ION Arizona #258

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Join the Fray

Arizona’s Most Diverse Sports League

It never ceases to amaze me how many great sports leagues and teams we have in Arizona and they’re growing all the time. From someone what has no athletic ability (I tried, I really did!), these teams impress me in their abilities, skill, and camaraderie. Plus, they’re a great way to meet new friends and make memories. I’ll be joining from the sidelines.

ION partnered with PHX Fray to announce their many open fall leagues as they take over the Valley. You can play volleyball, pickleball, kickball, softball, skeeball, and cornhole and bingo at Boycott. Check out the cover feature on page 30!

We’re excited about our exclusive interview with rugby legend and humanitarian Ben Cohen who discusses his allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and acting debut. And don’t miss our feature interview with Cirque du Soleil acrobat Victor Huusko from Finland who talks about circus life from the trapeze.

Now that it’s cooling town (is it?) fall is almost here. We’re looking forward to events like the return of Latino Pride Festival, brunch at Walter Studios, weekend parties like Mineshaft in Bisbee, concerts including the legendary rocker Pat Benatar, the musical “Lady Day” at Phoenix Theatre Company and, of course, Phoenix Pride weekend in October to name just a few. These and many more are all in this issue.

That’s it for me. Be safe, make good decisions, take care of yourself, join PHX Fray, play safe, get tested and, most importantly, have fun!

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ION SAZERAC

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ION DANCING FOR ONE.N.TEN

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PHX ATTRACTIONS

Latino Pride Festival

¡Hola, amigos! Get your “Biddy Biddy Bom Bom” on, because it’s The Latino Pride Festival is back! This is the largest gathering of Latino LGBTQ+ in Arizona. It’s fiesta time! Heritage Square, 113 N. 6th St. at Monroe St. in downtown Phoenix. Tickets available at EventBrite.com

Saturday, September 16

Brunch at Walter Studios

Cock-a-doodle doo! Wake up, sleepy heads! Brunch favorites - including vegan options - more are all waiting for you bright ’n’ early every weekend morning! 747 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Phoenix. See all the mouthwatering vittles at WalterStudios.com (They even have lunch and dinner, too!) See ad on p. 6 Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Red is the Night

Ooh la la! Gay Paris! 1900! The Moulin Rouge is the theme for this year’s fundraising gala benefiting Aunt Rita’s Foundation featuring burlesque and cabaret performances … plus, Clayton McKee is your host! Magnifique! 215 E. Grant St. in Phoenix Get your tickets at RedIsTheNight.org See ad on p. 11

Saturday, September 30

Mineshaft Weekend in Bisbee

Imagine yourself exploring a deep, dark, moist, bottomless pit. Then imagine yourself in a mine. For more info and tickets go to MineshaftWeekend.com. Don’t forget your pickaxe. See ad on p. 77

September 21-25

ION EVENTS
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Ben Cohen Wins Bonus Points

Rugby legend, ally, and humanitarian discusses creating a legacy for the LGBTQ+ community

Ben Cohen, rugby winger, played for the Northampton Saints, Brive, Sale Sharks, winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the 10th-highest point scorer in England’s rugby history.

In 2011, he launched the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation to combat homophobia and the bullying of children who might be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It’s also the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying and funding those doing real-world work to stop it. Realizing he was in a unique position as a straight man with a large LGBT following, he took a vocal stand lending his support to bridge the sexuality gap.

“It was something that I’m very passionate about,” Cohen said. “That whole being an LGBTQ+ ally and where it’s come from when I started, and how important it is to be an ally, what an ally looks like, and how we break down stereotypes, using straight allies like myself and a world champion sportsman to boot, to really start a conversation and have an understanding about differences.” Ben’s beefcake-y annual calendar with proceeds benefiting his foundation is a scrummy addition to any wall.

Now 44-years-old Cohen retired in 2011. He was honored to be declared a member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a royal order recognizing chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service for the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact, outstanding as an example to others. Cohen is also clinically deaf, with over 30 percent hearing loss in each ear. Among his astonishing accomplishments, he also extends his humanitarian efforts to make rugby more accessible to the hard of hearing, especially young deaf players.

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In June 2018, Ben Cohen was honored as one of the initial inductees to the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago, Illinois. Cohen wants to be remembered for creating an accepting environment for all athletes.

