ION Arizona #240

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December 2019 ION APP: GAY BARS & CLUBS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► SAZERAC

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APP | SOCIAL | VIDEO | MAGAZINE Locally Owned and Operated!

17 W. Vernon Ave., Suite 3 Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-750-1164 (no solicitors) www.IONAZ.com ionarizona@me.com PUBLISHER / APP DEVELOPER / SALES Jack M. Tesorero ...................... jacktesorero@me.com EDITOR / EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Deon Brown ............................... ionazeditor@me.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR / MODEL SUBMISSIONS Alex Campos ...................... ionazproduction@me.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 PHOTOGRAPHERS: LeakedGlass Production Rafalogie Studio RSVP Photography Fernando Hernandez CONTRIBUTORS: WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile

DISTRIBUTION: Paul Sanchez Danny Silvani Published monthly by

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All rights reserved

All original artwork and photography for ION Arizona Magazine remain property of JMT Designs, Inc, and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.

NOTE: The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ION Arizona, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ION Arizona is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. To our knowledge, all people photographed and published in ION Arizona are over the age of 18. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove it from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos, and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ION Arizona is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.

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Eye on Melrose District Welcome to the Midtown Gay District

Fenders and Friends’ Weiners & Wheels at Short Leash in Melrose

S

an Francisco has Castro. LA has West Hollywood. New York has West Village. Chicago has Boys Town. Ft. Lauderdale has Wilton Manors. Long Island has Fire Island. And now, Phoenix has Melrose.

ION JUST JACK

Since I started ION Arizona over 20 years ago, the LGBTQ community has grown, thanks to the hard work of many unsung heroes and visionaries who worked for years, opened gay retail shops, bars, clubs, non-profit agencies, and the Pride festivals throughout the state.

Today we have huge galas, festivals and events. Coming up we have the popular AGRA Rodeo, Aunt Rita’s AIDS Walk, L’DRE/BJ Events The Festival Xperience, Sunday on Central, Willo Home Tour, Pride Run Phoenix, Gay Day at Renaissance Festival and more all working together to make a better community.

Mission accomplished? Not yet. Like me, we are a work in progress. But unlike watching grass grow or water boil, you can see our growth and success before your eyes. And it’s exciting to be a part of it!

Nothing better represents this than the growth of the Melrose District, the centralized area in midtown that has bars, restaurants, retail, dog friendly businesses and more—many of them are gay owned and operated, and others are gay-friendly. A place you can walk down the street holding hands. Cross 7th Avenue more safely using the rainbow crosswalk funded by Phoenix Pride. Where else can you can meet that love of your life—or that love for tonight?

ION will have a booth showing off the ION Aztek and give away FREE ION swag.

Enjoy this issue, enjoy all of the upcoming events in and out of Melrose, and enjoy your community!

Jack M. Tesorero Community Builder

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PHX ATTRACTIONS

The Festival Experience BS West, L’Dre Productions, and BJ Events team up for an entire weekend of music, dancing, parties, and some really wild west fun you won’t forget. Saturday: FesTEAval Dance at Kobalt + Cowboy Fantasy Party (secret location to be revealed) • Sunday: DJ Pride Fest at BS West (See ad on p. 12 & 13) Saturday & Sunday, February 19-20

Chester’s Classic Car Show

ION EVENTS

You can’t miss these dazzling steel beauties presented by Fenders & Friends, a Valley LGBT car club. Classic and custom cars, trucks, hot rods charnessing millions of horse power in their engines will be on display at the Melrose Street Fair. Want to register your whip? Go to MelroseMerchantsAssociation.com for details.

Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Desert Overture Concert Phoenix’s premier LGBT & Ally Wind Symphony presents “One Small Step: a celebration of flight, space exploration and the grandeur of the cosmos.”

(Whew! Almost ran out of wind saying that!) Take your rocket ship to Tempe Center of the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. Get tix at DesertOverture.org Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m.

Pride Run Phoenix On your mark, get set, GO! This half-marathon/10K, 5K and Walk is a Pride Run series event for any level athlete. It’s happening at 7th Avenue and Turney Avenue with vendors and more behind Stacy’s @ Melrose. #IDEA - Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Acceptance. For more information and registration visit PrideRunPhoenix.com Saturday, March 19 28

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IONARIZONAION December 2020 FOR BUSINESS ► HAIR SALONS ► ADRIAN BYRD APP: OPEN

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Photography by: LeakedGlass Model: Zachary Giles Text by: Deon Brown

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Melrose Mania

This swervy accidental curve on 7th Avenue happened back in the 1950s because of a cockeyed engineering error in road making. Now it’s smack in the middle of the gayborhood and a fruit-loopy LGBTQ landmark. ION created a quick guide for just some of our favorite LGBTQ owned/ operated and friendly businesses along the avenue just in time for the Melrose Street Fair but they’re all open year ‘round. Spend your pink dollars where they’re appreciated.

