Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - May 2019

Echo Explores Dynamic destinations to enhance your getaway or staycation LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | Vol. 30, #8 | Issue 716 | May 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY

David Sedaris

Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m.

Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix

Martha Redbone

Bone Hill: The Concert Friday, May 3, 8 p.m.

LEA SALONGA

Friday, May 17, 8 p.m.

Order your tickets today!

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INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

Agnes Pelton, Sand Storm, 1932. Oil on canvas. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2012.504. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Issue 716 | Vol. 30, #8 | May 2019

NEWS 8 Editor’s Note 12 News Briefs 14 Datebook

COMMUNITY 40 Without Reservations 42 At the Box Office 44 Opening Nights 46 Recordings 48 Between the Covers 50 Talking Bodies 52 Not That You Asked 54 We The People 56 History

OUT & ABOUT 18 HRC Gala 30 Cirque De Soleil’s Amaluna 36 Phoenix Pride Festival 38 Echo’s Think Pink Parade Kick-Off 39 Phoenix Pride Parade 62 Meraki Fashion Show 64 High Heels and Harnesses 65 Phoenix Pride Pageant

ON THE COVER Jeremy Kraut-Ordover and Calvin Goetz

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Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist This exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum presents the largest survey of work — to date — of the obscure, modernist painter.

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Echo Explores Dynamic destinations to enhance your getaway or staycation LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | Vol. 30, #8 | Issue 716 | May 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY

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Gaming double feature: Arcade/ Barcade round-up Colby Tortorici offers a look at arcades and barcades around the Valley where you can get your game on and Echo contributor Ashley Naftule gets the rundown on the ZapCon gaming festival that’s celebrating its seventh year. echomag.com/barcade-roundup echomag.com/zapcon-2019

Paulann Egelhoff.

Courtesy of Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

Pride Journey: Provincetown/ Cape Cod Staycation Round-Up

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Bask in the local lap of luxury at one of these resorts. Get your regional relax on at one of the spots that range from hip to elegant.

Joey Amato shares the details on his recent trip to this scenic hotspot. From places to grab a burger to a gorgeous bed and breakfast for maximum relaxing, his tips are priceless.

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Gabriella Evaro; photo

by Carly Valentine.

Joshua Tree Music Festival

A Globetrotting Romance

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Adventurous couple Jeremy Kraut-Ordover and Calvin Goetz maximize their time together by jet-setting to intriguing locales.

This biannual event — and desert camping opportunity — puts you in the mix of musicians, artists, and festive folks for a culture-filled long weekend.

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Meet the new Miss and Mr. Phoenix Pride

Rent & Chill: DVD reviews for your home-viewing pleasure

Laura Latzko spent some time with recent titleholders Vanity St. James and Gray Matter to let you know what they’re all about. echomag.com/mr-missphoenix-pride-2019

DVD’s are still a thing! David-Elijah Namhod’s new web column kicks off with a review of the 2017 movie, A Moment in the Reeds. The Finnish romance-drama focuses on two men who meet when one returns to his hometown to restore his father’s lake house. echomag.com/dvd-reviews-2019

Gray Matter and Vanity St. James; courtesy of Phoenix Pride.

Boodi Kabbani as Tareq.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

By Amy Young

H

ow much fun did you have at Phoenix Pride? Tell us all about it!

Team Echo had a blast! It was an honor to be a community grand marshal and ride in the parade. On top of that, we got to have a booth at the festival that was beautifullydesigned by the amazing folks at Stem Swag. We saw so many old friends and made plenty of new ones. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!

Something else that’s equally righteous, in the wake of pride, is the repeal of Arizona’s ‘No Promo Homo’ law! Our News Briefs section (page 12) gives Lambda Legal’s up-to-date account.

In this issue — Echo Explores — we look at ways to have fun both in and out of town.

Jason Kron kicks off these destination-oriented features on page 20 with a look at the Mystery Castle, a definite local point of intrigue since its completion in 1945.

For those who like to stay-andplay, Michelle Talsma Everson has a Staycation Round-Up (p. 26) that includes multiple options, from hip hotels to luxurious resorts.

Ashley Naftule gave us another great, local to-do option on page 24 — go to Phoenix Art Museum for Agnes Pelton’s exhibition, “Desert

Transcendentalists.” In 1913, this groundbreaking, lesbian artist was one of the first women to be shown in NYC’s landmark Armory Show.

On page 28 is Joey Amato’s report on a recent trip to Provincetown. P-Town, as it is lovingly known, has long been considered one of the best LGBTQ destinations in the U.S. — find out what he got up to on his jaunt.

Calvin Goetz and Jeremy KrautOrdover are a hardworking couple who embark on adventurous trips together, as their busy schedules permit. Read about their travels on page 31.

Tom Reardon wraps the travel features on page 34 by giving the rundown on the Joshua Tree Music Festival. In addition to a diverse roster of musicians and watching artists engage in live painting, guests can do things like camp, yoga, and stroll the marketplace filled with artisans and food & beverage vendors.

Whether you hit the Valley’s streets or set out on the open road, we hope we have helped you find some new ways to enjoy your May days.

Amy Young is the managing editor of Echo Magazine. A longtime journalist, her work has appeared in numerous publications, regional to international. Please contact her at editor@echomag.com.

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Amy Young CONTRIBUTORS: Joey Amato Tuesday Mahrle Kimberly Blaker Judy McGuire Grace Bolyard Kaely Monahan Edward Castro Ashley Naftule Jenna Duncan David-Elijah Nahmod Buddy Early Tia Norris Michelle Talsma Everson Tom Reardon Tamara Juarez Seth Reines Steve Kilar Mikey Rox Jason Kron Terri Schlichenmeyer Jeff Kronenfeld Nikole Tower Laura Latzko Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen Megan Wadding INTERNS Grace Lieberman Colby Tortorici ART DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: nightfuse.com.

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

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

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

MEMBER:

Echo Magazine is published by ACE Publishing, Inc. Echo is a registered trademark of ACE Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Written permission must be obtained in advance for partial or complete reproduction of any advertising material contained therein. Opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. ACE Publishing, Inc. does not assume responsibility for claims by its advertisers or advice columnists. Publication of a name, photograph of an individual or organization in articles, advertisements or listings is not to be construed as an indication of the sexual orientation, unless such orientation is specifically stated. Manuscripts or other materials submitted remain the property of ACE Publishing, Inc. 8

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NEWS BRIEFS

VICTORY! Arizona repeals anti-LGBTQ curriculum law after filing of lawsuit Article courtesy of Lambda Legal and The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) On April 11, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law an amendment that repeals the state’s anti-LGBTQ curriculum law that barred LGBTQ students from receiving medically accurate, ageappropriate information about nonheterosexual people in their health education classes. The amendment removes language that had prohibited instruction in HIV/AIDS curriculum that “[p]romotes a homosexual life-style,” “[p]ortrays homosexuality as a positive alternative life-style,” or “[s]uggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex.”

Today’s action comes exactly two weeks after the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Lambda Legal, along with law professor Clifford Rosky and pro bono counsel Perkins Coie LLP, filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Equality Arizona, including its members who are public school students, challenging the anti-LGBTQ curriculum law.

“A full repeal is an amazing development, as it removes the harmful and discriminatory language that we specifically challenged in the lawsuit,” NCLR Senior Staff Attorney Julie Wilensky said. “We are grateful to the leadership of Arizonans who have been advocating for many years on this issue.”

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“The writing was already on the wall, considering that the Arizona attorney general had already signaled they were not going to defend the law in court,” said Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Puneet Cheema. “We are thrilled that state officials have moved so quickly to get this harmful law off the books and allow LGBTQ students — in fact all students — to get access to the medically-accurate information that literally could save their lives.”

The lawsuit, Arizona Equality v.

Hoffman, was filed March 28, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The plaintiff, Equality Arizona, is a non-profit organization that advocates for the equality of LGBTQ people. The organization includes student members, two of whom were described in the complaint. One student, referred to by the anonymous initials, “A.A.,” is a gay freshman in a greater Phoenix high school. Another student, who is identified by the initials S.C. and is also named as a plaintiff, is a seventh-grade student at a middle school in Tucson. The lawsuit argued the anti-LGBTQ curriculum law violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

“We are tremendously gratified that Arizona lawmakers and elected officials came so quickly to realize how harmful the anti-LGBTQ curriculum law is, and moved so rapidly to repeal it,” said Michael Soto, Executive Director, Equality Arizona.

“A state law that explicitly demeaned and dismissed LGBTQ students and their relationships could not help but encourage abuse and discrimination at school. We are glad to see it erased from the books and are grateful to the LGBTQ leaders and allies who made the repeal possible.”

“While I recognize the bullying experienced by LGBTQ students will not simply disappear, at least now there isn’t a law on the books that singles me out as someone who should be ashamed of who they are,” said S.C. “This is a really important first step.”

“I am delighted that state officials and lawmakers moved so quickly to get this law off the books,” said Carol Brochin, S.C.’s mother. “School is supposed to be a safe place where my child, like any other student, can receive education and support that will help as they move through life. The anti-LGBTQ curriculum law did just the opposite, and I couldn’t be happier to see it repealed.”

Arizona’s anti-LGBTQ curriculum law was enacted nearly 30 years ago in 1991. Kathy Hoffman — the Arizona Superintendent of Public Education and a defendant in the lawsuit — herself acknowledged that the law needed to be repealed, and she in fact welcomed the filing of the lawsuit. There were repeated failed legislative efforts to repeal the law before the April 11 historic vote.

Visit lambdalegal.org and nclrights.org. news

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DATEBOOK May 4 Apr. 27

Apr. 26-29

The Phoenix Phurfest 2019 is back for bears and their admirers. Full of entertainment, pool parties and new friends, Phurfest attracts attendees from all over the country. Held at the Embassy Suites Airport at 2333 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix, this is one furry event you don’t want to miss. bearsofthewest.org

Apr. 24-28

Phoenix Theatre’s Cookin’s a Drag is a musical spoof centered around a drag queen and her live cooking show that goes horribly awry. She’s never done a live show and her recent 50th birthday has made her feel quite vulnerable.

Watch a musical series of missteps that results in utter chaos. The show takes place at the Hormel Theater at 100 E. McDowell Road, in Phoenix.

Mr. Gay Arizona America 2019 happens on April 27. Mr. Gay hopefuls will face off in a variety of categories, including showing off their fashion senses and special talents. The competition will be hosted at The Rock at 4129 N Seventh Ave., in Phoenix.

The PRS is hosting their monthly meeting Saturday, May 4, at Flex. Meet up with this group of men if you’re ready for some adventure in your life.

Head over to Flex at 1517 South Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix at 10 p.m. to join the fun. phoenixrosebudsociety.com

arizonadrag.com

May 3-5

The 20th annual Gifted and Called Retreat for LGBTQIA Persons focuses on reaffirming love and acceptance by exploring profound truths about humanity that go beyond our labels.

Pre-register now for the getaway that happens at the Franciscan Renewal, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, in Paradise Valley. frc.retreatportal.com

May 10-12

The RipplePHX Spring Carnival takes over at Stacy’s @ Melrose. Games, prizes, entertainment and no cover price?