What’s next? Cohen made his acting debut in episode 2 of Patterns, a British anthology series exploring the lives of LGBTQ+ people, their allies, and their lives. a teenager with an active fantasy life and a questionable obsession for his favorite athlete: personal superhero who helps lead him out of his inner turmoil. Ben Cohen gave ION Arizona his allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and his acting debut in Patterns

ION: You’ve been an ally for the LGBTQ community for a long time, especially when a lot of professional sports leagues weren’t so tolerant. Was that a difficult stand for you to take publicly and professionally?

Ben: Not really. When you see something that you believe in deeply and you know it’s right, you act accordingly. I never received any pushback professionally for my allyship; in fact, I only received support from the rugby world. It was quite a pleasant surprise.

ION: You’re a world famous sportsman and you’ve discussed the importance of leaving a legacy. It could’ve been anything! How did creating an accepting environment for LGBTQ people become your passion and your cause?

Cohen appears in Patterns

My father was killed defending another man from bullies. LGBTQ people are especially targeted by bullies—particularly in schools. These two factors made it a natural fit for me to create the foundation. It became something that I passionately care about because it affected me so personally and I saw the devastating impact it can have on people and their families, so I thought I really needed to try to do something about it.

ION: You’ve recently made your acting debut in the series Patterns starring as yourself, helping a gay teen experiencing turmoil. How was your experience in front of a movie camera as an actor? Was it challenging?

I had also wanted to give acting a try. When the director, Rex Glensy, who is a personal friend of mine, offered me the role I jumped at it because I loved the script, the story, and how it fit in with my overall allyship of the LGBTQ community. Also, who wouldn’t want to be a superhero? I loved the experience even though it was quite frightening. Remembering lines, emotions, movement, is not easy. I remember after many takes Rex saying, “That was okay, Ben, it’s not what was in the script, though. So let’s try it again and this time with the right lines.” I know there are many funny bloopers of me screwing things up. I really came out of this with a new found respect for actors.

ION: Do you want to act more? As “Ben Cohen” or perhaps as a character?

I don’t think Tom Cruise has anything to worry about! I enjoyed acting but I’m not sure I’m going to be lining up any other roles. Let’s see if anything comes my way. I’m going to appear on TV in other stuff. I’ve just finished shooting a documentary where I and other rugby pros teach rugby to prison inmates as a way of preparing them for release. I’m also doing a charity event which is going to be televised where I perform in should be a laugh for a good cause.

ION: Any words of advice for our local LGBTQ+ sports league, PHX Fray, about creating a welcoming environment for athletes and setting an example?

Yes. Never forget what your core mission is. Playing the game is fun, but fostering inclusion, diversity, and community is the main goal. Always be kind and generous, and listen to what other people are telling you so that their needs

Patterns was acquired by TLA Releasing and streaming on exclusively on Dekkoo, available as part of the Amazon Prime video channels.

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PHX Fray is on a Mission to Make Fun Possible Good times for good sports

Photography by: LeakedGlass

Models: Jacob McNew & Kyle Carriker

Know the game. Play by the rules. Be a good sport. Be a better player. Shake hands. And win or lose, always give 100 per cent. For over six years PHX Fray has been providing an arena for social athletes and sports enthusiasts around the Valley who want to play games, make friends, and build a greater camaraderie with the LGBTQ community.

What sets PHX Fray apart? “We’re here to shake up the Phoenix scene,” says Martin Espinoza, President. “We’re all about bringing a burst of energy to the city by creating an inclusive and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community to dive into.” There’s much more, Martin continued. “Imagine non-stop fun hanging at our social leagues and top-notch events outings. If you’re on the hunt for a good time and want to turbocharge your social circle, join the FrayLife. Let’s make fun possible together!”

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PHX Fray is your partner-in-play where “fun” is the real goal. The power of play to transforms lives, build communities, and creates positive impact in the world. Never stop playing. With several sports, games, and activities to choose from, everyone’s guaranteed to find the league that’s a perfect fit. Not only that, they organize many off-the-field activities, like player parties, tubing down the Salt River, bar crawls, group tickets to see pro sports games, meeting for a bite to eat, and more.

“PHX Fray has meant friendship, competition, connection, and fun to me! I’ve traveled with my team, done outings with other teams, and enjoyed events. Plus, I’ve played a few seasons of bowling and skeeball along the way.”

