Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - January 2016

Where have all our bars gone?

Take a closer look at the evolution and future of the gay and lesbian bar.

PLUS: Meet Echo’s

2015 Leaders of the Year

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 27, #4 | ISSUE 676 | JANUARY 2016 | COMPLIMENTARY

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inside this issue Issue 676 | Vol. 27, #4 | January 2016

features

NEWS 10 4 Your Information 12 News Briefs 14 Datebook 16 Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016 competition harnesses a full weekend of events

PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS 39 Without Reservations 42 At the Box Office 46 Opening Nights

Photo by Fernando Hernández.

Photo by Fernando Hernández.

52 Recordings 54 Between the Covers

24

COMMUNITY

The Main Event Leader of the Year Katy June shares how she combines networking and passion in both her work and volunteer efforts.

28

Leading by Example Leader of the Year Stacy Louis explains how he uses a family tradition to connect and support the LGBTQ community.

56 All Over The Map 57 Money Talks 58 Balanced Living

32

Where have all our bars gone?

Take a closer look at the evolution and future of the gay and lesbian bar.

JANUARY 2016

35

“O Come All Ye Faithful” Meet three local faith-based groups that have opened their doors to welcome – and celebrate – the LGBTQ community.

ON THE COVER Stacy’s @ Melrose in Phoenix. Cover photo and illustration by Scotty Kirby.

PLUS: Meet Echo’s 2015 Leaders of the Year

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 27, #4 | ISSUE 676 | JANUARY 2016 | COMPLIMENTARY

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The Last Lesbian Bars New doc investigates the social evolution that’s driving once-vital gathering places toward extinction.

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inside this issue

on echomag.com web exclusives

Courtesy photo.

Photo courtesy of tellofilms.com.

“Christmas Queens” Willam gives us a sneak peek at this one-of-a-kind holiday concert, starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorites. echomag.com/christmas-queens

Maybelle Writer and actress Bridget McManus discusses inspiration for a new lesbian-centered web series. echomag.com/maybelle

52 Tuesdays Find out what the team of talent behind this Australian film, that tells the story of a female to male parent’s transition, had to say to Echo. echomag.com/52-tuesdays

My Prairie Home Canadian folk singer Rae Spoon discusses gender identity, faith and family through music in this documentary directed by Chelsea McMullan. echomag.com/my-prairie-home

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notes from the

managing editor

By KJ Philp LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT

facebook.com/EchoMagazine twitter.com/EchoMagAZ

W

elcome to Echo’s first issue of 2016!

Because we’re not quite through the holidays just yet, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to pause for reflection on the year behind us before jumping right in to making New Year’s resolutions. As a result, you’ll find a little bit of both in the following pages.

But first, I invite you all to join me in congratulating Echo’s 2015 Leaders of the Year Katy June and Stacy Louis. Fun fact: this recognition of these two exceptional human beings marks the first time Echo Reader’s Choice Award winners in the categories of Service by a Woman and Service by a Man – voted on by you – continued their momentum and went on to earn Echo’s top honor, together, the same year.

We can’t think of better leaders to set this record and we invite you to get to know June a little better in “The Main Event” on page 24 and also find out more about the man behind Stacy’s @ Melrose in “Leading by Example” on page 28.

As you may have noticed, 2015 marks a change in name for this honor. Formerly Man and Woman of the Year, we felt it was time to move to a more-inclusive title, one that doesn’t exclude anyone in our community.

And, speaking of more-inclusive changes, Echo’s first New Year’s resolution was to revaluate our current style of referring to our community in accordance with Associated Press Style: LGBT. As a result, you’ll see us using LGBTQ – Q for both queer and questioning – moving forward.

We realize this is a bold move for a few reasons, but ultimately we believe it’s important to encompass as much of

Look for monthly issues of Echo on the following dates in 2016:

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our uniquely diverse community in our language and titles as possible, and we hope to set a positive and progressive example for anyone else feeling inspired to make a similar move.

Interestingly enough, a fair amount of this issue’s content addresses similar cultural and social shifts, within the LGBTQ community and beyond.

In “The Last Lesbian Bars” on page 32, we take a look at the short documentary by the same name that investigates the social evolution that’s driving once-vital gathering places toward extinction.

From there, we caught up with the owners of both of Phoenix’s lesbian bars to get a better sense of the challenges facing the local gay and lesbian bar scene.

In 2015 (or so), Phoenix has seen at least four gay bars close their doors and we think it’s an issue worth taking a closer look at. Will gay and lesbian bars be a thing of the past one day? Will they be forced to evolve? If so, into what?

We want to hear from you! Join the conversation on social media by using #EchoMagAZ or send your thoughts to editor@echomag.com.

And, last but not least, we’ve also tackled another interesting trend: LGBTQ faith-based groups in “Finding a Home For the Holidays” on page 35.

We know there are many similarly welcoming congregations throughout the Valley, and details on how to let us know about them can be found on page 37.

Finally, I’d like to thank you all for making 2015 an unforgettable year at Echo! Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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

AUGUST | July 21, 2016

MARCH | Feb. 18, 2016

SEPTEMBER | Aug. 18, 2016

APRIL | Mar. 17, 2016

OCTOBER | Sept. 15, 2016

MAY | April 21, 2016

NOVEMBER | Oct. 20, 2016

JUNE | May 19, 2016

DECEMBER | Nov. 17, 2016

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Editorial MANAGING EDITOR: KJ Philp CONTRIBUTORS: Danae Barnes Cait Brennan Alex Chambers Anthony Costello Tiffany Hopkins Laura Latzko Lorraine Longhi Art Martori Liz Massey Melissa Myers David-Elijah Nahmod Hans Pedersen Desi Rubio Terri Schlichenmeyer Richard Schultz Marshall Shore Michael J. Tucker Megan Wadding Nate Whitten Chelsea Young Production ART DIRECTOR: Eric Hendrix PHOTOGRAPHY: Bill Gemmill, Scotty Kirby, Gregg Edelman and Nightfuse.com.

Advertising DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING: Ashlee James National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

ECHO Readership: 40,000 Copyright © 2015 • ISSN #1045-2346

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JULY | June 16, 2016

FEBRUARY | Jan. 21, 2016

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PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill

Echo Magazine is pub­lished by and is a trademark of Ace Publish­ing, Inc. All rights re­served. Written permis­sion must be obtained in advance for par­tial or com­plete re­production of in­clud­ing any advertising ma­te­ri­al contained therein.

Opin­ions ex­pressed in are not necessar­ily those of the pub­lisher or staff or ACE Publishing, Inc. does not as­sume re­spon­sibil­ity for claims by its ad­ver­tis­ers. Publication of the name or pho­to­graph of a per­son or or­gani­za­tion in ar­ticles, ad­ver­tising or list­ings inis not to be con­strued as an in­di­ca­tion of the sexual ori­en­ta­tion of such or­gani­za­tions or persons (unless such ori­en­ta­tion is specifically stat­ed). Manuscripts or other ma­te­ri­als submit­ted re­main the property of ACE Publishing. Free copies lim­it­ed to one per per­son.

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ON THE RECORD “Venezuela is going through the worst economic, social and cultural crisis ever recorded …

We have to talk about the rights of couples and families, about the Gender Identity Act, about the mutilation of intersex children, and about discrimination, which includes hate crimes, bullying, workplace harassment, and access to housing and healthcare.”

FASHION Jack Jackson, founder of Canadian-based bow tie retailer alljackedup.ca, who recently launched #TiesToLove Campaign as an international movement of solidarity, love and support for the gender non-conforming and trans community in support of Transgender Awareness week in November, has released a line of limited-edition, commemorative bow ties celebrating the activists, pioneers and heroes of the transgender and gender non-conforming community.

– Venezuela’s first transgender Congresswoman Tamara Adrian, after securing a seat as a member of the National Assembly Dec. 7.

For more information on Jackson’s bow tie collection or the #TiesToLove Campaign, visit alljackedup.ca.

SPORTS Professional hockey referee Andrea Baroneis detailed his battle with coming out to himself, to his colleagues and to the rest of the world in a letter published Dec. 1 via outsports.com.

“Beyond hockey, I want to show the LGBTQ community that you can belong anywhere you want to belong and just be yourself,” he writes. “I don’t want anyone to feel as alone and depressed as I did.”

The Montreal native is currently refereeing with the Southern Professional Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.

To read the full letter, visit bit.ly/21w8up8.

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Photo courtesy of facebook.com/absolutelyfabulousthemovie.

CINEMA Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie confirmed that “Glee” star Chris Colfer has been cast in the upcoming adaptation of the BBC television sitcom via a Nov. 23 Facebook post that read, “Look who’s found himself in the middle of an Ab Fab sandwich! We’re feeling totally gleeful as we welcome the wonderful Chris Colfer to the cast.”

During a recent appearance on “Larry King Now,” Colfer said he would play Saunders’ “hairdresser-slash-social media consultant.”

Colfer joins a long list of celebrity cameos, which include Kim Kardashian West, Lulu, Kate Moss, Emma Bunton and Dragons’ Den’s Kelly Hoppen. Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is due out July 1, 2016.

4 your information

n a .

news briefs

Country Idol 2016 Kicks Off As part of the 31st anniversary of the Arizona Gay Rodeo, which will take place Feb. 12-14 at the Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds in Laveen, Ariz., Country Idol returns to Phoenix for its sixth consecutive year.

Community members are invited to participate in the competition’s preliminary events, which will be hosted by Sophia Sinclair and Brandon Thomas and are free to enter.

The Country Idol 2016 winner’s prize package will include the opportunity to be showcased at the 2016 Arizona Gay Rodeo and a guitar signed KMLE Country’s 8 Man Jam, as well as other prizes.

Country Idol 2016 preliminaries include: Dec. 18 at Rainbow Cactus Saloon Dec. 20 at BS West Jan. 7 at R Lounge Jan. 9 at Kobalt Jan. 13 at Los Diablos Jan. 17 at AQUA Night Club Jan. 19 at Stacy’s @ Melrose Jan. 22 at OZ Jan. 26 at Charlie’s Feb. 1 at Karamba’s Feb. 3 at Cash Inn Country Feb. 4 at Anvil

Photo by Bill Gemmill.

TIHAN hosts Holiday Open House, Cookie Exchange Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network will host a holiday open house and cookie exchange from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the TIHAN office, 2660 N. First Ave. in Tucson.

Phoenix Office of Arts, Culture Seeks Grant Review Panelists The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture announced Dec. 9 that it is seeking knowledgeable, fair-minded and responsible individuals representing different points of view and various cultural orientations to serve as grant review panel members.

According to the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture press release, “serving as a panelist involves reading applications submitted in a category, then meeting anywhere from a half day to a full day with other panel members to discuss and rank each application using established evaluation criteria.”

Panel meetings are open to the public and usually are held in April or May each year.

may include dance, literature, music, theater, education, multicultural/ethnic, business/ administrative, festivals/ multidisciplinary, visual/ photography and marketing/ development.

Grant applicants include Phoenix cultural groups and local youth and ethnically diverse arts groups. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit cultural organizations for general operations, arts learning and festivals activities.

For more information, or to submit a panelist application form, visit phoenix.gov/arts/ grants-program/grantreview-panelists or call 602495-0188.

Applicant areas of expertise 12 |

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The event will include the opportunity for volunteers, donors, CarePartners and friends to meet each other, the TIHAN staff and Board of Directors.

Additionally, Bennett D. Burke, TIHAN volunteer coordinator, can be reached at volunteercoordinator@ tihan.org or 520-299-6647 ext. 206.

Holiday open house and cookie exchange RSVPs are encouraged via 299-6647 ext. 206 or volunteercoordinator@ tihan.org. For more information, visit tihan.org.

While coffee, punch, hot cider and hot chocolate will be provided, attendees are invited to bring one or two dozen cookies to share with others, and everyone will be invited to take cookies home with them.

(Please provide information if the cookies contain nuts, as some people have allergies.)

As part of the event, Volunteer Orientation sign up, for both administrative and care and support roles, will be available onsite The next orientation will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St. in Tucson.

news briefs

OUT & ABOUT Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Nov. 20 at the State Capitol lawn.

Photos by KJ Philp.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

“HHHH. GORGEOUS, HEARTBREAKING AND UNFORGETTABLE.” REX REED, NEW YORK OBSERVER

“A BEAUTIFUL AND POIGNANT LOVE STORY THAT TRANSCENDS STEREOTYPES OF GENDER, SEXUALITY AND ROMANCE.” ERIN WHITNEY, HUFFINGTON POST

“YOU CAN’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF EDDIE REDMAYNE WHO IS FLAT-OUT FABULOUS.

Tom Hooper has crafted a work of probing intelligence and passionate heart.”