Attending is a no-brainer! This glamorous event lasts the entire weekend and will certainly be one for the books. 4343 N. Seventh Ave., in Phoenix. stacysatmelrose.com

phoenixtheatre.com

May 11

Apr. 26

Golfing and networking to help a great cause is what happens at The Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber’s Rainbow Golf Classic. Benefiting the Military Assistance Mission, which supports Arizona Military and their families, this fun event features breakfast and a luncheon. If you’re a fan of outdoor fun for charitable causes, this is for you. Head to the Biltmore Golf Course at 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, in Phoenix. phoenixgaychamber.org 14

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May 3-5

The Imperial Court of Arizona Coronation XIV will be the talk of the town after the new Empress and Emperor of Arizona are crowned. The weekendlong event will celebrate the reign of Eddie Broadway and Tyra Marie before they crown their successors. The venue is currently pending, so make sure to watch out for updates on their official website. imperialcourtaz.org

Phoenix Mercury’s Pre-Season Home Game Registration opens, with the first game on the docket slated for May 15.

The action happens at Talking Stick Resort Arena at 201 E. Jefferson St., in Phoenix. mercury.wnba.com

Mark Our Calendars

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

Upcoming Concerts Rahim AlHaj and Sahba Motallebi May 9

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS Thursday, May 30 | 7:30 p.m. | $35.50–$45.50

“One of the most distinctive and expressive vocalists to come around in a while, with tight backing from the Vagabonds” —Phoenix Blues Society

Marcia Ball May 10 Joanne Shaw Taylor May 11 Patricia Barber May 15 Brett Dennen May 16 & 17 Carmela y Más May 21 And many more!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

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Luxury Apartment Experience in Midtown at 3rd Avenue & Osborn.

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2019 HRC Gala Dinner March 23 at Renaissance Hotel, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

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

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Out & About

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Tales of the Mystery Castle on the mountain Story and photos by Jason Kron

T

he story behind Phoenix’s Mystery Castle goes like this: In 1929, Boyce Luther Gulley left his family and job in Seattle and retreated to Arizona upon learning that he had tuberculosis. He spent the remainder of his life keeping in minimal contact with his wife Francis and daughter Mary Lou, and they had no idea that he was sick or what he was doing in the desert.

It turned out that what he was doing was constructing a house out of recycled materials, such as using telephone poles for ceiling beams and tire rims for window frames. He was expected to only live a few more months upon getting his diagnosis, so he wanted to spend his remaining time building a place for his family to live after he passed.

(He ended up living over 15 more years before dying in 1945 of cancer.)

When Boyce finally did kick the bucket, his family was notified that they were left this house on South Mountain, which at the time was over six miles away from any other sign of civilization, and they decided to move there immediately without having even seen it first.

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His will stipulated that they wait three years before opening a special trapdoor on the property. When the time finally came to open it in 1948, Life magazine got wind of the peculiar story and came out to report it. It turned out that the room housed $1,000 in cash, a large quantity of gold, and other relics such as letters and portraits. (The trap door is now covered by an iron alligator.)

The Life story brought the house fame, and with that came plenty of trespassers. This gave Mary Lou the idea to begin charging for tours of the property, and that became her primary means of income for over 60 years until her death in 2010. A foundation inherited the property and still give tours regularly,

often to snowbird seniors looking for desert oddities.

This house constructed out of trash hasn’t changed structurally since the 1940s, which alone is worth marveling at. Its multiple floors and 18 rooms house a bar, a room for weddings, a room known as “Purgatory,” an abundance of cat collectibles (pillows, cats painted on stones, etc.), pillows made out of jeans, jeans hanging from the ceiling for decoration, windows with bullet holes, and a seemingly endless array of kitschy knick-knacks around every corner.

Photographs and gaudy portraits of Mary Lou greet visitors on several of the property walls. She looked and seemed like an average old lady living FEATURE STORY

in Phoenix, complete with the gray bowl cut and American flags still decorating parts of the castle (I’d like to think that she wouldn’t have voted for Trump). But unlike most people, who often dream of living outside the box but lack the conviction for follow through, Mary Lou was willing to sacrifice what most of us consider to be minimally tolerable living conditions. Many years of her time living in the Mystery Castle were spent without running water or electricity, including the summers that the rest of us can barely survive even with those things.

Her level of eccentricity begins to make sense when you consider that when her father heard of his impending demise, then his Point A-toPoint B logic led him to say to himself, “I’m going to move 1,500 miles away from my family, spend

FEATURE STORY

my remaining days in complete isolation and build a castle made out of garbage.”

It’s safe to say that if put in similar positions as Boyce or Mary Lou, most of us would make decisions more in line with what society would expect. And this is what a large portion of the appeal of the Mystery Castle is.

People pack the frequent tours throughout the day, observe the outlandish architecture, marvel at the bizarre decorating scheme, ponder the possible memories and mindsets of the house’s past tenants, create inevitable comparisons to themselves, and wonder what it would be like to give the rest of the world the finger and truly live in accordance with one’s

own rules. Therein lies the heroism, inspiration, and encouragement to dream that come from living in a tower of trash.

If you’re inspired to see it for yourself, visit mymysterycastle.com for admission details.

Jason Kron is a Phoenix-based writer, music teacher, Devo cover band singer and VHS enthusiast.

His work has been published in YabYum and De’Lunula.

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performance of Once will include the festivities.

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Blinded By Her Light: Agnes Pelton at the Phoenix Art Museum

By Ashley Naftule

T

he first time I saw Agnes Pelton’s artwork, I thought of Kirlian photography.

Sometimes described as spirit photography, this process uses photographic techniques to capture electrical coronal discharges on film.

Kirlian photos are striking images: Human bodies and objects wreathed with glowing, electrical fire. No wonder people used to think those images were snapshots of auras — the energy coursing through these images looks like a soul stretching out in all different directions, probing for a way out of its fleshy cage.

Pelton’s modernist paintings share a similar luminous intensity. Consider Winter (Invierno), 1933: Pelton crafts a desert landscape with a giant pink sun shaped like an egg rising in the background. The sun emerges out of a bed of clouds, pushing up and out like a baby’s crowning head. The most striking thing about the painting is the brightness of it: it seems as though the canvas is suffused with light. The sun-egg is so pink and vivid it wouldn’t be hard to imagine plucking it out of its frame and hiding it somewhere for kids to find around Easter time.

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Winter (Invierno), 1933 is just one of many paintings on display at the Phoenix Art Museum’s Steele Gallery as part of Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist.

A sprawling show that serves as both an introduction to and overview of her work, Desert Transcendentalist is the first exhibition dedicated to Pelton’s art in 24 years. An artist who was once so obscure that collectors could buy up her work at yard sales for pocket change, Pelton’s profile as a true American original has risen over the last few decades.

Looking at the paintings on view at Desert Transcendentalist, I was struck by the lack of figurative forms. Only a small handful of pictures depict recognizable human being; the most memorable one being The Being: A Transcendental Vision, which depicts a Buddha figure who look likes like a humanoid red crayon.

wind. Often times her paintings look like what would happen if the insides of a lava lamp manifested itself in the air.

One of the things that the Phoenix Art Museum’s exhibit does well is offer a lot of context about Pelton’s life and interests. Her intense interest in spirituality and the occult is spotlighted by a glass case containing books that influenced her: tomes by Manly P. Hall, H.P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant, and C.W. Leadbetter. A “Chronology of Painting” timeline decorates the walls of the gallery, laying out a history of her evolution as an artist. We also get to see how Pelton changed over the years, with representative images of her work at the time and photos of her dotting the timeline.

Following the timeline as it snakes around the room, it lays out most of the essential details of her life. Her

The true subjects of Pelton’s work are radiant abstractions: suns that look like eggs or radioactive pearls, fires bursting in space, feathered wings floating in the sky, vases overflowing with gusts of

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Agnes Pelton, Messengers, 1932. Oil on canvas. Collection of Phoenix Art Museum; Gift of The Melody S. Robidoux Foundation.

Agnes Pelton, Orbits, 1934. Oil on canvas. Collection of Oakland Museum of California, Gift of Concours d’Antiques, the Art Guild of the Oakland Museum of California.

childhood in Europe (born in Germany, raised for a time in Switzerland), her education in New York, her participation with Walt Kuhn in the 1913 Armory Show, and (most significantly) her journeys out west, where she found herself and her creative vision in places like Taos, New Mexico, and Cathedral City, California.

It’s in these places where her love of astrology, yoga, and Theosophy would fully flower, leading her to create her gorgeous abstractions.

Pelton also wrote poetry.

One of the more fun aspects of Desert Transcendentalist is how it pairs her written work with her visuals. Her writing matches the tone of her artwork: ecstatic, light, and mysterious.

Agnes Pelton, Fires in Space, 1933. Oil on canvas. Courtesy of Michael Rosenfeld Gallery LLC, New York, NY. 24

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While the timeline and information on display at the exhibition paint a pretty clear picture of Pelton, one odd omission is her sexuality.

While Pelton’s lesbian identity doesn’t make itself noticeably visible in her work, it does help offer some additional context about the way she lived her life as an unapologetic, committed

outsider. Growing up in an era where being out could carry immense consequences, one wonders if Pelton’s yearning for transcendence, for the power of spirit to go beyond flesh and material things, wasn’t also connected to this in some way. When you have to deal with everyone else’s shit all the time, the appeal of rising above it all to a place where nothing sticks to you must be pretty powerful.

It’s also interesting to note how renewed interest in Pelton’s work parallels the growing respectability and interest people have in New Age music. Once mocked for being a cheesy repository of chime sounds and subTangerine Dream synth music, over the last few years the entire genre has had a major critical reappraisal. Labels like Light In The Attic and Numero are reissuing seminal New Age recordings; artists like Laraaji and Don Slepian are becoming name-drop-able influences.

Her work is the visual equivalent of the best elements of New Age music: The play of light and subtle movements FEATURE STORY

Four more ways to transcend through art Transcendent Transcendentalists Phoenix Art Museum March 30-December 15 Pelton isn’t the only Transcendentalist to admire at the Phoenix Art Museum. PAM is also showing a group show of Transcendental works from Pelton’s peers, including works by Raymond Jonson, Stuart Walker, and Florence Miller Pierce. http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/ transcendenttranscendentalists Now Playing: Video 1999-2019 Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art On view through May 12 SMoCA is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a video art exhibition.

Featuring works from 11 international video artists (including Christian Marclay and Petra Cortright). https://smoca.org/exhibition/nowplaying-video-1999-2019/ Talking to Action: Art, Pedagogy, and Activism in the Americas ASU Art Museum On view through July 6 Agnes Pelton, Prelude, 1943. Oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; The Hayden Collection – Charles Henry Hayden Fund and Tompkins Collection – Arthur Gordan Tompkins Fund. © 2018 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

in space; the feeling of serenity radiating out from the center of her pictures; the feeling that there are vast reservoirs of feeling and meaning bubbling just under the surface of her images.

Looking at Pelton paintings like Fires in Space (whose bursts of flame look like cactus blooms opening during an eclipse), I can’t shake the idea of Kirlian photography out of my head. For a woman who spent much of her life reading about thoughtforms and astral bodies, it’s no surprise that her work has an out of body quality. It’s like Pelton could look into the desert, into flowers and stars and dust devils, and see the spiritual energy animating them. Like a glassblower, she pulls the secret fire inside her subjects out and uses them to shape crystalline forms.

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It’s easy to think that the show’s title refers to Pelton transcending: her transcendence from flesh to spirit, from anonymity to art legend. But it’s really the desert itself that transcends in her work, shifting from dust and dirt to pastel halos and rainbows arcing up towards the darkness of space.

Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist is on view at the Phoenix Art Museum until September 8, 2019.

