256 ION Arizona July 2023

The Heat is ION!

ION Arizona Turns 22

2001 STREET TEAM

ION Arizona was born July 1, 2001. Before high speed internet. Before the iPod. Before 9-11 and before social media. A group of young gay guys had an idea to create a new lifestyle publication that features the POSITIVE aspects of our community. The first issue themed, “The Heat is ON” highlighted our extreme heat and sexy men in swimsuits trying to beat it. The heat that is. A lot has changed since then but our mission has remained the same: That Arizona LGBTQ+ community is the place to live, work and play!

We’re always discovering new ways to reach and entertain our very diverse community. It’s not an easy task. Sometimes it feels like herding wild feral cats … on crack. We strive to offer something for everyone. We have a weekly e-mail blast that’s a guide to upcoming events, concerts and live theatre. We added a new feature on every digital magazine version where you simply click on an ad or feature and it will redirect you to more info, company’s website or a direct link to purchase event tickets. It’s another easy way to find out what is going on in our community.

ION has a great relationship with live theatre, promoters and concert venues. Through the years we have been giving away free tickets to concerts and events. This month we have added three more: Randy Rainbow, Kim Petras and the legendary Pat Benatar. All you have to do is e-mail IONArizona@me.com and put “Concert Contest” in the subject line and the event you want to see. Good luck!

In the meantime, stay cool, hydrate and have fun as we brace for the Arizona summer heat. But now, 22 years later, our theme is “The Heat is ION!”

APP | SOCIAL | VIDEO | MAGAZINE

Locally Owned and Operated!

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

Fernando Hernandez

RSVP Photography

CONTRIBUTORS:

WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes

APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile

DISTRIBUTION: Paul Sanchez Danny Silvani

Published monthly by

1995-2023: 28 Years of Design and Creative Excellence

© 2023 JMT Designs, Inc. 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.

ION LIFTOFF PARTY

#IONAZ

PHX ATTRACTIONS

Kobalt Comedy Hour

“Gender was invented by bathroom companies just to sell more bathrooms!” Get your ha-ha’s on! Join weisenheimer Gene Moore and a team of smart alecks who’ll tickle your funny bone! You’ll laugh until the vodka shoots outta your nose! Kobalt, 3110 N. Central Ave. at Park Central in Phoenix.

Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month

#FRAYLIFE Friday Night Lights

Join up with the PHX Fray sports league gang and cheer on the Diamondbacks. Friday, July 7 • Friday, August 11 • Friday, September 15. Makes me want a hot dog real bad! Go to PHXFray.com for details. Search Eventbrite.com for tickets.

Select Fridays; see above

RPDR “Werk the World”

An experiment gone wrong sees Michelle Visage spiraling through time with little hope of getting home. Oh. My. Goddess! What’s she gonna do? Expect fierce looks, fun, frolics – not to mention falsies. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. For tickets go to VossEvents.com

July 14 at 8 p.m.

Maudies at The Wayward Taphouse

Pop your cork at this new, monthly mixer! This friendly, lesbian-operated wine pop-up creates a space for lesbian, queer, non-binary and trans people. This popup offers natural wines, all of which are woman- or queer-made. Info and updates at MaudiesPHX on Instagram. 1028 Grand Ave. in Phoenix

Saturday, July 15 from 7 p.m. to midnight

ION FLAGSTAFF PRIDE

#IONAZ

flagstaffpride

Photography by: LeakedGlass

Swimwear by: Battle Gear

Models: Allante, Michael, Adrian, Bobby, Dom, and Trevor.

Designer Allante, wasn’t thrilled with retail men’s swim, underwear and athletic wear so he created his own custom made line, Battlegear.

“Everything I saw seemed so cookie cutter; I was tired of seeing the same old thing, so I decided, ‘Why not make my own?’ As COVID ended everyone was excited for pool parties. I specifically created my own line; I love to see my friends wearing my designs. Prior to that I designed for myself,” he said. “I don’t want to be wearing the same thing as someone else. I want to have something original,” he enthused.

Two years ago Allante committed to selling. “I have Instagram for Battlegear and people can confirm what style and fabric they want. It typically only takes a week or two.”