Off Chute Too Take a walk on the wild side! Sexy underwear, harnesses, c-rings, personal lubricants, “video head cleaner,” (wink, wink!) personal pleasure merch, plus trendy clothes, booty shorts, swimwear, and the list goes on!

4111 N. 7th Ave.

CULT Hair Studio Some the coolest coiffures in Phoenix come from CULT. Get your noggin’ lookin’ chic & sophisticated. They also have an aesthetician and art gallery.

4115 N. 7th Ave.

The Rock For over ten years this cozy drink-a-teria with some of the friendliest bartenders in town (btw, we love Morgan!) has hosted karaoke, darts, and features a showroom with dazzling drag shows on Friday & Saturday nights.

4129 N. 7th Ave.

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Copper Star Coffee If you’re looking for a cuppa joe, or gourmet tea, plus handmade bagels, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, desserts, this is the place. Did we mention the bomb staff? They pour your jitter juice with love … and cream or sugar.

4220 N. 7th Ave.

Short Leash Hot Dogs & Rollover Doughnuts

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“Makes me want a hog dog real bad!” These gourmet dogs offer a unique twist on an old favorite.

Plus, brioche doughnuts from scratch, coffee, 80+ craft beers, whisky, and great people!

4221 N. 7th Ave.

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Exposed Studio & Gallery This fun, one-of-akind art, jewelry, and photography gallery features thoughtfully curated creations from emerging and local artists by Gregg Eddleman.

A First Friday “must.”

4225 N. 7th Ave.

Boycott Don’t let the name fool you; dudes are just as welcome as anybody else in this neighborhood bar traditionally aimed at the dames.

Shake your groove thang on the dance floor and have some of awesome housemade pizza.

4301 N. 7th Ave. FEB / MAR 2022

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Stacy’s @ Melrose 7th Avenue’s most fashionable watering hole. “The Queer Agenda” happens every Tuesday night, and you can’t miss “Opulence” on Saturday nights, plus “Legends of Tomorrow” the first Sunday of the month.

4347 N. 7th Ave.

Melrose Pharmacy This independently operated pharmacy is considered one of the top 3 in Phoenix. The friendly, knowledgable staff is informative, stocked with HIV medications and PrEP therapy, too.

706 W. Montecito Ave.

The Thunderbird Lounge Feelin’ groovy? It’s a far out time machine in this orange & brown 70s themed cocktail lounge with free arcade games, a vintage jukebox, and a chill outdoor patio. The best part of all: everyone’s welcome!

710 W. Montecito Ave. FEB / MAR 2022

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Pat O’s Bunkhouse The coziest saloon in town where “hospitality” is their trademark. So is “fun.”

Enjoy darts, pool, drink special, plus the Kenny Thames Trio performs on Sundays.

It’s “Bear Friendly.” It’s “everyone friendly”!

4428 N. 7th Ave.

Michael Todd’s Treasures Looking for knick-knacks, retro, shabby chic, glassware, funky artwork, and everything you forgot you needed? It’s probably here at Michael Todd’s, a favorite Valley brocanteur par excellence.

4701 N. 7th Ave.

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Majestic Earth If you’re looking for quartz crystal balls, Himalayan salt lamps, beaded bracelets, fossils, Tibetan singing bowls, plus jewelry, gems and minerals from Mother Earth, you’ll really “dig” it, here.

4702 N. 7th Ave.

The Highland Proprietor R.J. Merrill’s unique boutique houses “A Small Collection of Unique Things.” Quirky, classy, vintage collectibles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, plus MCM barware, eye-catching accent pieces, and more. Stop in and say, “Hi!” 4702 N. 7th Ave. FEB / MAR 2022

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Charlie’s This venerable lil’ bitty ol’ pissant country place ain’t so li’ bitty anymore. Chuck’s sits on the north shoulder of the Melrose district. Hey, who hasn’t taken a spin on the dance floor here?

737 W. Camelback Rd.

From the Rooftop Sunday Funday (W)

Sazarac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

BS West DJ Pride Fest

Charlie’s Karaoke (W)

BS West Drag Bingo (W)

Corona Ranch AGRA Rodeo Weekend

Renaissance Festival Renaissance Fest Grounds

Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

BS West T Girl Revue (W)

Tempe Center for the Arts Desert Overture Concert

Charlie’s Karaoke (W)

BS West Drag Bingo (W)

Sazarac Sunday Funday (W)

Sazarac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Tempe Center for the Arts Phoenix Pride Pageant

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Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

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BS West Weekend Wednesday (W)

Sazarac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Charlie’s Annual Mini Rodeo

BS West Fuego (W)

