ION Arizona #263

1

6

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

JAN 2024

IONMOBILE 7

Welcome to the Wild West I want to do a cowboy

ION JUST JACK

W

hen I was a kid my favorite TV show was “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Every closeted gay boy or girl watched “The Dukes of Hazzard”. We all secretly lusted after either Bo, Luke or Daisy Duke.

These adorable southerner cowboys and cowgirl showed off their assets with their tight jeans or “daisy dukes”, big hats, cowboy boots and carefree lawless lifestyle were irresistible.

This month, we celebrate the urban cowboy at the 2024 AGRA rodeo, February 12-13 at Corona Ranch. Jump on the Charlie’s rodeo stage “motor” coach for a weekend of safe fun. Make sure you wear your tightest denim, biggest belt buckle, boots and 5 gallon hats. Stop by the ION Arizona booth and say “Howdy Cowboy”.

This month celebrates the beginning of our festival/event season. We start with the Desperado Film Festival, Rodeo, Melrose Street Fair, Sundays on Central, Willo Home Tour, Rainbows Festival and AIDS Walk to name a few.

Next month we are looking for some adorable dogs, pups and and their best friends for our annual Pups in the City. Please send us a photo of you and your dog(s) to IONarizona@me.com and we’ll schedule a professional photo shoot. Best of all, you get to keep your photo for use on social media.

That’s it for me. This cowboy is headin’ to the rodeo. Don’t forget to take ION as you explore our amazing community and events. Be safe, get tested, have fun and be good to each other.

Jack Tesorero Urban Cowboy 8

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

MAY 2023

IONMOBILE 9

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

1 7

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 Fernando Hernandez RSVP Photography CONTRIBUTORS:

WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile

DISTRIBUTION: Paul Sanchez Danny Silvani Published monthly by

1995-2024: 29 Years of Design and Creative Excellence © 2024 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.

10

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

APR 2023

IONMOBILE 11

ION SAZERAC

#IONAZ

sazeracphx 14

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

16

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

DEC 2023

IONMOBILE 17

Addicted and ESCollectionUSA Present Sweet New Looks for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, the gay owned sports brands Addicted and ES Collection USA are pairing together some of their sweetest looks. Both labels were founded by Eduardo Suner, an out and proud fashion designer known for pushing the envelope with his stylish, sexy and very wearable men’s underwear, swimwear, and sportswear.

“Our gear is designed with fashionable gay men in mind,” Suner says. “All pieces are finely and meticulously crafted by superior artisan teams who really put time and effort into the sewing of each garment so that they are built to last through the roughest of play.”

Addicted items lean to more cheeky-and-fun while ESCollectionUSA is a bit more refined and sophisticated.

Both are extremely sexy and guaranteed to add sugar and spice to every man’s Valentine’s Day activities.

All gear is available now at ESCollectionUSA.com and AddictedUSA.com

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 21

22

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

24

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 25

ION FENDERS AND FRIENDS

#IONAZ

stacysatmelrose 26

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 27

28

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 29

30

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 31

PHX ATTRACTIONS

Renaissance Festival What ho! Time to party like it’s 1599! Hoist a mug o’ grog, eat a giant turkey leg, and watch a royal joist. There’s mermaids, the Dead Bob Show, Hey Nunny Nunny, and more! Be a Queen for a Day! (Like every day!) Go to ArizonaRenFestInfo.com for ticket, directions and royal decrees.

Weekends thru’ March 31

Alwun House 41st Annual Exotic Art Show

A Valley tradition with an extraordinary exhibit pushing the boundaries of creativity and passion. Over 40 artists showcase a sexy blend of erotic, provocative, playful, sensual, and audacious works.

1204 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. Complete schedule and info go to AlwunHouse.org

ION EVENTS

February 9 – March 8

Bianca Del Rio “Dead Inside”

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and salty, seasoned mean queen brings her razor sharp wit and vents her spleen with her own special brand of hate. Witness the carnage at the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. For more info and tix go to CelebrityTheatre.com Tuesday, February 13 at 8 p.m.