Togetherness. It’s all about feeling welcome. There’s a place at the table—and on the field or court—for everyone. “PHX Fray provides a community that thrives on inclusivity We are 50% play and 50% social, creating space for individuals, small groups or teams to meet up weekly,” said Brittany Rheault, PHX Fray’s COO.

“PHX Fray is great for socializing and staying active. Jumping into their leagues not only keeps me moving but also helps me make awesome friends. It’s the ideal afterwork hangout where I can chill, meet cool people, and have fun playing sports.”

— Kyle Carriker, volleyball

Relocating to a new city and meeting people can be intimidating. Making friends cements the PHX Fray experience. “I’ve lived in Phoenix for six years and didn’t find my community until six months ago. It’s a small price to pay to find some kick ass friends and get out of your comfort zone. I’ve finally found my people,” enthused Liv Betlewicz. PHX Fray friendships builds strong bonds. “Since I live alone I need to make friends,” Jocelyn Bowman said. “I like the accountability of having a team I can’t let down. Being part of PHX Fray makes me feel more in the physical LGBTQ community rather than just in online spaces—and it feels super healthy.”

“I’ve worked with PHX Fray as an advocate to help continue to grow the leagues with a strong community partnership. I love to play sports, compete, socialize and make new friends. That’s exactly what PHX Fray is all about. If you’re new in town, looking to try something new or have a group of buddies that want to sign-up together as a team, check out their variety of social sport leagues and get in on all the fun!”

— Alex Lynch, 5 years playing Flag Football, Pickleball, Softball & Kickball

- Kickball enthusiast James Barham

The pandemic changed work life, home life, and redefined daily life for many. Hilary Neste, the volleyball host and player for five years, offered, “I work from home and the ability to meet new people, be active, and be social is truly life changing. I love that this community is inclusive.” That’s because PHX Fray stands united behind the principles of respect, inclusion, and acceptance; they welcome and are committed to providing a fun and safe environment for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, veteran status or national origins.

neighborhood.

meet like-minded

Fun is possible! And it all happens with PHX Fray, socially connecting people and players. You can also apply to be a referee or league host/coordinator for PHX Fray’s leagues and teams, too. Check out their website for more information and sign up their free weekly newsletter offering a list of terrific things to do.

Get out there on the field or court! Play hard, and play fair with PHX Fray! Now’s your chance to be a player—in the best possible way! Visit PHXFraycom and find out more about joining. And having fun, too.

Volleyball

Indoor

Phoenix: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the Arcadia neighborhood. Sand

North Scottsdale: Scottsdale Ranch Park

Mens • Womens • Social • Athletic • 4x4

Social and Athletic

Central/Downtown Scottsdale - Indian School Park

[Note: not to be confused with Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.]

Pickleball

Phoenix: Camelback High School

Beginning & Intermediate Divisions beginning September 6 from 6-10 p.m.

“I joined cornhole to
people in my
I was immediately blown away by the welcoming nature of everyone in the league and the camaraderie was infectious. The social aspect has gone beyond the game of cornhole itself.”
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— Nicole Paxton

Cornhole

Chandler: The Uncommon + Recreo (new!)

Phoenix: LGBT League at Boycott Bar

Scottsdale: Boondocks

Kickball

Phoenix: Coronado Park • Monterey Park (new!)

Scottsdale: Paute Park

Softball

Phoenix: Monterey Park

Scottsdale: Vista del Camino Park

Skeeball

Phoenix: The Little Woody

Chandler: The Incommon (new!)

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Sponsors

“We support PHX Fray because we believe there’s something beautiful about sports. Sports can help unite people and bring out the best in them–just like sharing coffee at Window Coffee Bar brings people together. Joining a team helps players learn to cooperate, have fun, build a social circle and community, builds self esteem, channels negative feelings positively while controlling emotions, bounce back from disappointment and improve communication skills. We both played competitive sports growing up and as adults we still play to help with a healthy lifestyle.”

— Marcus Sanchez & Homero Medrano, Window Coffee Bar owners

Window Coffee Bar is open with a new drive thru at 903 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. Look for their satellite coffee bar coming soon to The Royale.