PETER TRAVERS, ROLLING STONE

FOCUS FEATURES PRESENTS A WORKING TITLE/PRETTY PICTURES PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH REVISION PICTURES AND SENATOR GLOBAL PRODUCTIONS A FILM BY TOM HOOPER EDDIE REDMAYNE ALICIA VIKANDER “THE DANISH GIRL” CASTING MUSIC BEN WHISHAW SEBASTICOSTUMEAN KOCH AMBER HEARD AND MATTHIAS SCHOENAERTS

BY NINA GOLD BY ALEXANDRE DESPLAT MAKE-UP AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF HAIR DESIGNER JAN SEWELL DESIGNER PACO DELGADO EDITOR MELANIE ANN OLIVER ACE DESIGNER EVE STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY COHEN BSC COPRODUCER

EXECUTIVE JANE ROBERTSON PRODUCERS LIPRODUCED NDA REISMAN ULF ISRAEL KATHY MORGAN LIZA CHASIN THEBASEDBOOKONBY DAVID EBERSHOFF SCREENPLAY

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MOTION PICTURE: © 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ARTWORK: © 2015 FOCUS FEATURES LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

IN SELECT THEATERS DECEMBER 18 FOR GROUP SALES INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT TheDanishGirlGroupSales.com

EchoMag.com THE DANISH GIRL

ECHO MAGAZINE - 4C 1/2 PAGE TRIM: 3.375" X 9.75"

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through dec. 26

Date book

Arizona Theatre Company presents The Santaland Diaries and A Christmas Carol on select dates at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix.

jan. 8 - 10

The Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016 schedule of events, including opening night cigar social and roast, competition, bus tour, a happy hour, parking lot party and vendor mart, brunch and victory party, will take place at various locations throughout Phoenix.

(See story, page 16.) mrphoenixleather.com jan. 9

Phoenix Pride, in partnership with Borderlands Food Bank, presents Produce On Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) on the second Saturday of each month. POWWOW distributes fresh produce– $10 for up to 60 pounds – at the Phoenix Pride LGBT Center, 801 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. phoenixpridelgbtcenter.org

DEC. 18 - 20

arizonatheatre.org THROUGH DEC. 27

Strike Out Hunger, a bowling fundraiser benefiting the Joshua Tree Feeding Program, will include three games and shoe rental (teams not required) and take place from noon to 3 p.m. at Let It Roll Bowl, 8925 N. 12th St., Phoenix. universe.com/events/strikeout-hunger-tickets-phoenix53CBQW The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents LGBT Night Out with the Arizona Coyotes, as they take on the Nashville Predators. Pregame networking mixer begins at 5 p.m. at Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale.

Reserve tickets through Lauren Kalinosky at 623-772-3375 by Dec. 19.

Space 55 presents A Bloody Mary Christmas, a perennial holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 636 E. Pierce St., Phoenix. space55.org Arizona Broadway Theatre presents A Christmas Carol: The Musical, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and Christmas With the Rat Pack on select dates at 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. azbroadway.org

The Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus presents its holiday show, “Silver Bells: 25 Years of Holiday Celebrations,” at Phoenix College’s John Paul Theater, 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix. phoenixmenschorus.com DEC. 27

Murray & Peter present RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants in Christmas Queens, a holiday concert hosted by Willam and starring Alaska, Katya, Jinkx, Sharon and Ginger, to the Orpheum Theatre 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. phoenix.ticketforce.com/ eventperformances. asp?evt=215 Through jan. 10

Desert Stages Theater presents Miracle on 34th Street at 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. desertstages.org

jan. 16

Pride Guide invites you to celebrate its 10-year anniversary at “A Taste of the Southwest and Pacific,” featuring cuisine from the six Pride Guide states, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix.

jan. 29 - 31

The Desperado LGBT Film Festival, which brings filmmakers, actors, producers, and writers to the Valley, will screen a variety of titles at Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for Performing Arts, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. desperadofilmfestival.com

theprideguides.com/tenyears jan. 18

As part of the 2016 Martin Luther King Day of Service, HRC Arizona, Native American Connections and Mulligan’s Manor are working to serve the Valley’s LGBTQ Homeless Youth.

Donations and volunteers for a “day on, not a day off,” are welcome. hrc.org/events/mlk-day-ofservice-in-phoenix 14 |

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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. events

EchoMag.com

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Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016

Local preliminary harnesses a full weekend of events

By Laura Latzko

T

he eighth annual Mr. Phoenix Leather (MPL) competition, and full weekend of related festivities, will take place from Jan. 7 to 8 at various Valley locations.

In addition to the Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016 competition, which will take place at Jan. 9 at Embassy Suites Phoenix Airport Hotel, the itinerary will also include an opening night cigar social and Mr. Phoenix Leather 2015 roast (hosted by International Bootblack 2015 Boy Bamm Bamm from Phoenix), the Tim Starkey Memorial Bus Tour, a happy hour and silent auction, a parking lot party and leather-themed vendor mart, brunch and, finally, a victory party featuring a beer bust and barbecue.

As part of the competition, reigning Mr. Phoenix Leather 2015 Jefferson “Pup Tugger” Ely will step down as a new titleholder is announced.

Because the competition serves as a preliminary for the International Mr. Leather (IML) competition each year, Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016 will go on to represent the Phoenix Leather community on the international stage May 26 to 30 in Chicago.

Following his experience at the national competition, where he competed against more than 40 contestants from around the world, Pup Tugger said the experience allowed people in the leather community get to know each other on a more personal level.

“It really gave me the opportunity to get to know a lot of people, and to actually meet in person a lot of people I’ve been talking to online,” Pup Tugger said. “It really does create a lot of fraternity bonds between the people who compete.”

The Mr. Phoenix Leather title provides contestants with a platform to speak 16 |

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out about larger issues within the LGBTQ community. Pup Tugger, who was named one of the “15 More Queers and Allies to Watch in 2015” by the Advocate, started a conversation about femininity in the leather community during his reign.

“I’ve always been more of an effeminate man, and effeminacy doesn’t always translate into the leather community. For the last 20 to 30 years, it’s been mostly about this hyper-masculine image,” said the titleholder who describes himself as avant garde. “I was really focusing on having more of an effeminate presence and bringing that part of who I am to the table.”

By being true to himself, Pup Tugger said he created controversy and conversation at the international level. At the IML competition, he uttered the memorable words: “People are going to look. Give them something to look at.”

Pup Tugger, who was a member of the Phoenix Boys of Leather and Arizona Pups and Handlers before entering last year’s competition, hopes to have inspired others who are different in the leather community to be themselves.

Pup Tugger advanced further than any other contestant from Phoenix, by finishing fifth in the international competition.

According to Mr. Phoenix Leather co-founders Kenneth Anthony and Stephen Bloom, the competition – which continues to be about brotherhood, community and charity – has a very similar format to the international competition.

Contestants compete in onstage appearance, skinwear, onstage question, private interview, formal leather, speech and overall weekend presentation and interaction categories.

While the number of contestants varies each year, the panel of judges is always made up of local and national titleholders – including Pup Tugger this year.

“A big thing that I look for when I judge contestants is how comfortable people are with themselves,” he said, adding that it’s important to bring that to the stage.

Mr. Leather Phoenix started in 2009 when Anthony, Mr. Cellblock Leather 2008, and Bloom, Mr. Padlock Leather 2001, decided to establish a citywide competition. Since then, many of the titleholders have continued the tradition of giving back to the LGBTQ community by raising money for such local organizations as the Joshua Tree Feeding Program and Logan’s Playground.

Last year marked the inaugural parking lot party and vendor mart, which, according to Anthony and Bloom, provided attendees an opportunity to continue to socialize after the competition.

For the full Mr. Phoenix Leather itinerary, visit echomag.com/mr-phoenixleather-2016.

Mr. Phoenix Leather 2016 Competition 8 p.m. Jan. 9 Embassy Suites Phoenix Airport Hotel 2333 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix mrphoenixleather.com Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

news

OUT & ABOUT GENESIS: Inception of Phoenix, Project Nunway 2015 Dec. 12 at ASU Kerr Cultural Center.

Photos by Bill Gemmill.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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OUT & ABOUT Sparkle, Glittler GLSEN Nov. 19 at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. Photos by KJ Philp.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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OUT & ABOUT World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil Dec. 1 at The Parson’s Center for Health and Wellness.

Photos by Bill Gemmill.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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OUT & ABOUT RED Brunch Dec. 5 at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Photos by Fernando Hernรกndez.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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feature story

Echo names 2015 Leaders of the Year

By KJ Philp

A

s each year comes to a close, the Echo Magazine team takes pause to reflect on the events that defined the past 12 months and the exceptional individuals who led the way.

To these individuals, Echo bestows its Leaders of the Year recognition (formerly Man and Woman of the Year).

This year, the leaders being recognized were decided, in part, by our readers. Here’s how: Because the 2015 Echo Readers’ Choice Award recipients that you voted for in the categories of “Service by a Man” and “Service by a Woman” finished the year out with such momentum, this marks the first time they’re both returning to be recognized with Echo’s highest honor.

Without further ado, we’re proud to introduce you to Katy June and Stacy Louis, Echo’s Leaders of the Year for 2015. We invite you to get to know more about these outstanding community members, their work and the causes they’re passionate about in the following pages. But first, let’s take a look back at the past 21 years of honorees who paved the way!

Meet Echo’s previous men and women of the year: 1994: Bill MacDonald & Dianne Post

2005: David Fiss & Kyrsten Sinema

1995: Barb Jones & Mark Colledge

2006: Bill Lewis & Brandi Sokolosky

1996: Beth Verity & Ken Cheuvront

2007: Tom Simplot & Regina Gazelle

1997: Linda Hoffman & Neil Giuliano

2008: Gary Guerin & Annie Loyd

1998: Kim Charrier & Steve May

2009: Micheal Weakley & Tambra Williams

1999: Amy Ettinger & Steve May

2010: Meg Sneed & Jimmy Gruender

2000: Richard Stevens & Marti McElroy

2011: Caleb Laieski & Kado Stewart

2001: Kathie Gummere & Doug Klinge

2012: Greg Stanton & Nicole Stanton

2002: Don Hamill & Jeannie Metzler

2013: Julian Melson & Trudie Jackson

2003: Kirk Baxter & Madeline Adelman

2014: Kit Kloeckl & Angela Hughey

2004: Brad Wishon & Cathy Busha

2015: Katy June & Stacy Louis EchoMag.com

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Feature Story

The Main Event Katy June combines networking and passion in her work and volunteer efforts

By Liz Massey

“In politics, the stakes are also different, the pressure is intense, and the goals are big.”

Katy June

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Photos by Fernando Hernández.

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t’s always nice when your boss supports your efforts at work, and even nicer when he or she will say so in public. But in the case of Katy June, her boss has just a little higher profile than the average boss. She works for U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, planning fundraising events for the Congresswoman’s campaign office in Phoenix.

“Everyone loves Katy June,” Sinema said.

“She is amazing at what she does not only because she is a hard worker and incredibly organized, but she is fun, happy and always eager to meet new people.”

The level of support June enjoys might be unusual in terms of the office that Sinema holds, but the intensity level of the praise is a common theme among those who have toiled alongside her in her work and community commitments.

In the Phoenix LGBTQ community, June is known for her bubbly personality, optimistic attitude and killer event planning chops. Her ability to help people have a good time for a good cause has contributed to her success as an event manager at SWAY Events, and now as a member of the finance team for Sinema’s local campaign office.

Coming Out Into Community June, who graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2002, left the traditional office job she took after returning to the Valley to work at Hamburger Mary’s in central Phoenix.

And according to June, this was a decision that would prove to be a critical turning point for her.

“Without knowing it at the time, Hamburger Mary’s gave me everything,” she asserted. “My partner, all my friends, my entire social network, as well as connections to SWAY and Gary [Guerin], Justin Unga and the Arizona Democratic Party … I look back at that time in my life incredibly fondly.”

Although June says she never questioned her sexual orientation growing up, she fell “head over heels” with her partner, Kelly Flading, a regular at Hamburger Mary’s. Despite her adoration for Flading, the pair was friends for two years before they began their romance. Once they were together, however, June remembers, it wasn’t a great struggle to tell the world about it.

“None of my friends were surprised,” she said, laughing. “The fact is that it was easy to tell people about us, because it seemed so natural.”

Swinging Into Action With SWAY June strengthened her connection with Guerin, whom she had originally met working at Phoenix New Times, while she was working at Hamburger Mary’s. By the time Guerin started up SWAY Events, he said he was already sold on her track record as a “doer and a motivated FEATURE

person,” who frequently solved eventthreatening challenges on the fly.

“During one of the first years of Dancing with the Bars, we were co-hosting at Forbidden,” Guerin recalled.

“We had been planning and filming the video component of the show for months, and due to some technical difficulties, nothing would work. Behind the scenes Katy and I pulled together a new flow, improvised and made it work. I don’t think anyone even noticed the videos were missing.”

June said she really loved the way that SWAY was able to find a business niche helping nonprofit organizations raise funds for their initiatives.

“The liquor companies had a budget to reach the LGBT population,” she said.

“We were already doing that, so we streamlined things for them [by hosting events], and basically did the work for them. We also streamlined the work that nonprofits had to do to raise money. It worked very well – working with the bars and doing the promotions and helping nonprofits – and it was so much fun.”

nonprofits to doing something similar for a political party and its candidates was not without its challenges.

“In politics, the stakes are also different, the pressure is intense, and the goals are big,” she said. “But, if you want to win elections, you HAVE to raise money to do it.”

Michelle Davidson, Sinema’s campaign manager, said June’s knowledge gained at SWAY Events helps her plan fundraisers that are considered “outside the box” for political fundraisers. “[Katy] is a critical part of the team,” Davidson said. “ She plans fun, creative events that people want to come to! I mean, who else does spinning fundraisers or makes beer floats? Only Team Sinema!

She makes donors, volunteers and guests feel great about the investment they are making in our campaign.”

