Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - March 2019 by OUTvoices Phoenix (former Echo Magazine)

Echo Eats Dining delights, tasty drinks, and culinaryÂ conversations LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | Vol. 30, #6 | Issue 714 | March 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Michelle McDowell Smith

Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m.

Havana Cuba All-Stars Performing “Cuban Nights” Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m.

Piaf! The Show

Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Order your tickets today! ScottsdalePerformingArts.org | 480-499-TKTS (8587) | 7380 E. Second St.

602-920-6888

Matthew Hoedt

Realtor®, EcoBroker, CIAS, RSPS, SRES, CIPS

Cell: 602-790-9677 matt@myPHXagent.com www.myPHXagent.com 7975 N Hayden Rd, Ste A-101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AZ LGBTQ COMMUNITY

FOR OVER 16 YEARS!

JEREMY SCHACHTER Branch Manager • NMLS # 148435 Mobile: 480-703-8088 jeremys@fairwaymc.com

5229 N. 7th Ave., Ste. 108, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Bobbi Ryals, REALTOR® ABR, e-PRO 602-486-3587 DowntownPhoenixAgent@gmail.com Tricia Amato, REALTOR® 520-247-3305 AmatoTricia@gmail.com DowntownPhoenixAgent.com

Your Downtown Phoenix Agents!

Copyright©2018 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. All rights reserved. AZ License #BK-0904162.

All roads lead to love.

We can get you there safer and maybe, just maybe, a little faster.

Howard Fleischmann OUR GIFT TO YOU! $25 off your ﬁrst visit.

New Tires - Auto Repair, A part of the LGBTQA family of Phoenix Businesses

communitytirepros.comphoenix • glendale • tempe • metro center • sky harbor

INSIDE THIS

Jill Richardson Photography.

ISSUE Issue 714 | Vol. 30, #6 | March 2019

NEWS 8 Editor’s Note 12 News Briefs 14 Datebook

COMMUNITY 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56

Without Reservations At the Box Ofﬁce Opening Nights Recordings Between the Covers Talking Bodies Not That You Asked We The People History

OUT & ABOUT 10 Fresh Brunch 16 Fierce Friends 36 Phoenix Pride Media Event 38 RipplePHX Carnival 62 Manila Luzon 64-65 The Louie Friday Night

ON THE COVER Charleen Badman of FnB restaurant. Photo by Jill Richards Photography.

Conscious Cooking Chef Charleen Badman, half of the team at the awardwinning eatery, FnB in Scottsdale, is a culinary innovator. Learn about her history and approach to creating cuisine.

WEB EXCLUSIVES

Echo Eats Dining delights, tasty drinks, and culinary conversations LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | Vol. 30, #6 | Issue 714 | March 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Doug Robson. Courtesy of Otro Café.

Chef Chats Echo converses with a handful of local chefs, including Doug Robson of Otro Cafe and Gallo Blanco to ﬁnd out what’s on their minds and menus. echomag.com/chef-chats-2019

Courtesy of Short Leash Hotdogs.

Four Buffets that Bringing India’s Culinary Delights to the Valley.

Our “Gayvorite” Restaurants

These home-y spots provide a friendly atmosphere alongside their menus loaded with distinctive dishes and alluring drinks.

Celebrate the different styles of Indian cuisine at these must-visit restaurants.

Courtesy of The Dressing Room.

Rubye Moore by Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen.

The Queer Agenda

Undressing the Dressing Room

Once the legendary 307 Lounge, the building now houses this restaurant that serves elevated street food.

This local drag collective celebrates their one-year anniversary and tells Echo what they’ve been up to and what is in store for the future.

Now I’m Here: Gay Love in Small Town Ohio

Lady Bunny The legendary drag performer chats with Echo prior to her upcoming guest performance at the Miss Gay Melrose America Pageant. echomag.com/ladybunny-2019 Lady Bunny

The award-winning author discusses this novel, set in the ‘70s and ‘80s about two boys who ﬁnd, lose, and ultimately rediscover one another in a quiet midwestern town. echomag.com/jim-provenzano-2019 Author Jim Provenzano. Photo by Gooch.

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE By Amy Young

ello and welcome to Echo Eats! People love chatting about food. Whether they’re sharing recommendations or engaging in heated debates, it’s always a passionate topic. Our new annual food-focused issue is an opportunity for Echo to join that community conversation. We dig into the local culinary scene to get the scoop on restaurants, dining culture, and the creative humans at the backbone of both, from cooks and chefs to servers and sommeliers. We kick off our food-related features on page 20 with Tom Reardon’s in-depth profile of chef Charleen Badman (pictured on the cover) of Scottsdale’s FnB. Badman is known for sourcing fresh and often locally produced ingredients to make transcendent meals. Michelle Talsma Everson offers up her “Gayvorite” places on page 24 — welcoming joints with delicious dishes and delectable drinks. Her fun and informative article is followed by Ashley Naftule’s review of four Indian restaurants around the Valley that offer buffets.

Undressing the Dressing Room on page 30 is Jeff Kronenfeld’s look at the downtown micro-restaurant housed in the building that was once part of Phoenix’s earliest venues for drag performers, the 307 Lounge. He explores their eclectic menu and serves up a slice of LGBTQ history. Kronenfeld also spent time this month at the Arizona Supreme Court as arguments were presented in the Brush and Nib case, regarding two Phoenix business owners who filed a case to challenge the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. You can read his thorough account on page 12. In between all of the tasty food pics, you’ll find an exciting profile on award-winning actor Greg Lutz and an interview with the charitable and highly-entertaining drag collective, The Queer Agenda. Amy Young is the managing editor of Echo Magazine. A longtime journalist, her work has appeared numerous publications, regional to international. Please contact her at editor@echomag.com.

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Amy Young CONTRIBUTORS: Grace Bolyard Edward Castro Jenna Duncan Buddy Early Michelle Talsma Everson Tamara Juarez Steve Kilar Jason Kron Jeff Kronenfeld Laura Latzko Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen Tuesday Mahrle

Judy McGuire Kaely Monahan Ashley Naftule David-Elijah Nahmod Tia Norris Tom Reardon Seth Reines Mikey Rox Terri Schlichenmeyer Nikole Tower Megan Wadding

INTERNS Grace Lieberman Colby Tortorici ART DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: nightfuse.com. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING: Ashlee James ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Gregg Edelman NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

ECHO READERSHIP: 50,000 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $29/year

Join the conversation! #EchoMagAZ

ACE PUBLISHING, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 16630

MEMBER:

facebook.com/ echomagazine

MARCH 2019

twitter.com/ echomagaz

EchoMag.com

instagram/ echomagazineaz

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.

2019 Fresh Brunch

Feb. 10 at the Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos. 10

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Out & About

NEWS BRIEFS

Alliance Defending Freedom supporters gather after the hearing on the north side of the Arizona Supreme Court Building.

Unwelcome Greetings: Phoenix Stationery Company Fights for Right to Discriminate Before Arizona Supreme Court News and photos by Jeff Kronenfeld On January 22, the Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could decide the future of Phoenix’s anti-discrimination ordinance, potentially impacting similar protections passed by cities around the state and drawing national attention. Originally passed in 1964, the ordinance was expanded to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and disability status by a 5-3 vote of the Phoenix City Council in 2013. In 2016, Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski — who operate a small wedding invitation and stationery company called Brush and Nib out of one of their homes in Phoenix — filed a suit challenging the ordinance, with the help of the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is indentified as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Despite the fact no LGBTQ couples had requested the company’s services, the Christian business owners claimed that by restricting them from placing a 12

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

message stating their refusal to offer homosexual couples the same services as heterosexual on their website, the ordinance violated their constitutional rights.

organization; Mark Howard, a member of the Phoenix Police LGBTQ Advisory Board and local business owner; Katy June, a Phoenix LGBTQ advocate; and U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton.

“What they’re arguing is that the law, in and of itself, restricts their free speech and it restricts their expression because they are not allowed to proactively put on their website, ‘we wish to discriminate against same-sex couples,’” explained Robin Maril, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) associate legal director. Rejected by lower courts two times, the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling will be the end of the line for the challenge to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance, according to Kate Anderson, ADF’s senior council.

“The rule is simple; if you’re an employer and you operate a business and you offer your services to the public, you can’t discriminate against someone simply because they happen to be gay,” explained Stanton on the call, who was Phoenix’s mayor at the time of the city council vote in 2013. “After Phoenix led the way, other cities followed suit: Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona and Tempe, just to name a few. They followed our lead because they knew not only was it the right thing to do, but what I also learned is that this ordinance protecting people from discrimination was good for business.”

A number of organizations and individuals supporting Phoenix’s defense held a press call the Friday before the hearing. Some of those present included members of the HRC, an LGBT civil rights advocacy group and political lobbying

With bodies such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requiring cites hosting events, “to demonstrate how they will provide an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination,’’ according to a news

press release from 2016, advocates fear if the ordnance is struck down the state could lose bids to host such events, as occurred in the aftermath of Arizona’s passage of harsh anti-immigration laws such as S.B. 1070. The Center for American Progress found that law cost Arizona more than $140 million in convention and meeting business in a study released in 2010. Whatever economic concerns community members, business people and political leaders had, the debate in the Arizona Supreme Court focused on the tension between preventing discrimination while ensuring free speech is protected. Eric Fraser, legal counsel for the City of Phoenix, argued the case was about discrimination, while Jonathan Scruggs, the attorney paid by the ADF to represent Duka and Koski, argued it was about free speech. The ADF is a conservative Christian nonprofit headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, whose 2016 tax filings showed they received over $50,000,000 in contributions and grants. “Phoenix should not be able to force two Christian artists to handwrite a sign with bible verses saying that god has joined together a same-sex couple as one flesh,” Scruggs said in his opening remarks. Fraser rejected this characterization. “This ordinance has nothing to do with speech,” Fraser said on the steps of the courthouse following the arguments. “It doesn’t tell Brush & Nib what messages to say. All it does is say that they cannot discriminate because of who somebody is.” The justices peppered both attorneys with tough and often hypothetical questions. Chief Justice Scott Bales, following an example discussed in the Court of Appeals, asked whether Duka and Koski would be willing to provide stationery to a same-sex couple if it were identical to that for a hetrosexual one, using the example of two couples with the gender-neutral names of Pat and Terry. Scruggs claimed Duka and Koski were willing to provide pre-made stationery to same-sex couples, but that their objection was to creating custom artwork for such couples. “Their business is open to anyone who comes in and asks for anything, including custom work,” said Anderson following the hearing, despite her later acknowledgement that Duka and Koski do not have a physical store open to the public. When asked if she could provide examples of Duka and Koski serving a same-sex couple in any capacity, Anderson could not provide one. news

Supporters of Phoenix’s anti-discrimination ordinance. Eric Fraser (far right) is the attorney representing the City of Phoenix. Don Logan (to his left) is the equal opportunity director for the City of Phoenix.

During oral arguments, Justice Clint Bolick expressed concerns about the ambiguity of the ordinance and the nature of the penalties for violating it, stating that similar ordinances around the country include civil penalties as potential punishments but not jail time. Violators of the Phoenix ordnance can face up to six months incarceration or fines of up to $2,500 a day. “This may very well constitute a very substantial burden on religious beliefs,” Bolick said. “It has a very substantial potential chilling effect, especially when it’s not clear under the ordinance what’s allowed and what’s not allowed.” In response, Fraser noted no one has ever been charged criminally under the ordinance and that the magnitude of the punishment was not relevant to the

central points of the case. The Arizona Supeme Court is expected to issue a decision in the coming months. Following the hearing, local LGBTQ activists — such as Angela Hughey, president of One Community, an Arizonabased coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals — rallied in support of the city’s antidiscrimination ordinance on the south side of the building while the ADF assembled a large group to the north. “The ordinance is important because if you’re open to the public, you should be open to business for everyone,” Hughey said. “To overturn this ordinance could have economically catastrophic effects. It would not only do harm in the public square, but it could do harm to the city and the state’s image.” EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

DATEBOOK Mar. 2

Feb. 23

Head to Tempe Town Lake for the 2019 Arizona AIDS Walk. Get those steps in, and for a good cause, too. All proceeds from the event will go to HIV service providers in Phoenix. The event is both child- and dog-friendly and includes live entertainment. Join the fun from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at BR. 265 W. Rio Salado Parkway, in Tempe.