Arizona Gay Rodeo Yee haw! Saddle up, pardners! Bronco busters, bull riders, pole benders and other cowpokes will compete for big belt buckles! Food, entertainment, vendors and more! Corona Ranch, 7611 S/ 29th Ave. in Laveen.

For tickets, schedule of events and info visit AGRA-PHX.com February 16 thru 18 32

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

DORIAN ELECTRA

Willo Home Tour & Street Fair Wander through the palm lined streets and see past historic architectural styles at one of Phoenix’s first historic neighborhoods. Food trucks, entertainment, and more! Begin around Palm Lane & 3rd Ave. Info and tickets at WilloPHX.com Sunday, February 18, 10 a.m.

ARRIVAL from Sweden S.O.S! Calling all dancing queens and super troupers!

Knowing me, knowing you, you’ll be saying, “Gimme! Gimme!

Gimme!” when you see this fantastic ABBA tribute band perform. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix.

Tickets: CelebrityTheatre.com Sunday, February 25

Dorian Electra at The Van Buren The stage sparks with an AC/DC electrical current overload when non-binary, non-conforming, queer philosopher, and super genderfluid experimental pop performer Dorian Electra gets fun and freaky on their “Fanfare World Tour.” It all happens at The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix.

Tickets at LiveNation.com Wednesday, February 28 at 8 p.m.

Melrose Street Fair A free one-day event that spans over a half mile in the heart of the Melrose District on 7th Avenue. Featuring over 200 local and independent artisans, food trucks, live musicians, entertainment zone, car show, craft beer garden and local businesses. And it’s FREE! Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 33

ION APP: OPEN FOR BUSINESS ► PRINTING ► FAST SIGNS

ION APP: LOCAL RETAIL ► RETAIL ► DIAMOND JIM’S 34

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

NOV 2023

IONMOBILE 35

36

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 37

Giddy up! You don’t have to be an old cowhand from the Rio Grande to go to the 38th Annual Arizona Gay Rodeo. Heck, some of you greenhorn, city slicker, whippersnappers weren’t even born when it first started.

There’s entertainment, drag (of course), dancing, and a market in the pavilion. Feeling parched? Don’t worry. There’s plenty of firewater on hand. Horngry? They’ve got vittles for you, too.

Dust off your boots and we’ll see you at the Corona Ranch, 7811 S. 29th Ave. on the SE corner of 29th Avenue and Baseline Rd. in Laveen. Don’t want to drive? Charlie’s has party bus transportation from the big city to the rodeo.

Check out CharliesPhoenix.com for info.

For a complete schedule and more information check out AGRA-PHX.com 38

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

Photography: LeakedGlass Production Model: Fabian Alvarez FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 39

40

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 41

JAN

SUNDAY

MONDAY

28

29

Stacy’s @ Melrose Trey Cabaret (W)

(W) Weekly (M) Monthly

ION FEB 24

4

TUESDAY 30

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

5 Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

6 Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

PV Community College Desperado LGBTQ Film Festival

11

12 Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

13 Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)

18

19

Charlie’s AGRA Rodeo Weekend

25

Renaissance Fair Grounds Renaissance Festival

26

Renaissance Fair Grounds Renaissance Festival

42

IONARIZONA

20

FEB 2024

Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)

27 Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

ionarizona

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

7 Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

1

FEB

31

FRIDAY 2

3

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

8

SATURDAY

Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Renaissance Fair Grounds Renaissance Festival

PV Community College Desperado LGBTQ Film Festival

PV Community College Desperado LGBTQ Film Festival

9

10

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W) Stacy’s @ Melrose Electric Heart

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

21

15

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

17

Charlie’s AGRA Royalty Competition

22

Stacy’s @ Melrose All Star Drag Show

23 Stacy’s @ Melrose Live Band Karaoke

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

28

16

29

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

1

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

The Cash Night Club Fabian Presents HARD THROB

24

MAR

14

Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)

2 Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Melrose District Melrose Street Fair

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 43

ION NEW YEARS EVE

#IONAZ

charliesphoenix 46

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 47

NOV 2023

IONMOBILE 49

HE WENT THAT WAY

I Am Not Gay: a musical Plagued by childhood issues destroying his life, Misha, an obsessive-compulsive MMA fighter, moves to Fire Island and pretends to be gay in order to buy the house of his dreams and exorcise his demons.