Family Matters, Future Plans The change in industry represented a vocational turning point for June, but it also represented a shift

Voting For Change At All Levels The events that June helped SWAY produce – including pre-parties for the Rainbows Festival and Phoenix Pride, Echo’s Readers’ Choice Award ceremony, Charlie’s 25th anniversary party and the IONAZ Girl Splash Bash – had not escaped the notice of Unga, who invited her to help with event logistics for the Arizona Democratic Party’s election night party in 2008.

The energy of that night “was like nothing else I had ever experienced,” June recalled.

“It was electric – everyone was crying” after Obama’s victory was announced, she said. “The diversity of the crowd was amazing – there were people of all ages, genders, economic classes. I called Justin the next day and told him I wanted to become a professional Democrat.”

Shortly thereafter, June became a fundraiser with the party for the 2010 election cycle, which she admitted was difficult because the Democrats suffered so many defeats at the state level in that election. Despite the disappointment, she was “hooked” after that election cycle.

Show Her The Money June acknowledged that her jump from event-driven fundraising for EchoMag.com

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“This year, I decided to pull back, and instead of saying yes to every request that came my way, I focused on one or two things that were important to me.”

important to me.”

In 2015 alone, June served as the co-chair for the HRC Arizona gala in February, she won Echo’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Award for Service By A Woman, was back co-hosting SWAY Event’s final production of Dancing With the Bars with Barbra Seville in August, and so much more.

Katy June

For 2016, June said she will serve as a co-chair for the 2016 RED Brunch for Aunt Rita’s Foundation because “I can’t stop doing events,” but mostly she is focusing on being the best mother she can to her daughter, and preparing with Flading to expand their family.

in lifestyle for June and her partner, who were getting ready to have their first child.

Parker, their daughter, was born to June in the fall of 2011.

“Life has changed dramatically for us over the past four years,” June said.

“Many of our friends have made that change alongside us. We’ve gone from having our beers at a bar, to sipping a beer while our kids have a play date. We no longer have a Saturday night out, but have birthday parties to go to instead.”

“Once I decided to shift energy to my family life, my priorities shifted, too,” June said. “I’ve continued to have a passion for Phoenix’s LGBT community, but I’ve also discovered a passion for my own little family.”

As Parker grew, June found herself in a race to balance the demands of her career, exercise her event planning talents as a community volunteer and fulfill her roles as a mother and partner.

While June isn’t entirely certain what lay ahead for her in the New Year, she said she isn’t worried about how things will turn out.

“For several years, I was ‘supermom’ and tried to do it all,” she said. “This year, I decided to pull back, and instead of saying yes to every request that came my way, I focused on one or two things that were

“I’ve always defined myself by my career and my community projects,” she said.

“I’m not sure what will come next, but I’m confident whatever it is, it will be great.”

Liz Massey has been involved in LGBT community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine.

She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.

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Feature Story

Leading by Example

Stacy Louis uses a family tradition to connect and support the LGBTQ community

By Liz Massey

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f you’ve spent time in the LGBTQ community in Phoenix since the turn of the 21st century, it’s entirely likely that you’ve met, worked with or benefitted from something Stacy Louis has had a hand in.

Currently the owner of the bar Stacy’s @ Melrose on Seventh Avenue in central Phoenix, he’s worked as a bartender at several other bars, been active in LGBTQ sports and musical groups, and supported the local business alliance for the neighborhood where his business is located.

Yet, despite this record of intense local involvement, Louis is modest about his record as a leader.

“I’m a leader because people around me say that I am,” he said.

If that is the case, there are a lot of people who are willing to validate that sentiment for Louis.

He arrived in Phoenix in 1999, ditching the cold winters of the Eastern Seaboard for Arizona’s warmer, drier climate. He worked as a bartender at Amsterdam, and elsewhere, pitching in with contests and fundraising efforts when possible.

He’s also sung with the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus for the past 16 years and served on the organization’s board. Additionally, he’s served on the board of the Phoenix Unified Gay Bowling Alliance (PUGBA), and has represented Arizona during four consecutive Gay Games as a billiards player, bringing home silver and bronze medals from three of them.

According to Kenneth Hoffman, the director of PUGBA’s Phoenix Regional International Tournament (PRIT), there’s a single phrase that described Louis’ approach to supporting community organizations and businesses.

his magic and makes something happen to help out your organization or whip up a special donation for your event,” Hoffman said.

Following In Family Footsteps For those who know Louis’ backstory, it comes as no surprise he’s a bar owner who’s active in his community. His parents, immigrants to the United States from Cyprus, owned a series of bars and restaurants in Newport News, Va., when Louis was growing up, and nurtured their clientele by providing a welcoming atmosphere to all who entered their front door.

“Mom and dad were always welcoming customers, trying to make them feel comfortable,” he recalled.

In addition to fostering an atmosphere of friendliness, his parents also looked out for their patrons – including some who were gay, Louis said he realized in retrospect.

“When you entered my parents’ bar, it was long but not wide, and there was a big booth off to one side, which my dad would reserve on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for the same five guys,” Louis recalled. “I figured out later he was protecting those five gay patrons from being bothered by reserving that table.”

While Louis gained some of his business acumen by working for his parents as he was growing up, he also learned business skills through jobs managing Steak & Ale restaurants, working as the branch manager of a bank and working for

other gay-owned businesses after moving to Phoenix. Louis always knew business ownership was a possibility for him, even though it didn’t come to fruition until he bought Stacy’s @ Melrose in 2013.

“I’m a self-made man,” he said. “I knew I could do it [own a business], but I hadn’t found the right opportunity until the Melrose property became available.”

Building Up The Community Once he opened the doors to his bar, Louis set about supporting the burgeoning business district around it, which he saw as the “core gay community.”

“Melrose is the classic example of a gay district, interwoven with niches. We have antique shops, boutiques, lots of momand-pop shops,” he said. “I love it.”

Deb Stroinski, vice president of Scott’s Coach Works, a specialty repair shop for luxury automobiles located in Melrose, said Louis’ involvement on the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association (SAMA), including a stint as membership director, had provided fresh ideas and fresh energy for improving the area.

“Stacy leads by example,” she said.

“He comes to meetings, engages in discussions, and volunteers in many capacities. He understands that the more successful each individual business is, the better the Melrose district is for everyone. … He is so friendly and willing to help that he introduces himself to new business owners on the street and encourages them to become members.”

“‘Let me see what I can do’ – these are Stacy’s famous last words before he works

“I’m a leader because people around me say that I am.”

Stacy Louis

Photos by Fernando Hernández.

Louis also uses his business to support LGBTQ community groups and initiatives.

A variety of groups, from the gay chamber to sports teams, use the site as a meeting place, and each month, the establishment donates at least $500 to an LGBTQ organization, or another worthy cause, such as fundraisers to combat autism and leukemia.

Hoffman said, “Stacy is the first to jump in to support a fundraiser, support an organization or to sponsor an event - that’s why you see his logo everywhere.”

Taking Care of Business Stacy’s @ Melrose, which Louis described as a “1960s/70s speakeasy style dance bar,” has thrived in the Melrose district, even as the total number of LGBTQ bars in the Valley has declined. Advancements in LGBTQ equality and acceptance formed part of the reason for the decline, but not all of it, he said.

“If you don’t make improvements to what you have, and don’t work to make it better, people won’t come back,” he asserted. “If you don’t take an interest in your patrons, they won’t take an interest in you.”

Louis has led by example in this arena, too.

In 2013, he was faced with a scenario that involved derogatory comments by a gay man toward a lesbian customer.

“I essentially said, ‘I will not tolerate people talking bad about others in my bar,”

he recalled. “We are all here for the same reason … we are all in this together.”

The incident laid the foundation for what Louis refers to as a “no label bar.” And, as a result, his business continues to bridge the gap between old and the young, men and women, LGBT and straight communities.

“I operate under the business model of no label, no division, no color, no difference,” he said.

And that makes him a leader as well.

Looking to the future, Louis plans to stay active in community organizations, SAMA, and continue to build Melrose as a place to work, play and shop. He has also thought about expanding his business empire by planting an establishment similar to Stacy’s @ Melrose elsewhere, such as in San Diego’s Hillcrest district or in Palm Springs.

“I want to share the wealth,” he explained.

“I want them to have there what we have here.”

Until that time, Louis will continue to run his Phoenix bar the way he always has – as a place where his friends are welcome.

“I don’t take an interest in customers because it’s just my job, I do it because I love it,” he said. “It’s important to be a real human being and not a facade. My customers have become my friends over the years, and I want to help them. If I could help everyone in the world, I would.”

Stacy Louis and his daughter, Stephanie Michelle Bennett, at Stacy’s @ Melrose grand opening in 2013.

Liz Massey has been involved in LGBT community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine.

She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.

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FEATURE

feature story

The Last Lesbian Bars

New doc investigates the social evolution that’s driving once-vital gathering places toward extinction

JD Sampson interviews Angela Lombardi, former manager of Phase 1 in Washington, D.C.

By Danae Barnes

D

o you know where to find a lesbian bar? This question pulses through the short documentary The Last Lesbian Bars, which tracks recent closings of lesbian bars across the country.

If we were keeping score, the statistics for each city in the film are dismal: 8-0, 7-1 and 12-1.

Artist and activist JD Samson, of Le Tigre and current MEN fame, travels to four different cities – San Francisco, Washington D.C., New Orleans and New York City – in an attempt to understand underlying causes, and possible effects, of losing lesbian bars.

The film opens with a voice-over and footage of gay bars from the turn of the century, tracing the evolution of the bar as a place for the community to gather and forge personal and romantic relationships.

The film then shifts to present day San Francisco, where the 2015 closure of the Lexington Club means there is no longer a women’s bar in the metropolis that’s hailed as the nation’s “gay capital.”

In her interview, the Lexington Club owner Lisa Thirkield ascribes the bar’s closure to economic factors – as the gentrification of San Francisco raises rents, it forces lessaffluent queers out of the immediate surroundings.

Thirkield also notes the business model of catering to “less than five percent” of the population also means lesbian bars will be hit hard in any economic downturn 32 |

or shift in population.

Yet, if money is the linchpin, why are gay bars thriving while lesbian bars are shutting their doors? The “nesting” or “U-Haul lesbian” stereotype is debunked by interviews with two academics, including notable queer author Jack Halberstam. Further, the scholars discuss how the changing landscape of social acceptance of homosexuality in the U.S. means women, more so than men, feel safer in a wider range of social settings.

Interestingly, LGBT/pop culture sociologist Danielle Moodie-Mills draws a loose comparison between integration of gays in our society and the end of sanctioned segregation for AfricanAmericans.

“Segregation was good for black business, but bad for black people,” she points out. “When black and white people were finally starting to integrate, black businesses died off.”

The film also brings up the question of layered identities emerging within the LGBTQ community, acknowledging labels such as “gay” and “lesbian” have begun to shift toward the more inclusive “queer.”

According to Samson, the objective of the project was “to honestly create a conversation around a lot of the ideas raised” in the documentary.

“As the host of the film, I feel like it was important for me to make visible my own feelings regarding the new shape of our community,” Samson says, “but [also] make sure that I was reflecting what others feel about the same issues and concepts without trying to be inflammatory.”

shifting queer demographic are cited in each city as factors contributing to the demise of the once-vital lesbian bar scene.

One of the co-owners of New York City’s 23-year-old lesbian bar Henrietta Hudson, remarks, “it would be a tragedy if we lose the last gay bar.” Meanwhile, a younger queer party organizer asserts, “what used to be dyke communities are looking really different … and with this emergence of queer people of color communities in America, if dyke places can’t get down with that, they’ll be forced to close their doors.”

Despite the complications between different generations, the documentary brings a palpable sense of longing to maintain these spaces.

“As we age, it’s not just about losing having somewhere to dance,” says Valerie Papaya Mann, co-founder Sapphire Sapphos, the first African-American lesbian social group, in an interview. “It’s losing community.”

Watching this documentary, it becomes clear the goal is not explanation, but exploration. Without valorizing the experiences of older generations, there is both a feeling of nostalgia and hope for the future.

“We are in a new age of queerness,” Samson succinctly points out. “I give much respect to what has happened as it has gotten us here, but I think we are just learning about how that chapter develops into a new journey for all of us.”

To view The Last Lesbian Bars, visit broadly.vice.com/en_us/video/the-lastlesbian-bars.

The subsequent interviews in Washington D.C., New Orleans and New York City all feel unique, and yet similar to the sentiments expresses in San Francisco. Economic hardship, diminished need for lesbianspecific spaces, new technology and a

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FEATURE

Learning from the Locals Lesbian business owners discuss challenges facing Phoenix’s bar scene

By Danae Barnes

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n the past year (or so), Phoenix has seen far more than it’s fair share of gay bars close their doors. From Zorf’s (formerly Friends and Cherry Bar) and Apollo’s Lounge to The Bar On Central (formerly Amsterdam) and Club 24 (formerly Incognito), it’s easy to see that times are changing.

Contrary to national trends, however, the Valley of the Sun is still home to not one, but two lesbian bars.

Echo Magazine spoke with Mel Odell, owner of the Valley’s newest lesbian bar, and Lisa Augustyn, who’s been at the helm of Cash Inn Country for the past decade, to get a better sense of the challenges facing the Phoenix gay and lesbian bar scene.

Earlier this year, Odell opened R Lounge on Seventh Avenue in the heart of the Melrose District – in the building that previously housed Desert Rose, then Misty’s, then Z Girl and, most recently, Zoan.