“Boycott has been serving our community for almost 20 years. We started as a popup, and since became a brickand-mortar in the Melrose “Gayborhood.” Boycott is one of the last lesbian bars in the country and we’re featured in the 2022 documentary The Lesbian Bar Project streaming on Roku. We’re a safe space for all and welcome everyone – except rude people.

“We’ve been lucky to partner with PHX Fray to create events that bring even more good times, like playing Cornhole and Bingo. We appreciate the PHX Fray team, especially Katie & Brit, and look forward to future events and making memories together at Boycott.”

4307 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix ● BoycottBarPHXcom

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Walter Studios Weekend Brunch

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Labor Day Water Slide

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Boycott Bar Phx Fray Bingo Night

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch

Footprint Center Cirque du Soleil

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Boycott Bar Phx Fray Bingo Night

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

ION SEPT 23 SUNDAY TUESDAY MONDAY 27 10 3 17 24 29 12 5 19 26 28 11 4 18 25
From the Rooftop Sunday Funday (W) From the Rooftop Sunday Funday (W) Charlie’s 34th Annual Shrimp Boil Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W) From the Rooftop Sunday Funday (W)
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Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Thunderbird Lounge

(W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Chase Field #FRAYLIFE FNL (M)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Throwback Party Jam (M)

The Cash Night Club SCREW

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch

Location TBD PHX Takeover (M)

Historic Heritage Square Latino Pride

Footprint Center Cirque du Soleil

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch

Walter Where?House Season Opening: VNSSA & NALA

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Walter Where?House 2manydjs, Overmono

Warehouse215 Red is the Night

WEDNESDAY 30 13 6 20 27 BS
2-4-1 College Night (W) BS
College
Whiskey
BS West 2-4-1 College Night (W) Footprint Center Cirque du Soleil THURSDAY SATURDAY FRIDAY 31 14 7 21 28 2 16 9 23 30 1 15 8 22 29 Thunderbird
Loteria (W)
West
West 2-4-1
Night (W) Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W) Sazerac
Flights / Cigars (W)
Lounge
Loteria
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ION BAR CRAWL #IONAZ bahrbie_
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The Lake, season 2

Goofy/hot Justin is spending the summer with his birth daughter at the lake where he spent his childhood summers, where he falls in love with very hot, beardy, tattooed local, Riley. And then there’s 10-year-old Opal, the precocious, obnoxious gender non-conformative brat, Justin’s sister’s child who deserves a spanking. This adorable, fluffy, low-key comedy with a clever script is a delightful watch, perfect for summer.

ION STREAMING

Heartstopper, season 2

This tween hit returns for another 10 episode season and there’s sure to be more animated swoons, and ooey-gooey goo-goo eyes. The season we see leads Charlie and Nick wrestle with their budding romantic relationship, the gradual coming out process to friends and family, and a class trip to gay Paree which opens them both up to a wider world of acceptance and temptation.

Chris Fleming: HELL

“What my mom wanted was a J. Crew son, instead what she got is the cheapest escort from Arizona.” This gender-bendy comedian/performance artist known from his YouTube series Gayle is described as a progressive gender-bending role model. “I’m not a man, I’m not a woman, I’m a show pig.” Now you can catch his bizarre, queer, dark, freaky, comedy stage show.

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THE LAKE
ION APP: LOCAL RETAIL ► RETAIL ► DIAMOND JIM’S
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ION APP: OPEN FOR BUSINESS ► PRINTING ► FAST SIGNS

PuppIT

Start clowning around! A hilariously twisted take on Stephen King’s IT when the All Puppet Players unleash their puppet anarchy on the unsuspecting town of Derry. Puppet weirdos bring the Losers Club to life, complete with the shape-shifting clown, Pennywise. Playhouse on the Park Theater, 1850 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. More info and tix at 602-254-2151 or visit AllPuppetPlayers.com

September 8 - October 7

Maluma Don Juan World Tour

Juan Luís London Arias, or Maluma as he’s known to his fans, is a The reggaeton crooner is known for his voice, charisma, sexy tatts and chiseled features. He’s hot “af” as the young kids say. He might’ve even poked Madonna. (Heck, everyone’s poked Madge!) Ticketmaster.com or call 866-448-7849. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix.

Sunday, September 10 at 7 p.m.