Corona Ranch AGRA Rodeo Weekend

Corona Ranch AGRA Rodeo Weekend

Corona Ranch AGRA Rodeo Weekend

BJ Events The Wilde West Fest

Charlie’s Jack Daniel Release Party

Charlie’s Drag Show (W)

BS West Elements (W)

Melrose District Melrose Street Fair

Charlie’s Pipers’ Play Land

BS West Weekend Wednesday (W)

Charlie’s Drag Show (W)

Celebrity Theater Tig Notaro

Sazarac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Sazarac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Charlie’s The Boys & The Booze (W)

Charlie’s Drag Show (W)

Sazarac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saint Pat O’s Buffet

BS West Elements (W)

Charlie’s Brides of March Kickoff Melrose District Pride Run Phoenix

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Happy Hour Drink Specials 10:30am -6pm

Hula’s

Happy Hour Drink Specials 10am-6pm

HYDRATION

D R I N FRIDAY K & E V ESATURDAY N T G U I D E SUNDAY

PHOENIX BS West Bunkhouse

Charlie’s PHX Centrico From the Rooftop

Let it Roll Bowl Sazerac Thunderbird Lng Wok’N’Roll PHX

Elements After Dark 10:30p

DJ Dance Party 10p $8 U-Call-It 8p-Mid

KARAOKE 9p $6 Deep Eddy Vodka

$3 Miller Products 8p-Cl

2-4-1 8a-2p Well & Dom HH 2p-8pm $3 Bud Products 8p-Cl

Dart Tournament 12p JAZZ 7:30p $1 Bud Light HH ALL DAY

$1 HH 6p-8p Piper M’Shay 8:30p Sinful Studs 9:30p

$1 HH 6p-8p Line Dancing 6p Saturday Stars 9:30p

Sinful Studs 5:30p Pussy LeHoot & Friends 8:30p

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-Mid Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-Mid Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 10am-2pm Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 4p-12p DJ 6pm-Mid

#brunchbeats 10a-3p DJ/Live Music 11am-1a

#brunchbeats / $5 Drinks 10a-3p DJ 11am-6p

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat Rock n Cosmic Bowl 5p

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat Rock n Cosmic Bowl 5p

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat

HH 4pm-8pm House DJ 9p- Cl

HH 4pm-8pm House DJ 9p- Cl

Sunday Funday Drink Specials ALL DAY

Open 4pm- 2am HH 4pm-7pm DRAG every First Friday w/ Pandora

Open 4pm- 2am FREE Classic Video Games

Open 4pm- 2am FREE Classic Video Games

Chinese, Sushi & Rock n Roll

DRAG BINGO 8p-10p KARAOKE 10p-Cl

Chinese, Sushi & Rock n Roll

ION APP: RESTAURANTS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► THUNDERBIRD LOUNGE

ION APP: RESTAURANTS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► CENTRICO 42

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Mysterdy Mondays $5 Mystery Cocktail/Shot

MONDAY

2 N’ 2 2 apps & 2 cocktails $25

TUESDAY

All Night Happy Hour Regular Happy Hour all Night

WEDNESDAY

Text “Hulas” to 90210 after 6pm

THURSDAY

Trivia Night 9p HH $3 off U-Call-It 4p-8p

DRAG BINGO 9p HH $3 off U-Call-It 4p-8p

2-4-1 ALL DAY Weekend Wednesday 10:30p

Fuego Latin Night 10:30p

2-4-1 8a-2p Well & Dom HH 2p-8pm

2-4-1 8a-2p Well & Dom HH 2p-8pm

2-4-1 8am-2pm HH 2pm-8pm $5 Long Island 8p-Cl

2-4-1 8am-2pm HH 2pm-8pm $1 off w/ Pants off or Gear 8p-Cl

$3 Dom Pitchers $4 Limeade Cocktails KARAOKE 8p

2-4-1 ALL DAY DRAG BINGO 8p Sinful Studs 10:30p

$3 Corona Bottles $4 Pitchers Claudia & Co. 8:30p

2-4-1 ALL DAY Line Dancing 6p Pipin’ Hot w/ Piper M’Shay 8:30p

CLOSED

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm Located inside San Carlos Hotel

Open 4p-10p HH 5p-7p

Open 4p-10p HH 5p-7p

Open 4p-10p HH 5p-7p / Live Music

Open 4p-10p HH 5p-7p / Live Music

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Repeat

HH 4pm-8pm KARAOKE 8p

HH 4pm-8pm Taco Tuesday / House DJ

HH 4pm-8pm Whiskey Flights & Cigars

HH 4pm-8pm Retro Dance

Open 4pm- 2am HH 4pm-7pm FREE Classic Video Games

Open 4pm- 2am HH 4pm-7pm FREE Classic Video Games

Open 4pm- 2am HH 4pm-7pm FREE Classic Video Games

Open 4pm- 2am HH 4pm-7pm FREE Classic Video Games

SIN Service Industry Night $4 Drink Specials

Chinese, Sushi & Rock n Roll

Chinese, Sushi & Rock n Roll

Chinese, Sushi & Rock n Roll

ION APP: TRAVEL & LEISURE ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► CAMBRIA HOTEL FEB / MAR 2022

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The

AZ Black Gay O

ver a year ago, while the pandemic was still raging, nearly everybody’s lives were on hold, or in the balance.