It sounds comical, but it’s not. A dreary film with a mishmash of intersections combining sexuality, masculinity, and trauma creating a messy conversation.

ION STREAMING

He Went That Way It’s all about Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn.)

Although it’s not a gay movie, apparently there’s a lot of sexual tension between him and real life gay Zachary Quinto’s character, an animal trainer, who kidnaps a TV star chimp in this thriller based on a true story about a serial killer. Bad reviews, but, hey, Jacob Elordi … damn!

VOD on a variety of streaming platforms.

The New Look This 10 part historical drama tells the story of fashion designer great Christian Dior’s rise to fame in Paris during WWII and explores the hope and rebirth of fashion under Nazi occupation. Fur flies between Dior and his rivalry with Coco Chanel. Bonus: Glenn Close serving up Miranda Priestly realness Harper’s Bazaar editrix Carmel Snow.

February 14

50

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

SEPT 2023

IONMOBILE 51

52

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

OCT 2023

IONMOBILE 53

ION CIRCUIT OVERLOAD

#IONAZ

walterstudiosphx 54

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 55

56

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

Indigiqueer Artist

Roger Kuhn Discovers His True Colors

By Larry Olsen

I

“ always knew I was different from the other kids my age,” says musician Roger Kuhn.

In addition to standing out as bi-racial and bi-cultural – his father was of German and Russian descent and his mother is a tribal Poarch Creek woman – Roger says he never felt quite settled in his skin. “I didn’t feel like a boy, nor did I feel like a girl. I grew up loving He-Man, Thundercats, Barbie, and She-Ra. I used to pretend I was Madonna and David Bowie at the same time.”

It wasn’t until his mid-20s when Roger discovered what it meant to be Two-Spirit, signifying male, female, and intersexed individuals who combine activities of both gender traits. In most tribes they are considered neither men nor women; they occupy a distinct, alternative gender status.

“Two-Spirit is a term used by Indigenous people who have gender and sexual orientation variance and a deep connection to their Native identity,” said Kuh. “I first learned the term in 2005 from another Two-Spirit person who said to me, ‘You’re like me, Two-Spirit.’ I identify more as Two-Spirit than I do as gay because being a Native American person is as important to me as my identity as a gay person. Two-Spirit allows me to not have to choose.”

Roger describes his gender and sexuality as circular and not on a fixed binary. “It’s like peering through a kaleidoscope and seeing multiples shapes, colors, expressions, and beauty,” he explains. He sings about it in his new single, “Kaleidoscope,” a song rooted in classic house and progressive EDM that champions finding inner strength and celebrating liberation, and his new book, Somacultural Liberation, out this month. “For me, freedom is living my truth and pursuing my dreams,” he says.

“One of the primary reasons I became a musician and author was to break free from the limitations that others placed on me my whole life. I discovered that through writing and song I could share my truth,” Roger expands. “I am an Indigiqueer person. There are few examples of Indigiqueer people in mainstream media. I’ve had to learn new ways to navigate systems that were put in place to silence and control Indigenous people.”

Is “Kaleidoscope” intended to be a Two-Spirit anthem?

Roger Kuhn: It’s an anthem for all of us, really. “Kaleidoscope” is about trusting our vulnerability and pursuing our inner most truth. For me, part of that was to embrace my identity as a Poarch Creek Two-Spirit person and to advocate for other 2SLGBTQIA+ and all marginalized people.

What advice would you have for someone still struggling to find their place and/or their people?

RK: Don’t put on facades. I’m careful to always be open, honest, caring, and supportive. I don’t give my time or talent to people who don’t respect my boundaries and limitations. Ultimately, I love myself and know myself enough to recognize that I still have a lot to learn and unlearn. I welcome growth and change. I encourage others to do the same.

What do you hope fans take away from “Kaleidoscope”?