The Melrose Street Fair lets you celebrate the eclectic neighborhood with activities and entertainment. Food trucks, a beer garden, and Chester’s Classic Car Show are just a few components of this annual party. It’s free and takes place on Seventh Ave. between Indian School and Camelback roads. m7streetfair.com

auntritas.org

Feb. 24

LGBTQ Day at Arizona Renaissance Festival It’s a gay blast to the past when you visit the Arizona Renaissance Festival for LGBTQ Day. Make sure you wear a red shirt to celebrate the day. Online ticket buyers can use the code REDSHIRT to save $3. The festival is held at 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, in Gold Canyon. arizona.renfestinfo.com

Feb. 24

Drag fans unite, as Haters Roast — The Shady Tour is headed to Phoenix on Feb. 24! This show features RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants throwing humorous barbs and zingers at each other for a night of hilarity. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. at The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., in Phoenix. dragfans.com

Find all of your trans royalty here at the Miss Gay Melrose America Pageant. This 21-and-older event starts at 7:00 p.m. and features current Miss Gay Melrose America, Piper M’Shay, along with a lineup of contestants and celebrities. For only $18, it’s a must-see. Stop by Stacy’s @ Melrose, 4343 N. Seventh Ave. in Phoenix. stacysatmelrose.com

Stars Talent Showcase is back at BS West. Every Tuesday watch this elimination-style showcase heat up! What else are you gonna do on a Tuesday night? The event runs from 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. and includes $3 Coronas and $5 Tito’s Vodka specials. What more could you ask for? Come on out to 7125 E. Fifth Ave., in Scottsdale. bswest.com

phoenixtheatre.com |

EchoMag.com

imperialcourtaz.org

Mar. 16

Who doesn’t love doing good while looking like you’re ready to be wifed up at any given moment? At Brides of March, as long as you have a dress (preferably one you look fierce in) and a bag of canned foods to donate, you can participate in this wedding dress pub crawl. There’s also a high-heel race for anyone who loves a little pain along with their fun. Make sure to get to Kobalt before noon. 3110 N. Central Ave. Ste. 175, in Phoenix.

Mar. 2

I Am My Own Wife is a one-man show based around a transgender woman during the Nazi reign. The compelling story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf is told through one actor playing 30 different characters. The powerful show will be held Thursday through Sunday at the Hardes Theatre at Phoenix Theatre from Feb. 7-16, with tickets ranging from $27-$40. Don’t miss out. 100 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix.

MARCH 2019

It’s a royal affair at the Empress Ball XII: Quinceanera hosted by The Imperial Court of Arizona. This event honors Empress Tyra Marie and the female line of Reign XIII. Plus, it’s a great reason to down some Jell-O shots and quinceanera cake. There’s also a 50/50 rafﬂe and live entertainment. A $5 suggested donation benefits the Imperial Court of Arizona. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Rock, 4129 N. Seventh Ave., in Phoenix.

azcacophony.org/brides

Mar. 7-16

Feb. 26

Mar. 9

Mar. 17

You might know Katya Zamolodchikova from RuPaul’s Drag Race but on this night she visits with her stand-up show, Help Me I’m Dying. Tickets start at $35; VIP options available. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., in Phoenix. orpheumtheatrephx.com

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

50TH ANNIVERSARY STONEWALL

PRIDE April 6 & 7 , 2019 th

STEELE INDIAN SCHOOL PARK 300 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ

tivities! rade & fes a p r u o r family fo iends and of your fr

PHOENIXPRIDE.ORG

Fierce Friends

Jan. 25 at the Clarendon Hotel, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos. 16

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Out & About

GET CARE FOR THE WHOLE YOU

DID YOU KNOW?

THE SOUTHWEST CENTER OFFERS INCLUSIVE & STIGMA-FREE PRIMARY CARE & COUNSELING!

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE CALL 602.307.5330 TO CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE AND SCHEDULE A VISIT TODAY!

Visit us online at swcenter.org

Conscious Cooking FnB’s chef Charleen Badman delivers visually bewitching, soul-soothing dishes By Tom Reardon Photos by Jill Richards Photography

ucked away in an easily overlooked corner of Old Town Scottsdale is a desert gem. A unique dining diamond amidst the cowboy culture and trendy spots that pepper the area. FnB is a treasure trove of elevated comfort food served in a warm and welcoming environment. An integral part of its lure rests on the well-honed skillset of chef and partner, Charleen Badman. Badman and her restaurant partner, Pavle Milic, have been in business since December of 2009, but have known each other for decades. The two came up in the restaurant business together and crossed paths often during their careers. They came up with the name, FnB, which stands for Food & Beverage, after brainstorming ideas for their restaurant and realizing that FnB covered each of their passions. Badman is an awardwinning chef and has worked in kitchens 20

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

for 30 years, and Milic is a champion for Arizona wineries. In fact, FnB boasts an all-Arizona wine list, which was the first of its kind anywhere. The décor in FnB is immediately appealing and, depending on your eye, you will first notice either the beautiful stained glass that announces the kitchen wonderfully or the west wall of the main dining room, which features an intense display of plates brought from Badman’s former New York City restaurant, Inside; each featuring human-hand-related imagery. It’s dark, but your eyes quickly adjust with touches like the huge windows that pull in natural light. With a high ceiling in the main dining room, FnB appears more spacious than it is, but its moderate size does not equal a crowded vibe. The food, though, and the story behind it is what sets FnB apart from its local peers.

Badman is slightly intimidating at first, to be honest. She is an incredibly accomplished chef, for one thing, having won numerous awards and accolades, and she’s also incredibly knowledgeable about business, food, gardening, and supporting the locals. Once you talk to her, however, it’s hard not to want to hug her, as she possesses a huge heart and cares deeply about making people happy. Luckily for all of us, she capable of feeding quite a few people daily and it doesn’t seem like she plans to stop anytime soon. The 47-year-old chef is an Arizona native who grew up in Tucson and got into the restaurant business while still in high school. She was part of a program, Food Education and Service Training (FEAST) that allowed students to learn an industry while getting valuable work experience as well. Through FEAST, Badman got her first job working in a kitchen. FEATURE STORY

After realizing she enjoyed the work and determining that she really wanted to buy a car, she made a move to what she considered to be the best restaurant in Tucson at the time, Café Terra Cotta. It was this opportunity that sparked the beginning of Badman’s illustrious career. “When the Café Terra Cotta job came up, and it was a woman chef that was going to be running it, I jumped at that opportunity. I ended up working for her for six years. She and her husband opened another restaurant up here in Scottsdale where the Borgata was, in the early ‘90s and I moved up here. I was 20, almost 21, at the time. I was the sous chef for that when the restaurant opened. I actually asked him if I could be the chef, which now I look back at that and think, ‘Wow, you were very ballsy,’ and I’m surprised they didn’t laugh at me, but they said ‘You can be the sous chef. Just don’t tell anybody how old you are,’” remembers Badman. That was the first of several opportunities that Badman had to work under female chefs and restaurateurs. After working for the Nordins and having the chance to learn the ins and outs of

opening a new restaurant in Scottsdale, Badman met Chrysa Robertson from Rancho Pinot notoriety and spent as much time in her off hours from Café Terra Cotta learning as much as she could from Robertson. Eventually, Robertson offered Badman a job, and their initial exchange was very formative in her ultimately opening a restaurant of her own. “She (Robertson) asked if I wanted to go to work there and I still remember the conversation that we had. She encouraged me to think about the kind of restaurant I wanted to have and what exactly I wanted to do. At that point, I knew I wanted to have a restaurant. I started out getting a job in this business because I wanted a car. You better want a lot more than that if you want to be in the business. And I really like cooking food and what it brings to people and the joy of hospitality. I wanted to keep doing that, so I decided that I was going to have a smaller restaurant,” says Badman. Badman worked for Robertson until New Year’s Eve, 1995, and then she moved to New York City in January of

1996 to work with another female chef, Anne Rosenzweig. Badman had heard that Rosenzweig, who had made a name for herself in Manhattan in the ‘80s as the owner and head chef at Arcadia, was opening a new restaurant and the prospect of learning from yet another inspirational female chef was too exciting for the Arizona chef-in-training to pass up. Badman moved without having secured a position in Rosenzweig’s new restaurant, Lobster Club. She had only sent a resumé. “I heard that she was a tough person and I wanted to work for somebody who could teach me even more about cooking obviously, but also the business, and how to make it here. And so, I literally hopped on the plane with one bag and a one-way ticket to New York,” says Badman. At first, there wasn’t an opening, but Rosenzweig offered Badman the chance to come in and test things out one day. At the end of the night, Rosenzweig told her staff to hire Badman which led to the pair working together for the next six years and later partnering on Inside, which FnB co-owner Pavle Milic

FEATURE STORY

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

opened in Manhattan in 2001. When the lease Badman and Rosenzweig held on Inside came up in 2007, the landlord raised their rent from $10,000 per month to $14,000, and Badman decided it was time to come back to Phoenix. After going back to cooking at Rancho Pinot in 2007 when she returned to the desert, Badman and Milic, who had stayed in touch and even worked together for a time in New York City, decided to open FnB in November of 2009. Badman made the calculated choice to keep the menu small and focus on seasonal food grown by local farmers. Initially, she was dealing with two or three farmers, to her recollection, but now FnB works with over a dozen local farmers, as well as local purveyors of fish. The quality of Badman’s food at FnB, thanks to both her skill as a chef and the freshness of the carefully chosen ingredients, is top notch. Badman decided to go to a vegetable-centric diet for herself about eight years ago, so FnB’s menu also leans that way, but there is plenty of protein to choose from for every taste. The Creekstone Farms rib-eye (which is one of her few non-Arizona items), for example, on her current menu is a fantastic choice for steak fans. Served on a bed of perfectly grilled potatoes, this tender and juicy cut of beef is joined by a dried tomato chermoula and baby kale. As seasons change, so does her menu, and at a recent stop, the star of the show was Badman’s collard greens offering, which comes with a delicious polenta. The addition of pickled jalapenos creates a tasty mix of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The pasta with broccoli,

parmesan, and shaved prosciutto was also nothing short of amazing. Our server, Will, was knowledgeable, gracious, and thoroughly explained every menu item we asked about during our time at FnB. Having been a restaurant owner now for over 18 years, Badman has learned the importance of keeping a happy team of employees who understand the importance of working hard and striving to set the bar higher and higher consistently. Many of her current employees have worked at FnB for upwards of six or seven years, if not more. One former employee, Byron Carrick, had this to say about Badman as a boss: “(It was) intimidating at first. She was always a hero to me, so to work directly for her had starstruck moments. But she is the most real and honest person you could ever meet. She likes her kitchen to run her way, like a finely-oiled machine. She is amazing to watch, and her general vibe is always positive and nurturing.” Much in the way she learned from her mentors, Badman now does her best to impart as much knowledge to her staff as possible, as well as children in the community. For the past several years, Badman has led the Blue Watermelon Project, which is an effort to help children learn the value of both growing their food, but also gaining an appreciation for the diverse world of food we have here in Arizona to choose from as they decide what and how they eat. The grassroots group includes chefs, restaurateurs,

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

farmers, and community food advocates. “We’re under the umbrella of Slow Food Phoenix. It’ll be two years in April when we came together. I go to one of the schools once a month, and we do a tasting of the vegetable or the fruit of that month. So that’s been fun to get them interested in at least giving something a try,” says Badman. (Visit slowfoodphoenix.org for more information about Blue Watermelon and how to get your local school involved.) Badman has also done a program called Chef in The Garden with local schools, particularly Echo Canyon School in Scottsdale for the last decade. When she talks about this work, you can see Badman’s heart shining through her chef’s attire. It is refreshing to have someone like Badman, who not only excels in her field, but understands the value in giving back to her community. By teaching children about healthy food options and helping them understand our regional ecosystem, she is helping strengthen their future. Tom Reardon loves to write about people who are doing something to contribute to our community in a positive way. He also loves his family and family of friends, his pets, music, skateboarding, movies, good (and bad) tv, and working with children to build a better world. Tom’s favorite movie is Jaws, his favorite food is lasagna, and he loves to play music with his friends. He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to listen to what you have to say so tell him a story. FEATURE STORY

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

Our “Gayvorite” Restaurants Some of the most welcoming (and tastiest!) places to dine By Michelle Talsma Everson

hen my bestie and I are out on the town too late to hit up more traditional sit-down joints, we meet up at “Gay Denny’s” (or “Genny’s” as she calls it). You know the one, located at 7th Street and Camelback and open 24/7. Some of our favorite memories and best selfies have been taken there — it’s truly my 2 a.m. go to! That said, I became curious about what other must-try “gayvorite” restaurants were on the menu. Read on to find out some of the most talked about ones we love.

beer or specialty drink, while dining on light bites or entrees. We recommend the popular Mussels (gulf coast) with Calabrian chilies made with shallots, garlic, thyme, Provisioner AZ white wine and house made butter. It’s briny, spicy, and succulent! Snap a selfie at the craft beer label wall, enjoy 20+ rotating local and seasonal craft beers, four wines on tap and by the glass wine selection. They have a full line of spirits, specialty cocktails, two large TV’s, board games and live music.

describe the eatery as “a neighborhood joint where we cook from the heart.” Featuring fresh soups, salads, entrees, “sammiches,” appetizers and brunch, Switch is a hot spot in midtown Phoenix. I personally love the Country Caprese “Sammich” for lunch and the classic Mac and Cheese for dinner. Their cocktails are handcrafted, and service is friendly, too.