The population of metropolitan Phoenix is almost 5 million. Only 7.2 percent (about 123,000) of the population of the city of Phoenix is Black. When you whittle that down to males, and then pare that down gay men, you realize that it’s smaller. This is no small challenge when you’re carving space for yourself, and creating room for your identities as Black gay men in the fifth largest metropolitan city in the United States.

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Men

L-R: Michael Sheppard, Shannon West, Chris Reese, Dapper Dee

By Deon Brown P h o t o g r a p hy b y LeakedGlass

Last year one group of friends filmed a rap session called “The AZ Black Gay Men” which they posted on YouTube. They talked about different issues affecting them a Black gay men, and as gay men in general.

Recognizing Black History Month, ION had a round table and photoshoot with Michael Sheppard, 31, Lead HIV/AIDS Medical Case Manager at the SW Center for HIV/AIDS Manager,moved here from South Carolina. “Dapper Dee,” 33, originally hails from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Shannon West, 39, is a fitness instructor and nutritionalist from Kansas City, Missouri. Chris Reese, 36, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is in Medical Sales. Together they created a support system. They shared their unique viewpoints from their inaugural chat fest on YouTube and some of their experiences as Black gay men who chose to make their home in Phoenix. Lively, interesting, and entertaining, ION wanted to share their voices.

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M

ichael Sheppard:

“The pandemic made us even closer.

Some Black men put a fence around themselves and it becomes a competition. Everyone has established their own voice and own experience, especially for me being brought up as a church boy, I felt like I was leading a double-life. I learned about being gay from watching Noah’s Ark—it was my guidebook. My fear was turning into one of the guys from In Living Color, like Antoine Merriweather and Blaine Edwards’ ‘Men On Film’ characters.”

S D C

hannon West:

“I came from a place where ‘being you’ was something you kept on the inside. I didn’t want to lead a secret life. Moving here to Phoenix, I just opened up. I love the gay scene here! I love these people! I can imagine my life without them. We see that light in each other. We’re honest to a fault. To be gay you need to be able to express yourself. It may be trash, it may be truth.”

apper Dee:

“Living in Phoenix made me grow up. I was trying to forget about myself, but here, I found a whole new personality. Gay men have a different act, bitch! You ain’t half as bad as you think you are. Here, I don’t give a fuck! I’ve opened up a lot more; all that self-sabotage I was doing wasn’t healthy.”

hris Reese:

“Like anywhere in the United States, you can tell who has an issue. Here, it’s all very comfortable. It was all very welcoming.

I thought, ‘I like this vibe!’ Phoenix has taught me not to care because I can be myself. I never allowed myself to be free before.

Here, I’m just Chris; I’m just tryin’ to live my life.”

This band of brothers expect to make more discussion videos to post on YouTube this year. Search for “The AZ Black Gay Men.” INSTAGRAM Michael Sheppard: @MJS09 Shannon West: @MyStar0210 Dapper Dee: @TheDapperDee Chris Reese: @DoIt4The_Likes 46

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ION APP: ENTERTAINMENT ► OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ► LET IT ROLL BOWLING

ION APP: TRANSPORATION ► DEALERS ► BILL LUKE CHRYSLER / DODGE / JEEP / RAM 48

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RuPaul’s Drag Race vs.

The World Nine queens from the around part of the world will compete across the pond with the UK being the debut host nation for the first edition of the ever expanding RPDR franchise. The theme is “Glamazon Warrior” (surely soon to be available on iTunes as a RuPaul song). It might take some tech savvy to stream the new relaunched BBC3 channel.

February 1

ION STREAMING

Joe vs. Carole Cat scratch fever! Based on the Wondery podcast “Joe Exotic,” this limited series focuses on big cat enthusiasts Carole Baskin and Joe “Exotic” Schreibvogel. That’s when the claws come out. Not sure if we really need a re-telling of Netflix’s hit doc series Tiger King, but “out” stars Kate McKinnon (SNL) as Baskin and John Cameron Mitchell (Hedda & the Angry Inch) as Exotic should make it loony fun.