Ashley Naftule is a writer and theater artist from Phoenix, AZ. His work has been published in Pitchfork, Vice, Bandcamp, Phoenix New Times, Popula, Longreads, The Outline, SYFY Wire, AZCentral, and Java Magazine. He’s a resident playwright and artistic director at Space55 Theatre. You can find him at @Emperor_norton on Twitter.

Art isn’t just for aesthetics: it can be a powerful tool for social justice. This exhibition chronicles the way art has told truth to power, inspired activism, and brought communities together in the Americas. https://asuevents.asu.edu/content/ talking-action-art-pedagogy-andactivism-americas Retro Reaction Tempe Center for the Arts On view through May 11 This exhibition of local artists (featuring folks like Fausto Fernandez, Malena Barnhart, and Rembrandt Quiballo) is devoted to “retro”: retro concepts, retro artistic techniques and processes. https://www. tempecenterforthearts.com/gallery/ gallery-at-tca EchoMag.com

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Summer Staycations Some of the hottest local hotels and resorts Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson

W

hile summer doesn’t officially start until June, here in Phoenix, we all know it started once temps hit triple digits. One way to escape — or embrace — the heat is to book yourself a local staycation. (It’s like a vacation, but without the added expenses and packing.)

We reached out to several area hotels and resorts to ask what they offered up to locals this summer, and below are some of our favorite finds. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive of resorts in the area, but we hope it’s a step in the right direction for you to find some relaxation this summer.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale scottsdaleprincess.com

By Lisa Diederich Photography.

CIVANA 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree civanacarefree.com CIVANA recently made its debut as the first sustainable wellness resort to open in the Valley. The resort emerged from a multi-million-dollar renovation of its public spaces, 184 rooms, dining outlets, and the conversion of meeting spaces into state-of-the-art fitness, yoga, energy, movement, and enrichment studios. The project is an adaptive re-use of an existing resort (formerly known as Carefree Resort & Conference Center), incorporating a natural design palette and materials, while improving energy efficiency and the introduction of solar energy in its new spa building. This summer, if you book two nights, CIVANA will throw in a third night for free.

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One of the Valley’s most popular resorts is now offering the Superhero Summer vacation package, which starts from $189 per night. Guests who book this package will also receive a $50 daily resort credit available for use toward dining or spa, a superhero backpack with two superhero water bottles and superhero power boosts provided by Pedialyte. This package also includes a $10 donation to Cox Charities benefiting LoveUp, Boys and Girls Club, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and more. This deal is available through September 2.

Hilton Sedona Resort 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona hiltonsedonaresort.com Escape the Phoenix heat and head up to Sedona’s upscale adventure resort.

Take advantage of seasonal specials when you book the Leisure Escapes package and receive a $50 daily credit for every night of your stay. A wealth of amenities and seasonal specials are available, including happy hour specials, live music, Sunrise Yoga, wine and spirit tastings and a full calendar of fitness and wellness activities.

The Phoenician 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale thephoenician.com/summer This year, The Phoenician presents “Fire & Ice,” a variety of hot offers and activities to ensure a really cool summer.

These deals include special room offers, distinct menus and prices at three of the resort’s restaurants, and specials at the spa and golf course. Our favorite? Their upcoming “Fire & Ice” themed games, including poolside fire performances.

J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician; courtesy of the resort.

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Afterwards, cool down by the Citizens Club Pool in a private cabana for the ultimate poolside retreat. Savor the specially curated menus of rosés from around the world, available by the glass or bottle, and imbibe colorful cocktails, frozen concoctions and light poolside fare.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort 11111 N. 7th St., Phoenix tapatiocliffshilton.com

Courtesy of Moxy Hotel.

There will also be unique festivities for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends.

Moxy Hotel 1333 S. Rural Road, Tempe moxy-hotels.marriott.com/en/hotels/ tempe Hip, chic and a place for fun. Enjoy a poolside staycation at Moxy Hotel in Tempe from Memorial Day to Labor Day, complete with a cabana, a bucket of beer, $50 in food credit and a late 2 p.m. checkout, all for a rate of $89. Moxy Hotel just opened its doors this spring.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale OmniMontelucia.com When the summer heat descends on the desert, locals can look no further than Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia for a cool and luxurious escape. This summer’s deals include the Fee-Free Summer Getaway where rooms

start at $135 on select days with no added parking or resort fees ($61 nightly savings). There’s also Sunsational Sunday: arrive on a Sunday and receive a 10% discount for a one-night stay, 20% discount for two nights or 30% discount for three to five nights off the best flexible rate. And, if you use the Girls Getaway package, you receive 15% off all Joya Spa, dining and retail purchases plus a complimentary fitness class and welcome champagne.

Mountain Shadows

Tap into summer fun at the remodeled, all-suite Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort! Enjoy eight refreshing pools and a full calendar of events and activities including dive-in movies, Wildlife World Zoo visits, poolside games, summer dining specials and much more. In celebration of Hilton’s 100year anniversary, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs will be offering a special summer rate from $100 per night, per suite with booking code “OX.”

Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale The iconic Hotel Valley Ho in historic Old Town Scottsdale is turning up the heat with staycation deals and plenty of cool craft cocktails. Make the most of your stay with the Stay2Play Mountain Shadows by Dave Sansom Photography.

5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley mountainshadows.com Locals can sit back, relax and save this summer season with a fee-free stay starting at $119 nightly on select dates, with a waived resort fee and complimentary parking. Applicable to stays between May 27 and September 30. While you’re at it, take a swing at golf on The Short Course with the Summer Unlimited Golf Package for $299 with a $5 charge per round after 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Courtesy of Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa.

Package, including an arrival amenity, welcome drinks, complimentary parking, $20 in nightly resort credit and a complimentary room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability). Starting from $129 nightly, it is available for stays from May 27 to September 30. Keep the staycation going and take advantage of the Stay Two, Get the Third Night Free Deal, also valid for stays from May 27 to September 30.

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

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Pride Journey: Provincetown/Cape Cod

By Joey Amato

I

n case you don’t know, I march to the beat of my own drummer, so when I decided to visit a summer time destination in the winter, people weren’t surprised. Cape Cod is known for attracting throngs of LGBTQ beach and partygoers to its northmost tip, Provincetown. Having never been to P-Town, the locals found it surprising that I would visit during the winter, when the town’s population is a fraction of what it is during the summer.

My first stop on my Cape Cod journey was the town of Hyannis, located about mid-way up the cape. On the suggestion of a friend of mine, I booked a stay at the Sea Street Inn, a lovely five-bedroom bed and breakfast located just blocks from the ocean and minutes away from the historic Kennedy Compound.

The Sea Street Inn is not your typical B&B. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the proprietor Adrian and offered a lobster roll as a ‘welcome to the Cape’ gift. The property was designed by Adrian and his wife Xenia in 2018 and features a beautiful art gallery, sitting area and dining solarium where guests can enjoy breakfast or their morning coffee. Adrian is a classically trained 28

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French chef who studied under JeanGeorges Vongerichten, so the Sea Street Inn offers a dinner menu that rivals any four-star restaurant. I had the opportunity to sample some of the best food in recent memory including a delectable smoked trout and brie dish in addition to a crab BLT. A short drive from the Sea Street Inn is the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, a multimedia exhibit designed to highlight the days JFK spent on Cape Cod relaxing with family, entertaining world leaders and sailing on the ocean, one of his favorite hobbies.

The Museum’s exhibits feature videos and photographs spanning the years 1934 to 1963. In addition to photography, an orientation video narrated by Walter Cronkite depicts the President’s experiences on the Cape.

I decided to take an afternoon adventure to Nantucket on the highspeed ferry, which whisks you to the oasis in about an hour. Even in the winter, Nantucket is gorgeous. With limited time to explore the island, I wasted no time and headed straight to the Whaling Museum to view their Festival of Trees exhibition which transforms the museum

into a festive winter wonderland for the entire month of December. The highlight of the museum is the Whale Hunt Gallery, which explores all aspects of the demanding and dangerous trade of 18th century whaling. Although I am against this trade, it was an important part of the area’s history. The centerpiece of the gallery is the skeleton of a 46-foot male sperm whale, which died on Siasconset beach on January 1, 1998.

Nantucket is filled with wonderful boutiques and family-owned restaurants. I asked around and almost everyone on the island recommended I try the Lola Burger at Lola 41. It was probably the most expensive hamburger I have ever ordered at $22, but the perfectly cooked burger was served with Cabot Cheddar Cheese, a red onion compote, and foie sauce. One of my favorite things to do is pair a burger with a nice glass of Pinot Noir. It was the perfect way to end my journey before heading back to the mainland.

About halfway between Hyannis and P-Town is The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, a small museum which also serves as a nature education center, which is worth visiting if you have some FEATURE STORY

time to spare on your way up the cape.

The museum offers guests a variety of programs, classes, lectures, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits that reveal the many facets of Cape Cod’s natural wonders.

Driving into Provincetown for the first time was magical. I felt like I was exploring a small island town filled with narrow cobblestone streets, dozens of art galleries, quaint restaurants and of course LGBTQ establishments. The more time I spent in P-Town, the more I began to realize why people are in love with this destination. You feel like you’re in a gay oasis a million miles away from the rest of society and free to do whatever you want, without judgement. Even the straight community that visits the town is accepting of LGBTQ people and everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly.

One of my first stops in P-Town was the Provincetown Art Association & Museum, a collective gallery exhibiting the works of local artists, many of whom identify as LGBTQ. One half of the space is dedicated to museum caliber works while the other half serves as a gallery space where people have the opportunity to purchase local art.

There are many lodging options in P-Town, but I decided to stay at Land’s End Inn for its location at the tip of the peninsula. My room, which was called the Library Room, offered unobstructed views of both the sunrise and sunset and is located just a few minutes from Herring Cove Beach. Antique lovers will be in heaven at Land’s End Inn. Its décor is more traditional than I usually enjoy but lends nicely to the property’s rich history. In addition to complimentary breakfast, the Inn also offers a daily FEATURE STORY

wine reception where you can mingle with other hotel guests.

Surprisingly, 2018 was the first time Provincetown held a gay pride festival.

I guess when the town is gay all the time, people didn’t find the need for one.

This year’s festival is scheduled for May 30 through June 2. Last year’s festival featured a rainbow laser instillation, a disco dance party and a pride sashay/ stroll.

Bear Week will take place this July and is an annual gathering of … bears.

It’s one of the largest and busiest theme weeks in Provincetown, attracting tens of thousands of men and hosting dozens of parties and shows. Another fun event is P-Town’s annual Carnival, which will take place August 15-25 and celebrates the town’s LGBTQ culture.

To get the best view of the town, climb to the top of Pilgrim Monument, which was constructed to honor the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1907 and the 252-foot tower was completed in 1910.

The only thing I didn’t like about Provincetown was the cost of food. An inexpensive dinner can easily run about $30. I tried finding a few less expensive places to dine and stumbled upon Canteen.

Try their homemade clam chowder, you won’t be disappointed. If you want something sweet, head to Purple Feather Café and indulge in one of their special desserts or famous white hot chocolate.

If you aren’t into crowds but still want to get a feel for the town, I would recommend visiting during shoulder season … May or October. Otherwise, be prepared for one non-stop party if you decide to visit this summer.

During my stay, the gay bars were a bit slow, but this is something that I expected. Visiting in the winter helped me navigate the town easier than during the summer months and when I return, I’ll feel like a local.

Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBT travel.