FEZ Restaurant & Bar

4221 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix

Original Gravity

105 W. Portland St., Phoenix

shortleashhotdogs.com

fezoncentral.com

“We offer a unique twist on a classic favorite,” say Brad and Kat Moore, owners of Short Leash. “All of our hotdogs are 100% natural and nitrate free and served on Indian style flatbread called Naan (veggie options available). We have 100 craft beers and 12 different whiskeys as well as other cocktails and wine. Our doughnuts are hand rolled brioche dough featuring 13 different flavors as well as a the ‘dough-lato,’ which is our doughnut-gelato sandwich. On the weekends we have a brunch menu as well as bottomless mimosa and bloody bar.” The number one reason to stop in? To try The Bear, a hotdog topped with bacon, smoked Gouda, peanut butter, BBQ sauce, and Cracker Jacks.

4700 N. 12th St., #101, Phoenix ogphx.com

Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight (1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights!), FEZ features trendy brunch, burgers, cocktails and Mediterranean fare in a sleek urban environment. Some of their delicious new menu items include the Sesame Orange Salad, FEZ Prime Steak, and Crispy Florentine Salmon. New brunch items include Bangers and Sweets and the Berbere Prime Beef Hash and Eggs. They also have new lunch specials for that midday meal.

Copper Star Coffee 4220 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix copperstarcoffee.com

Original Gravity mussels with Calabrian chili. Photo by @foodiegirlaz.

Original Gravity is owned by Chef and Cicerone Holly Knudsen, and along with Chef Derek Upton, they are setting a new standard for elevated gastropub dining. Enjoy this uptown Phoenix neighborhood establishment with a modern industrial atmosphere or front and back dog-friendly patios. Enjoy a local or seasonal craft 24

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

“We are famous for our daily, on-site baked pastries, and our amazing Breakfast Bagel sandwiches,” says Bill Sandweg from Copper Star Coffee. “Our BLT is made fresh-to-order with almost a half-pound of bacon!” Another cool reason to stop by? “We are proud to be recognized by Raise Arizona as a business that pays a living wage to its employees. Not many restaurants or coffeehouses can say that.”

Short Leash Hotdogs and Rollover Doughnuts

Switch 2603 N. Central Ave., Phoenix switchofarizona.com One of my favorite places to meet friends for weekend brunch, the folks as Switch

The Bear Hotdog. Courtesy of Short Leash. FEATURE STORY

Bliss ReBAR 901 N. 4th St., Phoenix blissrebar.com Home to Arizona’s longest running drag brunch with every show sold out, Bliss ReBAR is the place to try at least once on your Arizona foodie journey. The food here is eclectic — during the week you’ll find delish appetizers and main dishes like its famous mac and cheese and street tacos, and on the weekends, you’ll fill up on weekend brunch favorites like The Hangover. There’s even a Moonlight Menu for late night eats.

in the community to better the lives of those in need.” For lunch, the Green Chili Pulled Pork Sandwich with cheddar jack cheese, avocado, and pickled onions on an egg-wash challah roll is really popular.

your drink on. “We offer all of your favorite cocktails, beers and wines. We have many of our own concoctions like Stacy’s Bloody Mary and Stacy’s (Arnold) Palmer,” says the Stacy T. Louis, owner and operator. “We also offer many martinis, various Moscow Mules, several flavors of Mojitos, and the Famous Gay Shots.” Stacy’s @ Melrose is also home to several events and supports many local nonprofits.

The Refuge Cafe 4727 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix therefugeaz.com John Strawn, general manager, says that regulars to this breakfast and lunch joint really love their breakfast burritos — in particular, the chorizo or green chili pork with eggs, roasted potatoes and cheese. “We have a great homemade product,” he says. “From our sauces, simple syrups and locally roasted coffee. Also, the money that you spend in the Cafe stays

The Refuge is a haven for sweets. Courtesy of The Refuge Café.

Stacy’s @ Melrose 4343 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix stacysatmelrose.com Home of the “Famous Gay Shots,” Stacy’s @ Melrose is a must-go-to location to get

A boozy rainbow. Courtesy of Stacy’s@ Melrose.

Michelle Talsma Everson is a freelance writer, editor and PR pro. A graduate of NAU, she’s been writing for Valley publications for more than a decade. You can find out more at mteverson.com.

Flagstaff Finds Here are three of our favorite places to help you not feel so famished in Flagstaff.

Annex Cocktail Lounge 50 S. San Francisco St. annexcocktaillounge.com

Courtesy of Tourist Home All Day Cafe.

Tourist Home All Day Cafe 52 S. San Francisco St. touristhomecafe.com

Sliders ‘n’ fries. Courtesy of Annex Cocktail Lounge.

Somewhere at the intersection of Bonnie & Clyde, the Santa Fe Railroad and a Victorian Brothel lies The Annex Cocktail Lounge. This is where art deco and Victorian era meets the gangster speakeasy of the 1920s. A place where east meets west, where California collides with Arizona, where people passed through or got stuck here because it reminds them of how places used to be. FEATURE STORY

Part restaurant, part bakery, part local hub, Tourist Home provides counter service breakfast and lunch starting at 6 a.m. Enjoy made-to-order hot breakfast items (including the BEST breakfast burrito around), soups, salads, sandwiches, espresso drinks, beer, wine, mimosas, and bloody Mary’s.

concepts The Annex Cocktail Lounge and Tourist Home. Together, all three concepts were the first to bring a sense of “specialness” to the Southside. Through collaboration with Sutcliffe Vineyards, Tinderbox Kitchen has had direct involvement with the growing of varietals that make up their signature house blends.

Tinderbox Kitchen 52 S. San Francisco St. tinderboxkitchen.com Tinderbox Restaurant was the first elevated-cuisine restaurant on the south side of downtown Flagstaff. Owner Kevin Heinonen has received multiple accolades for his renovation of Tinderbox and companion restaurant

Courtesy of Tinderbox Kitchen. EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

Four Buffets That Bring India’s Culinary Delights to the Valley By Ashley Naftule

hat comes to mind when you think of Phoenix cuisine? Is it our award-winning pizzas, crafted by artisanal masters like Chris Bianco? The abundance of south-of-theborder riches that can be sampled and savored at amazing Mexican eateries like Barrio Cafe and La Santisima? Or would you think of Indian food? The odds are good that most people don’t think of Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale being hubs of Punjabi cuisine. But quality Indian is everywhere in the Valley, and most of it is still very affordable for diners looking to get their fill on a budget. It’s almost a well-kept secret how many great buffets there are in town. Partly it’s because a lot of Indian restaurants lack the Instagram able “wow” factor of more modern “concept” establishments. They’re family joints that haven’t updated their aesthetics with the times. This is a mark in their favor: With the preponderance of tablecloths and paintings and other ephemera hanging all over the place in most buffets, it offers a sound buffer that keeps these places from being the kind of noisy, cacophonous dins that most trendy restaurants have turned into. You can have a conversation in these places without having to raise your voice. Instead of crafting hip environs, most Indian buffets are focused on producing food that is both cheap and high quality. And while Indian food is hardly a monoculture (there are a staggering number of regional cuisines and fusion styles, befitting a nation that over a

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

billion people call home), one thing that unites Indian establishments across the Valley is their dedication to providing vegan and vegetarian options — making them a safe choice for any mixed group of omnivores and herbivores. We wanted to highlight a few of our favorite buffet spots. To be clear: We’re not saying that these are the best ever buffets in town. But these are places where you’re sure to walk away with a full stomach and a smile on your face for under $20.

Udupi Indian Cuisine

Onion Dosa at Udupi in Scottsdale. Courtesy of Udupi.

Located in a strip mall in the no man’s land of car dealerships and strip clubs that stretches between Scottsdale and Tempe, Udupi is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The restaurant’s interiors reflect its humble exteriors: There are no murals of elephants or deities gracing its burgundy walls. It looks functional and barebones, like a cafeteria. But don’t let the plain appearance fool you: Udupi’s food packs a supremely satisfying punch. Specializing in vegan & vegetarian dishes, the buffet at Udupi is savory and

rich. The crown jewel of the buffet is their cauliflower dish Gobi Manchurian. To this lifelong carnivore, it was hard to believe that it wasn’t meat-based. Fluffy yet crispy, they had the pleasing crunch of orange chickens without the overpowering sweetness. The buffet doesn’t always offer samosas, but when they do it’s a particular highlight — they’re a nice spicy contrast to the compulsively edible Manchurian (it’s challenging for me not to lay a towering mound of them all over my plate). The buffet offered treats like fried lentil donuts and all the warm, chewy Paratha you could handle. There really is no weak dish on offer at Udupi’s buffet, except for the complimentary Dosa that comes with the meal. The rice crepe is tasty by itself, but the yellow paste in its center has a mild and clammy (in the sweating palm sense of the word) texture. There’s always a decent crowd at Udupi for its buffet, but the lines to serve yourself are never long, and the staff is attentive and quick to fill drink orders. It’s an unpretentious and friendly environment: A perfect place to wander into for a quick bite when the mood for vegan Indian food strikes. udupiaz.com

Delhi Palace Cuisine of India A little hole in the wall situated near the bustling intersection of University & Rural, Delhi Palace Cuisine of India is one of several international food spots clustered together in this strip mall. Walk inside, and you’ll be greeted by the FEATURE STORY

the spiced chicken tasted pretty mild compared to that paneer. But the chicken drumsticks and tikka masala onhand were fantastic — So tender I barely had to chew the meat before it fell to pieces in my mouth.

Try a bit of everything at Tempe’s long-standing Delhi Palace. Courtesy of Delhi Palace.

buffet: A larger dining room decorated with murals of tigers and elephants sits to the right. The ceiling overhead is festooned with ornate chandeliers. Delhi Palace’s buffet is omnivore friendly, but the best dishes are vegetarian. The most delightful offering on hand is their vegetable fritters. They’re deceptively powerful: At first, all I could focus on was the fritter’s crunchy, crumbling texture. The spicy of the fritter hit hard afterward. Much like Udupi’s Gobi Manchurian, it’s a hard item to consume in small doses.

There was also a nice array of sauces at the buffet — Staples like tamarind and mint, as well as a pickle sauce. Much like everything pickle-related that isn’t an actual pickle (pickle smoothies, pickle ice cream, pickle soda), it was interesting more than it was enjoyable. The puckery tartness of the sauce would make a decent substitute for the food’s lack of spiciness, so all you gourmet masochists out there should fill a bowl with it the next time you pop by Nandini’s.

The chicken curry was warm and sweet to taste, but extremely boney: Every other bite; I had to stop and fish a bone shard out of my mouth. The chicken tikka masala was rich and flavorful; like all good masalas, it was creamy and smooth as butter. The tandoori was unsatisfying: It tasted undercooked. Delhi Palace’s secret weapon, though, is its naan bread. Fluffy and fragrant, it was perfect for sopping up curry. But it was so delicious that it could make a fine meal on its own. The servers would frequently swing by the table, offering to pile on more naan. Even when I ended up with a pile of naan that would tower over a flapjack stack, I didn’t hesitate to say “more, please” when they passed by with that piping hot basket.

Masala and more at Nandini Indian Cuisine. Photo by Christopher Garcia.

Aside from Udupi’s, Nandini’s is the only other restaurant I went back to try their dinner menu. If you enjoy lamb, Nandini’s Punjabi-influenced dinner menu will officially be your favorite. Their lamb kebabs are Last Meal On Death Row worthy: Sizzling cubes of marinated meat spiced to perfection. nandini.guru

delhipalacecuisineindia.com

Nandini Indian Cuisine A hop and a skip away from the light rail station, Nandini Indian Cuisine is another one of Tempe’s fine Indian food establishments. The inside of Nandini is soothing: The walls are sky blue, and the tablecloths have a light golden color to them. Eating at Nandini’s feels like you’re noshing in Heaven’s waiting room. I halfexpected a cloud to float over my head as I downed my fourth cup of chai tea. Nandini’s buffet, like Delhi Palace, is omnivore-friendly. The restaurant offers both vegetarian and Halal options. The Palak paneer had a subtle ginger flavor and tasted wonderful heaped on top of hot garlic naan; It was also one of the spicier dishes on offer at the Nandini buffet. There wasn’t much in the way of heat in most of the savory dishes: Even FEATURE STORY

Flavors of India The first time I ever set foot in Flavors of India, it was to meet up with a crush. That meeting turned into the worst date of my life. An hour and a half of grueling, tedious conversation. Desperate to salvage something good out of the experience, I focused on the food. I devoured my chicken korma slowly, purposefully, trying to savor every bit of flavor from its seasoned meat and cashews. I pretended I was chewing my way out of this dull encounter, tunneling my way out from under the Flavors of India floorboards, hopping into my car and peeling out with a mouthful of cashews while my date was none the wiser. It’s a testament to the quality of Flavors of India’s food that it’s good enough to inspire those kinds of

Central Phoenix’s Flavors of India serves sweet and savory delights in a casually. Courtesy of Flavors of India.