March 3

Single Drunk Female LGBTQ director and executive producer Leslye Headland (Russian Doll) unveils a series chronicling the experiences of Samantha Fink (Sofia BlackD’Elia), a 20-something with alcoholism. Olivia (Rebecca Henderson) is a melancholic lesbian who greets Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor. Trans actress Jojo Brown stars as Mindy, Samantha’s AA mentor. Some of you might learn something from this touching comedy.

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DINING OUT ► PHX / SCOTTS ► MI PATIO FEB / MAR 2022

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December 2019 ION APP: GAY BARS & CLUBS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► SAZERAC SEPT/OCT 2021

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ION APP: ENTERTAINMENT ► OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ► LET IT ROLL BOWLING

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December 2019 ION APP: GAY BARS & CLUBS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► BS WEST SEPT/OCT 2021

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AZ LIVING ► REALTORS ► LANCE RAMPY 60

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By: Deon Brown

Comedian Tig Notaro brings “Hello Again” tour to Phoenix T

here’s not much in the entertainment arena that Emmy & Grammy nominated stand-up comedian Tig Notaro hasn’t tackled. One Mississippi (two seasons on Amazon Prime, 2015), comedy special Boyish Girl Interrupted (HBO, 2015), her book I’m Just A Person (2016), and a podcast, “Don’t Ask Tig” are just a few.

For those who don’t know, about 20 years ago Tig endured some overwhelming life experiences: pneumonia, hospitalization with C-diff—a serious intestinal bacteria, her mother’s sudden death two weeks later, and a break up. Two weeks later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a week she talked about all of this on stage in a set considered by her peers to be one of the greatest they’d ever seen. These experiences shaped her comedy and examined in Tig: A Documentary (Netflix, 2015). An observational comedy genius, Tig’s story about Taylor Dayne is practically a legend. It’s on YouTube and in her show, Happy To Be Here (2018) on Netflix. (You have to see it.)

ION caught up with Tig to talk about Tig things. And talk she did.

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ION: What would you be doing if you weren’t doing stand-up/acting/writing/ producing?

Tig: I would be probably be full time podcasting and hanging out with my wife, Stephanie, and my kids, Max and Finn.

ION: In 2021 you wrote and starred in the first ever fully animated stand-up special, Tig Notaro, Drawn. What was that like, not being “live” and expressing yourself physically in front of an audience?

Tig: The audio is from a live audience, so I was technically able to express myself in front of a live audience. It was a fun process to do. I’ve had different jokes and stories of mine animated over the years.

ION: You were in 11 episodes of Star Trek: Discovery (seasons 2-4). Are you a Trekkie?

Tig: When I was a kid my brother and I both loved the original series and we had all the action figures and all that stuff, but I haven’t followed it over of the years. It’s certainly still exciting to be a part of.

ION: Would like living in outer space?

Tig: I don’t know if it’s for me. I’m hoping I don’t find out. I’m currently on an island outside of Washington State and I would choose this over outer space.

ION: You starred in 2021 zombie heist film Army of the Dead, (now streaming on Netflix) replacing stand-up comedian Chris D’Elia. All of your scenes were shot during the current pandemic in 14 days using green screen. What was that like?

Photo courtesy HBO

Tig: I don’t really identify with being an actor in the first place. So I don’t take myself too seriously in that world. So I think I just went into it with the idea and feeling of, “Well, this is going to be an interesting, new, weird experience.” And I’m always up for some degree of that. Director Zack Snyder was pitching the movie and character and situation to me, and I just really adored him right away, and thought, “Oh, I bet it’ll be okay. I bet it’ll be fun!” We left that production as total pals. He made it very easy for me and fun. It was a very scaled down crew. It was wild. I mean, I had certainly only done a minimal amount of action on Star Trek. So this was a whole new world. And then to do it by myself was felt crazy at times, but it was fun.

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ION: You say you don’t really identify with being an actor that world, yet more and more it seems like you’re being pulled into it. Last fall you filmed the movie Your Place or Mine? (soon to be streaming on Netflix) Is it finished?

Tig: Yep. The director, Aline Brosh McKenna, is so thrilled and excited. She wrote The Devil Wears Prada and she also was a co-creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and she’s just a really talented, cool lady. I’m excited; I’ve known Reese Witherspoon for a few years and I’ve always had so much fun whenever I hang out with her, but I had never met Ashton Kutcher and he was a real surprise. I didn’t expect I would leave the set digging him so much. Not that I thought I wouldn’t like him, but I just I really, really enjoyed doing scenes with him.

ION: You once said you feel really comfortable when awkwardness follows you on stage. (2013, NPR, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me) Tig: Yeah. I like the things to run smoothly for the most part, but when there’s a mishap in life or on stage I feel like I can work with it. It kind of keeps things exciting and makes me feel alive. As much as comedy is a kind of mystery and unknown, it can be a little predictable at times—especially if you have a show that you’re doing over and over. So when I walk on stage and there’s something a little off or something, I feel like I work well in that.