Joey has spent over a decade in LGBT media and public relations and currently resides in both Nashville, Tennessee and Indianapolis, Indiana. He can be reached at joey@ pridejourneys.com

I know I’ll be back!

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Amaluna

March 19, 2019, State Farm Stadium, Phoenix.

Photos by Maria Vassett.

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

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Out & About

A Globetrotting Romance Traveling together brings this couple closer

By Michelle Talsma Everson Photos Courtesy of Calvin Goetz and Jeremy Kraut-Ordover

I

f you want to ask what Calvin Goetz and Jeremy Kraut-Ordover’s upcoming travel schedule is, you need to be willing to sit down a minute to take it all in.

At the time of our interview (early April), they were talking about Iceland to celebrate a birthday then a visit to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in May. In June, they’re headed to New York for the 50 th anniversary of Stonewall, where they’re excited to join millions of other LGBTQ+ folk and allies in memory FEATURE STORY

and celebration. “There’s going to be something like three million people there!” says Calvin. Then, in July, they will globetrot to Prague and Amsterdam with a work stop for Jeremy in Slovakia.

In October, it’s off to Nashville for a work trip (the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity).

“And I think that’s all we have planned right now but we might be missing or adding something,” Jeremy says, taking a breath.

While the couple has only been together for a little over a year, during that time they have been to six countries, three continents and two island nations.

Busy and career-focused, these aren’t last minute trips; their travels are planned out well in advance and are often part vacation, sometimes for work, and all of the time to have quality time together. Calvin, the founder and financial adviser for Strategy Financial Group, is based in Phoenix; and Jeremy, EchoMag.com

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Jeremy shares how, on one international trip, when the front desk clerk realized it was two men sharing a room, they tried to change the room from one bed to two. “We told them one king bed would work fine,” he says. It was a small moment, but one that encouraged them both to learn to “embrace the reality of the country you’re in,” Jeremy explains.

What about work and life back at home when they travel? Calvin has a 12-year-old French bulldog named Madeline who is very particular and set in her ways who he arranges housesitting for so her schedule isn’t interrupted. And, since they both plan out their travels well in advance, they are able to plan work accordingly. With Jeremy working for Habitat for Humanity International, often travel will also coincide with a work event. the vice president of individual giving at Habitat for Humanity International, is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We both work our butts off so we want to take time to see the world,” Calvin says. “With Jeremy being in Atlanta, these trips are often planned out months or a year in advance.”

“Traveling together is actual focused, connected time … if you want to work on your relationship, stay in a hotel room together,” Jeremy adds with a laugh.

The two met while traveling in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they connected over shared interests and a zest for embracing life at its fullest. The resort town will always be a favorite spot for them because that’s where they found love, Calvin says. Jeremy was already used to traveling for work quite a lot, so embracing travel to them just made sense.

incredible time,” Jeremy says. “If you go on an Atlantis cruise or trip, leave your pre-conceived notions at the door.”

“Told you so,” Calvin says with a laugh.

When traveling as a gay couple, especially overseas, Jeremy says that “the best thing to pack is a sense of humor.”

“It’s important to be aware of the home country’s customs, traditions and laws,” Calvin shares.

“We don’t ever want to hide who we are but at the same time, in some places, we are aware of our behavior in some places more than others.”

“There’s something inspiring about when you travel,” says Jeremy. “It makes you want to continue to see more of the world, but not necessarily on the typical tourist route.”

When it comes to their travels, what are some items they can’t live without?

Jeremy says pre-workout supplements help him adjust to multiple time zones while a multiport USB charger is a musthave for his electronics. Calvin won’t travel without his earplugs, a sound machine app, and an eye mask.

“Traveling helps to provide a greater perspective of how fortunately and privileged we really are here in America and how many opportunities we really do have,” Calvin shares.

“It [traveling] helps me to remember that people are people are people; it breaks down stereotypes,” Jeremy says.

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

When asked if they’ve done any LGBTQ+ focused travel, the two mention their time on cruises hosted by Atlantis Events, known as the world’s largest producer of gay and lesbian cruises and resort vacations. Both saw the cruises as chances to make other friends from across the globe and joked that they planned matching outfits.

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FEATURE STORY

Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples & Families Tips Courtesy of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consumer Affairs

relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.”

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad,” according to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consumer Affairs. “Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. More than seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual

Some tips for safe travel include:

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may be criminals.

• Before you travel: Research your destination, update your passport, consider buying travel insurance and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (see the website below for more details on the program).

• If you need help, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. “The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to help if you run into problems overseas, especially if you feel you cannot approach local police or have had difficulties already,” according to the state department.

• While you are there: Remember the laws of the country you are in, be cautious of potentially risky situations, watch out for entrapment campaigns, and be wary of newfound “friends” who

To learn more travel safety tips for LBGTQ+ travelers, visit travel.state.gov/ content/travel/en/international-travel/ before-you-go/travelers-with-specialconsiderations/lgbti.html.

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Earth Arrow; photo by Amandala Photography.

Road Trip The Joshua Tree Music Festival is a blend of music, arts, and community spirit

By Tom Reardon

D

epending on how fast you drive, Joshua Tree National Park is about four and a half hours from Phoenix.

That’s four episodes of Game of Thrones or just an hour and change longer than the new Avengers movie. It’s an easy drive, too.

I point this out because if you weren’t already planning on going, the 17th annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF) is happening from May 16 to May 19 and it promises to be a pretty darn good time. It is the brainchild of Barnett English, a music and arts fan and supporter who is also something of an entrepreneur.

I asked English why people from Arizona (and anywhere, really) should go: “It’d be the neighborly thing to do! Our fest is unique ... you’ll witness a lineup for artists on the rise, an eclectic mix, unlike other fests. Size does matter. At larger festivals, you miss out on the connections made at smaller fests like (ours). As our world gets more digital, we need community more than ever. Our fests have grown organically, by one person bringing their family and friends,

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and so on ... it really is a solid, loving community that has grown here,” says Barnett English, who founded the festival in 2003.

Joshua Tree Music Festival is a biannual event (there is a fall version, too, in October) and it takes place on the border of Joshua Tree National Park at the Joshua Tree Lake Campgrounds.

There are two stages and tons of food, art, and according to the website, “the boundary between performer and patron is blurred” so it is also incredibly inclusive. Families of all ages, sizes, and inclination are encouraged to attend, and the lineup is one of the more diverse you will find.

Bands and solo artists from all over the world will be playing the Spring festival with acts coming in from Canada, Germany, Iran, Japan, and Senegal to join a host of performers from all over the U.S. Some of the notable acts to check out would be Berlin’s Oliver Koletzki, Canada’s Moontricks, Los Angeles, California’s Vintage Trouble, and Boulder, Colorado’s Dynohunter, but these are just a few of the acts worth checking out as

you dance your days and nights away under the desert sun and stars.

In addition to the music, there is a considerable art contingent (somewhere around 40 different artists and collaborations are scheduled to be displaying or creating interactive art) heading to Joshua Tree.

Tyson Ayers will have his one of his Soundcave exhibits where the building itself is full of finely tuned strings that festival-goers can play, pluck, or bang to their heart’s content. For Ayers, who is doing his third JTMF, the opportunity to share one of his Soundcave exhibits is very important.

“So, it is a sound cave, which is an immersive environment built out of broken pianos which will surround an audience member with over a thousand or 2000 piano strings. So, every sound somebody makes will get captured in sympathetic resonance and echo back at them, which is a really beautiful and natural phenomenon of our world that people don’t notice much,” shared Ayers, who will perform in the Soundcave on Sunday, May 19 at sunset. Check out his FEATURE STORY

genuinely amazing work at soundcave. org if you want to learn more.

Muralist Bret Philpot will be working at the festival for the 10th year painting live next to the Copper Mountain stage.

Philpot’s work is wonderful and worth checking out on his website, bretphilpot. com. He had this to say about being part of the festival: “For the last 10 Spring Fest’s, I have painted live for three days, in the same location, next to one of the stages. One of the things I look forward to most is the energy and vibration I get from the people and the music. An inspiration I take with me that reverberates long after the fest is over.

JTMF is family to me. The love is a pure conduit of goodness,” says Philpot.

English fell in love with Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding area after first visiting in 2002 and has been selling his coffee (JavaGogo) at music festivals all over North America since 1994. A true fan and supporter of music and the arts, English decided to put his money and time where his mouth is after sharing with some friends that Joshua Tree would be a great place for a music festival after his first visit there.

Now, 17 years later, it’s hard for English to fathom where the time has gone as he looks at his experience with the festival.

“After the shock of ‘where did all the time go’ there are so (heavy emphasis on the “so” as in “sooooooo”) many great memories, life-changing moments, and friends made. While I’m super proud of the fact that we’ve had so many festivals

long time. Their song “Naturally” tackles gender identity while exclaiming that we are “living in a police state” is well worth a listen.

Earth Arrow vocalists Sema and Chelsea Monet, who were recently married and definitely have that honeymoon vibes in their voices were kind enough to share a bit about why they are excited to perform at their second Joshua Tree Music Festival event.

Muralist Bret Philpot at work.

(there have been 29 total festivals so far put on by English and his team as this fall will be the 14th annual version of the Fall Joshua Tree Music Festival), I wholeheartedly believe that we are just getting started, and that the best is yet to come. There is always room for improvement, new musical artists to witness, more play-shops to introduce, etc.,” shares English.

English and his team at the Joshua Tree Music Festival are dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming talent. One of the most intriguing acts for this May’s festival is Earth Arrow from Los Angeles.

The octet is a powerful combination of soul, funk, and hip hop that is extremely danceable yet features some of the best socially conscious lyrics we’ve heard in a

“I’m looking forward to the drum circles because I didn’t get a chance to do a lot of that last time (in October 2018) and we were, were a little bit nervous (last year). It was our first festival we ever played as a band. So, I think everybody was trying to focus. I just didn’t realize like how much stuff was going on, and I want to see a lot more bands (this year),” says Monet.

There are plenty of bands and artists to see this year at the Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival.

If you’re ready for a road trip, maybe we can all see them together.

Tom Reardon loves to write about people who are doing something to contribute to our community in a positive way. He also loves his family and family of friends, his pets, music, skateboarding, movies, good (and bad) tv, and working with children to build a better world. Tom’s favorite movie is Jaws, his favorite food is lasagna, and he loves to play music with his friends. He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to listen to what you have to say so tell him a story.

Beats & Rhymes; photo by Carly Valentine.

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Phoenix Pride Festival

April 6 at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

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

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Out & About

Phoenix Pride Festival

April 7 at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix.

Photos by Bill Gemmill & Gregg Edelman.

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

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Echo Think Pink Party April 7 at Kobalt, Phoenix.

Photos by Maria Vassett.

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

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Out & About

Phoenix Pride Parade 2019

April 7 — along Third Street, north of Thomas Road, Phoenix.

Photos by nightfuse.com & Gregg Edelman.

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

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WITHOUT RESERVATIONS

12 powerhouse veggies to incorporate into your diet with ease

By Kimberly Blaker (Editor’s note: We will resume in June with restaurant reviews but for now, please enjoy this series on healthy food habits for day-to-day life.)

W

e know how vital veggies are to our health, whether we like vegetables or not. But not all vegetables are created equal.

Each vegetable comes with its unique combination of nutrients and benefits — some, in particular, are a powerhouse source of nutrition.

If you’re not a fan of vegetables, it’s all the more reason to try a broad variety.