RK: The power of vulnerability will lead you closer to your liberation.

Trust that you have wings and you can soar.

Roger Kuhn’s “Kaleidoscope” is being distributed by So Fierce Music/The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment and is available on all digital platforms.

Find out more at RogerKuhn.com

60

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 61

ION BS WEST

#IONAZ

bswestscottsdale 62

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

r o f ” s ! k s e n i “Thae Memor th

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 63

64

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

BARBIE®

The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd From secretary to legendary “trunk murderess”, this real-life Phoenix secretary bagged more than she bargained for. Winnie Ruth Judd, a lovesick woman who killed her friends over a man’s affection before escaping the insane asylum six times. For tix visit PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602-254-2151 February 7 - March 17

Barbie®: A Cultural Icon A major exhibition examining Barbie’s 60+ year history her global impact on pop culture. Experience more than 250 dolls—including the original Barbie®, life-size fashion designs, style trends, careers, and identities that Barbie has embodied over the decades. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Purchase tix in advance at PhxArt.org

ION ARTS

February 14 - July 7

Lucie Arnaz: “I Got The Job!” Celebrating a life on stage, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Lucie Arnaz returns to her theater roots in this memorable concert sharing show biz stories and songs, and offering treasures from Broadway’s greatest shows celebrating American Musical Theatre. More info at LucieArnaz.com 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. Tix at MIM.org Monday, March 4 & Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m.

66

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

OCT 2023

IONMOBILE 67

Happy Hour Drink Specials 10:30am -6pm

Hula’s

W

Happy Hour Drink Specials 10am-6pm

HYDRATION PHOENIX

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

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

Open 4p-12p DJ 6p-Mid

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

#brunchbeats DJ 11a-6p

Hula’s

Open 11a - Midnight

HH 10:30am-3:30pm

HH 10:30am-3:30pm

Sazerac

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

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

Sunday Funday Drink Specials ALL DAY

Stacy’s @ Melrose

HH Noon-8p All Star Drage Show 8-10p

HH Noon-7p DJ 10p-2a

DJ 2-6p $2 Drink Specials Drag Shows 7p

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

Watler Studios

HH 3p-6p

Brunch 10a-4p $2 off Brunch cocktails before noon

Brunch 10a-4p $2 off Brunch cocktails before noon

From the Rooftop

68

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

Mysterdy Mondays $5 Mystery Cocktail/Shot

MONDAY

2 N’ 2 2 apps & 2 cocktails $25

TUESDAY

Facebook/Twitter Special Text “Hulas” to 90210 after 6pm

All Night Happy Hour Regular Happy Hour all Night

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

$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

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

HH 4p-8p KARAOKE 8p

HH 4p-8p Taco Tuesday / House DJ

HH 4p-8p Whiskey Flights & Cigars

HH 4p-8p Retro Dance

HH All Day KARAOKE 8p

HH All Day Stacy’s Rising Star

HH Noon-8p Communion

2-4-1 All Day

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

CLOSED

CLOSED

HH 3p-6p

HH 3p-6p

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 69

70

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

OCT 2023

IONMOBILE 71

ION SAZERAC

#IONAZ

sazeracphx 72

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

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 74

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

Friendly bars, clubs & restaurants: INSIDE THIS ISSUE PHOENIX METRO

WEBSITE

ADDRESS

PHONE

Anvil

anvilbaraz.com

2424 E. Thomas Rd.

(602) 334-1462

Bar 1

bar1bar.com

3702 N. 16th St.

(602) 266-9001

Boycott Bar

boycottbarphx.com

4301 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 515-3667

Bunkhouse

bunkhousesaloonphx

4428 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 200-9154

The Cash

cashnightclub.com

1730 E. McDowell Rd.

(602) 253-0689

Centrico

centricophx.com

202 N. Central Ave.

(602) 254-8226

Charlie’s

charliesphoenix.com

727 W. Camelback Rd.

(602) 265-0224

Cruisin’ 7th

cruisin7th.com

3702 N. 7th St.

(602) 212-9888

FEZ

fezoncentral.com

105 W. Portland St.

(602) 287-8700

Flex Spas

flexspas.com

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy.