ION: What makes you laugh?

Tig: I hate to be a total cornball, but my wife makes me laugh harder than anybody. And so do my children. I always tell people that I live in a house full of writers because they pretty much just live their lives and then that writes to my material for me.

ION: That helps, and you don’t have to pay them.

Tig: Right. Well, but you know, they get some kickback.

Find out more about everything Tig at TigNation.com Don’t miss Tig’s show, “Hello Again,” where she’ll be talking about, “Just general nonsense all whirled together.”

March 5, at 7 p.m. • Celebrity Theater • 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix Tickets available at CelebrityTheater.com 64

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Photo courtesy HBO

ENTERTAINMENT ► THEATRES ► CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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Singin’ In The Rain It’s 1927 and Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the toast of Tinseltown – until “talkies” arrive. This fun-filled musical rom-com is based on the 1954 MGM classic, but without Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds because, well, they’re dead. Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave. at McDowell Rd. Tix: 602-254-2151 or go to PhoenixTheatre.com February 2-April 3

Sedona International Film Festival The 28th annual Sedona International Film Festival returns with an all-live event bringing people back to see films on the big screen. Enjoy features, shorts, documentaries, international films and more!

That’s nine days of more than 170 films. For more information and passes visit SedonaFilmFestival.com

ION ARTS

February 19-27

The Heard Museum Artist George Catlin (1796-1872) traveled the West creating a pictorial history of the region’s Indigenous peoples and their cultures with portraits of peoples from nearly 40 tribes. The exhibition “George Catlin on Indigenous Land” features 25 hand-colored lithographic plates. The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. at Encanto Blvd. Find out more at Heard.org Through April 24 70

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73 IONARIZONA December 2020 ► ALTERATIONS ► THE FIT ALTERATIONS APP: OPEN FOR BUSINESS ION APP: ION RESOURCES ► HEALTH ► TERROS

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NAVIGATION Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT!

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

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Friendly bars, clubs & restaurants: RECOMMENDED

PHOENIX METRO

WEBSITE

ADDRESS

PHONE

1. Anvil

anvilbaraz.com

2424 E. Thomas Rd.

(602) 334-1462

2. Bar 1

bar1bar.com

3702 N. 16th St.

(602) 266-9001

3. Bliss/ReBar

blissrebar.com

901 N. 4th St.

(602) 795-1792

4. Boycott Bar

boycottbarphx.com

4301 N 7th Ave.

(602) 515-3667

5. BS West

bswest.com

7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale (480) 945-9028

6. Bunkhouse

bunkhousesaloonphx 4428 N 7th Ave.

(602) 200-9154

7. The Cash

cashnightclub.com

1730 E McDowell Rd.

(602) 253-0689

8. Charlie’s

charliesphoenix.com

727 W. Camelback Rd.

(602) 265-0224

9. Cruisn’ 7th

cruisin7th.com

3702 N. 7th St.

(602) 212-9888

10. Dick’s Cabaret

dickscabaret.com

3432 E. Illini Rd.

(602) 274-DICK

11. FEZ

fezoncentral.com

105 W. Portland St

(602) 287-8700

12. Flex Spas

flexspas.com

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy.

(602) 271-9011

13. Hula’s

hulasmoderntiki.com

5114 N 7th St

(602) 265-8454

14. Industry Bar

industryphx.com

607 W Osborn Rd.

(602) 274-1456

15. Karamba

karambanightclub.com 1724 E. McDowell Rd.

(602) 254-0231

16. King Pin Bar/Rest

kingpingrill.com

(602) 795-6007

17 Kobalt

kobaltbarphoenix.com Park Central Mall

(602) 264-5307

18. Mi Patio

mipatioaz.com

3347 N 7th Ave.

(602) 277-4831

19. NuTowne Saloon

nutownebar.com

5002 E Van Buren St.

(602) 267-9959

20. OZ Bar

ozbarphx.com

1804 W. Bethany Home Rd. (602) 242-5114

21. Plazma

8925 N 12th St.

1560 E Osborn Rd.

(602) 266-0477

22. Rewined Bar

rewinedphx.square

3308 N 24th St.

(602) 429-9660

23. The Rock

therockdmphoenix

4129 N 7th Ave

(602) 248-8559

24. Sazerac

sazeracphoenix.com

821 N 2nd St.

(602) 334-1626

25. Stacy’s @ Melrose

stacysatmelrose.com

4343 N 7th Ave.

(602) 264-1700

26. Thunderbird Lnge

thunderbirdloungephx 710 W Montecito Ave.