There’s bound to be a couple of veggies you’ll dig if the vegetables are prepared just the right way. If those vegetables happen to be some of these all-stars, it’s all the better.

pieces of squash with the skin facing up.

Bake at 400 degrees for one hour. Allow the squash to cool enough to handle it, then scoop all the squash out of the peel, and top it with butter. If that doesn’t suffice, try adding a touch of brown sugar.

Kale. This dark green leaf packs a whopping 684% of the RDA of vitamin K, and well over the RDA of both vitamins A and B6.

If you like salad, just add a mix of kale to the lettuce. If you’re not a salad eater, kale makes a great addition to smoothies.

Do you live by the motto “everything tastes better with ranch?”

Butternut squash. This winter squash is loaded with vitamin A, in fact, four times the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It also contains double the RDA of vitamin C and packs more potassium than a banana.

Sweet potatoes. Vitamins A, B5 and B6, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and carotenoids are the nutritional makeup of sweet potatoes.

To become a butternut squash fan, first, cut it in half, and remove all the seeds. Then fill a glass baking dish about 3/4” high with water and place the

The good news is, Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of year you can eat them.

Sweet potatoes make yummy French fries, which can even be baked rather

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than fried. Just look for one of oodles of baked sweet potato fry recipes out there.

Peas. These contain a long list of nutrients. Of particular note, peas are very high in vitamins B1, C, and K, manganese, copper, phosphorus, and folate.

Fortunately, peas are one vegetable most kids and adults will eat. Add peas to a variety of soups, stews, and casseroles. Another tasty option is to add them to macaroni and cheese.

Bell peppers. Red, orange, yellow, or green, bell peppers are nutritious whatever the color. All are high in vitamin C, with red bell peppers containing 169% of the RDA. Also, bell peppers are high in vitamin A and carry a good dose of other nutrients, as well.

Do you live by the motto “everything tastes better with ranch?” If so, try bell pepper slices for dipping. Bell peppers also go great on pizza and sautéed to top hot sandwiches.

Brussels sprouts. Vitamins K and C are what Brussels sprouts are particularly noted for. But this veggie carries numerous other nutrients in decent amounts, too.

Still, what some of you may be wondering is how you’ll acquire a taste for Brussels sprouts. If you’re not a big vegetable eater, it may be a challenge.

But try what one mom did, Monica Kass Rogers, as she revealed in her article, “How I Got My Kid to Eat Brussels Sprouts.” Rogers says to cut them in half, then stir-fry them in sesame oil with other vegetables. Another trick she recommends is to roast them with olive oil and salt. If kids can learn to love them, so can you.

Asparagus. Folic acid is what asparagus is especially noted for because it contains 60% of the RDA. But asparagus also contains a healthy amount of vitamins K and C, as well as several other essential nutrients.

Grilled asparagus is a tasty side.

Before grilling, brush them lightly with olive oil then add salt and pepper. Place the spears on the grill for 10 minutes, turn them, then give them a few more minutes until they’re lightly blackened.

Spinach. Now here’s an RDA that’s impressive. Spinach contains 987% of the RDA of vitamin K. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, copper, and several other nutrients.

You can add spinach to both smoothies

What’s particularly notable about avocado is it’s an excellent source of healthy fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, and can be used to replace unhealthy fats. and pizza. Spinach quiche and spinach pie are also dishes many people love.

Broccoli. Here’s another vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamin K packing 245% of the RDA. Broccoli also exceeds the RDA for vitamin C and is an excellent source of chromium, folate, and fiber.

of healthy fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, and can be used to replace unhealthy fats.

Guacamole is an all-time favorite.

It’s also good mixed with egg salad or a tossed salad.

Pumpkin (canned). This is an outstanding source of vitamin A, containing 2 ½ times the RDA, not to mention a fair amount of a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Numerous desserts can be made from pumpkin. So, the next time you’re in the mood to bake, make something with a little added nutritional value. Try making pumpkin pie, bread, cookies, or cheesecake.

Scallions. Also known as spring onions, these pack 172% of the RDA of vitamin K. They’re also known for their antioxidants and are a good source of vitamin A.

Mix broccoli into most any cheesy dish, and it’s easy to gobble it up.

Broccoli cheese soup, broccoli smothered in cheese, and other cheesy pasta dishes with broccoli added are good options.

Scallions can be grilled just like asparagus. Brush them with oil, add salt and pepper, then toss them on the grill until they’re lightly browned. If that doesn’t work for you, try wrapping them in bacon.

Avocado. Although not a powerhouse of any particular vitamin or mineral, avocado still carries an adequate amount. What’s particularly notable about avocado is it’s an excellent source

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family writer. She also does blog and content writing for a variety of industries and is an expert in on-page SEO.

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AT THE BOX OFFICE

Four films in theaters this month

By Tuesday Mahrle

Vita and Virginia

In theaters May 3 | Not Yet Rated | 110 Minutes | Biography, Drama, Romance

This true story set in 1920’s London introduces audiences to the affair between acclaimed novelist Virginia Woolf and socialite Vita Sackville-West. While both were in marriages at the time, their illicit romance and friendship was controversial and inspiring. It was this affair which inspired one of Woolf’s great works, “Orlando.” Vita and Virginia shares the hardships all relationships endure but also the depths of mental illness and the strength it takes to overcome an unconventional and taboo love.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile In theaters May 3 | Rated R | 108 Minutes | Biography, Crime, Drama

Ted Bundy, the name strikes fear in all of us. Told from a different perspective, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile explores the everyday life of a charming killer. Elizabeth Kloepfer, Bundy’s long-time girlfriend, retells his story through her eyes. This is the real Sleeping With the Enemy tale with a cast of young Hollywood actors bringing this story to life. Led by Zac Efron, who has been noted as giving his best performance, in the role of the deceptively handsome Bundy.

Aladdin In Theaters May 22 | Not Yet Rated | Family, Adventure, Comedy

With the classics being remade into new live-action masterpieces of their animated counterparts, Aladdin brings us the tale of the street urchin who falls in love with a princess. Guy Ritchie directs this adaptation and brings new life and vision as well as some new faces to a contemporary audience. Will Smith has some Genie-sized shoes to fill and in interviews believes he had to “pay homage to Robin Williams but make Genie his own.” Even if you’re a die-hard fan of the original, the story of Aladdin reminds us to be open-minded and see that change, whether a street rat marrying a princess or a film classic polished and made new, makes everyone live happily ever after.

Rocketman In theaters May 23 | Not Yet Rated | 85 Minutes | Drama, Biography

Show-stopping, sequin-wearing, flamboyant performer Sir Elton John is paid tribute in this biopic about his early beginnings and rise to stardom. Played by Taron Egerton, the young John becomes the flashy newcomer on the music scene. He has the voice, the talent, and the drive to get what he wants, but at what cost? Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jamie Bell also star in this Oscar buzzworthy film.

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

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Entertainment

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OPENING NIGHTS

lets you use ticket deals days or weeks before the show. TDF also lets you see off-off-Broadway shows for just $9 through its OffOff@9 program. Most of the city’s major theater companies also offer membership packages. You pay a fee up front (say, $65) in return for discounted tickets all year. Plus, you get the chance to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public, which can be a big deal when it comes to shows with a lot of advance buzz. And membership often has other privileges as well, like the 20 percent food-and-drink discount you get at Joe’s Pub when you belong to the Public Theater. The trick is to pick companies that showcase consistently strong work, such as Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop, Atlantic Theater Company, or Ars Nova.

Broadway on a budget!

By Seth Reines

I

f you are traveling to New York City this summer and want to catch a Broadway or off-Broadway show but don’t want to pay exorbitant New York ticket prices, try these suggestions:

Head to TKTS The classic way to find deeply discounted tickets is to wait in line on the day of the show at Theatre Development Fund’s TKTS Booth under the red steps in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway). All but the biggest Broadway hits are on sale there, mostly at 50 percent off. Download the TKTS app or visit its website to see what is available.

You can also try the downtown TKTS booth at South Street Seaport (corner of Front and John Streets) or TKTS Downtown Brooklyn (One MetroTech Center at the corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue), which sell matinee tickets a day early. If you are not looking to see a musical, the Times Square booth has a “Play Only” window that will cut down your wait time.

Shop online Great a resource as it is, TKTS has limitations: You have to wait there in person, often for a long time, and you can only get tickets on the day of the show.

Thankfully, the Internet provides many options for those who want to plan a little further ahead. The handy TodayTix app lets you find discounted tickets on your mobile phone, up to week in advance.

Another reliable online source for cheap tickets is nyctix.com. Membership costs just $4 per month. Good discount codes 44

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can be also be found at Broadway Box, Broadway Insider and EntertainmentLink. If you’re looking to combine a little generosity with your thrift, try Givenik.

When you buy full-price or discounted tickets there, five percent of the price goes to a charity of your choice. Consider visiting all of these sites and shopping around for the best bargain.

Rush the theater or play the lottery Same-day rush tickets to Broadway and Off Broadway shows can sell for as little as $25 apiece. Go to the theater’s box office as soon as it opens on the day of the performance to check. If you don’t mind being on your feet, you can also try for standing-room tickets. In many cases, including at some of Broadway’s biggest smashes such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away, a handful of day-of-show tickets are distributed by lottery, with names drawn at the box office a few hours before curtain time. Hamilton has made the distribution of these tickets an event unto itself with cast members often entertaining the crowds. Several shows, like Hamilton and Lion King, conduct these lotteries digitally, either on their own or through the TodayTix app. To find out which shows offer rush tickets and lotteries, consult Playbill’s Broadway and off-Broadway guides.

Become a member For $30, if you’re eligible, you can get an annual membership to TDF, which

Be a millennial!

The city’s biggest nonprofit theaters all have programs aimed at encouraging younger audiences. Theatergoers ages 18 to 35 can buy tickets to Roundabout Theatre Company for just $20 to $25 per show by joining its Hiptix program. If you’re between 21 and 35, you can join Lincoln Center Theater’s LincTix program, which offers $32 tickets to all shows. Manhattan Theatre Club’s 30 Under 30 program, as the name suggests, allows patrons 30 or younger to buy tickets for $30. Other major companies, such as Playwrights Horizons, also offer programs for young theatergoers.

Students have access to many special discounts to Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Among the best resources to find them are Tix4Students.com and StudentRusg. org. Librarians, teachers and students can pick up vouchers for 30 to 50 percent off through the School Theatre Ticket Program at schooltix.com, and student ages 13 to 18 can buy $5 tickets to many off and off-off-Broadway productions through High 5 Tickets to the Arts.

There’s always lots of great theater on and off Broadway. Hopefully, these hints will leave money in your pocket for dinner before or a drink after. And, even if you are not travelling to New York to catch one of the latest Tony winners, there’s plenty of great theater right here in the Valley of the Sun. M. Seth Reines is an award-winning theater buff who has directed more than 500 productions nationally for stage and television, and formerly served as head of Roosevelt University’s musical theatre program.

ENTERTAINMENT

RECORDINGS

By Tom Reardon

K

inda like two truths and a lie, this month features two relatively new local Arizona bands and one old British band. Spring has fully sprung and there is a little something for almost everyone blooming here, so kick back and enjoy a cold one with these three unique releases.

Gorky — Mathemagician Hailing from the White Mountains of Arizona, Gorky represents what has to be a bit of an anomaly in rural Arizona.