For more information and commission go to BattlegearAZ on Instagram

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

BS West 2-4-1 College Night (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Chase Field #FRAYLIFE FNL

Thunderbird Lounge Throwback Party Jam (M)

Charlie’s Foam Party

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Arizona Financial Theatre Werq The World

Wayward Taphouse Maudies

BS West 2-4-1 College Night (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Location TBD PHX Takeover (M)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Charlie’s Its Your Birthday Bitch

Dick’s Cabaret BBQ Blow Out Bash

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Charlie’s Pup Party

BS West 2-4-1 College Night (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Chase Field #FRAYLIFE FNL

Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Thunderbird Lounge Throwback Party Jam (M)

ION BISBEE PRIDE

Photos by: Lionel Ballesteros

ION STREAMING

All Man: The International Male Story

Way before the internet you could order anything from mail order catalogs. This documentary gives a nostalgic look back at the founding of the stylish (and daring) men’s fashion catalog. You might even see someone you know offering commentary among an all-star cast.

Swiping America

Four singles from New York City (pop. 8.5 million and they can’t find one stinking date?) take an eightcity trip across America where they can swipe right or left on pre-selected potential dates. It’s not a competition. No eliminations. No roses. We’re diggin’ the gay data scientist Kris and lesbian entrepreneur Ashleigh.

Glamorous

Meet Marco Mejia, a young, gender non-conforming queer man lands a job working for legendary makeup mogul Madolyn Addison (Kim Cattrell) who gives him a chance to figure out what he wants out of life, and what it really means for him to be queer. Ugly Betty vibes echo here and there.

ALL MAN

You Were Waiting … for George Michael

New doc explores late singer’s private life & personality.

Who was George Michael? The new documentary, The Real George Michael: Portrait of an Artist, details exactly that, told candidly by the people who knew him best – his music manager Simon Napier-Bell, his longtime lover and partner Kenny Goss, and many others. By far the most definitive documentary on George Michael’s life, the documentary film explores the many ups and downs of the artist, considered one of the best-selling musicians of all time with sales of over 120 million records worldwide.

George Michael rose to fame as member of the pop duo Wham! with their first two albums reaching #1 on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, with hit singles including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” Simon Napier-Bell managed their career, helping establish them as a global act and the driving force behind their groundbreaking Beijing concert, the first visit to China by a Western pop music act. Michael’s first solo single, “Careless Whisper” reached number one in over 20 countries with his debut album Faith reaching number one for 12 straight weeks on the Billboard 200. Globally it sold 25 million copies. Michael was the best-selling music artist of 1988, and Faith was awarded Album of the Year at the 1989 Grammy Awards. But with all of his success, Michael fought an internal battle with his identity and public persona. Outside music, he was an active LGBT rights campaigner and HIV/ AIDS charity fundraiser. His personal life, drug use, and legal troubles made headlines when he was arrested for public lewdness in 1998 and arrested for multiple drug-related offenses. In 1996 Michael began a decade long romantic relationship with artist Kenny Goss, and in 1998 he came out publicly as gay for the first time. Michael suffered from substance abuse for many years, but in 2008 had a major comeback tour with the release of Twenty Five to celebrate his 25 years in music. George Michael died at the age of 53 on Christmas in 2016 due to natural causes related to heart and liver disease. Following his death, many charities and individuals spoke about Michael’s generosity and how he donated his time and wealth anonymously. He avoided making headlines for his many acts of kindness, which included volunteering at a homeless shelter, paying for a woman’s fertility treatments, and tipping a waitress thousands of dollars to help her pay for her nursing school debts.

The documentary dives deeper into who George Michael really was – a kind and generous person who ultimately fought many demons while being front and center as one of the most famous musicians of his time – through never before heard anecdotal stories of his closest friends and allies.

The Real George Michael was released on June 25th which would have been George Michael’s 60th birthday, is available on Amazon, Tubi, Roku, Peacock, Plex and Xumo.

ION ARTS

The Drums

After four years with no new music, this alt/indie/ surfer rock band is back! Best of all, sexy, out frontman Jonny Pierce is still making making you swoon with his dreamy, melancholic songs. Find out more about them at TheDrums.com Catch ‘em at The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix. TicketMaster.com or call 1-866-448-7849

Sunday, July 16

Tori Amos: Ocean to Ocean

One of the most successful and influential artists of her generation, Tori Amos is also a social commentator, humanitarian and activist, vocal about feminism, religion, LGBTQ rights and sexuality. Don’t miss her at the Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St. at Center St. in Mesa. Tickets: MesaArtsCenter.com or call 480-644-6500

Wednesday, July 19

John Oliver

The liberal, cheeky Englishman shares his observational humor in this one-man-show is inspired by his typical style of comedy as featured on his weekly HBO show, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” Probably not so funny to Republicans or Trump. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. in Phoenix.