(602) 283-4621

27. Wok n Roll - Phx

woknrollaz.com

2801 N Central Ave.

(602) 230-2960

28. Wok n Roll - Scott

woknrollaz.com

4412 N Miller Rd.

(480) 427-2526

FEB / MAR 2022

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s s d d A A y P AAPPPy

GAY BARS & CLUBS (All)

Centrico (Modern Mexican) Hula’s Modern Tiki Oven & Vine Mary Coyle’s Ice Cream Screaming Banshee (Bisbee)

Anvil Bar 1 Bliss/ReBar Boycott Bar BS West Bunkhouse The Cash Charlie’s Cruisn’ 7th Dick’s Cabaret FEZ Flex Spas Industry Bar Karamba Kobalt NuTowne Saloon OZ Bar Plazma The Rock Stacy’s @ Melrose

ENTERTAINMENT

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LIVING

12-13, 22 27 9, 40-41

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GAY-FRIENDLY BARS

Stacy’s @ Dunlap 48 Thunderbird Lounge 42 Rewined Beer & Wine Bar 53 Sazerac 17 & 55 From the Rooftop (Down. Phx) 43

Chandler Center for Arts Celebrity Theatre Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus Canyon Echos Omaggio Youth Chorus Phoenix Women’s Chorus Desperado Film Festival Arizona Broadway Theatre Valley Youth Theatre Arizona Opera Theatre Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theatre Orpheum Theatre Phoenix Theatre AK Chin Pavilion Arizona Federal Theatre Marque Theatre Talking Stick Arena CB Live (Desert Ridge) Rick Branson’s House Comedy Exposed Gallery Let it Roll Bowling Big Surf Waterpark

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DINING OUT TRANSPORTATION

The Melting Pot (Fondue) Mi Patio (Mexican) Wok ‘N Roll (Phoenix) Bliss/ReBar FEZ King Pin Bar & Lounge Breakfast Bitch (Cambria Hotel) Pizza People Pub Tru Burger (Phoenix location)

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Bill Luke Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 38 U Park We Sell (Mesa) 26 Scottsdale Bike Company Community Tire (6 locations) Compu-Tech Automotive Jackson Car Wash Daryl’s Detail on Wheels Fenders and Friends Car Club Cactus 4 Wheelers Lambda Car Club All State Ins. - Edward Vasquez State Farm Ins. Mary Contreras 56

Mattress 360 Key Home Interiors Arizona Matress Overstock Allegiance Water Services Mustang Air Mechanical Studio Art Framing A/C Experts Design Labs Custom Kitchens Oasis Valley Group (Chris Tong) Lance Rampy Realtor Dominick Mangano Realtor AZ Real Estate - John & Jared S & T Plaza The Curve Apts. (Melrose) Pavilions on Central Apts Skyline Lofts Apt. (Downtown) ZaZu Apartment Homes Byrant Commercial Properties Old Republic Title

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Macy’s Biltmore Fashion Park The Fit Alterations 71 Ace of Fades (Adrian Byrd) 29 Cornelis Hollander Jewelers Diamond Jim’s (2 locations) 66 AZ Fun Services Gifts/Costumes Whozitz and Whatzitz Gifts Now or Never R Salon Salon 24 Fast Signs on Central 56 Dance Starz

MEDICAL

Open Wide Dental On Pointe Dental

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CHECK OUT OUR AD IN THIS ISSUE (use page number) OR INSIDE THE ION ARIZONA APP (by catagory) Braces for all Faces Pueblo Family Physicians (2 loc) 4 Family Practice Specialists 71 Spectrum Medical 68 My Shape MedSpa 6-8 Healthcare Solutions - F Saltzburg Horizon Chiropractic Sassy Glasses - Retail frames Thomas Eye Care (in Lenscrafters) Lashes & Lasers Innova Medspa 29 Stonewall Instutute Recovery Clean State Recovery CVS Speacialty 74 Community Walgreens Pharmacy Estetica Cosmetic Surgery

CANNABIS / CBD / VAPE

The Wellness Spot (CBD/Rec) 3 Herbal Wellness Ctr. (medicinal) 3 Butt Out Vape Shop

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Equality Arizona (EQAZ) ANDES - Nude social club 48 FIERCE Friends - Social club BLAEQ - Black LGBTQ Social club

SPORTS & FITNESS

Cactus Cities Softball Varsity Gay Kick-Ball League Phoenix Frontrunners Gay Bowlling Phoenix Phoenix Hellraisers Flag Football G.L.A.D. Dart League Phoenix Storm Rugby Team

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

NEW: 810 Bowl - City Scape 69 From the Rooftop (Down. Phx) 43 Pemberton Palomar Hotel (Downtown) Embassy Suites - Airport Wyndham Garden (Midtown Phx) The Tuxon Hotel (Tucson) Hotel Congress (Dntwn Tucson) Royal Villas - Adult Hotel Let it Roll Bowlling 48 Big Surf Waterpark Luxor Hotel (Las Vegas)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Law offices of John Phebus 14 QuickStart Ignition Interlock 15 Beeb Beeb Driving School 15 All State Insurance - E. Vasquez Health Markets - Amy Powell State Farm Ins. - Mary Contreras Alliance Wealth Management Dave Connell Bookkeeping 53