And I Love Her: The Beatles Reimagined

“Come together! Right now!” The ultimate Beatles concert for fans. This is a “reimagination” of the Beatles music with musical themes and ideas across different genres including classical, jazz and more. This is not a tribute band, but something more musically creative. Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. in Phoenix. Tickets: 602-495-1900 or visit PhoenixSymphony.org

October 6-8

ION ARTS
50 IONARIZONA SEPT 2023 MALUMA
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The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze

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Photo: Sirkus Finlandia, CircusFoto.fi by Mira

Cirque du Soleil acrobat Victor Huusko talks about his high flying life with the circus.

“He flies through the air with the greatest of ease, the daring young man on the flying trapeze!” The internationally famous Cirque du Soleil is the largest circus producer in the world. Currently touring is their production “Corteo” — a Cirque de Soleil classic, adapted for arenas from the original big top show retooled with new elements. Performing five to nine times weekly “Corteo” been staged in over 60 cities and seen by nine million people. 50 artists on stage, plus over 100 backstage assistants and staff make the magic happen.

Victor Huusko from Helsinki, Finland, is a 26-years-old acrobat who performs in the “Paradis” act of the production for the past one and a half years. Openly gay, Victor spoke with ION Arizona about performing with Cirque du Soleil and how he got his start with a career in the circus.

ION: Hi Victor! Since you’re an acrobat, have you ever heard the old song, “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze”?

Victor Huusko: (laughs) No, but I’m the daring young man who catches all the ladies in the air.

ION: In the old days kids dreamt of running away and joining the circus. You didn’t run away, but how did your career happen?

VH: I studied to be a sports and hiking instructor. I quit to join the circus, not knowing anything about it, but friend talked me into enrolling in circus school. Before the age of 15 I’d never even been to the circus; it was a left field choice for me, but I always thought about joining. I trained in circus school near Helsinki when I was 16. Very small school. You try many different fields – acrobat, aerialist. To put your body through all of that pain you need to know that this is what you want. You need to know exactly what you want and have lots of determination.

ION: You’ve traveled and performed all over the world.

VH: We usually move every week. We have a few days off – it’s not just work, work, work. A couple of people who work in the big top shows stay so long in one city and meet more people. Personally, for me – in a traveling arena style show –I hang out with my castmates; it creates more of that “family” feeling.

ION: What’s the best part and the most difficult part of being part of Cirque du Soleil, the world’s largest traveling circus?

VH: I’m gonna give you one answer for both: the best and the hardest is the traveling. I love to see the world. The audiences are different in San Francisco than they are in Boston, or in Europe. But we’re bored of airports. I feel like the airport is my second home.

Photo: Sirkus Finlandia, CircusFoto.fi by Mira

ION: Cirque du Soleil has a strong LGBTQ following, and sometimes called “Cirque du So Gay.” Can you comment on their diversity and inclusivity?

VH: In my experience, it’s been a very inclusive place. People have different backgrounds, gay, straight, bi. I’ve never experienced any discrimination. If you look at Cirque du Soleil shows, there’s a lot of open lifestyle representations; I think it’s very important. There’s a lot more openness in us as performers then.

ION: Tell us: are there many romances among the Cirque du Soleil performers?

VH: We have some couples, but romances happen. It’s not uncommon. Although there are people who’ve toured for 20 years with us sometimes it’s hard to get to know anyone on a “friend” level.

ION: So, do you have a boyfriend?

VH: (laughs) No, I’m free as a bird!

ION: Are injuries a problem?

VH: There’s always that possibility. We train a lot to keep our bodies in top shape. There are protocols we go through to go through to perform safely. Physical therapists are always available. You can get a massage anytime. They monitor everything going on with our bodies. Only on rare occasions will something happen.

ION: Tell us about Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” production.

VH: It’s really a one of a kind show – even on a Cirque du Soleil level. It’s basically about the death of a clown and remembering him through a celebration of his life all mixed together at an acrobatic level. There’s so much more to it, though. It really hits you in the heart.