Tix: TicketMaster.com or call 1-866-448-7849

Monday, July 24

Playin’ It Cool

Summer in Phoenix. The mercury’s rising, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors night and day complaining about the bone-melting heat. Anyone can do that. So ION Arizona has picked out a few things to do that you might not have thought about. Some attractions are outdoors, some are indoors with lots of air conditioning. Something for everyone! Hey, you can’t stay home for Netflix and chill all summer. (But the “chill” part sounds nice, for sure.)

“Take A Walk on the Wild Side” at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum After Dark

Don’t miss these spectacular events at the BTA, about an hour east of Phoenix, near Superior. Discover the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal life with your flashlight along the trails discovering the flora and fauna on listed Saturday nights from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. It’s late, so spend the night at Superior’s historic Hotel Magma. You gotta do this!

Air Conditioning Rating: None. Butch it up!

You must pre-register. Go to BTArboretum.org/Events

July 29 - Blooming Nights • Aug 26 - Creepy Crawly Night •

Sept 30 - Attractions of the Night Sky

37615 E. Arboretum Way

Bowling at Let It Roll!

Nobody likes “Dead Wood.” But we all like a “Clean Sheet.” Get your mind outta the gutter! It’s a bowling thing. Put on rented shoes other people have worn and spend a few hours with your besties in a bowling alley knockin’ down the pins, eating pizza and wings, drinking beer, and having fun! Our favorite place? LGBTQ supporter Let It Roll!

Air Conditioning Rating: 10, but you’ll work up a sweat! Let It Roll! 8925 N. 12th St. in Sunnyslope.

“Beautifica 360” at the Arizona Science Center

The brainchild of visionary composer James Hood worked with some of the finest immersive animators on the planet to create a 360 journey through worlds real and imagined. From mind-blowing particle fields to unashamedly euphoric, fantastic environments almost impossible to describe in an immersive journey designed to delight the senses and to leave you with a new appreciation for life. (Wow! That’s what they say!) All in 360º full-dome projection, 3D animated visuals, 7.1 SurroundSound

Suggestion: have an edible before you go for a real gas! Especially because there may be children. You’ll need it.

Air Conditioning Rating: 10+ Get your tickets at Beautifica.Show

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St. at Heritage Square in Phoenix.

Tempe Town Lake

If you can’t make it to the beach, look no further than Tempe Town Lake! Get your watersports on — hey now! Not those kinds of watersports, dirty birdies! We’re talkin’ paddle boats, electric donut boats for up to ten people, pedal boat, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bicycles if you don’t wanna get your hair wet. Wear lots of sunscreen and a fashionable hat.

Air Conditioning Rating: 0. But think of all the Vitamin D you’re getting!

NorthShore Watersport Rentals

555 N. College Ave. Unit 1030 next to the Town Lake Marina. PH: 623-866-3938

Full-service hours: Fri-Sun 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Open 24/7 with self-service.

NorthShoreWatersportRentals.com

Boat Rentals of America

72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe.• PH: 855-690-0794

Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. • Fri-Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Rentals are recommended 24 hours in advance. We’re sure there’ll be plenty available same day. Check their website for summer specials. Visit Boats4Rent.com for more info & reservation forms.

Snakes & Lattes

Calling all gamers! Nerds! Dorks! And all you sexy people who just wants to have fun! Centrally located in Downtown Tempe, this is the largest board game bar and café in the state. In addition to being a full service restaurant, plus a full bar and coffee shop, their passionate game experts can help you find the perfect board game for your group with their library of thousands of playable board games from classics to brand new games, plus a retail corner where you can buy Uno, or Battleship, etc., for home use. Get your buzz on & scream, “Yahtzee!” all night long. Edibles make Monopoly last for a week.

Air Conditioning Rating: 10+ SnakesAndLattes.com • PH: 480-361-6644

20 W. 6th St. in Tempe

Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop & Stardust Pinbar

Next to The Van Buren concert hall you’ll find a little New York style pizza parlor. So? Where’s the “gotcha” part? Don’t tell everyone, but right through the swinging kitchen doors and through the steel cooler door you’ll find a far out speakeasy with a lit-up floor, classic pinball machines lining the walls, and a DJ. Bring your inner pinball wizard! Best of all, they maintain a no-bullshit, anti-homophobia, allinclusive, don’t be a dick policy. Like, trippy-outy, dude! Have an edible – then order pizza … you’ll have the munchies.