daydreams. Like the best food, it can be a life preserver to keep you afloat when you feel like sinking. It would be a few years before I came back to FOI to try its buffet after that disastrous dinner date. I’d forgotten how odd it looks from the outside. It’s a long, nondescript brown building that looks like it could house a bowling alley or hobby shop. The inside is more colorful and eccentric — Bolts of fabric hang from the ceiling and wrap around poles. The Flavors buffet is pretty cheap and has a generous array of dishes on hand. Curries, creamy chicken dishes, paneers, and lentils fill decorative serving trays. The butter chicken and the masalas hit the spot, as do the desserts on offer — rice pudding, mango pudding, and fried balls of dough. The dough balls are sweetened with sugar syrup — take one bite of them, and it’ll make every donut hole you’ve ever eaten taste like garbage by comparison. Much like Nandini’s, Flavors goes relatively light on the spices. There’s enough heat on their dishes to give you a little water in your eyes, but none of the dishes I sampled there were hot enough to make me shout a safeword and beg for ice water. To be fair, though, your mileage may vary. I grew up in a household that was obsessed with Thai and North African food. My father was so accustomed to wolfing down spicy dishes without batting an eye that he would have eaten hot lava off a plate if it was on the menu. While nothing on offer at Flavors hit the “last meal ever” highs of Udupi’s Gobi or Nandini’s kebobs, the food there was tasty and affordable. For anyone looking to dip their toes in the wide-ranging world of Indian cuisine, Flavors is a great starting point. flavorsofindiaphoenix.com Ashley Naftule is a writer and theater artist from Phoenix, AZ. His work has been published in Pitchfork, Vice, Bandcamp, Phoenix New Times, Popula, Longreads, The Outline, SYFY Wire, AZCentral, and Java Magazine. He’s a resident playwright and artistic director at Space55 Theatre. You can find him at @Emperor_norton on Twitter. EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make a Deal Fundraiser

Jan. 25 at Bunkhouse, Phoenix. Photos by Gregg Edelman.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos. 28

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Out & About

DAILY HAPPY HOUR WEEKEND BRUNCH ISLAND STYLE EATS

New phoenix location

5114 n. 7th st. phoenix 7213 e. 1st ave. scottsdale

Former Phoenix drag bar is now an eclectic eatery Story and photos by Jeff Kronenfeld

ith gleaming new towers packed full of luxury condos popping up faster than you can say “gentrification,” Phoenix’s history is razed almost as quickly as its skyline. However, one small bar and restaurant is trying to remember the neighborhood’s lost lore: The Dressing Room. Serving fresh takes on street food favorites from around the world — everything from fish tacos to poutine to fried rice — the Dressing Room was once just that, a dressing room. Before the 307 Lounge closed in 2000 and its building was demolished to make way for luxury apartments, it served as one of Phoenix’s first venues for drag performers. Raided by police and pilloried by conservative politicians, the little lounge was an accepting oasis in a prudish cultural desert. However big its heart was, square footage was limited. Its wigged and well-rouged stars prepared themselves by packed into the even smaller building on the other side of the alley. “It was one of the strangest things because you had to walk across the parking lot to change and then back across to go on stage,” recalls Pussy LeHoot, who performed at the 307 Lounge in the 80s and again before it closed. “There was always something going on in that parking lot ... You weren’t supposed to have anybody in there, but I think a few boys got dragged back.” Though the Dressing Room’s red carpet, cubbies and all-night slumber

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

parties may be a thing of the past, LeHoot’s drag shows continue at venues such as Charlie’s Phoenix. However, when Troy Watkins and Kyu Utsunomiya — the founders and owners of food and beverage company Conceptually Social — wanted to convert the then unused space conjoined to their first venture, Be Coffee + Food + Stuff, they decided to name it in honor of this unique past. Though physically connected to the coffee shop and large MonOrchid Art Gallery, the Dressing Room’s interior space is only about 500 square feet. However, through a smart layout and with ample seating available on two patios, it never feels overcrowded, even on a busy Friday night. The lean staff wear many hats and since they run a team system, there’s always someone nearby to take your order or top off your water. Looking out the many windows framed by unfinished brick walls or ensconced in a cozy alley surrounded by murals from local artists such as JB Snyder and Sky Black, the ambiance harmonizes nicely with the cuisine. Malone Deever, the executive chef and general manager, describes their culinary approach with a simple formula: making foods you know and love, but always with a fresh twist. One of the best examples is the restaurant’s fries. Infused with lime juice and dusted with savory spices, they work well on their own, dipped in the house’s rich and tangy avocado crema, or smothered in chorizo gravy and topped with an egg for the poutine.

Another example is their crispy fried chicken sandwich. Drawing inspiration from Deever’s time cooking, and eating, in South Carolina, the dish pays homage to its roots with its southern coleslaw and fresh batter, but adds local elements as well, such as a Mexican Coke brine. The end result is a sandwich bursting with well-balanced flavors and a variety of textures, from crispy breading to juicy chicken to the cool crunch of the slaw. A more recent addition is the spiced falafel gyro. Served in a thick doughy pita, the falafel is at once creamy and crispy, as opposed to the often dry or crumbly textures of many falafels. Spiced like gyro meat and drizzled in a house-made tzkiki (ask them to hold this for a vegan substitute), the dish embodies the cooking staff’s imaginative and playful takes on street food classics. The same could be said for the Korean pork belly fried rice or the RoRo burger, named in honor of the neighborhood. Topped with gruyere, applewood smoked bacon, and sugar and vinegar-infused onions, the burger’s most distinctive feature is its English muffin bun. Like many of the restaurant’s relatively small number of menu items, the English muffin was selected partly because it could be used in a number of dishes, including the breakfast sandwiches served at Be Coffee, for which the Dressing Room kitchen staff prepares all the food items. However, this was just one reason for its selection. FEATURE STORY

“The best part of a burger is all the greasy delicious fat that’s coming off of it,” Deever explained. “If you think about a classic nooks and crannies English muffin, it just soaks up all that flavor and will still have integrity.” No discussion of the Dressing Room would be complete without mentioning their small but fun selection of cocktails, which are half-priced every day from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m, making it a perfect destination for day drinking. In keeping with their culinary philosophy, the drinks are classics with twists, such as their South American sour, which features a tequila-base with lemon, charred Fresno syrup, orange, and a Malbec float. Another play on the classic sour is their Rosemary and the Sage, which features a house-made syrup infused with the cocktail’s titular herbs, honey and bourbon, with aperol and a sprig of rosemary on top. Whether they’re paying homage to their roots with an annual doggy drag show or serving up their latest experiments at festivals such as Devour Phoenix, the friendly staff serve all patrons with a smile and sometimes a joke, whether the customer is in a tuxedo, flip flops or fabulous sequin dress. Jeff Kronenfeld is an independent journalist based out of Phoenix, Arizona. His writing has been featured in Java Magazine, the Arts Beacon, PHXSUX, and the Phoenix Jewish News, where he received the Simon Rockower Award for excellence in news reporting from the American Jewish Press Association. Links to his previously published work are available at www.jeffkronenfeld.com.

FEATURE STORY

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

(left to right) Rubye Moore, Astrud Aurelia, Benaddiction, Carnita Asada

The Queer Agenda Local drag collective celebrates one-year anniversary Story and Photos by Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen

he Queer Agenda has been hard at work in the Phoenix Metro area not only raising money for various charities, but for having doubled down on creating a space inclusive for not only alternative drag performers and entertainers but for anyone who steps through the doors of Stacy’s @ Melrose. Echo: Tell me about the beginnings of The Queer Agenda; where and when did it start? Carnita Asada: It was a long, misty day in the high north country — no, actually, The Queer Agenda was born because I had been producing shows sporadically for a month, and the response to have something more alternative, all-inclusive, all-loving, and a family environment was

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

really needed in the community. I sat down with Stacy (of Stacy’s @ Melrose) for a few hours, we talked, and he confided that one of his previous partners was a different kind of drag queen; he began crying because it brought back memories, and that moment highlighted the fact there was a need here; Stacy’s would be the place, and we grew from there. Deciding on the cast was super easy since I had known Dahli (of Dragula, Season 2). I knew Benaddiction from a long time ago when we used to dance in the clubs and sing karaoke together, while she and Rubye used to host a show together; and I wanted to bring them both on since a cohesive unit is much harder to break.

Rubye Moore: The Queer Agenda happened when Carnita called me up one day and asked if I wanted to do a weekly show. I know she asked Benaddiction and me specifically because we had a show that we established — which was alternative — and branched off of that. I like doing a weekly show because I can finally showcase all my ideas. I used to perform a couple of times a month, and I get to do things I couldn’t do in other shows in the area. Asada: We combined our superpowers, and we created this amazing family environment. Everyone has their separate shows, and we couldn’t be more blessed to have this success on Tuesday nights. I worry about it sometimes, but then I FEATURE STORY

get messages, handwritten letters, and surveys from fans that say, “Keep doing what you’re doing, this has changed my whole life.” Those voices stick in my head, to be able to continue that mission and to provide that home for people who don’t necessarily feel they are wanted other places. The message here is, being different is okay. Echo: Regarding The Queer Agenda, can you tell us some of the experiences you’ve had with charities? Asada: I have always done charity work, and it’s in my blood. I also do committee work with the PRIDE organization and help them design specific change within that organization, but my passion projects are HIV; The Queer Agenda has done a lot with RipplePHX, and Eddie Broadway — part of the Imperial Court of Arizona — started the Broadway Gatlyn Spectrum Grant to help with transition costs, so I thought that would be a perfect way to start the year right and create an environment where we can help our own. The Imperial Court of Arizona, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Queer as Friends, RipplePHX, have all been a blessing, and we have participated in any way we can. If it’s a dollar we raised, we did our part. If it’s thousands of dollars, then we couldn’t be more excited to give to those organizations. Echo: There are quite a few drag collectives in Phoenix that are making their mark; after one year, how do you

think The Queer Agenda will make an impact on the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community? Asada: There’s no competition when we all win; there’s always room for new shows, new ideas, and we have even invited other queer show hosts to come here from Tucson. It’s such a big community where there’s a space for everybody. As far as competition goes, the only competition is, how bigger and better can we serve the people who come here? Echo: To all of the queens in this dressing room, what do each of you think you bring to the table in regards to this weekly show? Benaddiction: I did a lot of gymnastics and tumbling when I was younger, so it translated to an on-stage persona. I’ve lost technical portions of dance, but the passion is still there. Astrud Aurelia: I think I bring a unique aesthetic and eclecticism that isn’t unique to The Queer Agenda, but also Phoenix. I have a special skill-set and a unique style which separates me from other performers. I think I represent a style of drag that’s becoming more prevalent across the country and I think, in a city where I might fit in very well like Brooklyn, or San Francisco, I stand out a lot more here since I’m one of the only queens doing this kind of drag here. An intercity, progressive style of drag which queens here are either too afraid to try or haven’t been exposed to yet.

Echo: Where did the name come from? Asada: It was around the time in 2016 when a certain individual was running for president, and I heard there was a “gay agenda,” like some stupid stuff as if we were trying to put things in the water. First of all, no: the “gay agenda” is not a thing, and with The Queer Agenda, there’s no agenda at all [except one] of inclusivity, love, and being seen as equals. If that’s The Queer Agenda, I want to expose that to those who have never been here before, and maybe they can change their mind. Echo: When and where can we see The Queer Agenda in action? Asada: Tuesday nights at Stacy’s @ Melrose, 9 p.m. sharp — SHARP! We have something here for everybody; there’s usually no cover except for special events when we bring performers from out of town. We have food, and both alcoholic and virgin drinks, so there’s different ways you can support the show. Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen is the kind of guy you would find shooting a punk show in a dark, wet basement and then somehow ending up at a classy charity gala the next day. Currently neckdeep in the local Arizona music scene, Logan is passionate about covering up-and-coming acts and keeping the public informed about the freshest tunes to hit the airwaves; we guess he takes pictures of drag queens too.

(left to right) Rubye Moore, Carnita Asada, Stacy Louis (Owner of Stacy’s @ Melrose), Dahli, Astrud Aurelia, Benaddiction

FEATURE STORY

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

1118_MA_ECHO_DEC_7.25x4.75

HIV & STI PREVENTION

Free and confidential

with quick results! We offer testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis.

333 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012

602-685-6086

testing@terroshealth.org facebook.com/terroshealthhivsti @terroshealthhiv

Testing Hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday- Friday

Walk-ins Welcome, No Appointment Necessary.

99.

CLEAN & DEODORIZE

ANY 3 ROOMS

CLEAN & DEODORIZE

ANY 4 $ ROOMS

139.

Tile & Grout Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Mattress Cleaning Scotchguard Pet & Stain Removal 24/7 Emergency Flood Service Natural Stone Restoration

We take PRIDE in your home. 34

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Counter Top Polishing

WE SOLVE PROBLEMS

The small business is our BIGGEST client. Call today and start saving money and time.

3404 West Cheryl Drive • Suite A170 • Phoenix, Az 85051 Office (602) 264-9331 • Fax (602) 279-1766 • Cell (602) 541-3477 Email Robert@azmoneyguy.com • Website www.azmoneyguy.com facebook.com/azmoneyguy • twitter.com/azmoneyguy

We now have solutions for your erectile disfunction* Save 80% or more

compared to brand names

Tadalafil (compare to Cialis) gummies available.