For more about Cirque du Soleil’s breathtaking production “Corteo” visit CirqueDuSoleil.com You’ll be dazzled by Victor and the other artists performing at the Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix from September 13-17. ● Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000

Photo: Maja, Cirque du Soleil
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DRINK & EVENT GUIDE

BS West Elements After Dark 10:30p DJ Dance Party 10p $8 U-Call-It 8p-Mid KARAOKE 9p $6 Deep Eddy Vodka Charlie’s $2 HH 6p-8p Piper M’Shay 8:30p Sinful Studs 9:30p $2 HH 6p-8p Line Dancing 6p Saturday Stars 9:30p Sinful Studs 5:30p Pussy LeHoot & Friends 8:30p Centrico Open 11a-2p, 5p-Mid Located inside San Carlos Hotel Open 11a-2p, 5p-Mid Located inside San Carlos Hotel Open 10a-2p Located inside San Carlos Hotel From the Rooftop Open 4p-12p DJ 6p-Mid #brunchbeats 10a-3p DJ/Live Music 11a-1a #brunchbeats DJ 11a-6p Thunderbird Lng Open 4p- 2a HH 4p-7p DRAG every First Friday w/ Pandora Open 4p- 2a FREE Classic Video Games Open 4p- 2a FREE Classic Video Games Sazerac HH 4p-8p House DJ 9p- Cl HH 4p-8p House DJ 9p- Cl Sunday Funday Drink Specials ALL DAY Hula’s Open 11a - Midnight HH 10:30am-3:30pm HH 10:30am-3:30pm Watler Studios HH 3p-6p Brunch 10a-4p $2 off Brunch cocktails before noon Brunch 10a-4p $2 off Brunch cocktails before noon
HYDRATION PHOENIX FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY ION APP: RESTAURANTS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► CENTRICO 62 IONARIZONA SEPT 2023

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ION APP: TRAVEL & LEISURE ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► CAMBRIA HOTEL T-Girl Revue 10:30p 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 $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 11a-2p, 5p-9p Located inside San Carlos Hotel Open 11a-2p, 5p-9p Located inside San Carlos Hotel Open 11a-2p, 5p-9p 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 Open 4p- 2a HH 4p-7p FREE Classic Video Games Open 4p- 2a HH 4p-7p FREE Classic Video Games Open 4p- 2a HH 4p-7p FREE Classic Video Games Open 4p- 2a HH 4p-7p FREE Classic Video Games HH 4p-8p KARAOKE 8p HH 4p-8p Taco Tuesday / House DJ HH 4p-8p Whiskey Flights & Cigars HH 4p-8p Retro Dance Mystery Mondays $7 Mystery Cocktail / Shot Tuesday 2 n’ 2 2 apps & 2 Tropical Cocktails for $30 All Night Happy Hour HH All Night Tiki Tacos $5 a la carte Tacos CLOSED CLOSED HH 3p-6p HH 3p-6p
SEPT 2023 IONMOBILE 63
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ION SAZERAC

#IONAZ sazeracphx 66 IONARIZONA SEPT 2023
SEPT/OCT 2021 IONMOBILE 67 67 December 2019 IONMOBILE 67 ION APP: GAY BARS & CLUBS ► PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE ► SAZERAC 67