(602) 271-9011

From The Rooftop

ftrooftop.com

222 E Portland St (Cambria) (602) 675-3500

Hula’s

hulasmoderntiki.com

5114 N. 7th St.

Karamba

karambanightclub.com 1724 E. McDowell Rd.

(602) 254-0231

King Pin Bar/Rest

kingpingrill.com

8925 N. 12th St.

(602) 795-6007

Kobalt

kobaltbarphoenix.com

3110 N. Central Ave. Ste 175 (602) 264-5307

Mi Patio

mipatioaz.com

3347 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 277-4831

NuTowne Saloon

nutownebar.com

5002 E. Van Buren St.

(602) 267-9959

OZ Bar

ozbarphx.com

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

Rewined Bar

rewinedphx.square

3308 N. 24th St.

(602) 429-9660

The Rock

therockdmphoenix

4129 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 248-8559

Sazerac

sazeracphoenix.com

821 N. 2nd St.

(602) 334-1626

Stacy’s @ Melrose

stacysatmelrose.com

4343 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 264-1700

Thunderbird Lounge

thunderbirdloungephx

710 W. Montecito Ave.

(602) 283-4621

Walter Studios

walterstudios.com

747 W Roosevelt St

(602) 586-5906

Walter Wherehouse

walterwherehouse.com

4702 N. 21st Ave.

(602) 586-5906

(602) 265-8454

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 75

ION SPOTLIGHT 76

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

The Royale Opens A Royal Affair

F

inally! The Royale celebrated their long awaited grand opening, hosted by Barbra Seville, complete with a ribbon cutting performed by the U.S. Congress Representative, the Honorable Greg Stanton.

Creators and co-owners Mark Howard and his husband, architect and designer Rocco Meneguale, former co-owners of Bliss REBAR and FEZ had been toying with the idea of doing something like the Royale for about five or six years. The start of this construction journey started at the end of 2021. There was no shortage of inspiration for their dream project when it came from redeveloping the old auto repair site.

“The goal was to create a safe and welcoming space that helps expand community and be a place to gather, connect, and rejuvenate,” explained Meneguale. “I was inspired by the Mid Century Modern architecture along the Melrose Mile and wanted to pay homage to the history of the site as well the neighborhood.”

The team knew exactly what they wanted to create. “The ‘vibe’ we were going for was really about adhering to our goals of creating a space that helps to expand community while being a place to gather, connect, and rejuvenate,” Rocco expanded. “We wanted to attract businesses that would make sense to have not only together in one place but also in the Melrose neighborhood.”

Creating The Royale was a complicated development and renovation project. One of the greatest challenges were the many codes, rules, and zoning ordinances that often contradict one another and many times don’t align at all with the goals and reality of doing an project within the urban fabric nor do they align with creating what the City calls “an adaptive reuse project.”

“This is no ordinary development project,” Mark pointed out. “It was envisioned, cultivated, designed, supported, constructed and leased with the community as its core.

The selection of the Melrose was not an accident. The design was not an accident. The selection of tenants was not an accident. It was by design.”

The Royale is a “feeling.” Rocco pointed out, “The positive energy that you feel when you walk through the front gates comes not only by our awesome tenants, but by the design/architecture as well. So many people have said ‘This place feels so welcoming’ and that’s a wonderful thing to hear.” (Cont’d., next page.)

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 77

Feel that wonderful feeling for yourself! Here’s just a couple of highlights … ● The Royale’s YUMBAR will be the home astroturf of Barbra Seville! Enjoy a Vodka Stinger or a Pink Squirrel and be entertained by The Blonde One’s blondacious talent, plus special guest stars. ● Get your groove on, shake your groove thang, and boogie-oogie-oogie ’til you just can’t boogie no more for Sunday Funday while DJ-B spins from 1-5 p.m.

Mark Howard notes that The Royale is “a place of collective celebration.”

Businesses at The Royale • YUMBAR: Great Eats + Strong Drinks! Don’t miss out on the delicious, casual

dining. Sandwiches, bowls, salads and much more! Try their specialty cocky-tailies to keep your liver in shape! Look for unique entertainment and fun coming soon!