The band, which is led by Jesse MichaelGeronimo Valencia (who is a supercool and incredibly busy man who is the mastermind behind the proposal to create a new county in Arizona and the author of a new book on the infamous band, The Brian Jonestown Massacre), delivers the garage-y, indie rock goods 46

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on Mathemagician, which is their third full-length record. If you dig early Weezer (when they were not making shitty cover records) but also like a sprinkle of The Pixies and a dash of The Strokes, and a really nice nod to Tucson faves, Lenguas Largas, you have Gorky.

That’s broad, I know, but listen to songs like “AM Radio” and see if you don’t fall in love. Valencia is the primary songwriter here, but his bandmates round out the sound nicely, especially drummer Ben Holladay who drives the songs with precision. The first single, “Action Pants” is a hook-y bit of garage rock that nods heavily towards Portland, Oregon’s Dandy Warhols. Picking up a copy of Mathemagician is highly recommended.

Gang Of Four — Happy Now Some people probably think Gang Of Four hung up their attitude long ago and called it a day, but this is not the case. While their new record, Happy Now, is not on par with late ‘70s and early ‘80s efforts like Solid Gold or Entertainment by any stretch of the imagination, it is a solid record. Happy Now is super dance-y and electronic sounding, but guitarist Andy Gill (who is

the only remaining original member) has his signature sound all over the record, even if it is not as blatant or cutting as past efforts. Songs like “Paper Thin” and “Change The Locks” have an almost early Depeche Mode sound to them, which comes off as a bit odd at first, but they grow on you just the same.

“Toreador” may be my favorite off the record because it is the most reminiscent of early Gang Of Four, which is too bad, because it is the first song and the album never really reaches the same heights Entertainment

again. “Don’t Ask Me” sort of comes close, though, and “Ivanka — My Name’s On It” is clever in name only. This record is only a must for major Gang Of Four fans. All others should stick with the classics.

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Mechanics Of The Mind – Reckless & Divided Heavy music should be heavy. Seems like a simple enough concept, but a lot of heavy bands seem to forget, at least at some point in their career, what brought their fans to them in the first place. Case in point, Mechanics Of The Mind’s song “Cloud’s Of Dust” off their new record, Reckless & Divided. Here is a song that knows exactly what it is supposed to be: big, heavy, and it sounds like the band is angry. The riffage is solid here, as it should be, with a group of veteran Phoenix musicians, and Reckless & Divided will please a lot of local heavy music fans. There is some Nu Metal sounds here that might turn off some more classic heavy metal fans, but it is not enough to make you spit out your Bud Light after a long night at Joe’s Grotto in Paradise Valley or Club Red in Mesa where the band seems to play a lot. “Gamble With The Devil” is a tad predictable, sure, but it also kind of reminds me of a superhero movie in that music like this is supposed to be fun and not make you think a lot, so throw on some black leather pants and get on down to see Mechanics Of The Mind next time they play.

Tom Reardon loves to write about people who are doing something to contribute to our community in a positive way. He also loves his family and family of friends, his pets, music, skateboarding, movies, good (and bad) TV, and working with children to build a better world. Tom’s favorite movie is Jaws, his favorite food is lasagna, and he loves to play music with his friends. He’s a busy guy, but never too busy to listen to what you have to say so tell him a story.

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BETWEEN THE COVERS

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

N

obody can tell you what to do.

To think otherwise is tantamount to telling you what not to do. No, you have your own mind, and you’ll make it up just fine by yourself. In the new memoir Sissy: A Comingof-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia, they can’t tell you who you are, either.

Many people who are non-binary, says Tobia, equate coming to terms with gender as “a journey.” Tobia considers theirs “more like an onion,” with layers of discovery “veiled beneath a thin skin.”

It started with Tobia’s parents, both role models: their mother, who was a tomboy at heart; and their father, who ignored stereotypical women’s work and instead, pitched in around the house. The next layer consists of Tobia’s brother and kids in the neighborhood who didn’t think twice about a child who play-fought in the mud one minute and loved pink tutus and Barbies the next.

But then Tobia started school, and the teasing began. They “went from being a person to being a sissy” and shame accompanied the label. When it became apparent that the taunts would be flung at them no matter what, Tobia considered suicide.

Church was the only place they “felt unequivocally and unconditionally loved.”

Things changed for the better when puberty hit Tobia and their peers. Cis boys wanted desperately to be with cis girls, which was something Tobia did effortlessly and it made them “cool” even as it highlighted their differences from other adolescents. By the end of high school, Tobia had chosen the word “gay” to describe themselves, even though it wasn’t quite right.

They came out to a church counselor. They came out to their gay best friend.

Years later, they came out to their parents as “gay.”

It wasn’t until college, the acquisition of several pairs of high heels, lipstick, and a sheltered sense of security

Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia c.2019, Putnam $26.00 / $35.00 Canada 336 pages that Tobia realized that their work toward understanding had only started. Maybe they were boy and girl and neither and both, and not having to question that would be a battle they’d “have to do … all over again.”

Jacob Tobia; photo by Oriana Koren.

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and the gender-acceptance work to be done.

Sissy is a one-hundredpercent solid, smack-in-themiddle, okay kind of book. It’s not the best thing you’ll ever read; it’s far, far from the worst.

Yes, that may seem like a familiar story, but there is uniqueness to be had here: Tobia’s memories of their later adolescence and attendance at a prestigious Eastern college offer something different in this genre, in freshness of voice.

Also uncommon — their willingness to admit regret for advice not taken.

After a considerable, twochapter throat-clearing, author Jacob Tobia promises hilarity then gets down to business, about their life, their experiences as a gender nonconforming person making their way through,

Finally, yes, this book is amusing but outright hilarity?

Not so much: you’ll enjoy Sissy, but your gut is in no danger of busting. Still, if memoirs are your thing and your TBR pile is short, you know what to do.

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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TALKING BODIES

you going to do group hikes, group yoga, or a gym session with your friend? Figure out your options and make the commitment to layer in some accountability.

Pack: weather/activity appropriate clothes, supplements, shakers, and snacks. Pack all those little bags of supplements, put them in your shakers, and be sure that you’ve got more than enough bars, beef jerkies, trail mixes, or whatever else you like to snack on in your bags. There will come a time where you’re stranded somewhere on the trip — in the airport, late night at the hotel, or out on an excursion, where you won’t have immediate access to food. You’ll be needing these dry goods, trust me! And if you don’t use them, they’re perfectly fine to just come back with you. Hedge your bets and bring them.

While on the trip:

Maintaining diet and exercise while traveling – 2.0

By Tia Norris

W

e all know that diet and exercise are relatively easier to control when you’re operating from your home base. You’ve got your gym, your grocery store, your house, your world. And conversely, of course, diet and fitness are relatively harder to control when traveling — it’s much more challenging to stay consistent with food and routines when we’re out of our elements and off our schedules.

Still, traveling is absolutely not an excuse to neglect your fitness program!

It will require more planning, and a little more creativity, but I promise you that it’s possible to have great vacations and stay on track with your goals at the same time. Here are more of my Trainer Tips to maintain all of that hard work you invest into yourself, while having fun on the road this spring and summer.

Ground rules: Make your health and fitness a priority first — or it’s unlikely to happen once you’re on the trip. People who truly live that #fitlife already, habitually, build in workouts, meals, and recovery into their plans for their trip. They don’t magically stumble into great workouts or wellprepared snacks while traveling … it’s the result of research and experience.

Don’t neglect this.

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Your main goal on the trip is to not regress; progress is unlikely. Your only real goal is to not move backwards. Even the most seasoned athletes will agree that travel compounds the difficulty of any fitness program … so, surrender yourself to the fact that all you’re trying to do is hold on. Along these lines, your low-ball threshold is to exercise at least 50-75% of the days you’re traveling — so for a three day weekend, that’s two days!

Before leaving: Prior to departure, you need to be nailing your program. This means 100% adherence to diet and exercise — you want to arrive on your trip needing recovery. This front-loading approach will allow for the inevitable travel days and downtime with reaching your destination.

Locate: a gym or place to do your workouts, grocery store, and restaurant options. Have a plan for where, when, how you’ll get there, what times they’re open, how much they charge, and all the other details you’ll need. All of this initial planning will make your vacation much more relaxed, if you go into it with these logistics squared away.

Research and book: classes, excursions, meet-ups with fit friends, massages, etc. Again, we need to start building in exercise into your trips. Are

Never take more than 3 days off. If you haven’t exercised in three days, we’re in the danger zone! Get up off your ass and do something. This is a hard rule, never forget it. This applies even when you aren’t traveling.

Never eat more than two “bad” meals in a row. Do you ever notice how your energy crashes after overeating, or eating something low quality? That’s your body sending you a message about how much it liked that food. Food should bring you up, not down! If you indulge at breakfast or lunch, keep it light at subsequent meals. I personally like to save my cravings for dinner and dessert.

Plan accordingly.

MOVE! Stretch, roll, get a massage, don’t just sit around! You know more exercises than you think. When in doubt, make a simple bodyweight circuit and repeat five times. For example: 10x each of lunges, squats, pushups, and backpack rows; repeat the circuit 5x.

Don’t underestimate the power in these simple but effective sessions.

Remember, fail to plan = plan to fail!

Make your health and fitness a priority if you really want to succeed. Focus on hitting the minimum thresholds and set your expectations accordingly. Plan, plan, plan — plan exercise, food, snacks, and build in as much accountability as you can.

And take care of yourself while you’re on your trip, basic self-care will go a long way in keeping your energy high, so that you can really enjoy the most important part of this discussion — the vacation!

Tia Norris is the president and head trainer at FitPro, LLC, a local fitness company. Find out more at fitprollc.com.

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NOT THAT YOU ASKED

arriving at the office so she can report back the level of disgust I experience.

And then there’s my neighbor, whom I’d guess sells weed from our adjoining patio, which is where he smokes his product throughout the morning, afternoon, evening and god-damn-doyou-know-what-time-it-is?!

Phoenix may not be one of the more diverse big cities in the U.S. While we obviously have a large Hispanic presence, our Black, Asian, and Middle Eastern populations are fairly small. You won’t find a Little Italy, Koreatown or Germanville in Arizona. You’d be hardpressed to stumble upon a group of people speaking any language other than English or Spanish here. However (you had to know a however was coming), small enclaves are out there. In our own charming Phoenix, my side gig has led me to encounter tiny neighborhoods — sometimes lone streets and/or corner plazas — home to Somalians, Greeks, even Russians.

By Buddy Early

O

ur side gigs make us better people.

I’ve always been fascinated by how other people live. I’m not talking about the people around me, the people I see every day who travel the same roads, get their Chinese take-out from the same restaurant, and buy their oatmeal and mayonnaise at the same supermarket. (That’s funny if you know of my hang-ups with those two items.

Spoiler alert: I don’t eat them together!)

I’m talking about, well, the other people.

It’s one of the things I enjoy about the side gigs I’ve been juggling in recent years — driving for Uber, Amazon and (currently) GrubHub. Sure, this side gig helps put a roof over my head and tacos in my stomach, not to mention facilitates the management of soulcrushing debt that keeps me humble yet unmarriable. But it’s also kind of fun. I drive to all corners of the Valley, getting a glimpse of various socio-economic groups and unique sub-cultures. In the same afternoon I might deliver to a north Scottsdale mom whose teenage son has a higher disposable income than me, and then to a downtown artist who is putting the finishing touches on a giant Betsy Devos sculpture constructed from

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discarded tampons.

I never know what kind of person is going to open the door and thank me for bringing them Pita Jungle … because no matter where people live or how they were raised, how much they earn and what their status is, they all order Pita Jungle. That moment before your customer opens the door is stirring.

