2 price 2-8p $3 pitch./2-4-1 well/dom 2-8pm $3 pitch. 2-4-1 well/dom 8p-Close 2-4-1 cocktails/dom
The Leathermen perform at Roscoe’s, Cruisin’ 7th and Plazma!
Ruby Cruisin’ 7thReynolds 10:30p - 12:30p
$4 Bistro Burgers 4-10pm $10 off of all Bottled Wines
Pizza/Wine Special Happy Hour 3-6pm Everyday
BBQ Short Ribs Happy Hour 3-6pm Everyday
$3 Mexican Beers Happy Hour 3-6pm Everyday
Mondays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Tuesdays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Wednesdays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Thursdays $1.25 Margaritas on the rocks
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm- Open 2-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm- Open 2-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm- Open 2-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Happy Hour ‘til 8pm- Open 2-2 $4.50 Stoli drinks ALL DAY!
Monday Pool Tournament 2-4-1 beer & well 7pm-close
2 for Tuesdays 2-4-1 drinks all day
Wednesday All Day Happy Hour
Thursdays 2-4-1 7pm
Mon: $3 House Chard and Cab Open from 11am-Midnight
Tue: $3 Drunken Italian Sodas Open from 11am-Midnight
Wed: $3 Sangrias Open from 11am-Midnight
Thur: $3 Caipirinhas Open from 11am-Midnight
Mondays 1/2 off Mojitos HH 3-6:30pm - Open 11am-Mid
Tuesdays 1/2 off Sangrias HH 3-6:30pm - Open 11am-Mid
Wednesdays 1/2 off Margaritas HH 3-6:30pm - Open 11am-Mid
Thursdays 1/2 off draft beer HH 3-6:30pm - Open 11am-Mid INFERNO THURSDAYS 18+ The hottest, biggest dance club
$4 Wells / $4 Long Island / $4 Adios MF Mondays DJ Spinna 9p-2a $2.75 pitchers
Tuesdays 2-4-1
Wednesdays 2-4-1 Karaoke with Nikki Knowels
Thursdays DJ Spinna
ION ARIZONA June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 93
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by Addison DeWitt
I’m sure you’re all sick to death of reading about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. That’s old news. Here’s some royal news that’s really worth reading: Prince Mario-Max zu SchaumburgLipp (right) is one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, and has his very own TV show in Germany, belonging to the jet-setting royal circle of the world’s leading A-list celebrity guests. His father is Prince Waldemar, the cousin of Danish Queen Margreth II. The one-thousand-yearold family history even has a spot in the genealogical line of succession to the British throne. So what if 1,534 other royal hopefuls are in front of you? People die everyday. When you’re that blue-blooded every door opens to you, including the door to the grand opening New York City’s Club Butter. The guest list is much better there than at Club Margarine, I’m sure. I only wish you could catch the “Over the Top Eye Roll” on my end.
err, umm — at greater length, let’s say. You get the picture. Devin, if you ever get out to the Big Apple, as long as Sherry Vine’s got a face, you’ve got a place to sit. Maybe after you go to Club Butter. Yep ... it’s that time of year, pussycats! Mark your calendars for the second annual Queer of the Year contest! Once again, our friendly neighbors sitting on top of us in Canadaland are hosting a friendly competition (right, like there’s ever any “friendly” competition when a kennel of queens are involved. It’s like Showgirls come to life.) when they search for the ultimate, well, Queer of the Year. Contestants will be judged on Personality, Talent, Healthy Lifestyle, Community Spirit and Sex Appeal. So no bitches, bad tap dancers, druggies or junk food eaters, apathetic donothings or fuglies need apply. Narrows it down, doesn’t it? Last year our own hometown hot mess
You know, I hobnob with royalty all the time, too. As a matter of fact, during a very intimate tête-à-tête at The Rock with the majestic (drag) Queen Sherry Vine (right) the Glamorous she informed me — and I quote — “I want Devin Slayton to sit on my face” after she had engaged him in a rather lengthy conversation about a certain lengthy part of his lengthy anatomy in front of the audience. Propriety forbids my discussing this subject, June 2011 www.IONAZ.com 95
by Addison DeWitt
(and I mean that in a loving, caring sort of way, darling! I do!) Nathan Gilligan (top) brought home the First Runner-Up award, just missing his chance for the crown to a hottie from Vancouver. If you’re selected to compete, you’ll get an all expense paid trip to Montréal, Quebec, Candaland. The contest runs from August 7-15, so pack lots of sexy (and clean) underwear. To enter this competition search for “Queer of the Year” on Facebook or Google. I think that my gorgeous, darling Dusty Brinsmade (above) would be a shoe-in! Do it, Dusty! Do it! I don’t know whether or not my readers have ever heard me mention the handsome Kevin Axx. No? Really? I find that hard to believe. Anyway, Kevin Axx inaugurated the impending blast furnace we call “Summer” with one of his au très chic pool parties. Those who received a coveted Golden Ticket Invitation helped out when they 96
www.IONAZ.com June 2011