NAVIGATION

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

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

ION APP: MEDICAL ► PHARMACIES ► CVS SPECIALTY
70 IONARIZONA SEPT 2023
PHOENIX METRO WEBSITE ADDRESS PHONE Friendly bars, clubs & restaurants: INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2424 E. Thomas Rd. (602) 334-1462 3702 N. 16th St. (602) 266-9001 4301 N. 7th Ave. (602) 515-3667 7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale (480) 945-9028 4428 N. 7th Ave. (602) 200-9154 1730 E. McDowell Rd. (602) 253-0689 202 N. Central Ave. (602) 254-8226 727 W. Camelback Rd. (602) 265-0224 3702 N. 7th St. (602) 212-9888 3432 E. Illini Rd. (602) 274-DICK 105 W. Portland St. (602) 287-8700 1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy. (602) 271-9011 222 E Portland St (Cambria) (602) 675-3500 5114 N. 7th St. (602) 265-8454 1724 E. McDowell Rd. (602) 254-0231 8925 N. 12th St. (602) 795-6007 3110 N. Central Ave. Ste 175 (602) 264-5307 3347 N. 7th Ave. (602) 277-4831 5002 E. Van Buren St. (602) 267-9959 1804 W. Bethany Home Rd. (602) 242-5114 1560 E. Osborn Rd. (602) 266-0477 3308 N. 24th St. (602) 429-9660 4129 N. 7th Ave. (602) 248-8559 821 N. 2nd St. (602) 334-1626 4343 N. 7th Ave. (602) 264-1700 710 W. Montecito Ave. (602) 283-4621 747 W Roosevelt St (602) 586-5906 4702 N. 21st Ave. (602) 586-5906 Anvil Bar 1 Boycott Bar BS West Bunkhouse The Cash Centrico Charlie’s Cruisin’ 7th Dick’s Cabaret FEZ Flex Spas From The Rooftop Hula’s Karamba King Pin Bar/Rest Kobalt Mi Patio NuTowne Saloon OZ Bar Plazma Rewined Bar The Rock Sazerac Stacy’s @ Melrose Thunderbird Lounge Walter Studios Walter Wherehouse anvilbaraz.com bar1bar.com boycottbarphx.com bswest.com bunkhousesaloonphx cashnightclub.com centricophx.com charliesphoenix.com cruisin7th.com dickscabaret.com fezoncentral.com flexspas.com ftrooftop.com hulasmoderntiki.com karambanightclub.com kingpingrill.com kobaltbarphoenix.com mipatioaz.com nutownebar.com ozbarphx.com rewinedphx.square therockdmphoenix sazeracphoenix.com stacysatmelrose.com thunderbirdloungephx walterstudios.com walterwherehouse.com SEPT 2023 IONMOBILE 71
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ION FABULANCE

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SEPT 2023 IONMOBILE 75
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ION APP: ARIZONA LIVING ► HOME SERVICES ► MUSTANG AIR MECHANICAL

J

upiter goes retrograde September 4th and your childhood dreams come true. Well, you won’t get a pony, but you can still get that Barbie you always wanted. Seriously, you can find inspiration from your past, your ever-developing psyche, and explore taboo topics–like white shoes after Labor Day. (Get your mind out of the gutter!) ¶ Libra Season begins September 22. This is the the time to reach out, do the work, listen to your friends and reserve judgment. And that’s hard, because gays love to judge. It’s our favorite pastime. You’ll be thankful and so will your friends.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

Venus is back in action, and Mercury takes a back seat. But hold on and brace for a Plutonic de-tox and transformation. Connect the dots and balance your emotions. Let Venus push your love button.

ION HOMOSCOPES

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

Everyone wants to feel your vibe. You got it goin’ on! Be sure to express your needs, wants and desires so you don’t send mixed signals. You get what you give so don’t take anything for granted.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

You’re always trying to keep your wild cosmic twins in line. Got a project on the horizon? You’re creative and this is the time to unleash your talent. Be careful not to overcommit. You’re only one person.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Free your mind! The rest will follow! The cosmos encourage you to expand your consciousness. Take a deep breath! At the end of the month you get a surprise! (Shhh! The stars can’t tell you what it is just yet!)

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

More new friends and relationships. This is a great time to tap into your intuition; trust your gut. Get creative, but Venus is all about beauty and says don’t change your hair.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

You cut ties with the past and storm into the future! Birthday Virgins will forge ahead with exciting and creative spiritual expansion. Uranus rules artistic innovation and unlocks your genius. Pack light, because cosmic adventure is on the way.

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

You’re walking a tightrope of love, career, finances and health. There’s a little chaos, but you can maintain your exquisite balance. Birthday Libras will have a sudden realization and burst of clarity that changes everything. This is exciting!

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

The stars say you’re thinking about a change in your life. Maybe a big one. Whatever you choose, keep your head held high. And wear a cute outfit. Venus likes cute outfits on you.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

Don’t feel paranoid, but everyone’s watching you. Not because of your hair or anything, but because you set a standard others admire. Mercury retrograde gives you insight about your reputation.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

You might have a hard time finding your personal North Star because of Mercury retrograde, but that means you’ve got plenty of time to focus on ideas that got lost in space dust.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

Kiss Venus retrograde goodbye! You had to tangle with some past relationship eff-ups. Wipe the celestial slate clean! Set goals! Forgive yourself! And others! (Except for two special shidiots. Show no mercy to them.)

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

Okay. Did you screw up last month? Tell the truth. You did. It happens. Good news, star child! This month is all about re-do’s. With Jupiter’s retrograde you get another go at almost everything. That’s “almost.”

78 IONARIZONA SEPT 2023
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