Echo: Why the name, and the location?

Odell: We named it R Lounge, because most people just say let’s go to “our bar.”

So we opened it up as the R Lounge. This space has a history of being a women’s bar … Back when we bought and reopened the bar, most folks didn’t know the place had new owners. From our community, we get gay people, straight people, drag queens.

We want it to be known that even though it’s a lesbian bar, we still want everyone to come, for everyone to feel comfortable

here. We’ve got a young, fresh new energy – it’s our lounge, it’s our space.

When asked about the clientele at Cash Inn Country, Augustyn spoke to the historical need for a safe space.

Echo: As a country western bar, can you tell us why you’ve billed Cash Inn Country as a women’s bar?

Augustyn: It’s been strong priority of mine to keep women safe. In my own life, I was more of a black sheep, so I wanted to make Cash Inn Country safe for women when I took over 10 years ago.

We’re predominantly a women’s bar, but of course have queers of all stripes. It’s a playground for everyone, but we want it to be a women-centered bar.

When asked why women are statistically less likely than their male counterparts to head to the bar, both bar owners offered valuable insight.

Echo: Can you talk about gay bars versus lesbian bars? Why does it seem the boy bars are doing better?

Odell: I think there are lots of reasons. One, women become a couple and they choose not to go out anymore. Two, they have children or they got involved with someone who has children. Three, women are more accepted anywhere, so sometimes having a lesbian bar is almost irrelevant. Woman can pretty much go anywhere and it’s accepted, which is why gay men [still] tend to need to have bars [specifically] for them.

Augustyn: Because gay is going mainstream, you can be welcomed everywhere else and have your own private party. In the past, we wouldn’t even think about going to a straight bar, but kids today will go around the corner and not even think about it.

Another shift affecting local gay and lesbian bars is the recent increase in access to, and convenience of, online dating services. With a click or a swipe, anyone can connect with other queers anywhere, anytime.

Echo: What effect do you think the dating apps and social media have had on gay and lesbian bars?

Augustyn: Since everyone is talking to everyone online, it feels like you are already talking to them. You just don’t have the same need to connect as you did.

There’s no missing anyone anymore. We already know ‘how was your week?” before we ever see people. Everyone knows what you’re doing because of online media, and we see a real [challenge in] getting people to get together outside of the computer.

Both Odell and Augustyn acknowledge a decrease in patrons overall, whether they self-identify as lesbian or not. Regardless, both owners are cautiously optimistic about what’s next.

READ THE REST Echo writer Danae Barnes recounts her experiences at a collection of lesbian bars across the U.S., including the two that are mentioned in The Last Lesbian Bars, at echomag.com/last-lesbian-bars.

Danae Barnes is a writer, agitator and general gadabout who ecently landed in the beautiful desert mystery of Phoenix.

She can be reached via carrier pigeon or by email at b.danae@gmail.com.

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Lindsay Olivarez Family Law Olivarez Lindsay

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feature story

“O Come All Ye Faithful” Three local faith-based groups open their doors to the LGBTQ community

By Laura Latzko

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s yet another landmark year for the LGBTQ community comes to a close, we’re surrounded by evidence of progress.

From the dramatic increase in retail commercials starring same-sex couples and all the tremendous individuals being honored as person(s) of the year, 2015 has been an exciting time for visibility, acceptance and change.

The same can be said for a wide variety

of faith-based groups throughout the Valley.

No matter what you believe or what your past encounters with religious or spiritual groups have been, there’s a growing number of congregations that are pairing beliefs with acceptance, and their doors are open to you.

Here are just three examples that invite LGBTQ community members to come home for the holidays:

Sunday Assembly-CenPho What started as a casual conversation between Nate Whitten and Gina Florio during happy hour at Kobalt is now formally known as Sunday Assembly-CenPho. The Sunday Assembly model, adopted by congregations around the world, is built around the ideals of “live better, help often, wonder more.” And, since September, the CenPho chapter has been meeting for one-hour services on the second Sunday of every month at Stacy’s @ Melrose.

Although Phoenix already had a Sunday Assembly congregation, Whitten and Florio wanted to develop one specifically targeted toward the LGBTQ community, in a space within the “gayborhood.”

According to Whitten, who served as the pastor of a considerably more conservative congregation for seven years, the Sunday Assembly model appeals to individuals who miss certain elements of their churchgoing experience – especially the social aspect – but don’t want to attend a traditional church service.

According to Whitten and Florio, the nondenominational services focus more on spirituality than religion or doctrine and aim to satisfy a need for connection that they’ve observed in the LGBTQ community.

“I think people are craving more meaningful conversations, about more meaningful topics,” Florio said. “I think that people who are showing up are at a point in their lives where they are open to new ideas. Maybe they are at a standstill, looking for inspiration as well as connection, belonging and a sense of community.”

During the services, Whitten, Florio and guest speakers discuss broader spiritual topics. And, to enhance their lessons, they use a combination of interactive activities, video clips, scientific and academic data.

“That’s the great appeal, the fact that there is no one set of teachings,” Florio said.

“It’s a way to just put forth new information, new ways to look at things and new ways to view ourselves.”

Whitten describes the CenPho chapter as “the community, the connection and fellowship” without the “telling-you-howto-live” element and the altar calls.

The services are open to people of all backgrounds and ages (since the bar is closed for the duration), and typically draw between 20 to 25 new and returning attendees each month.

“Whatever your level of spirituality, it is welcome,” Whitten said. “You’ll never leave our services feeling like you’ve been told what you should believe, but instead you’ll be able to leave feeling like what you believe is fine – and here are tools to implement that belief and make your life better.”

Sunday Assembly-CenPho 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month Stacy’s @ Melrose 4343 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix sundayassemblycenpho.org

READ THE REST For Echo’s full feature on Sunday Assembly-CenPho, visit echomag.com/ sunday-assembly.

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ALL Arizona – Arizona LDS LGBT/SSA For better or worse, the Mormon Church always seems to be making headlines.

And, while LGBTQ Mormons are finding increased levels of acceptance within their families and social circles, there still remains a need for faith-based fellowship.

To fill this void, ALL Arizona – Arizona LDS LGBT/SSA was established.

This local sub-congregation is made up of individuals with both positive and negative stories of coming out as LGBT Mormons. With monthly meetings scheduled to rotate among the homes of designated host families, ALL continues to fill in the gaps that the church has created.

On a quest for a social group for LGBTQ Mormons, because he often felt alone growing up, Trevor started organizing socials locally.

“I wanted to meet other people in a similar situation as I was and be able to relate to them,” Trevor said. “Even in the gay community, a lot of people don’t share the experience of having [a Mormon] background or understand growing up with that religious belief and how it affects your life.”

This led to the Cooks co-founding ALL with Bryan Hendrickson, which began as a gathering of 15 people at their home.

The Cook family – Bryce, Sara and their two gays sons, Trevor and Tanner – have played a key role in the development and growth of the ALL community.

Although Bryce recalls initially having a difficult time with Trevor’s coming out 11 years ago, he said he hopes to encourage other LDS parents to support their LGBTQ children.

“We wanted to make life better for gay people in our church because we recognized there was a lot of misinformation and ignorance. As a result, it was not a welcoming place for gay people,” Bryce said. “In particular, we were concerned with the young kids who are gay and growing up in this culture, who were then filled with self-loathing and depression. We just wanted to change that.”

According to Bryce, the group was never meant to be a substitute for church but rather a safe place for discussion, education, conversation and outreach.

Today, anywhere from 30 to 50 people attend ALL’s monthly meetings, the times and locations of which are posted on the group’s private Facebook group (which has approximately 250 members from throughout Arizona).

In additional to its monthly meetings, ALL offers a variety of bible study groups and also hosts annual conferences that serve as a platform for members of the Mormon LGBTQ community, and families, to share their testimonies and participate in panel discussions For more information on ALL Arizona – Arizona LDS LGBT/SSA monthly meetups, visit allarizona.org. To gain membership to ALL’s private Facebook group, interested parties are asked to send a message via the public fan page at facebook.com/ allarizona.

READ THE REST For Echo’s full feature on ALL Arizona Friends and Family, visit echomag.com/ lgbt-mormons.

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Merkaz Ha-Iyr Hanukkah might be behind us, but one local congregation wants the LGBTQ community know that they are welcome year-round.

With the changing social climate, moreinclusive synagogues – like Merkaz Ha-Iyr – have begun to emerge.

According to Staci Mayer, Merkaz Ha-Iyr’s board president, the synagogue welcomes all types of families.

“We feel very strongly about being progressive, about being inclusive, that being Jewish has different meanings to people and that there’s no part of religion that’s supposed to be exclusive,” Mayer said.

Merkaz Ha-Iyr follows progressive and liberal ideals. Although it observes Jewish traditions, it approaches Judaism from a reform perspective. In Reform Judaism, members treat the Torah as a doctrine that evolves with the times.

About seven years ago, Mayer and her family left their congregation – in part because her old synagogue wasn’t accepting of her gay friend – in search of a moreinclusive brand of Judaism.

Today, the congregation that calls Shadow Rock United Church of Christ home consists of approximately 40 to 50 families that come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

While some synagogues have expressed an issue with the recent legalization of same-sex marriage, Mayer proudly reported that her rabbi, Erica Burech, performs weddings for straight and same-sex couples alike.

“Our rabbi feels what defines a couple is not gender, but the desire to be together and the love that they share,” Mayer said. “I think that speaks volumes to the gay community but also to the human community.”

The synagogue offers a variety of services and ways to become involved to members of all ages, including Shabbat services the second Friday and the fourth FEATURE

Saturday of every month, and age group specific educational classes. Adult education classes, which meet on select Sundays, feature discussions on such topics as tattoos, sexuality, plastic surgery, multi-faith relations and the “December dilemma,” which addresses whether or not to celebrate Christmas.

Older teens in the youth group, known as the “Jewth” group, take an active role in mentoring the younger members. On select Sundays, fourth through seventh graders attend Limud classes and Hebrew school in preparation for their Bar Mitzvahs. Limud classes are also available for first through third graders as well.

Additionally, Mayer said the close-knit congregation often gets together outside of the synagogue to volunteer and socialize.

“We are heavily community based. Our connection to one another is based in Judaism, but it is more do with who we are as a community,” Mayer said. “That’s how most of us connect to our Judaism – through our community, as opposed to through ritual.”

Merkaz Ha-Iyr Shadow Rock United Church of Christ 12861 N. Eighth Ave., Phoenix Shabbat services: 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday and 9 a.m. every fourth Saturday Limud classes for adults and children take place on select Sundays

READ THE REST For Echo’s full feature on Merkaz Ha-Iyr, visit echomag.com/sole-valentino.

Image courtesy of congregationmerkaz.org.

RELIGIOUS RESOURCES For information on additional faith-based services and support groups, visit echomag.com/main-menu/ resources/organizations-clubs/religion.

To have your faith-based service or support group included here, let us know at editor@echomag.com.

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

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WITHOUT RESERVATIONS

Gertrude’s

Story and photos by KJ Philp

W

inter in Arizona is a unique blend of holiday traditions and Southwest splendor. While this might mean putting up holiday decorations on unseasonably warm December days or hosting an onslaught of out-of-towners who are determined to escape the frighteningly frigid temperatures “back home,” for us it translates to patio dining among the most exquisite light shows in the Valley.

Nestled near the entrance of the Desert Botanical Garden sits Gertrude’s, a modern American restaurant that has offered “fresh

Roasted Golden Beets.

ingredients directly from the farm and pasture to the plate” since it first opened its doors in the spring of 2013.

Simple Life Pinot Noir.

Named after the garden’s environmentalist founder, Gertrude Divine Webster, this restaurant boasts seasonal menus expertly designed to showcase local ingredients from artisans and farmers around Arizona and the Southwest.

Additionally, Gertrude’s sources fresh herbs and vegetables from its patio and community garden located on the property.

What could possibly pair more perfectly with a December dinner date than a light installation just in time for the holidays? Lucky for you (and your out-oftown guests) the garden is hosting its annual “Las Noches de las Luminarias,” in conjunction with “Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light at Desert Botanical Garden,” through the end of the year.

But first, dinner.

To get started, my dining companion and I decided to share Gertrude’s Greens, a medley of Arizona greens and watermelon radish in a lemonade dressing. While this delicious combination came exactly as advertised – and would be best enjoyed on a hot summer day – it would have been nice to have a fall-themed option (think: Brussels sprouts and root vegetables) as well.

To balance the sweetness of the dressing, I couldn’t resist the savory tepary bean hummus, which was served with pickled vegetables and house-made crackers that actually melted in my mouth.

From there, it was time to select a bottle of wine. Our love of pinot noir superseded our goal to continue with the local theme and we opted for California’s Simple Life.

With notes of strawberries, ripe cherries and rose petals as well as aromas of savory herbs, this vintage offers a “perfect balance between its dark fruit character and lively acidity, which makes it an easy pairing for a variety of foods.” This was an important factor, because with such diverse menu offerings, I knew I’d be sampling more than my fair share of menu items in my quest to capture the true essence of Gertrude’s.

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“[Executive chef Matt Taylor] believes that this secret in the garden has the potential to become one of Arizona’s iconic restaurants. And I could not agree more.”

KJ Philp.

Niman Ranch Flat Iron Steak.