Sildenafil (compare to Viagra)

in tablet or gummy form.

Greg Roller, R.P.H. 5068 N Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-275-5719 www.fairmontpharmacy.net EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

Fairmont Pharmacy_280119_Echo_n

*Must have prescription. Physician reference available.

Phoenix Pride Media Launch Party

Feb. 12 at BS West, Scottsdale. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos. 36

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Out & About

La Santa Cecilia Mar 10 · 8:00 p.m.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party Mar. 14 - 16 · Times Vary

Skerryvore

Free St. Patrick’s Day Concert

Mar 17 · 7:00 p.m.

En Vogue

Timeless Talent Mar 31 · 7:00 p.m.

Storm Large

Apr 26 · 7:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. Filters Off

Tickets on sale at

ChandlerCenter.org · 480.782.2680 EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

RipplePHX Winter Carnival

Jan. 26 at Stacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s @ Melrose, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos. 38

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Out & About

Locally, gay owned, organic, plant based cafe!

4810 N 7th St â&#x20AC;¢ 602-237-6724 www.whyldass.com

HAPPY HOUR

MON-FRI 3PM-6PM Sat & Sun 2pm-5pm

BRUNCH

SAT & SUN 10AM-2PM

8729 N CENTRAL AVE PHOENIX, AZ 85020 LADERAPHX.COM 602.606.2258 EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

WITHOUT RESERVATIONS

Colorful decor at the Cantina.

Not Your Traditional Review

A personal take on Taco Bell’s flashier, boozier offshoot By Jason Kron Photos by Allyson Bills

owntown Phoenix has been changing, and some have been using terms such as “revitalized” to imply that the change has been positive. The upper classes have been descending upon the district, largely oblivious to the artistic endeavors of past residents who have been forced to leave due to rent inflation. Pricy, “high-vibe” food fare with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options have populated the properties, but more importantly, where does this leave Taco Bell? As has been portrayed in countless works of film and literature, the wellto-do delight in the occasional act of “slummin’ it”, cheating on their juicing diets and “being bad”. But up until now, 40

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

the new downtown hasn’t offered its clientele the ability to experience chains such as Taco Bell without having to go to a real Taco Bell and be in line with people that they may consider to be lowlifes (such as myself). What if someone wants to enjoy a Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco and take their date to a joint that feels fancy AF? Alas, the gods of gentrification have smiled upon the area and blessed them with Taco Bell Cantina. The 2nd Street and Jefferson location is convenient for local workers on foot during their lunch breaks. Unfortunately, it lacks a drive-thru for those of us who are looking for a quick fix and need to eat our burritos alone in a den of darkness.

One has to actually enter the establishment to get their grub, where they’ll encounter EDM playing at clublevel volume coming out of the “Feed the Beat” sound system. You can watch one of the three massive TV screens while standing in line, or you can admire a roughly 15-foot painting of the various Taco Bell hot sauce packets and the sassy sayings that they sport. There’s a basket of peppermints at the counter for those who for whatever reason wouldn’t want the taste of gorditas to linger on their lips. One can wash down their meal with an imported beer or even an alcoholic slushy (of which the options include spiked Mountain Dew). Depending on the kind of person you are, this may sound delightful. For me, it’s like having Dining Out

a lifelong best friend that you think you know better than yourself, but one day you go over to their house and see that suddenly they’re not into punk rock and skateboarding anymore, that they now obsess over smooth jazz and rollerblading. Who is this person? What is reality? But then there’s the food, which is like having a conversation with your rollerblading friend and realizing that you still have things in common despite their perplexing transformation. The classics that we all know and love return for this incarnation of Taco Bell, and they taste exactly the same and as amazing as they do at every other location in the world. In the fucked-up world in which we live, the consistency of Taco Bell’s menu everywhere you go creates a much-needed small sense of comfort. In today’s volatile world, the only thing we can all agree on is Taco Bell. Therefore, entering a Taco Bell is equivalent to setting foot in a real-life utopia, where everyone puts aside

their differences and unites over their unequivocal love of Chalupas and Crunchwraps. If only we could turn all of Earth into one giant Taco Bell, we would have a world where everyone was too high on MSG to start wars. But why is my favorite chain trying to up the swankiness here? It could be argued that this is a signal of Taco Bell selling out, sacrificing the original ambiance that made up half its appeal in a chase for the new downtown’s dollar. Is it that, or are they trying to bring the gentrifiers over to the Taco Bell way of thinking? Are they trying to change the system from the inside? Or is Taco Bell doing this because they just want to try new things and meet new people? Though it’s easy to assume the worst, I am trying to give Taco Bell the benefit of the doubt as I work through my general trust issues. It’s been a close companion and confidant throughout my whole life. After my parents divorced, my dad would pick me up every Friday

and we’d go get double decker tacos without fail, an attempt on my part to be more like Shaq. (Look up the classic commercials on YouTube.) When I learned to drive, the first place I went was to Taco Bell. The day my child was born, I eventually got hungry and wanted to celebrate this incredible occasion within the walls of my favorite establishment. Though those whom we love may change, our love for them leads to the desire to believe that they intend only the best with their actions, even if those actions make no sense to us. So, to Taco Bell Cantina, I wish you the best of luck on your journey to being who you want to be. Though the new you may make me uncomfortable, I’ll always be here for you. Jason Kron is a Phoenix-based writer, music teacher, Devo cover band singer and VHS enthusiast. His work has been published in YabYum and De’Lunula.

Jalapeno Dippers from the Shareables menu.

Dining Out

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

AT THE BOX OFFICE

Four Films in Theaters This Month By Tuesday Mahrle

Greta

In theaters March 1 | Not yet rated | 98 minutes | Drama, Thriller

A young, naive girl named Frances is trying to make it on her own in New York City. On her usual route on the subway, she finds an unattended handbag. After finding information on the owner, she returns the bag to Greta, an older, eccentric French piano teacher who is happy but lonely as a widow. Since Frances recently lost her mother, she quickly forms a motherly connection with Greta. Soon, Greta’s maternal allure quickly dissolves as she becomes an obsessive stalker inundating Frances’ life.

Us In theaters March 22 | R | 120 minutes | Horror, Thriller

Jordan Peele, writer and director of Get Out, gives us another psychological nightmare in cinematic form. Us follows the Wilson family as they pause their busy lives for a family vacation and to visit friends in California. One night, four mysterious people invade the vacation home, which is also mother Adelaide’s childhood home. The family quickly realizes these intruders look oddly similar to them but morphed into evil and grotesque in nature. They must defeat these evil doppelgängers before they are killed themselves.

Hotel Mumbai

The Mustang In theaters March 15 | R | 96 minutes | Drama

Roman Coleman, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, is a violent convict in a rural Nevada prison. He’s been at the prison for over a decade with frequent stints in solitary confinement. In an attempt to stop the cycle of violence, Roman’s prison psychologist recommends he be placed in a state mandated social rehabilitation. Roman is assigned to “outdoor maintenance” in the form of wild horse training. In the process of attempting to break a horse notorious for being unbreakable, he learns about himself while trying to build back relationships with those outside of prison, including the family he left behind. 42

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

In theaters March 22 | Not yet rated | 125 minutes | Drama, Thriller

Hotel Mumbai is based on the true story of the Mumbai terrorist attacks that occurred in 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in India. A handful of hotel staff, including famous chef Hemant Oberio and a waiter named Arjun, played by Dev Patel, choose to risk their own lives to protect the hotel guests and their beloved hotel from the terrorist. The film also highlights a couple who, quickly after checking in, are forced to do unthinkable acts to protect their newborn child from the gun-toting incendiaries. Tuesday Mahrle is a film critic and host of “Whiskey and Popcorn,” a Phoenix-based movie podcast. Entertainment

A RIZON A’S LE A DE R IN MUS IC A L THE ATRE

You can DANCE, JIVE and have the TIME of your LIFE!

The Broadway hit sensation featuring the music of ABBA! Purchase early for best availability!

MARCH 15 - APRIL 20

623.776.8400 | AZBROADWAY.ORG | 7701 w paradise ln, peoria, AZ 85382

Addicted? We can help. • Major Insurance Accepted • Safe & Confidential • LGBTQ Affirmative

Call Today 602.535.6468 | www.stonewallinstitute.com EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

OPENING NIGHTS

Lutz in iTheatre Collaborative’s version of Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie earned him a Best Actor award from Phoenix New Times.

Getting to Know Greg Lutz

Echo gets up close and personal with the lauded, Phoenix-based actor By Tom Reardon

f you have spent time in Phoenix, Arizona, particularly as the town transitions from what Phoenicians call winter to spring and then to the unofficial tenth ring of hell (from mid-July to September), you probably understand what it means to slowly go from a happy, well-adjusted person, to someone just shy of total insanity. For an actor, this is often the best type of role to play. The character that starts as a relatively ordinary person, but over time, things begin to happen, and they gradually become more and more insane.

The incomparable Jackie Fontaine. 44

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

summer hell better than most other Americans. As an actor who specializes in going from relatively sane to the edge of madness and beyond, Lutz has been honing his craft on a variety of stages and mediums since the early 1970s when his ability to mimic the voices of his teachers and, at times, the school secretary, helped buy him and his friends some valuable free time.

According to Greg Lutz (pronounced “Lootz”), an acclaimed local actor and business owner, this is precisely the type of role that floats his boat. The look in Lutz’ piercing blue eyes as he talks about this shows his inherent sense of mischievous, and dare we say, slightly evil glee as he considers the prospect.

“I could impersonate all the teachers, matter of fact, I could impersonate the lady on the intercom, and I used to get our whole class some free time to ourselves because I’d go, (makes his voice sound like an intercom) ‘Mrs. Romek, could you please come to the office?’ And she’d leave, you know, and she would leave Cynthia, the ‘do-gooder’ in charge,” says Lutz as we chatted in the Echo office on a rainy afternoon.

It makes sense, though, since Lutz is a Phoenix native, and we — meaning those of us who spend the majority of our time here in the Valley of the Sun — understand that slow descent into

Lutz, who was in second or third grade when he discovered this particular side of his many talents, remembers being scared of what would happen when the teacher realized that it was a fake call to ENTERTAINMENT

the office, but it took the school a while to catch on, and he and his class would enjoy 10 or 15 minutes of free time each time he pulled it off. Growing up relatively poor in Maryvale, which is suburb on the west side of Phoenix just east of Luke Air Force base, was not particularly easy for Lutz, as his family was one of the only non-military families in his neighborhood at the time. Lutz talks openly about feeling like an outcast in the late ‘60s as he thought his neighbors could not wait for him and his family to leave the neighborhood. As a child, Lutz learned to use comedy to battle his feelings of inferiority and ingratiate himself to his peers. “People could not wait to turn on Greg Lutz on the playground. They would turn me on, and I would do whatever they wanted me to, you know, do weird sounds and impersonations,” shares Lutz. Turning on though, was not always easy for Lutz. He developed a fairly significant stuttering problem in elementary school when his parents were going through a divorce, and it was an astute school counselor who suggested that Lutz combat his growing stammer by going out for the school play. This opened the door for what has become a career for Lutz, and the handsome fellow has been a fixture on Valley stages, as well as television and feature films, since he began working in community theater at age 15. Having spent his formative years in the desert, Lutz appreciates how Phoenix has come of age, culturally, in the past decade. We discussed whether or not the town has experienced a renaissance regarding theater much in the same way that it has with food and music. “(Speaking about the past) it’s kind of like the restaurant scene where there was a lot of mom and pop things and then now, in my opinion, everything (in the theater world) kind of feels like a corporation or franchise, but it’s damn good theater. I just did something with Phoenix Theatre Company, and I don’t think they’ve put on a bad show or a mediocre show for the last 10 or 15 years, but I don’t think it’s had a renaissance just yet,” says Lutz, before continuing. “And again, you know, when I say that I don’t think that renaissance is here is because I’m not as well in touch with all the theater (happening in town). If I am going to act, it’s typically with iTheatre Collaborative, which is one of the resident theater companies at the Herberger Theater Center. I think they’re on their 20th anniversary or something ENTERTAINMENT

now and they are cutting edge, just like Stray Cat (Theatre) is cutting edge. If you want to see something where people are really taking chances and doing a theater to get a message out also, but at the same time entertaining and being on the edge, you know, Phoenix Theatre I think is the leader in this town when it comes to good-quality, Broadway-type shows.” Physically, Lutz could be the love child of Kirk Douglas and Pat McMahon of The Wallace & Ladmo Show (or maybe McMahon’s Wallace & Ladmo character, Aunt Maude), but spiritually his parentage would probably be more of a combination of classic funnymen, Ernie Kovacs and Jack Lemmon. For younger folks that might not get the Kovacs/Lemmon reference, think of Zack Galifianakis and Paul Rudd being your parents, and there you have it. Either way, Lutz is one of a kind and sharp as a tack when it comes to humor, albeit there is a dark side there, too, much in the way that Kovacs and Lemmon, or Galifianakis and Rudd, like to flirt with (and often brilliantly nail) black comedy. Lutz thrives being on the edge, though, when it comes to his acting. Our conversation takes a turn back to the beginning again, as Lutz shares another layer of what makes him the actor he is. “I like being weird … atypical, askew, dysfunctional. I like being the actor that’s hiding being dysfunctional and has some baggage to unpack,” says Lutz. This has helped him with his other day/night job, as well. In addition to his work in front of the camera, Lutz also owns a local company called Murder Ink Productions, which has been doing interactive murder mystery and team-building events since 1989. Lutz enjoys performing with his fellow actors, as well as willing participants from the crowd, in a variety of shows, some of which Lutz has written himself. Murder Ink Productions works with local and national companies to entertain their clients at local restaurants like Avanti or hotels in the Valley where there is space to do a show while patrons enjoy a good meal, as well. Lutz will proudly admit that his favorite character to play, though, is Jackie Fontaine, which is a character Lutz created himself and he’s done over two thousand performances as this lounge singer/comedian from Hoboken, New Jersey. “I came up with Jackie Fontaine. I engineered that name and boy; it just took off. He’s a pretty good singer, you know, personally, I’ve been trained, but