pulled some pennies from their Speedos and raised nearly $2,000 for the lil’ chilluns at 1n10 while they played Marco Polo and Dibble Dabble in his glamorous downtown cement pond. Good show, Kevin Axx! You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. No, I didn’t make that up; Ralph Waldo Emerson did. But here’s something I could never make up: an act of kindness and generosity you may not have heard about happened when one of our city’s own great talents — and hearts — dipped into her own glittery coin purse to help the mourning family of Dee Dee Devore who was sadly taken from this world way too soon. Guess who donated $250 of her very own Miss Gay Phoenix America prize money? I’ll tell: none other than Karrington Valenzuela whom you may also know as that talented showstopping vixen Nevaeh McKenzie (left). Now that’s grace. And style. Brava, darling! There you have it. You don’t have to be royalty at Club Butter. If you throw a party you can help others, or donate to help someone who’s hurting, or even enter a contest in Canadaland. In big ways, or small ways, you can rule the world. In my book, anyway. Then again, you can always sit on Sherry Vine’s face. That’ll work, too. Who’s face are you sitting on? Let Addison know. E-mail him at RumorHound@aol.com
doing something foolish. Again. A Pisces fits in this scenario.
Aries Mar. 21 - Apr. 20
A turn of events leaves you in a quandary. Choices may involve career change or a love interest. Another may be whether to have lasagna or pork chops for dinner. Choose wisely. You should know the green beans on the side with the pork chops are canned. Consider a Scorpio.
Libra Sep. 23 - Oct. 22
Taurus Apr. 21 - May 20
You’ve been bamboozled by a sneaky someone you thought you could trust. Fortunately you’ll have the last laugh when you come out the winner. Be gracious in victory, even though you shouldn’t be. A Sagittarius is suspect.
You know that part at the beginning of The Sound of Music where Julie Andrews is running across that meadow in the Alps and starts singing? Your life is nothing like that. You’ll have a song in heart mid-month when someone includes you in their favorite things. It may be a Virgo. Not a Leo.
Gemini May 21 - June 21
Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec. 23
You might not believe in kismet, but one coincidence too many opens your eyes to something you never expected to really happen. This surprise may rest in the details, so look carefully. If it’s your birthday, another Gemini convinces you to be open to change.
Cancer June 22 - July 22
Your serious eye on practical issues prevents you from jumping in a pool with all your clothes on and other nutty things. Forget your troubles, c’mon! Get happy! Do something wild and madcap that’s totally out of character. A shocked Aquarian admires you for it, which is unusual.
Leo July 23 - Aug. 22
Everybody wants a little piece of you. Your dance card is full. Living in the limelight is lovely, but don’t forget your fans in the upper balcony. They deserve a little bit of your “stardust,” too. Sprinkle some on an adoring Aquarian. But not too much.
Virgo Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
Someone comes for advice. Take this seriously because it has repercussions that affect you, too. “Repercussions” is a big word, isn’t it? Look it up if you’re not sure what it means because we don’t want to see you 98
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June 2011
Bury the axe with someone who once did you wrong. Not in their skull, either. Your saintly qualities shine this month, but the devil inside comes out at night. An Aquarian leads you down a certain road paved with good intentions.
Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov.23
You did something that left you feeling like a baboon’s shiny, bright, red ass who’s “presenting.” We’re not gonna sugarcoat it here. You’re a social pariah. Things turn around for you early in the month and you’re the toast of the town. Thank a Capricorn for this.
Capricorn Dec. 23 - Jan. 20
You’ve been daydreaming lately. A certain friend is elevated to “Someone Special.” It’s a little chancy, but give it a shot. Your birthday this month creates some drama, but you’ll direct everything with aplomb and panache. A Pisces finds you impressive so don’t be dismissive.
Aquarius Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
You’re a little Sea Monster this summer, Water Bearer! You’ll be at a pool party when the mighty Kraken in your swimsuit is awakened by a wily pirate. Don’t be embarrassed. It happens. And you have nothing to be ashamed of. That’s what a Scorpio says.
Pisces Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
Opportunity only knocks once — but the postman always rings twice. You keep saying “No” to a chance that could prove to be invaluable to you. It might provide fame, fortune, romances and untold riches. That’s a very big “might.” Still, it’ll be to your advantage. Say “Yes.” Especially to Aries.
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