For our main courses, my other half settled on the Niman Ranch flat iron steak almost instantly. The 10-ounce steak, decorated with peppercorn sauce, arrived among an ornate presentation of thymescented cauliflower and Shishito peppers (which came with a warning: some pack more heat than others).

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as per usual. I ordered the heirloom tomatoes, decorated with chermoula, black olive powder and Thai basil, and the roasted golden beets, also accented with chermoula, Arizona quark cheese, candied pecans, agave and blue cheese (which was fairly easy to navigate around). I also helped myself to some of the cauliflower and Shishito peppers.

Ordering plants as a main course in the state’s most famous garden only seemed appropriate (shameless vegan disclaimer), and these veggies lived up to every bit of the hype. The careful consideration given to complimentary, yet not over complicated, flavors just made sense.

Last, but not least, my date gave in to the decadent dessert menu and decided on the red wine and chocolate torte. This treat, red wine, golden beet jam, pistachio brittle,

pink peppercorn and rosemary Chantilly cream, looked amazing (near irresistible, if I do say so myself). Lucky for her I steer clear of sweets, and she was able to enjoy the confection while I treated myself to another glass of wine before heading out into the garden for a tour of the light installations.

According to Gertrude’s executive chef Matt Taylor, he’s drawn upon his Canadian family’s farming roots to meld this ingredient-driven seasonal menu with subtle Southern and local influences.

Additionally, he believes that this secret in the garden has the potential to become one of Arizona’s iconic restaurants. And I could not agree more.

So, when your next wave of holiday houseguests arrive and you want to serve them an Arizona experience that’s as magical as the season, don’t forget about Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden.

DINING OUT

Heirloom tomatoes.

Red Wine and Chocolate Torte.

Tepary bean hummus.

For more information on “Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light at Desert Botanical Garden,” which runs through May 8, 2016, visit dbg.org.

Gertrude’s 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 480-719-8600 Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat and Sun Brunch to 4 p.m. gertrudesrestaurant.net KJ Philp is the managing editor of Echo Magazine and can be reached at kj@echomag.com.

Echo is currently seeking Phonix-based freelance restaurant reviewers

Qualified candidates are invited to send published restaurant/ food reviews to editor@echomag.com for consideration.

EchoMag.com

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AT THE BOX OFFICE

By Hans Pedersen

The Hateful Eight In theaters Jan. 8 | R | 182 minutes

Sisters In theaters Dec. 18 | R | 118 minutes

Crackshot comedy team Tina Fey and Amy Poehler star in this film about two estranged adult sisters who are ordered by their parents to return home to clean out their old bedroom before the house is sold. In the latest from the comedic duo with the Midas touch, the sisters decide to throw a final blowout house party for their old friends, and wind up learning that, as adults, you never can truly go back home again. Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), this laugh fest co-stars James Brolin, John Leguizamo John Cena and Maya Rudolph as the sisters’ old rival, Brinda.

Quentin Tarantino’s latest project, set in Wyoming several years after the Civil War, launches with a rocky stagecoach ride heading toward Red Rock. Behold the hateful eight: bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell), his fugitive, Daisy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), former union soldier Maj. Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) and Sheriff Chris Mannix. Stuck in a stopover called Minnie’s Haberdashery, they find proprietor Bob (Demian Bichir), Red Rock’s hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) and confederate Gen. Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern).

Channing Tatum and Zoe Bell co-star.

Anomalisa In theaters Jan. 15 | R | 90 minutes

Carol In theaters Dec. 25 | R | 118 minutes

Who can resist the lovely Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett and actress Rooney Mara as secret lovers from two different worlds in 1950s New York City? In this much-anticipated dramatic romance from director Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven), a young department store worker Therese (Mara) falls in love with middle-aged Carol (Blanchett), who’s caught in a loveless marriage during a rigid, lesstolerant era. As their feelings for one another intensify, Carol’s husband (Kyle Chandler) questions whether she’s fit to be a mother.

Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s groundbreaking 1952 novel “The Price of Salt,” the movie is partly based on a true encounter.

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A man’s social isolation is the theme of this quirky movie that’s receiving widespread praise as a heartfelt film that was made, incredibly, with stop-motion animation. Described in advanced screenings as transcendent and honest, the movie was penned by brilliant screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich). David Thewlis voices the part of Michael Stone, a broken man who lives in the shadows, and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lisa, the woman who’s hoping she can put him together again. This breakthrough creative work will reportedly resonate with anyone who has struggled with depression.

Hans Pedersen is a freelance writer based in Phoenix.

movies

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Before the Credits Roll: Five movies you may have missed in 2015

By Hans Pedersensen

Y

ou’ve seen Julianne Moore and Ellen Page in the tearjerker Freeheld. You cackled at Lily Tomlin’s awesome performance in Grandma. And hopefully you were wowed by the irascible, wisecracking trans stars in Sean Baker’s Tangerine.

These were just a few of the powerful dramas and comedies featuring LGBTQ themes Echo covered this past year.

A groundbreaking, award-winning movie can bypass local theaters in markets like Phoenix, only to fall off the radar while awaiting release months, or even sometimes a year, after first turning heads.

Some received a proper red carpet arrival when they premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, but there are others we wanted to shed light on by giving them their due with a little fanfare.

Before the 2015 credits roll, here are five titles that recently popped up on Netflix or other platforms that you may have missed earlier this year.

52 Tuesdays.

52 TUESDAYS It’s an impressive idea: shoot a movie only on Tuesdays for an entire year, with events in the film also unfolding in a string of 52 Tuesdays.

The premise sizzles with creative possibilities. Actor Del Herbert-Jane, who in real life was undergoing a transition from female to male during the shoot, plays the role of a parent who is making a similar transition.

Incorporating an actor’s gender transformation into the story over the course of the year gives the movie an entirely new dimension.

The daughter’s reaction to the gender reassignment, and her own sexual adventures with another boy and girl at school, become part of this fascinating story, which evolved as the creative team shot the film over one year.

Director Sophie Hyde pulled off this feat using $350,000 in seed money from an Australian initiative that is designed to create films without market attachments.

Her efforts paid off with a slew of accolades, including the Directing Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Dramatic category.

The result is an intriguing portrait of a girl who’s making the change from adolescence to adulthood, as her mother becomes her father. 52 Tuesdays is available on Netflix and for purchase on iTunes on Amazon.

tig Courageous Tig Notaro is a masterful comedian who has faced all kinds of battles. In this edifying profile about her ability to make people laugh and create a sense of connection, she recalls the night she came on stage at a standup club and announced she had cancer.

“Good evening. Hello I have cancer. How are you?” she can be heard telling the 44 |

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stunned crowd. “Is everybody having a good time? Diagnosed with cancer ...”

Some people were crying, and by the end of the set, her brutal honesty had the audience at their feet. People praised her performance on social media, and overnight her world changed.

Notaro had already been diagnosed with a dangerous bacteria that consumes one’s digestive system. Following that, her mother had died. She went through a breakup with her girlfriend, too. She was not finding any humor in her situation.

But then doctors walked in one day and gave her the cancer diagnosis ... and something clicked. The absurdity of the string of tragedies she faced opened up the creative floodgates and, while struggling to live, she found her career was skyrocketing.

With cameos by Sarah Silverman and Zack Galifianakis, the 2015 Sundance Film Festival selection is an inspirational profile of a woman with courage and confidence.

Most uplifting is how Notaro falls for actress Stephanie Allynne, her co-star from the movie “In A World …” and the couple winds up totally defying categorization. And viewers will likely be happy they welcomed Notaro into their living rooms. Tig has recently been released on Netflix.

BOULEVARD Robin Williams delivers a harrowing performance in what was his final film. The story is decidedly nightmarish as it demonstrates how hiding in the closet turns one man’s life into a misguided wreck. Married to a woman for decades out of convenience, meek banker Nolan Mack and his morose wife, ironically named Joy (Kathy Baker) sleep in separate beds and seem more like household partners than spouses.

available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon streaming and on home video.

MY PRAIRIE HOME Rae Spoon, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns, is a songwriter, film score composer, music producer, multiinstrumentalist and published author who resides in Calgary, Alberta.

This Canadian indie-folk musician is the subject of this original performance film that features music video-like interludes shot against the gorgeous Canadian landscapes, interspersed with interviews with the performer reflecting on gender identity, faith and the challenges of family through songs and stories.

Director Chelsea McMullan was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival for this unique story of an iconoclast who shows how society tends to pigeon-hole all of us with gender roles.

Growing up in a conservative Christian family, the singer talks honestly about oppressive societal constraints and makes the brilliant remark that “gender is stupid.” My Prairie Home is available on iTunes.

Nolan’s mild-mannered life gets upended when he becomes enchanted with a young hustler, Leo (Roberto Aguire). Soon Nolan is living a double life, hiding each hotel rendezvous with the hustler from his wife. And neither his homophobic boss nor his best friend, Winston (Bob Odenkirk), are privy to the truth.

While the film may have a few flaws, it evolves into a taut thriller about how living a lie will catch up with you. Boulevard is

Director Michele Josue was a close

Hans Pedersen is a freelance writer based in Phoenix.

MOVIES

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My Prairie Home.

Matt SHephard is a friend of miine

Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine is the type of movie that deserves to be watched by everyone in the LGBTQ community. The hate crime shocked the country, and proved how deeply hatred runs against anyone who defies hypertraditional gender roles.

Trying to find your “new normal”?

Five years of helping parents build their families

Across the board, the stellar cast makes this movie a compelling and worth-while watch. But the fact Nolan meets with Leo regularly “only to talk,” and never to have sexual relations, is a little tough to believe – and feels like a watered down version of what could have been a grittier script.

The young man was tortured and murdered – left to die on a fence in October of 1998 – and it was one of the most brutal hate crimes in U.S. history.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, lost, or frustrated?

friend of Shepard’s and here she takes a closer look at the crime, using rare footage and photos that help viewers experience how devastating his murder was for his loved ones. Told from this personal perspective, the new information unveiled in this documentary may rile you up and break your heart.

Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine won several awards at various film festivals around the country and is available on iTunes, Amazon streaming and home video.

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OPENING NIGHTS

By Richard Schultz The Comedy of Errors Jan. 16-30

Double trouble is afoot in one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies.

They laugh alike, they walk alike and, at times, they even talk alike! You can lose your mind, when there are two sets of twins!

As Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio go looking for their long-lost family in Ephesus, they are thrown into a whirlwind of mistaken identity. For who should reside in Ephesus, unbeknownst to them, but their long-lost twins! Antipholus and Dromio are about to meet their match, leading everyone in the town to see double. In Shakespeare’s farcical onslaught of mistaken identities, fateful romance and family reunions. Much confusion, slapstick and surprise results as a family that once was lost now is found, in a strange, possibly haunted and madly wonderful land.

The Comedy of Errors Jan. 16-30 Southwest Shakespeare Company Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Tickets: $10-$44; 480-644-6500 swshakespeare.org

If/Then Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour Jan. 12-17

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back! Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day. Experience an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in

rock, music, theatre and film – nothing carries the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance.

Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour Jan. 12-17 Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: $47-$77; 480-644-6500 mesaartscenter.com

struggling to overcome a “dry” spell, which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortune occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college – a thriller which Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit. Sidney’s plan, which he devises with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student, an idea that the younger man quickly accepts.

Thereafter suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness.

Deathtrap Jan. 8-24

Seemingly comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is 46 |

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Deathtrap Jan. 8-24 Mesa Encore Theatre, Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: $29; 480-644-6500 mesaencoretheatre.com

Jan. 12-17

Tony Award winner and Broadway superstar Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent, Frozen, Glee) will reprise her critically acclaimed performance as Elizabeth, a role and a Broadway musical written specifically for Ms. Menzel. This original new musical with unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, follows two distinct storylines in the life of Elizabeth, a city planner who moves back to New York to restart her life in that city of infinite possibilities. When her carefully designed plans collide with the whims of fate, Elizabeth’s life splits into two parallel paths as this modern woman faces the intersection of choice and chance. Original cast members LaChanze, Anthony Rapp and James Snyder are also featured in the Gammage performances.

If/Then Jan. 12-17 ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: $30-$200; 480-965-3434 asugammage.com theatER

WaistWatchers: The Musical!

Grand Concourse

Dec. 23-Jan. 24

Jan. 15-31

The struggle to be that perfect weight is often referred to as “The Battle of the Bulge.” Alan Jacobson’s toe-tapping musical is set in Cook’s Women’s Gym and follows the women as they go through the ups and downs of survival in a weight-and-beauty obsessed world. It’s a light-hearted look at four women singing about assorted body issues from dieting, exercise and aging to plastic surgery and sex after 40, and ultimately the relentless search for a positive self-image through 25 popular songs with parody lyrics.

WaistWatchers: The Musical!

Dec. 23-Jan. 24 Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: $43-$53; 602-252-8497 herbergertheater.org

Having dedicated her life to religious service, Shelley runs a Bronx soup kitchen with unsentimental efficiency. But lately her heart’s not quite in it. Her brisk nature masks an unsettling fear that her efforts are meaningless.

When Emma – an idealistic but confused college dropout – arrives to volunteer, her reckless mix of generosity and self-involvement pushes Shelley to the breaking point. With keen humor and startling compassion, this fascinating play, written by Heidi Schreck, navigates the mystery of faith, the limits of forgiveness and the pursuit of something resembling joy.