Greg Lutz

he’s a pretty good singer. He can, you know, make the women swoon, and he does blue comedy — stand-up comedy. I’ve been doing Jackie Fontaine since probably 2001. When I retire, I’m going to become Jackie,” says Lutz with a grin and a chuckle. Between Murder Ink Productions, which typically does two events per month during the majority of the year and sometimes two or three a night during the holidays, and acting on stage and in films and television, there are not a lot of spare moments for the central Phoenix resident to enjoy his favorite restaurants (which include Otro on 7th Street, as well as Whyld Ass “When I want to take care of my body,” according to Lutz) or time at home. In the coming months, look for Lutz in the film, Eminence Hill, which also stars Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure/War Games/No Country For Old Men) and the iTheatre Collaborative production of Frost/Nixon here locally. Eventually, there will also be a Jackie Fontaine movie, The Miss OTB Scandal, which is currently in production. Tom Reardon loves to write about people who are doing something to contribute to our community in a positive way. He also loves his family and family of friends, his pets, music, skateboarding, movies, good (and bad) TV, and working with children to build a better world. Tom’s favorite movie is Jaws, his favorite food is lasagna, and he loves to play music with his friends. He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to listen to what you have to say so tell him a story. EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

RECORDINGS

By Tom Reardon Weezer — Weezer (Teal Record)

Does the world really need a Weezer covers record? Having lived through the initial era of “Africa,” for example, when it was by Toto and played on the radio every five seconds was bad enough, but then Weezer comes along last summer and drops an almost note for note copy, and “Ugh,” here it is on the radio every goddamn five seconds again. Fuck you, Weezer, and the zebra you rode in on for putting “Africa” as the first track of your new stupid cover song record. Save your time and money and don’t buy or listen to this drivel. Putting out records is a time and resource consuming effort and I have to say that the “Teal” record is a waste of both. I say this not because the songs are badly done, because they aren’t, or the band is not talented, because they are, but mainly because the world doesn’t need this record. We don’t need another version of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” or “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath. Both are great songs and it is mildly (in the kindest sense of the word) entertaining to hear Weezer do them, but honestly, after listening to this record I feel like I received a tongueless rim job. 46

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

The Dandy Warhols — Why You so Crazy

It wasn’t until the fourth track, “Be Alright” off The Dandy Warhols new record, Why You so Crazy, that I felt like I was listening to a Dandy’s record and this is not necessarily a bad thing. I think it was singer Courtney TaylorTaylor’s vocal style where singing

meets whispering that really keyed in the familiar sensations of the past. In some ways, this is where the record starts to take off, as well. Not that the opening tracks are not good listening, not at all. The fuzzy, Zia McCabe (keyboards/vocals) dominated song, “Highlife” which comes just before “Be Alright” is fun and bouncy in all the right places, but also a bit of an anomaly for this sort of eels-ish version of the longtime Portland band. All the requisite herky-jerky hipness that you may have come to expect from a Dandy Warhols’ record is here as well as a fair amount of, gasp, maturity and growth. There is a country-fied elegance of “Sins Are Forgiven” that shows a sincerity that sometimes eludes Taylor-Taylor’s vocals which led to multiple listens of the song. Of course, when the band apes Jonathan Richman’s “Pablo Picasso” on “Small Town Girls” all that sincerity and maturity goes back into a box that is probably tucked away under the singer’s unmade bed. Entertainment

Flotsam & Jetsam — The End of Chaos

Personalized HIV Care and Support • Guidance from pharmacists specially trained in HIV therapy • Medication refill reminders • Pick up at our location (below) or any CVS Pharmacy® or get delivery by mail at no extra cost*

Call 1-602-258-7051 or stop in. CVS Pharmacy Specialty Services 1002 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006 Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Phoenix metal legends Flotsam & Jetsam are admittedly a bit of a departure from bands like The Dandy Warhols and Weezer, but on the local scene, these ‘80s holdovers have only one peer, Sacred Reich, and that says a lot for their staying power. The End of Chaos, their 13th-studio release, is not particularly boundary breaking in terms of style or substance, but new drummer Ken Mary (who, among others, played on four Alice Cooper records) displays some killer chops that propel this record to worthy heights. Guitarists Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley trade riffs throughout The End of Chaos that will undoubtedly inspire bouts of air guitar in smoky living rooms around the world. “Control” is a mosh-inducing monster of song, and again, it’s Mary’s drums that take this song to a level F&J did not reach on their last studio record, which was an eponymous 2016 release. “Slowly Insane” and “Unwelcome Surprise” are two of the other standout tracks that will necessitate additional listens during 2019. Singer Erik AK (Knutson) still sounds just enough like Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson to make these songs sound a tad familiar, but overall, The End of Chaos is worthy of multiple spins, especially if you are into leather, long hair, and spikes. Tom Reardon loves to write about people who are doing something to contribute to our community in a positive way. He also loves his family and family of friends, his pets, music, skateboarding, movies, good (and bad) TV, and working with children to build a better world. Tom’s favorite movie is Jaws, his favorite food is lasagna, and he loves to play music with his friends. He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to listen to what you have to say so tell him a story. Entertainment

*Where allowed by law. In-store pick up is currently not available in Oklahoma. Puerto Rico requires first-fill prescriptions to be transmitted directly to the dispensing specialty pharmacy. Products are dispensed by CVS Specialty® and certain services are only accessed by calling CVS Specialty directly. Certain specialty medication may not qualify. Services are also available at Long’s Drugs locations. ©2019 CVS Specialty. All rights reserved. 75-47585A 11261

Your “Alternative” Dental Office With a Holistic and Biological approach to your Dental Needs and Overall Health Michael Margolis, DDS, PC

Stephen Kovar, DMD, FAGD

480-833-2232

www.MyDentistAZ.com

Cosmetic / Aesthetic Dentistry Lumineers / Veneers Complete Family / General Dentistry Close-in East Valley Location Member GPGLCC All Services Provided by Arizona Licensed General Dentists

2045 S. Vineyard Rd., Suite 153 | Mesa, AZ 85210

YOUR AD HERE! For details, call 602-266-0550. EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

BETWEEN THE COVERS

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Photo by Marguerite Heeb

ven if everyone supported you and very little changed, you changed; still, though you had doubts and fear, it was something you had to do. Now read the new book An Indefinite Sentence by Siddharth Dube and imagine what it might’ve been like coming out but knowing that it’s dangerous. When Siddharth Dube was 10 years old, he saw a dancer who was lovely, curvy, and sultry, and who pulled off her skirt with a flourish at the end, revealing herself as a man. The memory, the surprise, stuck with him — in part, perhaps, because he had known for two years then that he “was a girly-boy.” No one much cared about that while he was young and growing up in relative affluence near Calcutta. He was “a carefree child,” unashamed of his “undefined gender,” but that disappeared: as a preteen, he was enrolled in a private academy and was bullied for being “sissy,” despite a school culture that allowed boys to demand sex

from other boys. At that time, and for most of Dube’s youth, there was nothing available in India “to help a young man … deal with his … homosexuality.” He felt “hatred” from his peers and neighbors and from his own father, who strongly urged Dube to leave India to attend college in America. In the U.S., though, Dube found that “hatred for homosexuality was many magnitudes greater than in India.” And yet — seeing gay life in a more permissive country was liberating. Dube patronized a gay bar for the first time, finally found the love he sought, and discovered his passion for careers in journalism and activism on the subject of AIDS, the people affected by the disease, and the world’s attitude toward it. That began a journey that ultimately took him back to his home country, where he settled in with “one of the greatest loves of my adult life” although, because gay sex was illegal in India, doing so was dangerous.

Siddharth Dube by Marguerite Heeb

An Indeﬁnite Sentence: A Personal History of Outlawed Love and Sex by Siddharth Dube c.2015, 2019, Atria Books $28.00 / $37.00 Canada 376 pages

Months after they moved, Dube discovered just how dangerous it was. Take that as a warning: that little bombshell arrives all too early inside An Indefinite Sentence. By the time it does, you’ll be lulled into a veil of serenity. That is due completely to the prose with which author Siddharth Dube tells his story: it’s soft and formal but with elegant slang and a very surprising willingness to use profanity in a matter-of-fact way that still feels like a slap. Dube shares his life and his travels by mixing shades of

his faith along with tales of men he loved platonically and otherwise, female sex workers who bore the most blame on the spread of disease, and the politics of and attitudes toward AIDS around the world. This, too, is told with outraged mindfulness that feels like a burning torch wrapped up in tranquility. Readers searching for something different this week can end their search with this book. It’s stirring and calming, funny and sad; start An Indefinite Sentence, and you’ll have no difficulty enjoying it.

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.

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Entertainment

Flexible Start Dates Register Today! enroll-maricopa.com

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin in their programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

TALKING BODIES

Vitamins: are, of course, essential, but ideal DV’s (daily values) are arguably difficult to reach solely through packaged foods alone. Also: %DV is largely irrelevant due to wide variety of goals and programs. I wouldn’t even look at this number. Protein: NOT required to be on the panel! This is arguably the most important macronutrient in the majority of my clients’ diets! “Quantities” are good and relevant. But you have to keep looking to find the “quality” of your ingredients below.

3. Ingredients:

Food Labels: decoded By Tia Norris

et’s not mince words: reading food labels is freaking confusing.

There are three parts to this process that we care about: the front of the package, including any “claims” by the manufacturer; the nutrition facts panel on the back; and the list of ingredients underneath that. Before we proceed, you need to have a clear idea of what your goal is before you make any judgments on food labels. For example: if you’re on the paleo diet, saturated fat is fine; if you’re leaning out, high carbs won’t help you; if you’re a triathlete, sodium is a good thing. What I’m saying is, “good” or “bad” judgments are entirely dependent on your goals. What helps one, hurts another.

1. Front: The most important things you need to know about most of the “claims” on the front packaging of foods: they are largely unregulated, and almost always misleading. Remember, big food doesn’t really care about you and your long-term health; all they care about is dolla’ bills and making more of them by cajoling you into believing their bullshit. “All natural”, “made with real fruit”, “whole grains”, “zero sugar”, and more … I could write seven articles’ worth on each of these claims that are often duplicitous. For now, my best advice is this: Do not trust the majority of “claims” on the front of packaged foods; keep in mind the notso-secret agenda of pure greed from the manufacturers. 50

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

2. Nutrition Facts: The good news is that there’s not a lot of ways to cheat on the nutrition facts panel. This means what you see is usually exactly what you get, save for those companies that actually report false numbers on the panel. (It does happen; don’t be surprised.) The bad news is that most people don’t have a diet or fitness goal, on top of the fact that they lack basic understanding of what each nutrient really does. Fat is not bad. Carbs are not bad. Sodium is not bad. A trainer or nutritionist can help you understand your goals. That being said, let’s break down the key parts of the panel: Serving size: is key! Often times, the relevant serving size is much smaller than what people expect — the whole package might have several smaller servings within it! Be very mindful of this number. Fat: includes saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. The public favor regarding fats has changed drastically over the years. The only hard rule here is to avoid trans fats and consult your expert panel otherwise. Cholesterol: is only bad if you have a pre-existing cholesterol problem. In the face of an otherwise healthy diet, don’t get too hung up on this number. Sodium: isn’t always bad. The more you sweat, the more sodium you need to replace. The less you move and sweat, the more you should mind this number. Carbohydrates: these are made up of sugar, starches, and fiber. “Net carbs” = total carbs, minus fiber. Again, consult your diet expert to discuss how much you need.