Air Conditioning Rating: Totally Awesome

ZiggysPizzaPHX.com • 602-354-3004

401 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix

Wonderspaces

Experience extraordinary art and an everchanging art show featuring immersive, avant-garde, interactive installations located in Scottsdale Fashion Square, conveniently located near the food court, so you can have a Philly Cheese Steak and go shopping, too. Oh, did we mention that the gallery has a full bar? Have a drink because there may be kids. Maybe an edible, too. Definitely.

Air Conditioning Rating: 10+ because it’s Scottsdale.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Monday: 12 noon - 10 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed • Wednesday-Friday 12 noon - 10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fine Print: Purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors must have an ID that matches at least one name on the reservation. No transfers or refunds are allowed. Only tickets purchased directly from Wonderspaces are valid.

Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Rd. For tix and more info visit Arizona.Wonderspaces.com

DRINK & EVENT GUIDE

HAPPENING JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER AT 6:40 P.M. // CHASE FIELD

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Let PHX Fray take you out to an Arizona Diamondbacks ball game on select Fridays this summer.

ION SAZERAC

CLUB PAPI PRESENTS

SATURDAY, 8PM

SATURDAY, 7PM

SUNDAY, 8PM

SUNDAY, 7PM

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER

THE ORIGINAL OG SINGERS FOR MADONNA

NAVIGATION

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

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

ION FABULANCE

The astral climate has all kinds of feels this month. The Cosmos are trying to get us all to think outside the box. July 17: New Moon in Cancer finds you cocooning at home. Well, mostly because it’s we’re all feeling a little emotional. ¶ July 22: Venus going retrograde can confuse our emotional energies, but expect an impact on your hearts. Get clear on what’s important to you. Just don’t be bitchy. We hate it when you’re bitchy. ¶ July 28: Mercury moves into Virgo and helps undo some of the shit Venus Retrograde started.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

Inspiring discussions with others about the future need to take place, but that means it’s Honesty Time with everyone. It could be fabulous, or fall flat on its face. It’s all up to you

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

ION HOMOSCOPES

Treat yourself right. Take bubble baths. Send yourself flowers. Treat yourself. It’s all about you. Well, mostly. So it seems to you. Don’t get all snotty about it; an old friend needs you to listen. You can do that.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

Feeling chatty? That’s because of fiery Mercury. Starting July 11 you become This Month’s Socialite. Everyone wants to be in your Circle of Trust, but watch what you say. Okay. Party on, Twinsies!

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Tackle serious discussions about sticky subjects. We know you’re emotional, so share them. Birthday Crabs! Oh, my! Clutch the pearls! Honey, looks like you are going to live out a sexual fantasy! Have you considered filming it?

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

The Sun, Mercury and Venus highlight your good qualities. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Birthday Cats: Your natural charisma and sex appeal drives everyone wild. Do you have a magic potion?

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

Open up your life to new friends. Frankly, a few of the old ones are a big drain. The stars said it, not me. Expand your network. Your resolve, creativityvb and boundless energy inspires you to take on a tremendous project.

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Spill the tea! Yes or no? You have access to super secret confidential info. Can you keep it to yourself? Or will you be a whistleblower? You’re up for a leadership role, so keep that in mind. Cover your tracks. Shhhh!

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

Seens like a sticky wicket; it’s all about problem solving this month. At work, with friends, and with family where pesky “issues” from the past resurface. Really? After all these years? Practice diplomacy. Follow your intuition.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

The stars hate to bring this filthy subject up: it’s about your money. Money shared, borrowed, or loaned all needs to be accounted for. Take care of finances and doors will open for you. Maybe even to the bank.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

There’s an artistic collaboration destined that spurs your creative juices. Start thinking of ideas. Special insight shared with you reveals someone’s motives and trigger you into making a big decision. It’s all good.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

When you walk through a storm keep your head up high. And don’t be afraid of the dark. You’re battling emotional elements that light a spark. You handle it with aplomb. Dress (or undress) for the occasion. Maybe a just a drop of cologne behind each ear.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

Lots of promising opportunities are on the table. Use your past experience to decide which ones are right for you. Others try to impress you. People admire you. Relish the moment.