Grand Concourse Jan. 15-31 Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus Road, Ste. 406, Scottsdale Tickets: $20; 602-765-0120 thestudiophx.org

Richard Schultz is a playwright, actor, director and freelance writer based in Phoenix.

Wanted: Colorful Characters Echo is always looking for LGBTQ theater artists to spotlight as part of Opening Nights. If you know of someone, please send a note with a short bio to Richard Schultz at rlschultz41@aol.com.

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Wreck the Halls Say goodbye to 2015 cabaret style

By Richard Schultz

C

abaret performances are commonplace in most major metro markets like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Locally, multitalented theater artist Ian Christiansen is determined to bring this sassy and witty performance style to the Valley.

Wreck the Halls, his latest mischievous musical romp, pokes fun at all things merry and bright in a special blend of cabaret meets rock, pop, jazz and musical theater Dec. 30 at Crescent Ballroom.

“It’s just the thing for shedding Christmas … and get[ting] ready to ring in the New Year,” Christiansen said.

According to Christiansen, his song lineup usually comes from a diverse range of genres. For a cabaret experience, think of a nightclub setting infused with the flair and bravado of musical theatre.

“We like to put a personal thumbprint on well-known classics, and present them in a new way for a more intimate audience,” he said. “We usually pick a theme for a show and then pick material and songs accordingly. For our holiday show, we have a lot of flexibility because it falls between Christmas and New Years. So we can do anything from a parody version of ‘12 Days of

“Cabaret allows us to come together and have a damn good time.”

Ian Christiansen

Christmas’ to ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ by Beyoncé.”

With Wreck the Halls, in particular, Christiansen is focused on both the good and the bad about the holidays, and said he hopes the audience will see the show as a way to get ready for the New Year by raising a glass to what’s ahead.

“The LGBTQ community certainly has plenty to celebrate, especially with the strides this year in gay rights,” he said.

“Cabaret allows us to come together and have a damn good time. We pride ourselves on being resilient, witty, intelligent and somewhat sophisticated smart asses. As a performer, the show is how I personally get to express my own stake in being part of the community. Being on stage is like being at home for me.”

In addition to Christiansen, Alanna Kalbfleisch guest stars with accompaniment by the D.K. Trio, led by musical virtuoso Dan Kurek.

“Originally, the show started with me and my pianist, Dan Kurek,” Christiansen said. “Dan has an outstanding background in musical direction for numerous Valley theaters. He is also classically trained in opera. He’s a versatile musician who can do anything from transposing by sight to putting together complicated mashups. I wouldn’t trade him for anything! We’ve been together since the beginning and we’re going to keep going that way.”

“I have been having a lot of fun writing parody songs this past year,” he said.

According to Christiansen, the ‘holigay’ section of the show will include some of his Disney parodies,

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which have been used in the Dirty Disney show.

Parodies will include “Feed Their Heads,” (based on “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins), which he describes as a song “about gays’ incessant need to post shirtless pics on Facebook.” There’s also “Once Upon a Screen,” based on “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty, which details the pitfalls of online dating.

Interestingly, Christiansen is a former illustrator for Disney, which may have fueled his unique spin on classic movie tunes.

“I’m really interested in exploring some nods to Star Wars and “Golden Girls” in the show, as they are two of my particular areas of fan-dom,” he said.

Christiansen has performed on stages throughout the Valley, from Phoenix Theatre to Arizona Opera. He’s a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama and currently teaches theater at Arizona School for the Arts.

Having transplanted here from New York and being a stage actor, Christiansen asked himself the question, “Why don’t they have a cabaret here?”

As a result, he’s performed cabaret for the past six years, starting at My Florist Café and later at the Ghost Lounge at Hotel San Carlos (both of which are now defunct).

Additionally, he believes that bringing his show to the Crescent Ballroom stage will reach a new audience and create a new enthusiasm for the genre.

Wreck the Halls Cabaret 8 p.m. Dec. 30 Ian Christiansen with special guests Alanna Kalbfleisch and the D.K. Trio Crescent Ballroom 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix Tickets: $15-$20; 602-716-2222 crescentphx.com Richard Schultz is a playwright, actor, director and freelance writer based in Phoenix.

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Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook Lead actor revisits role 10 years later

By Richard Schultz

Six actors play the couple in various stages of their lives, along with a few other characters: Susie and Danny, the couple in their youth, are played by Mallory King and Ben Wynant; Susan and Daniel, the couple in their young adulthood, are played by Terry McDowell and Jim DeSelm; and Sue and Dan, the empty nesters in the story’s present, are played by Beth DeVries and Hastings.

Hastings first portrayed the role of Dan in 2005. His character is a middle-aged “empty nester” whose relationship with his wife has suffered and frayed from inattention.

L

eead actor Hugh Hastings has the enviable opportunity to once again play a role he created 10 years ago in Snapshots, a musical now produced by the Arizona Theatre Company from Dec. 30 to Jan. 17.

In an innovative musical format, the show features a score comprised of the work of Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, with 25 songs from 12 beloved shows throughout his career.

When Schwartz heard about the concept from David Stern (the book’s author), he fell in love with the idea and became involved by adjusting his own songs to better fit the story and bringing new life to the familiar melodies. Songs featured in Snapshots include “Popular” (Wicked), “All Good Gifts” (Godspell), “Meadowlark” (The Baker’s Wife) and “That’s How You Know” (Disney’s Enchanted).

The story centers on a couple that’s been married for 20 years, but they’ve reached a point where they simply have nothing left to say to each other. But, when they uncover a box of photos in the attic, their memories come blossoming back to life, helping them take a look back at the moments that built their relationship and the opportunities that got lost along the way.

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“The basic story of Dan and Sue’s journey has remained the same since the early version that we worked on, but some music has been rearranged, some songs are gone, and new ones added,” he said. “Some of the scenes have been tweaked or rewritten to better tell the story, and I think that the present version that we are performing is the best it’s ever been.”

During the play, Dan is made to remember all the bonds that were forged between himself and his wife, Sue, in the younger, formative years of their relationship. He rediscovers the things he loves about her, realizes how his benign neglect has hurt their relationship and, finally, is motivated to fight to win her back.

“Although humor is used a lot in the play to tell the story, the final moments are very emotional for us as actors, and also for the audience,” he said. “This situation is just so universal, so identifiable to anyone who has been in a long-term relationship: it’s too easy to take your partner for granted. If you don’t keep feeding the fire, there is the real danger that it might go out!”

For Hastings, the show’s theme still holds special significance.

“I was a mess during rehearsals,” he said.

“I’d go home every night, hold my wife and ask her, ‘You know I love you, right?’ The

possibility that there might be some Dan in my real life made me ultra-sensitive to all my relationship dealings at home - even my cats started avoiding me!”

Hastings summarizes, “love needs to be tended to. If your partner makes you happy, let them know it!”

Fans of musical theater will recognize much of the songbook, Hastings said, adding that his favorite scene occurs at the end of the show.

“The song, ‘In Whatever Time We Have So Far,’ is a brilliant mash-up sung by all six characters that delivers a very satisfying and emotional conclusion,” he said.

Snapshots, directed by Daniel Goldstein, is a co-production with Village Theatre in Issaquah and Everett, Wash., which also collaborated with Arizona Theatre Company two years ago for Xanadu.

Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook Through Dec. 19 Temple of Music and Art, Tucson 330 S. Scott Ave., Tucson Tickets: $54-$61; 520-622-2823 Dec.30-Jan. 17 Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: $28-$68; 602-256-6995

READ THE REST For more on Snapshots lead actor Hugh Hastings, visit echomag.com/snapshots.

Richard Schultz is a playwright, actor, director and freelance writer based in Phoenix.

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January 2016 1-3 Zoppé-An Italian Family Circus . . . Times Vary 15 Black Violin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 17 TIMBER! A Production of Cirque Alfonse! . .7pm 23 Deana Martin - Honoring Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 29 Moscow Festival Ballet presents Don Quixote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 30 Fiesta Mexico-Americana with Los Lobos . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm February 2016 6 The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 12 Tap Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 14 The Summit – The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 20 Frankie Avalon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 21 Lee Ann Womack . . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 27 Steppin’ Out LIVE with Ben Vereen & Trio7:30pm March 2016 4 The Second City Fully Loaded . . . . . 7:30pm 5 Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 8-13 Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding . . . . . . Times Vary 18 Rita Rudner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 25 Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos . 7:30pm April 2016 1 The von Trapps . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm /ChandlerCenterfortheArts

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JANUARY 2016

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recordings

warm and agreeable debut which finds the gay Australian pop star’s winning voice (mostly) carrying the day.

By Cait Brennan

“Wild” kicks off the Blue Neighbourhood suite with a smooth neo-soul/electro vibe and tender lyrics talking about forbidden love and sublimated desire. The production, though, kind of sabotages itself, with a weird, shrill children’s chorus in the background (but by no means far enough in the background). The world is ready for many things, but a super-sexy song with a children’s chorus is not one of them. Try to imagine the Kidz Bop kids singing Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” only please, please don’t do that. If somebody could just get in there and remix that choir right on out of there, that’d be great. Thanks.

Troye Sivan

Blue Neighbourhood EMI/Capitol |

At age 20, Troye Sivan has already led several different lives. He originally found fame as a teen actor in such movies as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, before becoming a hugely successful YouTube star (nearly four million subscribers and over 200 million views). That fame translated into a major label record deal in short order, and Blue Neighbourhood is the result, a

“Bite,” on the other hand, is just right.

Subdued, tense, with an urgent lyric and some sweet vocal harmonics, and no kiddie choir in sight. Songs like “Ease” and “Fools” are equally rewarding, rhythmic and catchy and intimate. Sivan’s voice lends itself to a sense of intimacy, unpretentious and warm and very at ease. He tends toward straightforward, gently confessional lyrics that occasionally drop a few f-bombs in the service of his point. All this is served over lush electropop soul sounds that are very of the moment. The casual acceptance of his sexuality is a plus, too; in Sivan’s world, same-sex love is not anthemic, it’s just life.

Cheers to that.

Wreckless Eric AmERICa

Fire Records |

Let’s just go ahead and get this out of the way: Wreckless Eric wrote the greatest rock song in history. “Whole Wide World” will never be duplicated by mere humans, and all we can do is stare in awe and be grateful he exists. In addition to those three minutes of immortality, he’s blessed us with a whole career full of great songs and fantastic albums, but it’s been too long – nearly a decade, in fact – since he’s given us a new LP. The wait is over and AmERICa is not just a welcome return, it’s a dynamite high-water mark in a career full of brilliant moments.

“Several Shades Of Green” kicks things off, promising he’d “do it all again” if he had to, with a raunchy guitar riff and wry, razorsharp wit. “Sysco Trucks” lays a moody, lonely, weirdly sympathetic air of romance to the workaday deliveries of one of America’s most ubiquitous restaurant foodservice companies. There’s a bit of an I Often Dream Of Trains-era Robyn Hitchcock vibe here (no, wait, Wreckless Eric did it first).

“Transitory Thing” is wistful and weary, all seen-it-all cynicism and suitcases full of dirty clothes, lamenting the loss of easier times and worrying that “you’d have to be bulletproof just to survive” modern life. “I sometimes wish that I was somebody else, and I’m sure that you do too.” If you can identify with that statement, this is your record.

Troye Sivan. Photo courtesy of facebook.com/troyesivan.

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“Boy Band” is hilarious and acid-tinged, chronicling the tabloid fall of former child/ teen stars as the band goes to hell. It’s worth the price of admission just on its own.

On most of the songs here, Wreckless Eric brings a merciless observer’s eye to aspects of modern life, with a sardonic wit and a subtle hint of sympathy for his subjects. He also waxes philosophical on the meaning of it all with the depth and skill that only a veteran artist can provide. He’s long been one of our greatest rock artists, and it’s fantastic to have him back. AmERICA is beautiful indeed. music

A Great Big World

When The Morning Comes Epic |

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Strip away the huge, soaring choruses and production, and these guys are at their heart great songwriters, living somewhere between Elton John/Bernie Taupin and the Broadway tradition (by which I mean Cole Porter, not Andrew Lloyd Webber). While the pop-radio ambitions of songs like “Oasis” and “Come On” are blatant (and likely to be successful), the duo especially shines when the song is up front, like on “One Step Ahead,” stripped of artifice and hit-single sheen, taken straight to the heart of things. They’re sophisticated songwriters who’ve mastered the deceptively simple pop hook. Axel and King remain two of our finest contemporary pop artists and When The Morning Comes is another joy-filled pop treat.

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JANUARY 2016

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between the covers

Naughtier than Nice

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Y

ou have to tell somebody. There’s a secret inside you, one you’ve been keeping far too long and you’re about to burst. You need to talk about it. You need some advice, some perspective.

As in the new novel Naughtier than Nice, by Eric Jerome Dickey, if you don’t talk about this issue soon, it could be the death of you.

Last Christmas Eve had been a memorable one for Frankie McBroom, for the wrong reasons: that was the day she spent thinking about how to cancel her wedding to Franklin Carruthers. He’d been her soul mate, her one-and-only … until she discovered that he was a married man.

As the eldest McBroom sister, Frankie felt as though she needed to set an example and she

fought hard to forget Franklin.

She wished her relationship with him had been like what youngest sister, Tommie, had with her Blue. Or like what middle sister, Livvy, had with Tony. But no, Frankie had something else altogether.

Tommie felt bad that she was cheating on her fiancé.