What kind of person is on the other side?

Are they old or young, Republican or Democrat, fat or skinny? Did they just get home from work and arrange to have their food delivered shortly after they have kicked off their shoes, or do they work from home? Do they keep a clean house or is it a filth trap? Do they use the “they” pronoun?

Will Dillon, Jordan or Ridley be a man or a woman?

The anticipation is similar to that moment immediately before your Grindr “date” opens his door, but minus the fear that this could be the last person to ever see you alive.

As side gigs go, if you must have one, I like mine. In 2019 most people I know have them. For example, I am certain my co-worker has a side gig where she bathes in obnoxious perfumes before

Despite not having a large representation of people from all around the globe, discovering Phoenix’s diversity can be eye-opening nonetheless. You learn something when you venture into that neighborhood you’ve only passed on the freeway while heading out of town; or explore a community off one of the major arteries you ignore on your way to work; or travel to one of the farreaches of the Valley, where you’ve only been once before and that was at 5 a.m. to pick up your friend who has been on a three-day bender and can’t remember his name.

That something is: people are the same everywhere. The fun thing about experiencing other cultures and communities is celebrating what makes us unique and at the same time understanding that we all want the same things in life. We all want to have a nice income and lead a comfortable life, we want to be surrounded by loved ones, we like to dance in our living rooms, laugh at ourselves and each other, and order delivery from Pita Jungle. The way we experience these things through our own lens, culture, background and upbringing is what fascinates me.

If this column were a meme, I suppose it would just be two adorable kids, one from Kenya and one from Norway, and it simply says “Same, Yet Different.” But I get paid to write about 800 words, so this is what you get instead. Deal with it.

Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine.

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WE THE PEOPLE

like this is required under Arizona law to change a gender marker on a birth certificate; it is not a requirement for a name change.

What’s in a name? A lot

By Steve Kilar

“W

hat’s in a name?”

Juliet ponders during Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers. She wishes Romeo could abandon his last name, thereby undoing his association with her family’s rival clan. “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she claims.

Changing a name does not change a person, Juliet suggests. But what Shakespeare acknowledges is that changing a name can transform how that person is perceived by the wider world. Names are loaded with meaning, bogged down by history, and imbued with cultural associations.

In our highly gendered society, seeking a name change can be a transformative and empowering experience for transgender and genderqueer people.

“It feels good now to have my name legally recognized, but not because it’s any more my identity now than it was before, rather because it’s easier to assert myself and get treated with respect more readily and challenged on my identity less often,” said Aeryn, a transgender 20-something from Philadelphia. Aeryn and a dozen other transgender and nonbinary people shared their name change stories with Teen Vogue last year.

A legal name change should be simple.

“Just about anyone can change his or her name, for any good reason,” according to the official website for Arizona’s court system, azcourts.gov. But it’s not always as easy as it should be.

In Arizona, a name change must be approved by a county judge. That means bias and confusion can prevent the name change process from going smoothly.

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contacted the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance and the ACLU of Arizona over the past few months to say that a Yuma County Superior Court judge has been a barrier to their name changes.

Under Arizona law, a person seeking a name change must file a petition with the superior court of the county in which they reside. The Arizona court system provides a short, uncomplicated form that can be filled out and filed without the help of a lawyer.

The form asks for the applicant’s name given at birth, current legal name, and desired name. The applicant is also directed to list any felony convictions and affirm under penalty of perjury that a few things about their desire to change their name are true, including that they are not requesting the change for the “purpose of committing or furthering any offense of theft, forgery, fraud, perjury, organized crime or terrorism or any other offense involving false statements.” Then there’s a brief space to describe why the applicant is seeking a name change.

From there, it’s up to the judge to decide whether the name change should be granted. But the Arizona laws governing name changes suggest that a petition should only be denied if there’s an indication that the applicant is trying to engage in crime or evade law enforcement.

In Yuma County, it appears the judge holding up — and in at least two cases, denying — name change petitions by transgender people is confused about the legal requirements. This judge has asked at least two applicants to provide a written statement from a doctor verifying the applicants’ “chromosomal count” or stating the applicant has had a “sex change operation.” A doctor’s note

As opposed to mere confusion, it’s possible the judge’s reasoning is grounded in something more problematic. Judges across the country have unfortunately let their personal biases creep into decisions on name change petitions. In 2016, a judge in Georgia denied a transgender person’s petition because their desired name was too closely associated with a single gender. The judge said he would only allow the applicant to change their name “to something that is gender-neutral.”

Fortunately, Lambda Legal got involved and now it is clear to Georgia judges that they should not let sexist and antitransgender beliefs rule the day.

The ACLU of Arizona sent a letter in mid-March to the head of Yuma County’s courts outlining the problem. The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance and the ACLU are also working to ensure the improper denials are reversed. Hopefully no more transgender or genderqueer people are denied name changes in Yuma County or anywhere else in Arizona. The law is on our side.

According to an Arizona Supreme Court decision from 1980, “absent fraud or improper motive, a person may adopt any name he or she wishes.” There are also several court decisions from across the country that conclude transgender people should not have to provide a doctor’s note to be granted a name change. In 2012, an appeals court in New York reversed a trial court’s denial of a name change to a transgender woman.

As in Yuma County, the trial court judge wanted proof of “sex-reassignment surgery” before signing off. The “law does not distinguish between masculine and feminine names, which are a matter of social tradition,” the appeals court said.

The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance provides instructions online about how to petition for a name change and update identity documents. For more information, visit: https://www.sagatucson. org/wpn/name-changeinformation/

Steve Kilar, is the communications director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona (acluaz. org). If you have questions about your rights that you would like addressed in a future issue, write him at skilar@acluaz.org.

COMMUNITY

Register for Summer/Fall enroll-maricopa.com

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

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HISTORY

Pussy LeHoot.

the de facto oral historian of all things drag-related in Phoenix.

Soon to celebrate 40 years in show business — in her first talent show in 1979, her Dolly Parton was runner-up to eventual good friend Penelope Poupe’, who performed Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Show — Pussy is the last remaining performer from the era that shaped Phoenix drag. The other entertainers she twirled with in the early 1980s have all either died or retired, she told me matter-of-factly.

“A lot of them were forced into retirement because they just didn’t age well,” she said.

Somehow, through the changing drag landscape, including trends in music and fashion, through bar closings and hard times, through the AIDS crisis and the fight for equality, Pussy has remained a fixture on Valley stages.

She has witnessed hundreds of queens come and go, countless feuds, stunts, wig-snatchings and run-of-the-mill dramatics. But it was those shows in the 80s, what I’ve often heard people describe as the hey-day of Phoenix drag, that I was most curious about when I sat down with Pussy in early April.

“It was just so much fun,” she remembered. “People would just go crazy for the numbers.”

The show pay was not very good, and neither were the tips. But the queens were not in it for the money; they were entertainers. Stage time was valued, and certainly nobody complained about having to perform too often.

“I would have done if for free. I was just so excited.”

The Past I Heard …

Pussy LeHoot is our link to Phoenix’s drag origins

By Buddy Early

T

o celebrate Echo’s 30th birthday, this year I will be catching up with some of Arizona’s LGBT personalities from past and present to revisit the people, places and events that helped shape our community.

It’s pretty well-established that drag queens are some of our community’s greatest historians and storytellers.

Many seem to have an iron-clad memory and are not shy about regaling their audiences with stories of how things used to be.

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The first time I met Pussy LeHoot (who sometimes goes by Kevin McSweeney) was at one of her shows at the 307 Lounge in the late 90s. The circumstances are a blur, but I can tell you that several of us ended up at a sketchy motel along the I-17 corridor for an after-hours party. We were, as we say, in our cups, and Pussy eventually began to throw out names of performers and bars of which I was unfamiliar.

With the passing of the legendary Miss Ebony in 2013, Pussy has become

“Every night was amazing because I was just so happy to be getting into drag,” said Pussy, recalling that the style then was very “draggy.” Gowns, feathers, dusters, bottom lashes and giant jewelry were the norm. While over the years more and more drags queens have gotten away with wearing street clothes on stage, Pussy still likes to feature oldschool glamour. And why not? She’s put in the work.

Humble Beginnings At age 17 Pussy drove down from Flagstaff to watch her first drag show. It was 1978, and the show at Casa de Roma at 16th Street and Indian School Road starred local favorites Joanne, Charlene Champagne, Miss Ebony and Woo Woo, as well as traveling queen (and Donna Summer look-alike) Carmen del Rio. “I went back to Flagstaff and I was obsessed. I thought ‘this is what I want to do.’”

COMMUNITY

Yes, she lost that aforementioned talent show when she returned the next summer, but determination brought her back in 1980 and she won. Shortly after, she graduated beauty school in Flagstaff and moved to Phoenix that same day. Tish Tanner, who ran the gig at Harpo’s at 1st Avenue and McDowell Road, and who’d become Pussy’s drag mother, rolled the dice and put her in the show alongside regular cast members Tamara and Nikki Alexander.

“There wasn’t really room in the budget so Tish cut Nikki’s pay.” The two of them would split $50. That was for two night’s work.

If you’ve come to know Pussy over the years as a queen with flawless makeup skills you might be surprised to learn she got her first tutorial from Tish: “The Clown Princess of the Southwest.” That meant a layer of clown white all over the face, a layer of Max Factor Pancake, and then Pan Stick. “You were like an inch deep,” she told me through laughter. “I finally realized this is ridiculous!”

(Plenty of other lessons she learned from Tish stuck, however. When the name Pussy LeHoot appeared in the AZ Gay News, Tish told her she couldn’t change her name “now that it’s in print.”

If not for that Shamoo’s ad cementing matters, which she said was her greatest moment, she probably would’ve changed her name to something more “fish.” Mother was definitely right, saving us from knowing Pussy as an Ashley, Teresa, Vivian or Kimberly.)

When Harpo’s closed, the cast scattered to places like Shamoo’s at 24th Street and Thomas Road and Sammy’s Steakhouse at 20th Street and McDowell.

Pussy ran the spotlight at Shamoo’s until some queen got fired and she was elevated to the cast. One particular night, when showrunner Joanne needed to stall, Pussy was handed a microphone and the rest is herstory.

“The crowd lived,” if she does say so herself.

Perhaps that was the night glamour met comedy, which has been Pussy’s trademark persona now for nearly four decades. She quickly developed a persona that included her comedy as well as numbers from Better Midler and Dolly Parton and other country artists, aiding her in snagging regular work in a town where there were only 10-15 relevant queens but few spotlights to be found.

“There was a small (drag) community … but (we) were all pretty tight.”

Tish, Joanne, Penelope, Ebony, Cissy Goldberg, Misty McCrae, Moosala, Lady Cassondra and Tamara — “she was the hottest thing going”— are queens Pussy COMMUNITY

has fond memories of performing with.

The crowds were great, she said, even if the tips were not. Other bars and other queens eventually entered the scene: Bullwinkle’s and 307; Devina and Melissa Lorence. Then in the 1990s it was Wink’s and Foster’s, Celia Putty and Barbra Seville. Drag was becoming more soughtafter, although the magic of that hey-day would not exactly be recaptured.

Community Growing Pains The entertainment industry was hit hard by the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, and the drag scene was unquestionably no different. Many of the performers of the era smiled through their illness and danced through their pain. Lives and careers were cut short. The social scene in general was severely impacted, as people would routinely show up to the bars to find out who passed the previous week.