PETS

Lugari Pet Salon Doggy Daze - Grooming/retail Wag n Wash Smelly Dog Pet Sit AZ

ADULT

Dick’s Cabaret Flex Phoenix Health Spa 79 The Chute Bathhouse The Adult Shoppe (3 locations) 72 Off Chute Too Castle Superstores Hustler Hollywood Paradise Bookstore Zorbas Adult Shoppe New APP Ads added weekly.

Check back often for LGBTQ+ friendly business, organizations and non-profits!

Is your business, organization or non-profit not listed here?

ION Arizona partners recieve:

RESOURCES

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS RipplePHX - HIV Testing/events Aunt Rita’s - HIV Fundraising 58-59 Terros Health 73 Maricopa County Public Health 18 Pima County Public Health SAAF - HIV/AIDS Tucson Phoenix Pride 25 Tucson Pride Flagstaff Pride Bisbee Pride Latino Pride Alliance Equality Chamber of Commerce One Community 850zip.com

• Full color ad in EVERY IONAZ • Full interactive APP page: - Logo banner ad - Slide show - One touch phone dialing - Google Maps directions - Uber and Lyft built into Maps - YouTube videos - Organization discription - Links to website & social media - Hours of operations - Specials offers - Yelp reviews - Update anytime No obligation consultation. Call Jack Tesorero today at 602-750-1164 or email jacktesorero@me.com

Your community in your pants, 24/7!

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ION HOMOSCOPES

t’s time to build momentum! Mercury retrograde ended, with less overthinking and more doing on the horizon. Both Venus and Mars will orbit with a significant meeting on February 16, making every day feel like Valentine’s Day. Pisces season begins on February 18 and urges you to stay on track.

The Sun encourages a self-care regimen, like an enema. ¶ The conjunction of Mars, Venus, Pluto, Mercury, Saturn forms a Capricorn Stellium on February 27 & 28. Expect a brandnew astrological event with Pluto’s return; this happens once every 248 years.

Upheaval! Reassessment! Radical change! No going back! Pluto destroys what no longer serves us, creating a new path forward. This seems overwhelming, but think of it as an opportunity to get rid of crap that’s not good for us.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20 The Sun hooks up with Saturn on February 4 and you learn a lesson in “cooperation.” Just like Sesame Street. It takes patience. Our on your listening ears and listen!

Mix business and pleasure after February 16.

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20 Your little hooves gain traction with Mercury retrograde finished. Look back on the past three weeks; what did you learn? C’mon. Think hard.

Venus and Mars push you into the Adventure Zone after February 16.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 This month it’s all about courage.

Have more courage in yourself and everything you do. Keep it in line with your personality. Why? Because you’re spunky, baby!

CANCER June 22 - July 22 Fortune is on your side and a wish is comes true. It’s like you’re Cinderfella! Don’t forget to thank your Fairy Godperson. Perform “pooja” (a Hindu devotion ritual) to celebrate. Plus, it’s so much fun to say. Say it again ... “Pooja!”

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LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 The cosmic shedding of your skin when the Full Moon rises on February 16 gives you a new chance to reinvent yourself in a celestial makeover. It’s a new you! (On the outside, anyway.)

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22 Stick to your priorities. Mercury starts hanging around Pluto on February 16. You’re afraid of being judged, but you crave the spotlight. Which do you choose? (This is an easy answer.)

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22 Pluto and Mercury like you. Venus conjuncts with Mars urging you to take advantage of what’s in your control.

Get a tattoo that says, “No ragrets.”

Not even one.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23 You’re feeling spiritually enriched.

You’re waiting for an important answer. Jupiter and Uranus brings big surprises. You’ll love them. Everyone knows your name. Just wait and see.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 Mars and Jupiter are 60 degrees apart, putting the “sex” in “sextile.” The Sun shines, birds chirp. This gives you a unique talent and confidence to sniff out a long awaited opportunity.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20 Since Mercury and Pluto are pals this month, you discover confidence and take control. Spoiler alert: it all really comes from within. You are a savage!

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19 Mercury has you searching for answers. The Sun in Leo brings out your creative best. Birthday folks: Uranus and Jupiter bring you upgrades and opportunities. Remember: Uranus is sneaky. Make educated choices.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20 The Sun enters your sign and all of a sudden you’re sensitive, crying with mascara running down your face. Feel your feelings. It’s okay. Fishies with birthdays will find everything coming into focus. Hint: stock up on lube.

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