Down deep, she loved Blue but he’d betrayed her: he knew how much she wanted a family and yet he’d had surgery to prevent it, which proved that he didn’t care about her. Beale Streets, on the other hand, listened to her. Yes, Beale was a few years younger than Tommie, but that didn’t matter when they were making love.

Naughtier than Nice by Eric Jerome Dickey. Dutton, 2015 | $25.95

The delicate chain surrounding Livvy McBroom-Barrera’s ankle spoke to Livvy of different times, of days when she and Tony were estranged and she first slept with a woman.

The charm on the chain reminded her of things she learned, and lovers who disappeared from her life so suddenly. She thought of them often – especially when she and Tony brought another woman to their bed.

It was hard to believe that a year had gone by since Frankie caught Franklin in a lie. So much had happened since last Christmas, so much that wasn’t discussed.

Tommie’s life was taking a turn. Livvy’s life seemed to be going backwards.

And Frankie? She was dealing with a blown-up phone, an acid-ruined car, bricks through her windows, belongings rearranged in her home.

Frankie was dealing with a stalker.

So you like a little spice with your Christmas nog? Or maybe some extra pepper in your peppermints? Then Naughtier than Nice will make you very jolly.

In this somewhat-sequel, author Eric Jerome Dickey made a list of everything you want in a holiday drama – cheating, scandalous pasts, sex, murder and light humor – and it’s obviously checked twice to add even more of the above.

Although this book can be read as a standalone, readers then get to revisit some of Dickey’s best characters from other novels. His usual themes are mashed-up, and there’s a very nice “gotcha” (or two or three) scattered throughout this book.

That, and the fast-moving action, made me ho ho ho for this not-so-holiday holiday book, and Dickey fans old and new will love it. Just beware: once you start Naughtier than Nice you’ll just have to tell somebody!

Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm, lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 13,000 books.

She’s been reading since age 3 and, to this day, she never goes anywhere without a book.

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ALL OVER THE MAP

Taking the Lead

By Liz Massey

I

In this issue, Echo is presenting its Leaders of the Year awards, which used to be known as the Man and Woman of the Year. This change in title is more than just semantics; specifically recognizing LGBTQ community members and allies for their leadership provides us with a platform for discussion about what successful use of that quality means and what it looks like for our movement.

More than two decades ago, my very first leadership experiences took place in LGBTQ organizations in the Kansas City area. I had shied away from leadership all the way through school, but once I was out of the closet after college, I jumped at the opportunity to be on the board of directors of a new community center.

While the effort to build a center was eventually successful, our particular little board struggled, falling prey to organizational infighting, suffering a lack of clarity about strategy and funding, and failing to attract a large number of followers interested in helping build the dream. After that

experience, I went back to feeling like I was a “do my own thing” sort of person, rather than a leader.

But then, a few months later, I had a tarot reading done that declared my “personal card” was The Emperor – which is about as leadership-oriented a card as it gets!

I was initially horrified, as the idea of the bossy “King” clashed with my self-image, but eventually I decided that if one card was causing me this much distress, I should probably explore what leadership meant to me.

In the years that followed, I exposed myself to a wide range of leadership books, and began observing the behavior of leaders (many of whom were LGBTQ) with a broad range of leadership styles.

What I’ve learned about leadership since that time has helped me rehabilitate my view of what a leader is (which was initially not very positive). Here’s a quick recap: 1. Leadership is primarily measured in terms of influence.

If no one is following you – fans, constituents, employees, interested onlookers – you’re not a leader yet.

2. Leadership involves accountability.

Certainly, leaders must ensure the nittygritty project management of an initiative happens, and be responsible for making decisions.

But leaders are also accountable for holding onto the vision of an organization – that is, their job is to remember why their company, nonprofit, or volunteer group does what it does.

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Email Robert@azmoneyguy.com • Website www.azmoneyguy.com facebook.com/azmoneyguy • twitter.com/azmoneyguy 56 |

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3. Introverts can make great leaders.

I am so glad I got past the notion that only bossy extroverts can lead. By that criterion, Abraham Lincoln and Mohandas Gandhi were lousy leaders.

And research is challenging the notion that extroverts are “naturally” better leaders – recent studies have confirmed that while extroverted business managers may have an edge in situations where “command and control” leadership is

necessary, introverts are far better at leading proactive, self-starting employees.

4. Today’s leaders must be flexible and creative.

Almost every sphere of human endeavor is marked now by continuous, disruptive change. Leadership today requires a willingness to experiment, iterate, and scrap things that don’t work any more. Whereas a rules-oriented leader might have been able to hold together a company or nonprofit a generation ago with his or her faithful adherence to “the old ways,” in today’s world, that group will be eaten for lunch, both financially and in terms of relevancy.

5. The leaders we follow reflect the society we are building.

I’ve NEVER been a fan of the “great man/ woman” theory, which seems to imply that charismatic, visionary leadership is so necessary that we should excuse a leader’s rude, narcissistic and possibly sociopathic behavior. Every leader is human, and will have flaws and quirks; but strength, vision and empathy are not mutually exclusive qualities, and we should value leaders who can embody all those attributes.

It’s crucial that our community find constructive ways to support our current and emerging leaders. Our leaders need to be grounded in a range of hard (practical) and soft (emotional) skills, have a keen awareness of how privilege impacts marginalized populations in varying ways, know how to take good care of themselves to avoid burnout, and understand the importance of involving the community in important decisions – both to pull in fresh perspectives and to help “followers” feel a greater sense of participation and investment in organizational decisions.

That last point is especially important for the LGBTQ community, because in spite of the wonderful work of nationallevel organizations, such as Human Rights Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force, Lambda Legal, PFLAG, and many others, our initiatives often win or lose based on how well local leaders can create results.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader asserted that, “The function of leaders is to create more leaders, not more followers.” Our queer nation must be a nation of leaders, with each of us ready to play our part in making equality happen, in our own way, when the time comes.

Liz Massey has been involved in LGBT community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine.

She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY

money talks

Where there’s a will …

By Melissa Myers and Michael J. Tucker Melissa Myers: Happy New Year! In 2015, we spent a lot of time discussing how same-sex marriage has changed the way we look at our relationships and families from a legal standpoint.

Michael J. Tucker: We’ve talked about various steps newly wedded couples could consider to adjust to their now legally recognized marital status.

Myers: One of the realities we mentioned is that these changes don’t all happen automatically. And reviewing some of these options would be wise New Year’s resolutions.

Tucker: I help a lot of clients with their wills, powers of attorney and trusts. As they are getting married, they are coming in to update these important documents to reflect the marriage.

Myers: Smart! Conversely, a number of couples have told me, “now that we’re married, all of our legal and financial problems are solved and we won’t need all that advice and paperwork any more.”

Tucker: I’ve heard a number of variations on that theme as well. Unfortunately, that analysis stops short.

Myers: It does seem that, in the media and in our culture, generally, marriage has been oversold as a cure for all evils.

Tucker: Marriage actually creates some complexities while it resolves others. Some of our newly married same-sex couples have had a deer-in-the-headlights moment when it comes to their children from previous relationships.

Myers: They are presuming that because they are married now, if one spouse dies, everything will automatically go to the surviving spouse?

Tucker: That’s a dangerously incomplete analysis if either of them has a child or other descendants.

Myers: That parent needs a will to set forth that everything goes to the surviving spouse, if that is his or her intention.

Tucker: Otherwise the children would be entitled to half of their parent’s separate property and all of their parent’s share of the community property.

Myers: In Arizona, community property basically means that all acquired assets and income earned during the marriage (including paychecks) are jointly owned by the married couple.

Tucker: The exceptions are gifts and inheritances, as well as whatever each of them acquired or earned before they were married to each other.

Myers: The point is that getting married will change some of the legal relationships between the couple as well as between the couples and their assets and their debts.

Tucker: Another issue arises for someone who’s married and has indicated in a will that they’re leaving a portion of the estate to the surviving spouse and the rest of the estate to children or other non-spouse beneficiaries.

Myers: At first blush it sounds pretty clear.

Tucker: During estate administration, there could be differences over whether particular assets are part of the estate or not. The children may claim that certain assets are part of the estate, while the surviving spouse may claim ownership in the same assets.

Myers: So even Loving though the will might Patient be clear, there could At least 21 years old be disputes over Stable which assets the will Dependable governs.

Sense of humor Tucker: Yes. And in the case of bank accounts and brokerage accounts, those disputes aren’t easily resolved by looking at how the account is titled.

Myers: Account titling is not determinative of whether there is a

community property interest in the account.

Tucker: That goes for real estate titles as well.

Myers: Sounds complicated.

Tucker: It’s a good idea to look carefully at financial and legal arrangements and how marriage might impact them.

Myers: That goes double for families with children.

Tucker: Yes! And the New Year always serves as a reminder to make sure any changes in the previous year are addressed and updated appropriately.

Melissa Myers is a certified financial planner with Camelback Retirement Planners, in Phoenix, a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network and a registered investment adviser.

Michael Tucker is an attorney with Michael J. Tucker, P.C., in Phoenix, and is a certified specialist in estate and trust law. For more information, see their respective ads.

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Investors should consult a tax or legal professional regarding their individual situation. Neither Camelback nor Commonwealth offers tax or legal advice.

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JANUARY 2016

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balanced living

Putting the “New” back in “Year” for 2016

By Nate Whitten

T

he end of the year always seems to bring up sentiments of retrospection and resolution. These types of feelings can range anywhere from accomplishment and pride to regret or remorse. In either case, the feelings we choose to attach to as we review our past 12 months can impact how we will approach the New Year ahead of us.

Similarly, once a book has been read, you know it’s time to close the cover and move onto the next story. You’ll forever have the images, emotions and knowledge that you absorbed with you, but until you know it’s time to place that book back on the shelf and move on to the next, you’ll never be able to experience continued growth and expansion of mind, body and spirit as they relate to the characters and topics within those pages.

As you move into your New Year, and look back over the past, you may find yourself in places of judgment, frustration and disappointment along with joy, laughter and a sense of accomplishment.

The important thing is that you allow all those experiences, which have become a part of you, to help you see the upcoming adventure as a positive and exciting opportunity.

This next era of your life has as much promise for discovery, fulfillment and excitement as the opening of a new book as you read it for the very first time.

Imagine the possibilities, especially if you have no idea what the New Year is going to mean to you.

2015

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JANUARY 2016

Here are some areas of your life that you may want to consider closing the book on in 2016:

Unhealthy relationships Unfulfilling lifestyle Only working biceps and chest Sugar and fruit juice Leggings Giving too many f*cks Fear Not being involved with a helping community organization Knowing when it’s time to leave the party How do you close the book? Ask yourself these questions: Have I read this book before?

Is this story keeping me from reading a new book?

Would I be a different character in another story?

Am I finished with this story?

If you can answer in the affirmative for all or most of these queries, then it’s time to close the book. “But, how do I …” CLOSE IT! “But, what if …” JUST CLOSE IT!

Don’t forget, not all things that need to be released in order to move forward are bad. Not bad at all! Sometimes a good thing has just run its course and it’s time to appreciate that time and move forward to the next good thing!

The past four years, being a part of the Echo family has provided me with experiences and opportunities I didn’t expect to receive. I have met some of the most inspiring people in our community (whose names may not even be recognized by the majority), I’ve received several illicit phone calls and voice messages from slightly frightening “fans” and I’ve been challenged to continuously educate and re-educate myself in the fields of physical fitness and life coaching.

And, much like the ending of another year or the conclusion of a rewarding book, it’s time for me to close this chapter and move forward to the exciting adventures ahead of me.

As I continue with my life coaching practice, and personal training, I have had to learn to take my own advice and make the challenging decisions – and sometimes scary choices – that come with knowing when a book is finished, even when I’m not sure I want the story to end.

So I end this year and move into the next, with so much love and gratitude toward Echo Magazine, its publisher and editor as well as the powerfully supportive LGBTQ community of Arizona. Thank you for allowing me to use my personality and style to speak to for so long, on so many topics. We’ll see each other around town, and you’ll hear from me still …whether you like it or not!

Make 2016, your best year EVER! Nate Whitten is a successful living coach and personal trainer in Phoenix.

Find out more at natewhitten.com.

2016

•

EchoMag.com

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(602) 242-2180

2905 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017 email: info0167@twomen.com

www.TwoMenPhoenix-WestValley.com Each franchise independently owned and operated

Josh Fetchik REALTOR ®

602.245.4228 Office 480.948.5554 Fax 480.214.9207 jfetchik@gmail.com 7077 E. Marilyn Rd, Bldg 4, Ste 130 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 60 |

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EchoMag.com

Local business

• • • • • • • 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 ® Latisse ® Radiesse ® Juvéderm ® XC Juvederm Voluma™ Sermorelin Chemical Peels Testosterone Therapy HCG Therapy Facial Lipoatrophy SkinMedica ® Neova ®

Complimentary Consultation

Steven Price, CPA

• Tax preparation for individuals and businesses - Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnerships, Corporations, and Non-profits.

• Tax preparation for Same-sex and Domestic Partners.

• Tax problem resolution - Installment Agreement, Offer-in Compromise, Liens, Garnishments, and other.

• Accounting Software Selection, Set-up, and Training.