Ingredients are listed biggest to smallest — the first one listed is the most prevalent in the product. Here is my list of absolute “no’s” that should make you put the package down and back away. Sugar alcohols: anything that ends in “-ol”, like xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, etc. These are everywhere! I know that some bodybuilders and keto dieters will fight me on this, but these are synthetic shitstorms. At the very least, they cause gastrointestinal distress; at the worst, they are endocrine disruptors which mean they slowly, insidiously, work to short circuit your system of hormones. Aspartame: many studies have linked aspartame to major health problems. This is your sweetener in many “zero sugar” drinks and foods. You might be able to get away with it in small quantities, but it does add it up and it’s unequivocally damaging in large quantities. High fructose corn syrup: is this still seriously a debate? Once again, a reminder to not believe big food. HFCS is a synthetic corn derivative that, on a cellular level, causes major gastrointestinal distress to, at best, partially absorb. Garbage. Sucralose: this chlorine-injected sucrose-like ultra-sweetener is the most popular one on the market these days. You’ll find studies that support usage, and ones that demonize it. Personally? I’d rather go with natural, easily absorbed plain sugar instead. Sucralose has been proven to disrupt natural insulin and digestive processes, which have far-reaching negative effects on your endocrine system as a whole. It’s complex, I know. Remember, don’t believe the “claims” on your packages, as they’re usually just clever marketing scams. Pay attention to both your quantities and qualities, all in accordance with your trainer’s or dietician’s recommendations. Question everything! Tia Norris is the president and head trainer at FitPro, LLC, a local fitness company. Find out more at fitprollc.com. Health & Fitness

YOUR LOCAL MORTGAGE LOAN EXPERT

Lifestyle Partners A R I Z O N A R E A L E S TAT E F O R E V E R Y O N E

WITH 19 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Personal service with single point of contact // Mortgage loan solutions tailored to your individual needs // Smooth process and on-time closings

Your LGBTQ Community Realtors

Listings, sales, investing and property management services. Certified negotiation experts Team of 4 for support you deserve

KIM CHARTIER

Sales Manager | NMLS# 190631

Decades of experience Guaranteed service

Melinda J. Murphy GRI CNE SRES Associate Broker/Realtor since 1986 602-695-2900

(602) 989-4075 cell kchartier@loanDepot.com www.loanDepot.com/kchartier 605 W. Knox Road, Suite 106 Tempe, AZ 85284

START SHOPPING WITH CONFIDENCE AND CONTACT ME FOR A PRE-APPROVAL!

Shane Burleson CNE 5-star rated Realtor & Featured in Phoenix Magazine 602-578-1169 Wendy Weintraub

wendysweintraub@gmail.com 602-999-9818

Gail Smith

REALTOR Lifestyle Partners Team 602-803-4070 loanDepot.com, LLC NMLS ID 174457. Licensed by the AZ Department of Financial Institutions, Mortgage Banker 0911092. (082018 118223)

602-695-2900

2920 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016

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

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

NOT THAT YOU ASKED

The youth fairy ain’t a-coming. By Buddy Early

here are certain things that become part of your routine when you get older. You take an Ibuprofen that’s on the counter, even if it’s for no reason other than there probably is a reason you need to take it. You start buying cranberry juice at the grocery store because, hey, cranberry juice is good for you. And you say things like, “Youth is wasted on the young.” I’ve uttered that phrase numerous times in the last few years — either to an actual young person or just under my breath. Of course, this is a concept that is only understood by people who are no longer considered youthful. It’s pointless to try to convince young people that “youth is wasted on the young;” If they believed and understood this fact about youth … well, it most likely wouldn’t be wasted. I certainly know about this. I never fully understood or appreciated those years when I had the world at my fingertips, when I had so many choices, when I could function on five hours of sleep and yet a good portion of those other 19 hours were spent wasted — oh, hey, there’s that word! Often, I find myself around young people with an opportunity to share my life wisdom. (I like to think this is because I am young at heart and am able to connect with them; however, it’s really because due to poor life choices I am surrounded at work by people 20 years my junior.) The first thing I tell people in their twenties is to have more sex and do more drugs. I mean, if they want to. I know I wish I had. It’s too late for me now. Nowadays, if someone slipped me half an ecstasy pill, I’d have to be wheeled out of Sprouts

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

or Starbucks (or any other place that qualifies as a “hangout”) by some hunky firemen. Incidentally, I’ll never be able to look any of them in the eye again because passing out automatically leads to discharge of bodily fluids — from simple drooling all the way to these panties will have to be destroyed. I mean, one of those firemen could be my soulmate … but we could never have that episode be our meet-cute. And as far as sex goes? Well, let’s just say that when presented with the opportunity I immediately start counting how much sleep I need vs. how much sleep I would get. Sleep usually wins. *Disclaimer: I am aware that plenty of gay men my age and older have active sex lives and still party, so save your letters of outrage. Lest you think I have been a killjoy all my life, I should point out that I was quite the fun machine in my youth. Case in point: for an entire year in college I was affectionally known as “The Guy Who Brought Beer to Everything.” And I dare you to find better evidence of how fun I was back in the day more than the endof-semester party where I almost died of alcohol poisoning. Good times, indeed. Having fun was never my problem. It was the other side of the “Youth is wasted on the young” coin. Which brings me to the second thing I tell people who are in their twenties. The second thing I tell them is to do things that are fulfilling and/or set you up for a terrific future. And don’t do what doesn’t. There’s no better time than in your twenties to say “Fuck this job. I hate it.” It’s

the age when you drop out of law school because you want to dabble full-time in water colors. It’s the age you volunteer for all the things that are meaningful to you because you still have energy at the end of a 40-hour work week. It’s the age to throw caution to the wind by writing everything in comic sans or serving red wine with fish to a table of judgey gays. (Proceed with caution when it comes to those last two examples.) I didn’t seize opportunities. I didn’t take risks and I didn’t take control of my own life. Life was something that happened around me and I was just there for the ride, albeit a fun ride. This is not to say I can’t still do some of those things I advise young people to do. But the courage required is greater, not to mention the repercussions, for someone my age or older. (This is especially true for the aforementioned red wine faux pas.) The reason youth ends up being wasted on the young is because too many of us do not take advantage of those years. We think there’s all the time in the world, but it passes us by. Each bit of passing time is a missed opportunity. And we never get that time back. So, quit that job; have that sex; and serve whatever the hell wine you desire. And if you drop out of law school tell your parents I said it was okay. Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine. Community

BE HEARD. Fundraising Gala • Dinner • Awards • Live Auction • Raffles • Entertainment

Get tickets at:

At the Heard Museum 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

WE THE PEOPLE

Arizona Denies Transgender Employees, Dependents Access to Gender-Confirming Care By Steve Kilar

professor at the University of Arizona recently filed a lawsuit against the state of Arizona because the health insurance plan the state provides its employees and their dependents discriminates against people in need of gender-confirming care. Arizona’s health plan categorically excludes transition-related surgery from its coverage. That means transgender and nonbinary people who need surgery related to their gender identity have to pay for it out of pocket, even when the surgery is prescribed by a doctor and the same procedure would be covered for someone who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth. That’s clear sex discrimination and is a violation of federal civil rights statutes and the U.S. Constitution, which demands all people are treated equally under the law. Dr. Russell Toomey, a human development and family studies scholar who researches discrimination against LGBTQ adolescents, filed the class action case in federal court in January against the State of Arizona and the Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the state universities. Dr. Toomey is represented in the case by the ACLU and the Phoenix law firm Aiken Schenk Hawkins & Ricciardi P.C. “In the past, some public and private insurance companies excluded coverage for treatment of gender dysphoria … including surgical treatments, based on the erroneous assumption that such treatments were cosmetic or experimental,” the lawsuit states. “Today, however, every major medical organization to address the issue has recognized that such exclusions have no basis in medical science and that transition-related care is effective, safe and medically necessary for treatment of gender dysphoria.” Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis some transgender people receive if they endure “clinically significant emotional distress … as a result of the incongruence of [their] gender with their assigned sex and the physiological developments associated with that sex,” the lawsuit explains. Since 1979, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health,

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

often called WPATH, has published health care standards for transgender people. These standards, now in their seventh version, are evidence-based and widely accepted. To alleviate gender dysphoria, according to WPATH, a doctor may recommend surgery or other medical treatments to align an individual’s body with their gender identity. In some cases, transition-related surgery can be lifesaving. “Under each patient’s treatment plan, the goal is to enable the individual to live all aspects of one’s life consistent with one’s gender identity, thereby eliminating the distress associated with the incongruence,” Dr. Toomey’s lawsuit states. No one should be denied medically necessary care because of who they are. Because of the state’s discriminatory health plan, Dr. Toomey has been unable to have a gender-confirming procedure recommended by his physician in accordance with the widely accepted standards of care for treating gender dysphoria. When I recently spoke to Dr. Toomey about his lawsuit, he told me that he decided to pursue the case not only for himself, but for all the other people who have insurance coverage through Arizona’s health plan and are not getting the transition-related care they need. Within the University of Arizona community alone, Dr. Toomey said, he knows many families that are negatively affected by the state’s anti-trans health plan. Dr. Toomey was in his early 20s when he started his gender transition. In 2003, he began taking testosterone and the next year he had chest reconstruction, which he paid for out of pocket by taking out an $8,000 loan that his father-inlaw co-signed. These treatments were medically necessary because of his gender dysphoria. His doctors recently recommended he also have a hysterectomy, but his insurance would not cover the procedure because of Arizona’s blanket exclusion for gender-confirming surgery. Dr. Toomey said he, like so many other Arizonans, is not able to pay for the procedure out of pocket. He and his wife,

Dr. Russell Toomey and spouse Danielle Flink. Courtesy of Russell Toomey.

Danielle, have other priorities for their finances, including raising their two children and caring for a parent. Until Arizona’s health plan changes, he said, he will have to keep living with features of his body that do not fit with his gender identity and are the source of substantial mental distress. A court in Wisconsin recently ruled that it is a violation of the Constitution and federal law to deny state employees coverage for gender-affirming health care. Dr. Toomey and the ACLU hope for a similar outcome in Arizona. “I do not want any other transgender employee or dependent, current or future, to suffer with anxiety in the way that I have because of this policy,” Dr. Toomey said in an ACLU press release about the lawsuit. “I love my job at the University of Arizona and I really want to live in a state that treats all employees and their dependents equally.” Steve Kilar, is the communications director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona (acluaz. org). If you have questions about your rights that you would like addressed in a future issue, write him at skilar@acluaz.org. COMMUNITY

HISTORY

The Past I Heard …

Bob Aronin remembers the night the community rallied By Buddy Early

founder of the Community AIDS Council, president of the Arizona Human Rights Fund, and chairman of the Phoenix Human Relations Commission. Even prior to my work at Echo, when I worked for AIDS Project Arizona, Bob’s name was pretty much revered.

Bob Aronin. Courtesy of Gregg Edelman.

o celebrate Echo’s 30th birthday, this year I will be catching up with some of Arizona’s LGBT personalities from past and present to revisit the people, places and events that helped shape our community. When I was serving as assistant editor and then managing editor of this magazine, I was lucky to be doing that kind of work during a time when GLBT — later known as LGBT and then LGBTQ — equality (and inequality) was abundant in the news. Not lucky because having to fight for equality is desirable, but lucky because experiencing that fight from the front row made me a better person. In those days, however, my “elders” had spoken on occasion about a raucous Phoenix City Council meeting that put gay discrimination in front of our city leaders and galvanized our community. It was June 16, 1992, and the antidiscrimination ordinance was being considered by the Council after the Human Rights Task Force had convinced then-Mayor Paul Johnson to postpone it for two weeks. The divisive issue was debated for hours in front of a packed crowd of Phoenix residents. Proponents of the measure stood and argued the injustices of discrimination and shared their personal stories of being gay. Opponents expressed concerns based on religious values. One person who was instrumental in organizing the crowd for that evening was Bob Aronin. Many remember Bob as

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

I recently caught up with Bob, who relocated to southern California almost 20 years ago. “It was extraordinary,” Bob said of the evening. “It was truly electric.” Echo billed that night as the “Mother of all battles” as the Human Rights Task Force mobilized its supporters with a grassroots campaign. The meeting would be the week following the Pride Festival at Kiwanis Park, allowing the HRTF to rally attendees. It worked, as more than 5,000 residents showed up to the meeting, about 80% in support of the ordinance. “We did not know how it would go,” said Bob, adding that the Council was taken aback by the crowd’s sheer number of people who turned out to voice support. “The people who didn’t want to be seen as gay were there,” Bob told me. “People who didn’t want to ever participate in the community were there.” By a 5-4 vote that night the Council deferred the measure to voters during the next regularly scheduled general election. When conservatives on the Council followed that vote by pushing through a motion to protect married couples from discrimination, many in the crowd began yelling, shouting “coward” and blowing whistles. The Council ducked out the back door under police protection. According to Bob, despite the lessthan-ideal outcome, the community was changed that night. “That night triggered action,” he said. “It led to people coming out [to their families]. It led to great things in our community.”