“I was actually at Shamoo’s when I first heard (of the disease),” said Pussy.

“Before that we were doing benefits for Muscular Dystrophy.”

Everything changed.

“The little newspaper we had was, like, 3-4 pages of obituaries every two weeks.”

Pussy marveled at how she made it through the era safely. But if it wasn’t a deadly disease threatening the community it was something else, either external dangers or internal strife.

“Bars didn’t have their names on the outside and most of the entrances were in the rear,” said Pussy, pointing to the threat of hate crimes before they were even called such. While people felt safe inside establishments, the gay bars were not always in the safest neighborhoods.

The East McDowell Corridor was dotted with gay bars; the area was the same then as it is now. And the 307 Lounge and Cruisin’ Central were in or near what we now call the trendy Roosevelt Row, an area that at that time was ground zero for drugs, prostitution and crime.

“It was a rough place,” Pussy said of 307, but people looked out for their brothers. She told me a heartwarming story about gay hustlers who, not being able to secure dates for the night, would come to the bar and have a drag queen give them shelter until morning.

“Tish said she could always count on getting her refrigerator cleaned out.”

The discord from within was often just as troubling as outside dangers.

“The community was very segregated,” she recalled.

There were men’s bars and women’s bars, and more often than not those bars were not welcoming to everyone. Pussy

Pussy LeHoot as Carlotta Sales in the mid-’80s.

cited instances where she was kicked out of Incognito for being a man and escorted out of the Bum Steer for being a drag queen. “But every bar, even if they talked bad about drag, we’d be the first they call for a benefit, or because they want to draw a crowd.”

So, some things have not changed.

No Slowing Down These days Pussy rarely strays from her home bar of Charlie’s, where she has been the diva-in-residence for nearly two decades. While it was not in her initial plan to be doing this all these years later, she says she has no intention of retiring. Cutting back on traditional drag shows has allowed her to move into the stand-up comedy arena.

She’s already performed at comedy venues around Phoenix and southern California to great receptions, giving her the courage and motivation to pursue it further. Her June 14 set at CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace will be filmed and — she hopes — will lead to her own Netflix special.

Never accuse Pussy LeHoot of being stuck in the past. Sure, she might still perform Linda Ronstadt and Juice Newton (“Angel of the Morning” will forever be my request), but you don’t hang around in the business without evolving and keeping audiences entertained. The focus on stand-up comedy, a craft that can be brutally discouraging and where success takes patience, is proof that she is not leaving the game any time soon.

“Either you go on RuPaul, or you make your own,” she said. “I figured I’d have better luck at this than going on RuPaul. I don’t have enough tattoos.”

Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine.

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PHOENIX BARS

Phoenix Bar Guide

19

7 6

22 22 45 25 25 18 18

16 10

15 26

21 21 16

5th

8

32nd St. St. 32nd

7

Bethany Home

24 24 20 3 20 2

e.

Av

5 6

1 14 23 14

2

23

9

12 12 43

17

13 13

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

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LOCAL BUSNESSES

111

ANVIL ANVIL

2424 E. E. Thomas Thomas Road Road 2424

602-334-1462 602-334-1462

M, D, D, L L M,

3 2

BAR 1 NIGHT CLUB AQUA

3702 E. N.McDowell Sixteenth Road St. 1730

602-266-9001 602-253-0682

M,N, E,E, ND F,

4 3

BLISS/R BAR 1 eBAR

901 N.N.Fourth St. 3702 16th St.

602-795-1792 602-266-9001

MF,N,N,ER M,

4 5

BOYCOTT BAR BLISS REBAR

4301N.N.Fourth Seventh 901 St. Ave.

602-515-3667 602-795-1792

MF,N,D,EE M,

5 6

BOYCOTT BS WEST BAR

4301 N.Fifth Seventh 7125 E. Ave.,Ave. Scottsdale

602-515-3667 480-945-9028

MF, D, E

6 7

BS WEST BUNKHOUSE

7125 Ave. Ave. 4428E.N.Fifth Seventh

480-945-9028 602-200-9154

MF, M, L,D,NE

7 8

BUNKHOUSE CARAVAN TAP ROOM

4428 N. Fifteenth Seventh Ave. 4835 N. Ave.

602-200-9154 602-592-9386

M, MF,N,E,LN

8 8 9

CHARLIE’S CHARLIE’S

727 727 W. W. Camelback Camelback Road Road

602-265-0224 602-265-0224

M, E, D M, C, E, D

9 9 10

CLUB VOLT CLUB VOLT

3108 3108 E. E. McDowell McDowell Road Road

602-244-1465 602-244-1465

MF, MF, D, D, E E

10 10 10 11

CRUISIN’ 7TH CRUISIN’ 7TH

3702 N. Seventh St. 3702 N. Seventh St.

602-212-9888 602-212-9888

M, E M, E, N

11 11 11 2

DICK’S CABARET DICK’S CABARET

3432 E. Illini St. 3432 E. Illini St.

602-274-3425 602-274-3425

M, G M

12 12 13 12

FEZ FEZ

105 W. Portland St. 105 W. Portland St.

602-287-8700 602-287-8700

R MF, R

13 13 13 14

FLEX SPAS PHOENIX FLEX SPAS PHOENIX

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy 1517 S. Black Canyon Highway

602-271-9011 602-271-9011

M, AO M, A

14 14 14 15

KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB

1724 E. McDowell Road 1724 E. McDowell Road

602-254-0231 602-254-0231

D, E D, E

15 15 15 16

KOBALT KOBALT

3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125 3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 175

602-264-5307 602-264-5307

MF, E, N MF, E, N

16 16 17 16

LOS DIABLOS LOS DIABLOS

1028 E. Indian School Road 1028 E. Indian School Road

602-795-7881 602-795-7881

MF, R, N MF, N, R

17 17 17 18

NU TOWNE SALOON NU TOWNE SALOON

5002 E. Van Buren St. 5002 E. Van Buren St.

602-267-9959 602-267-9959

M, N, L M, L, N

18 18 18 19

OFF CHUTE TOO OFF CHUTE TOO

4115 N. Seventh Ave 4115 N. Seventh Ave.

602-274-1429 602-274-1429

M, A MF, A

19 19 20 19

OZ BAR OZ BAR

1804 W. Bethany Home Road 1804 W. Bethany Home Road

602-242-5114 602-242-5114

MF, N MF, N

20 20 21 20 21 21

PLAZMA PLAZMA

1560 E. Osborn Road 1560 E. Osborn Road

602-266-0477 602-266-0477

MF, N, E MF, E, N

ROYAL VILLA INN

4312 N. 12th St.

602-266-6883

M, AO

22 21 22 23

ROYAL VILLA INN STACY’S @ MELROSE

4312 N. Twelfth St. 4343 N. Seventh Ave.

602-266-6883 602-264-1700

M, A MF, D, N

22 23 23 24

STACY’S @ MELROSE THE CASH NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE

4343 N. Seventh Ave. 2140 E. McDowell Road

602-264-1700 602-244-9943

MF, D, N F, C, D

24 23 25 24

THE CASH NIGHTCLUB AND LOUNGE THE CHUTE

1730 E McDowell Rd 1440 E. Indian School Road

(602) 244-9943 602-234-1654

F, D, N M, AO

24 25 26 25

THE CHUTE THE ROCK

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

602-234-1654 602-248-8559

M, A M, N, E

27 25

THE ROCK

4129 N. Seventh Ave.

602-248-8559

MF, E, N

MAP CODES: 26 2601 ON CENTRAL 28 A Adult Retail & Entertainment M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MAP CODES: MF Mixed Male/Female M Mostly Males F Mostly Females MF Mixed Male/Female

LOCAL BUSNESSES

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

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

EchoMag.com | MAY 2018 2019 EchoMag.com | | FEBRUARY EchoMag.com OCTOBER 2015

61 93

BAR SPECIALS

Meraki’s Many Countries, One Culture Fashion Show

March 17 at Versalles Palace, Phoenix.

Photos by Logan Lowrey-Rasmussen.

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

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

STACY’S @ MELROSE S $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells, open-7 p.m.; Showtime 7-10 p.m.; $1 Rolling Rock & Wells; $2.50 Bud Light; $3 Fireball shots 7 p.m.-Close; Happy Hours 10 p.m.-сlose M Happy Hours; $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY T Happy Hours; $5 Martinis & $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY W 2-4-1 all day*; *no shots T Happy Hours 4-8 p.m.; $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells 8 p.m.-midnight F Happy Hours 4-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m.-close S Happy Hours 4-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m.-close 62

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Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride Pageant 2019

March 24 at Hilton Doubletree Resort, Tempe.

Photos by nightfuse.com.

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

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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Please support our advertisers who help keep Echo free

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

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58

Yuma PRIDE

10

Nicholas Yale, Brokers Hub Realty

3

Shawn Hertzog, West USA

3

Tricia Amato, HomeSmart

3

FAMILY SERVICES Voices for Casa Children

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT / RETAIL Flex Spas Phoenix The Chute

63

FINANCIAL SERVICES

65

JW Advisors Inc.

49

RELIGIOUS GROUPS 58

GALLERIES

APARTMENTS Broadstone Osborn

16

Exposed Studio & Gallery

43

East and West Apartments

58

of course it’s ORANGE

51

HOME SERVICES

ASSISTED LIVING Bridgewater Assisted Living

55

ATTORNEYS

AZ Perfect Comfort

55

Brian’s Bzzy Buns

58

Rainbow Bug

58

Jackson White-Attorneys At Law

19

Tilton Electric

59

Phillips Law Group

5

Valdez Refrigeration

59

INSURANCE

AUTO SERVICES Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair

11

Community Church of Hope

58

RESTAURANTS China Chili

41

Denny’s

41

Hula’s Modern Tiki

41

Mother Road Brewing Co.

68

Whyld Ass Restaurant

41

RETAIL Off Chute Too

Benefits Arizona

47

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Edward Vasquez, Allstate

3

Calvin Goetz, Strategy Financial Group

64

3

BARS & CLUBS Bunkhouse

61

MARKETING

Charlie’s Phoenix

9

GPGLCC

Stacy’s @ Melrose

45, 60, 61

DENTISTS

SALONS 33

MORTGAGES

16

My Dentist

47

Open Wide Dental

4

EDUCATION Maricopa County Community College District

55

EVENTS

Independent Mortgage Corp.

59

TITLE AGENCIES

Jeremy Schachter, Fairway

Encanto Family Dental Care

Salon 24

3

DHI Title Agency of Arizona Inc.

58

WELLNESS

PHARMACIES CVS specialty Pharmacy

47

Fairmont Pharmacy

53

REALTORS

Anytime Fitness

51

FitPro, LLC

58

HIV Hooray

43

Arizona Gay Realtors Alliance

3

Kneads Therapy Massage

58

Berney Streed, Re/Max Excalibur

58

Ripple PHX

19

Musical Instrument Museum

15

Bobbi Ryals, HomeSmart

3

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

13

Phoenix Mercury

17

Bradley B. Brauer, HomeSmart

3

Phoenix Pride Inc.

65

David Oesterle, ReMax

3

Terros - Turning the Tide

53

Fred Delgado Team, Keller Williams

3

Phoenix Theatre Company

TERROS Health - Safe Out LGBTQ Youth

After Hours

22

Matthew Hoedt, Realty One

3

Coalition

49

Scorpius Dance Theatre

22

Melinda Murphy, Lifestyle Partners

49

Willo Medi Spa

59

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