602-576-6255 or 415-955-0595 Email: smpcpa7@gmail.com | www.smprice.com

(623) 939-4389 AZ. Lic. #I-2362 B

8602 N. 39th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85051

www.desertmassageservices.com

Andrew Boyle Owner

New Client Specials

LMT, LICENSE #MT-18359

(480) 516-7648

desertmassageservices@yahoo.com

Echo Magazine now has free online classified advertising!

Terry While Jan. 23, 1962 – Nov. 14, 2015 Well known and a friend to many, Terry While passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, after an extensive hospitalization due to a heart condition. Friends are asked to donate to the Humane Society in his name.

KARPINSKI, BERRY, ADLER & COMPANY, PLC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Russell B. Berry, Jr., CPA 5110 N 4 0 T H S T R E E T, S U I T E 201 P H O E N I X , A R I Z O NA 85018-9155 W W W. P H XC PA . N E T 602-244-8412(FAX) RBB@PHXCPA.NET

“There’s a grief that can’t be spoken.

There’s a pain goes on and on.

Empty chairs at empty tables Where my friends are dead and gone.”

EchoMag.com

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JANUARY 2016

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daily bar specials Bunkhouse S $1 drafts and HH prices all day and night M 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Free-to-join poker. HH prices for participants. Winners get $10 Bunkhouse bar tabs

T 7 and 10 p.m.: Free-to-join poker. HH prices for

participants. Winners get $10 Bunkhouse bar tabs

W 9 p.m. Karaoke T Underwear night: $1 off all drinks if in skivvies!

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

4 and 6 p.m.: Free-to-join poker

S 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Bud family products

charlie’s S Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open to close M 2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 8 p.m.-close, 1/2 off cocktails and beer for those in underwear, $3 Jack Daniels

T 2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-for-1 cocktails and beer 8 p.m.- close

W 2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; $3 Three Olives vodka flavors, 8 p.m.-close

T 2-8 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-for-1 cocktails and beer open-close

F 2-7 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestics, $3 pitchers; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well and domestics, $1 drafts 10 p.m.midnight

S Noon-7 p.m. 2-for-1 well and domestics; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well and domestics, $3 Absolut and Bacardi flavors 10 p.m.-midnight

koBalt S HH 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Bar Match Buy-In Dart Tourney 2 p.m.;

Bar Codes: M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MF Mixed Male/Female

N r d

C L e

Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club

2-4-1 call drinks 7-8 p.m.; Karaoke 9 p.m.

Country Dancing Leather/Bears Entertainment (drag, strippers, etc.)

M HH open to close; Drag Bingo 9:30 p.m.; $5 Absolut cocktails

T Karaoke 9 p.m.; HH open to close W HH 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Martinis & Massage 6 p.m.; $5 Martinis,

1

aNViL 2424 E. Thomas Road

M, d, L 602-956-2885

14

NUToWNe saLooN 5002 E. Van Buren St.

M, N, L 602-267-9959

2

aQUa NiGhT CLUB 1730 E. McDowell Road

F, N, e 602-253-0689

15

oFF ChUTe Too 4111 N. Seventh Ave

Me 602-274-1429

3

Bar 1 3702 N. 16th St.

M, N, e 602-266-9001

16

oz 1804 W. Bethany Home Road

MF, N 602-242-5114

4

MF, d, e 602-200-9154

17

6-9 p.m.; Karaoke 9 p.m.; Celia Putty’s 2 Girls One Cup Show (every second Saturday)

Bs WesT 7125 E. Fifth Ave.

PLazMa 1560 E. Osborn Road

MF, N 602-266-0477

5

BUNkhoUse 4428 N. Seventh Ave.

M, N 602-200-9154

18

reBar/BLiss 901 N. Fourth St.

MF, N, r 602-795-1792

stacy’s @ Melrose

6

F, C 602-244-9943

19

S $1 Rolling Rock pints and well drinks until 10 p.m.

M Karaoke, 9 p.m.-close; HH and

Cash iNN 2140 E. McDowell Road

raiNBoW CaCTUs 15615 N. Cave Creek Road

MF, N 602-971-1086

7

CharLie’s 727 W. Camelback Road

M, C, e 602-265-0224

20

rosCoes 4531 N. Seventh St.

M 602-285-0833

T HH, 4-8 p.m.; $1 draft pint, $3 monthly charity shots, $4

8

CrUisiN’ 7Th 3702 N. Seventh St.

M, e 602-212-9888

21

r LoUNGe 4301 N. Seventh Ave.

F 602-265-3233

W 2-4-1 ALL DAY; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; live DJ,

9

Fez 105 W. Portland St.

MF, r 602-287-8700

22

royaL ViLLa iNN 4312 N. 12th St.

M 602-266-6883

T Thirsty Thursday; HH and $1 draft pint, 4-8 p.m.; $1 draft

10

harLey’s BisTro 4221 N. Seventh Ave.

MF, r 602-234-0333

23

sTaCy’s @ MeLrose 4343 N. Seventh Ave.

M, F 602-264-1700

11

FLex sPas PhoeNix 1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy

Me 602-271-9011

24

The ChUTe 1440 E. Indian School Road

M 602-234-1654

12

karaMBa 1724 E. McDowell Road

d 602-254-0231

25

The roCk 4129 N. Seventh Ave.

M 602-248-8559

13

koBaLT 3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125

MF, e 602-264-5307

26

TiCoz resTo-Bar 5114 N. Seventh St.

MF, r 602-200-0160

$5 Bacardi flavors; Garden Variety Revue with Olivia Gardens 9 p.m.

T HH 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Trivia Night w/cash prize 9 p.m.; $4 Stoli cocktails 8 p.m.-midnight

F The HH Hotspot: $3 signature cocktails, $2.75 domestics, HH until 11 p.m. video bar

S HH 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Showtune night

$3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY

Mojitos and Caipirinhas ALL DAY; live DJ top 40 and dance

pint AND wells, 8 p.m.-midnight; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.-close

F HH, 4-8 p.m.; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; $2

Kamikaze shots ALL DAY; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.-close

S HH, 4-8 p.m.; $3 monthly charity shots ALL DAY; $2

Kamikaze shots ALL DAY; live DJ, top 40 and dance, 8 p.m.-close

62 |

JANUARY 2016

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EchoMag.com

Dean W. O’Connor Attorney at Law

Serving Our Community For Over 30 Years

Personal Injury/Civil Litigation Bankruptcy | Family Law Estate Planning Phone: 602-956-9555 | Fax: 602-274-5958 | Email: dean@dean-oconnor.com 1212 E. Osborn Suite 109 Phoenix, AZ 85014 A Debt Relief Agency

F ree Initial Consultation

Your Neighborhood Community bar...

There’s More to HIV Therapy than a Prescription

4428 N 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602)200-9154

Our HIV CareTeam provides patients with highly-trained pharmacists and clinicians on call 24/7.

PLUS: • Patients receive maximum levels of care, personalized attention and clinical support • Safe, proactive prescription refills and free deliveries

Home of

©2015 CarePlus Pharmacy. All rights reserved. 75-34053a 033015

1002 East Mcdowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006 | Phone: (602)-258-7051 | Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

CLOTHES | SPORTS WEAR | UNDERWEAR | SWIMSUITS CARDS | LEATHER | PRIDE | FETISH & MORE

It might be getting colder,

But we are still hot!

Located in the heart of the Phoenix LGBT Community in Melrose

The Southwest’s only LGBT Superstore

FREE HIV TESTING! Each Friday from 3:30pm - 6:30pm Testing brought to by

4111 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Enter off 6th Drive | 602-274-1429 offchutetoo.com

@offchutetoo EchoMag.com

•

JANUARY 2016

| 63

OUT & ABOUT Lip Sync Battle Dec. 11 at Kobalt, Phoenix.

Photos by Bill Gemmill.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

1440 E. Indian School rd., Phoenix | 602-234-1654 64 |

JANUARY 2016

•

EchoMag.com

www.chuteaz.com

NOT JUST ANOTHER VAPE CONVENTION # CONVEN

TIONFORA

CAUSE

AT R AW H I D E W E S T E R N T O W N

LIVE MUSIC:

QUIT SMOKING START VAPING FREE OF CHARGE

FEBRUARY 20, 2016 - CONCERT IS FREE WITH CONVENTION ATTENDANCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: VAPINTHESUN.COM

EchoMag.com

•

JANUARY 2016

| 65

lambda directory Please support our advertisers who help keep Echo free.

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

AccommodAtions Royal Villa

p. 60

AccoUntAnts/ tAX PREPARAtion Camelwest Tax Service

p. 59

Jeffrey J. Quatrone PLLC p. 53 Robert F. Hockensmith, CPA, PC

p. 56

Steve Price-CPA

p. 61

AdoPtion

AttoRnEys Arentz Law Group, PLLC Attorneys At Law

Flex Spas Phoenix

p. 65

Off Chute Too

p. 63

p. 53

For the Arts

p. 68

Michael Tucker

p. 61

The Danish Girl

p. 13

O’Connor, PC, Dean W.

p. 63

Vape-A-Vet

p. 65

The Law Offices of Lemuel A. Carlos, PLLC

p. 38

Tyler Allen Law Firm

p. 15

Udall Shumway Law Firm p. 34

AUto sERVicEs Automotive Specialists

p. 11

Compu-Tech Automotive p. 55

BARs & clUBs Bunkhouse

p. 63

Charlie’s Phoenix

p. 9 p. 27

Willo Medi Spa

p. 61

coUnsEling sERVicEs Deaf Access of Arizona, Inc p. 47 Mariann Arcari Rubin,

dEntists

EdUcAtion

JANUARY 2016

p. 4

Maricopa County Community

p. 51 •

Merry Maids

p. 34

Quandt Landscaping

p. 60

Rainbow Bug

p. 61

Construction

p. 21

p. 53

Health Markets Insurance p. 5 Hector Cerda, Allstate

p. 3 p. 19

mAssAgE

REligioUs gRoUPs Community Church of Hope p. 59 First Congregational UCC p. 59 L.I.F.E.-Love Is The Fundamental Element p. 60

REstAURAnts China Chili Hula’s Modern Tiki Marcellino Ristorante

p. 41 p. 41 p. 41

REtAil Easley’s Fun Shop p. 59 French Designer Jeweler p. 26

REtiREmEnt PlAnning sAlons

Jeremy Schachter, Pinnacle Capital Mortgage

p. 3 p. 60

CVS/CareMark Pharmacy p. 63 Fairmont Pharmacy

Salon Exodus

p. 38

p. 60

tRAVEl INNdulge

moVERs

Arizona Gay Rodeo p. 31

Arizona Gay Realtors Alliance p. 3 Bradley B. Brauer, HomeSmart p. 3 David Oesterle, ReMax p. 3 Fred Delgado Team, Keller Williams p. 3 Jan Dahl, HomeSmart p. 3 Joshua Fetchik, West USA Reality p. 60 Matthew Hoedt, Realty One p. 3 Michael Smith, One Realty Group p. 60 Nicholas Yale, Realty Executives p. 3 Shawn Hertzog, West USA p. 3

moRtgAgEs

PHARmAciEs

Association

REAltoRs

Desert Massage Service p. 61

Arizona Broadway Theatre p. 55

EchoMag.com

p. 21 p. 59 p. 60

Calvin Goetz, Strategy Financial Group p. 3

Two Men and a Truck

EVEnts

p. 47

insURAncE

GPGLCC

Valdez Refrigeration

Francesca’s Art Gallery

p. 21

mARkEting

Open Wide Dental

66 |

p. 61

Lyons Roofing

p. 14

Mustang Air Mechanical p. 60

ARt gAllERy

p. 59

Don’s Painting Service

p. 45

p. 53

p. 47

Arizona’s Mr. Fix It

LCSW

My Dentist

Monarch Apartments

p. 60

HomE sERVicEs

TERROS Incorporated

College District

p. 38

FinAnciAl sERVicEs

Benefits Arizona

p. 59

East and West Apartments p. 59

IVF Phoenix

Richard A. Peel

Arcadia Dentistry

APARtmEnts

p. 67

FERtility

JW Advisors Inc.

Community Tire &

AiR conditioning & HEAting p. 59

Desperado Film Festival p. 43

Attorney at Law

cosmEtic PRocEdUREs

p. 64

for the Arts

Scottsdale Center

p. 57

Chute

p. 51

Brothers Plumbing Freddy Fox Rooter PlumberTime

Chandler Center

Law Office of Melody Harmon,

Family Service Agency

AdUlt EntERtAinmEnt/ REtAil

PlUmBERs

HRC Arizona

Stacy’s @ Melrose

p. 45

p. 37

p. 51

Karpinski, Berry, Adler & Co. p. 61

p. 30

Services LLC

p. 55

Jackson White-

Devereux Arizona Southwest Adoption

ASU Lyric Opera

p. 65

WEllnEss Arizona Neuromodulation Center p. 49 Ash Line p. 49 HIVAZ.org p. 2

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JANUARY 2016

| 67

Out at the Center!

One Night With Joan Collins Sat, February 13, 8 p.m.

BalletBoyz

Fri, February 19, 8 p.m.

See Jane Sing!

With Jane Lynch

Sat, January 23, 8 p.m.

Broadway Back Together: Avenue Q Sat, February 20, 8 p.m.

Season Sponsor

Michael Feinstein

ScottsdalePerformingArts.org | 480-499-TKTS (8587) 68 |

JANUARY 2016

•

EchoMag.com

Sinatra Centennial Celebration Sat, February 27, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.