The pressure on the Council remained, and three weeks later the body passed the ordinance by a 6-3 vote. It was a compromise that would extend protections to gays and lesbians in businesses with 35 or more employees that contract with the city. The decision shocked the standing-room only assembly, because supporters had given up and expected the ballot measure to be struck down by voters. Bob deflected the credit for mobilizing the crowd, crediting the Phoenix HIV/AIDS community for being militant, Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) for being visible and vocal, and Echo publisher Bill Orovan for both keeping the community informed and working behind the scenes. This vote was, in fact, the culmination of a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes lobbying by community leaders, business owners, and even Senator Barry Goldwater. But there’s no doubt that Bob Aronin was as influential and important as anyone in this fight. After the passage, Bob eloquently told Echo: “I think the city council today has courageously rejected the negativism that is a part of our community and voted in favor of taking a step forward to making this a community where diversity is honored and that we derive the richness from it.” Bob Aronin was part of the second class inducted into the Echo Hall of Fame, in 2007. These days he lives in Encinitas, Calif, and remains active in local politics. Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine. Entertainment

Brian’s Bzzy Buns Home Cleaning Service "Let me take the sting out of housework!"

Quandt

Landscaping

Sprinklers Trees Shrubs Lighting Brick Patios & Walkways

Bonded - Quality Work

Buzz me for a free quote!

602-510-5493

602-481-8571

Brian Hughes - Owner

HAIR STUDIOS 58

MARCH 2018

EchoMag.com

RAINBOW DONUTS

LOCAL BUSNESSES

Buy any sandwich – get a 16 oz. ice coffee or ice Thai tea free

• All kind of Rainbow Donuts • Breakfast Sandwiches choise: Bagel, Croissand or Wheat Bread • Hot & Cold Coffee • Coffee Pot to go for your event • Cappucino & Smoothies

sers,

1960 W. Ray Road Ste 12, Chandler, AZ 85224 • 480-963-8888

HAIR STUDIOS STUDIOS HAIR 58 58

MARCH 2018 MARCH 2018

| |

EchoMag.com EchoMag.com

LOCAL BUSNESSES LOCAL BUSNESSES

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

Bar Guide

Tax Mess? Call Price.

• Filing of delinquent business and personal tax returns. • Levy and Garnishment Removal. • Penalty and Interest Reduction. • Installment Agreement Negotiation. • Offer in Compromise preparation and submission.

smpcpa7@gmail.com | www.smpricecpa.com

Power Up Right,Switch On With Us! We Are A Knowledgeable, Honest, Reliable, Licensed Contractor With Great Pricing We Do: Energy Efficient Lighting Ceiling Fans/Chandeliers Receptacles & Switches Breakers & Panel Upgrades AND MUCH MORE!

Tilton

ROC#255084 C-11

Electric ROC#255085 R-11

Established 2004

602-695-1739

Did you know Echo Magazine offers FREE classified advertising? Looking for a job? Browse our classifieds for LGBTQfriendly postings. Have a property to rent? Post a free classified with us to reach our readers!

???????????

For more information, visit echomag.com/classifieds.

Be a ray of Hope . Be a voice for a child in foster care. Be a CASA volunteer.

Mark Paczkowski Obituary 1955 - 2019

Mark Paczkowski, 63, of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, surrounded by family in Kenosha, Wis. He had fought a short but courageous battle against Angiosarcoma Cancer.

Learn more. VoicesforCASAChildren.org LOCAL BUSNESSES

Nello A Rossi MD 2 0 1 E a s t M o n t e r e y Wa y Phoenix AZ 85012 w w w. W i l l o M e d i S p a . c o m (602) 296-4477

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

BOTOX ® Cosmetic JUVÉDERM ® XC JUVÉDERM VOLUMA ® XC JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA ® XC JUVÉDERM VOLLURE ® XC SKINMED ICA ® KYBELLA ® LATISSE ® RAD IESSE ® (+) NEOVA ® Sermorelin Chemical Peels Testosterone Therapy Facial Lipoatrophy

Born in Kenosha, Wis. on Oct. 4, 1955, to William and Lucy Paczkowski. Following the death of his mother, Mark and his brothers were raised by his grandmother Angelina whom Mark EchoMag.com | FEBRUARY 2018 loved dearly. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph's Academy, where he graduated with honors in 1973.

Mark moved to Scottsdale, AZ where he had spent the last 32 years of his life. He worked as a Conventions Manager at DoubleTree in Tempe before returning home to Kenosha to spend his last days with his loving family. Marks fun loving, outgoing personality was infectious to those who knew him, and those who met him in passing. Anyone who knew Mark, knew how much he loved being around his family and friends.

Complimentary Consultation Bar Guide

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

PHOENIX BARS 20

23 5 26

16 27

5th

32nd St.

24 21 3

e. Av

1 15 2

13 4

12 *MAP IS NOT DRAWN TO SCALE

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

ANVIL

2424 E. Thomas Road

602-334-1462

M, D, L

AQUA NIGHT CLUB

1730 E. McDowell Road

602-253-0682

F, D, E, N

3 3

BAR 1

3702 N. Sixteenth St.

602-266-9001

M, E, N

4 4

BLISS/ReBAR

901 N. Fourth St.

602-795-1792

MF, N, R

5 5

BOYCOTT BAR

4301 N. Seventh Ave.

602-515-3667

MF, D, E

6 6

BS WEST

7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale

480-945-9028

MF, D, E

BUNKHOUSE

4428 N. Seventh Ave.

602-200-9154

M, L, N

8 8

CARAVAN TAP ROOM

4835 N. Fifteenth Ave.

602-592-9386

MF, E, N

CHARLIE’S

727 W. Camelback Road

602-265-0224

M, E, D

CLUB VOLT

3108 E. McDowell Road

602-244-1465

MF, D, E

CRUISIN’ 7TH

3702 N. Seventh St.

602-212-9888

M, E, N

2 12

DICK’S CABARET

3432 E. Illini St.

602-274-3425

FEZ

105 W. Portland St.

602-287-8700

MF, R

FLEX SPAS PHOENIX

1517 S. Black Canyon Highway

602-271-9011

M, A

KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB

1724 E. McDowell Road

602-254-0231

D, E

16 16

KOBALT

3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 175

602-264-5307

MF, E, N

17 17

LOS DIABLOS

1028 E. Indian School Road

602-795-7881

MF, N, R

18 18

NU TOWNE SALOON

5002 E. Van Buren St.

602-267-9959

M, L, N

19 19

OFF CHUTE TOO

4115 N. Seventh Ave.

602-274-1429

MF, A

20 20

OZ BAR

1804 W. Bethany Home Road

602-242-5114

MF, N

PLAZMA

1560 E. Osborn Road

602-266-0477

MF, E, N

ROYAL VILLA INN

4312 N. Twelfth St.

602-266-6883

M, A

STACY’S @ MELROSE

4343 N. Seventh Ave.

602-264-1700

MF, D, N

THE CHUTE

1440 E. Indian School Road

602-234-1654

M, A

THE LOUIE

605 W. Osborn Road

602-698-3445

MF, E, N, R

26 26

THE ROCK

4129 N. Seventh Ave.

602-248-8559

MF, E, N

2601 ON CENTRAL

2601 N. Central Ave.

602-466-2074

MF, E, R

MAP CODES: M F MF

Mostly Males Mostly Females Mixed Male/Female

A Adult Retail & Accomodations D Dance Club E Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag)

L N R

Leather/Bears Neighborhood Bar Restaurant

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

BAR SPECIALS

Manila Luzon Feb. 7 at Charlies, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

BUNKHOUSE

S HH and $1 Drafts all day. Indian Fry Bread with Joe Jackson 12-9pm, Live Jazz with Kenny Thames 7:30-10 M 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm, Pool tournament 9pm T 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm W 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm, Karaoke 9pm-close T 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm, Underwear/Gear night $1 off drinks if in gear or underwear 8-close, WMW dancers 10-12 F 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm $2.50 Miller 8-close S 2-4-1 8am-2pm, HH 2-8pm, $2.50 Bud 8-close

CHARLIE’S S Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open-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-7 p.m.; Showtime 7-10 p.m.; $1 Rolling Rock & Wells; $2.50 Bud Light; $3 Fireball shots 7 p.m.-Close; Happy Hours 10 p.m.-сlose 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 4-8 p.m.; $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells 8 p.m.-midnight F Happy Hours 4-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m.-close S Happy Hours 4-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m.-close

THE LOUIE S Sunday Funday Brunch: $10 Mimosa Bottles. 2-8 p.m.: $2 PBR 16oz Cans, $3 Smirnoff Vodka Drinks, $4 Bd Lt pitchers, $5 AMF’s, and $5 Jameson Shots M Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.: $3 Draft Pints, $4 Glass Wine, $5 Tito’s Vodka and 1/2 price select appetizers. 8 p.m. to Close: $2 Bd Lt draft, $3 Wells, $4 Smirnoff Cocktails, $5 Martinis T Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.: $3 Draft Pints, $4 Glass Wine, $5 Tito’s Vodka and 1/2 price select appetizers. 8 p.m. to Close: $3 Wells, $4 Fireball Shots, $5 Dom Pitchers W Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.: $3 Draft Pints, $4 Glass Wine, $5 Tito’s Vodka and 1/2 price select appetizers. 8 p.m. to Close: $3 Dom Draft, $4 Lemon Drops, $5 Specialty Cocktails T Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.: $3 Draft Pints, $4 Glass Wine, $5 Tito’s Vodka and 1/2 price select appetizers. 8 p.m. to Close: (2-4-1) 1/2 Priced Drinks and Appetizers all day and night F Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.: $3 Draft Pints, $4 Glass Wine, $5 Tito’s Vodka and 1/2 price select appetizers. 8 p.m. to Close: $3 Fireball Shots, $4 Dox XX, $5 Absolute Cocktails S 8 p.m. to Close: $3 Corona Premier, $5 Patron Shots, $6 Tito’s Cocktails 62

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

The Louie

Jan. 25, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

MARCH 2019

EchoMag.com

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2019-photos.

EchoMag.com

MARCH 2019

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Please support our advertisers who help keep Echo free

ACCOUNTANTS/ TAX PREPARATION

EVENTS Arizona Broadway Theatre

Robert F. Hockensmith, CPA, PC

Chandler Center for the Arts

Steve Price, CPA

Bobbi Ryals, HomeSmart

Bradley B. Brauer, HomeSmart

David Oesterle, ReMax

Musical Instrument Museum

Fred Delgado Team, Keller Williams

Phoenix Pride

Matthew Hoedt, Realty One

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT / RETAIL

Scottsdale Center for the Arts

Flex Spas Phoenix

SW Center Night for Life

The Chute

APARTMENTS 58

Bridgewater Assisted Living

Jackson White-Attorneys At Law Phillips Law Group

37 5

AUTO SERVICES Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair

BARS & CLUBS Bunkhouse

Charlie’s Phoenix

Stacy’s @ Melrose

The Louie

55, 60, 61

Smirnoff

Tricia Amato, HomeSmart

Community Church of Hope

China Chili

Denny’s

Hula’s Modern Tiki

Ladera

Rainbow Donuts - Chandler

Metro Cleaning

Quandt Landscaping

& Rollover Donuts

Rainbow Bug

Whyld Ass Restaurant

Tilton Electric

Valdez Refrigeration

Short Leash Hot Dogs

RETAIL Off Chute Too

Edward Vasquez, Allstate

47 3

Independent Mortgage Corp.

Salon 24 51

CVS specialty Pharmacy

Open Wide Dental

Fairmont Pharmacy

REALTORS

Maricopa County Community

Arizona Gay Realtors Alliance Berney Streed, Re/Max Excalibur

Calvin Goetz, Strategy Financial Group

EchoMag.com

3 58

WELLNESS Anytime Fitness

FitPro, LLC

HIV Hooray

Ripple PHX

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

Terros - Turning the Tide

Willo Medi Spa

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

EDUCATION

RETIREMENT PLANNING

SALONS

My Dentist

MARCH 2019

INSURANCE

PHARMACIES

66 66

Carpet Depot

Encanto Family Dental Care

College District

Shawn Hertzog, West USA

Brian’s Bzzy Buns

Kim Chartier, Loan Depot

DENTISTS

Jeremy Schachter, Fairway

Stonewall Institute

Nicholas Yale, Brokers Hub Realty

AZ Perfect Comfort

MORTGAGES

COUNSELING

RESTAURANTS

HOME SERVICES

Benefits Arizona

BEVERAGES

Melinda Murphy, Lifestyle Partners

RELIGIOUS GROUPS

GALLERIES Exposed Studio & Gallery

ATTORNEYS

FINANCIAL SERVICES JW Advisors Inc.

ASSISTED LIVING

FAMILY SERVICES Voices for Casa Children

East and West Apartments

Upcoming Concerts River Whyless and Darlingside March 17 Masters of Hawaiian Music featuring George Kahumoku Jr., Nathan Aweau, and Kawika Kahiapo March 21 Sofía Rei and JC Maillard present Keter from John Zorn’s Masada Book 3 March 23 Morgan James: “From White to Blue” Tour March 26

Upcoming Signature Event Experience Ireland | March 16 & 17 This Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, soak in the culture of the Emerald Isle at MIM! Details at MIM.org

JIGJAM

March 15 | 7:30 p.m. | $28.50–$38.50 “The best Irish group in bluegrass so far” —Irish American News

And many more!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