• Stem Swag: Inspired floral designs, arrangements, and unique gifts. What are

you waiting for? Get your aster over to Stem Swag for a nosegay of marigolds, Mary.

(And coming soon to Sunnyslope!) StemSwag.co

• Scotty Kirby Photo + Design: “Baby, there’s no other superstar, you

know that I’ll be your papa-paparazzi.” Express yourself any way you like in front of Scotty’s magical camera lens. He’ll make you look like a superstar. ScottyKirby.com

• Window Coffee Bar: — They have a variety of hot coffee, cold brew,

lemonade, lattés, puffy pastries, Homero’s famous avocado toast, and more! Chosen

by Yelp as the number one place for coffee in Phoenix. WindowCoffeeBar.com

• CULT Hair Studio & Spa: Clip, clip here, snip, snip there, and they can

sharpen the roughest claws. They can make a dimpled smile out of a frown with their extraordinary skin services, too. Get your glamour on from these spirited minds and creative energies collide right here at CultHairStudio.com

• LIX Uptown Ice Cream: We all scream for it! Flavors include Dank &

Minty. Biscoff Biotch. Lieu Lieu Lemon. Ferrocious Chocolate. Coconut Cream Pie and more. Is dairy your kryptonite? Relax! It’s lactose-free bliss for your delicate digestion. GetYourLix.com

• Your Health and Wellness: Dedicated to addressing your healthcare needs by focusing on health promotion, risk avoidance, harm reduction, status neutrality, and giving you stigma-free care. YourHealthAZ.com

• Rocco Designs: Like the look of The Royale? It’s all because of Rocco Meneguale. He offers a full range of architectural and interior design services combining functionality with imagination, creative solutions, whimsy, and timelessness. RoccoDesigns.com

Follow The Royale and their fine tenants’ businesses on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know about upcoming events.

The Royale ● 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. ● RoyalePhx.com ● royalephx@gmail.com 78

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

FEB 2024

IONMOBILE 79

ION FABULANCE 82

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

JAN 2024

IONMOBILE 83

84

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

I

ION HOMOSCOPES

t’s all about breaking rules in Aquarius season! Be Innovative. Unconventional.

Maybe even a little bit weird! Take an objective approach and embrace a radical new beginning. Mercury joins the Sun and dreamy, faraway Pluto, the planet of Transformation, on February 5. Think outside of the box for a freaky, funky, psychedelic metamorphosis.

Share and shock others. ¶ The New Moon on February 9 has you digging beneath the surface. Look beyond the obvious.Trust your intuition, but ook out for red flags. ¶ The Sun in Aquarius rams right into Uranus (get it?) on February 8, bringing surprising news your way. ¶ Saturday, February 10, brings the Lunar New Year, which is also the Chinese New Year, marking the Year of the Dragon. Look for rewards from unexpected avenues.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 You’re feeling thoughtful. Examine an opportunity that is transformative (thanks to Pluto.) You shock others with big news – what is it? A risk brings you a reward. And a cookie.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22 You’re a perfectionist. Sometimes that’s annoying to others, but you like to have your own way – just don’t be a brat about it. Calmly state your needs.

Throw a fit if you need to. Boom! Done!

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22 Expect an exciting blend of opportunities. A whirlwind of planetary activity recognizes your accomplishments. Don’t let conflict screw up your digestion. Take turmeric.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23 It’s all about your emotional, physical, mental, and social comfort. This is an important time to boost your own ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20 security, and the Cosmos supports Expect a current of energy to surge in your social life. This is a good time that. It’s all about priorities, baby. to hobnob with a new tribe. Do more SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 observing and a little less talking.

Take baby steps to achieve a longterm TAURUS April. 21 - May 20 Facts: you’re an attention whore. You feast on the adoration of d everyone around you. Good news! This month you get noticed – a lot. Utilize that attention to focus on motivation.

Boost your reputation – well, the good part of your reputation.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 You’re not here to do things in a half-ass way. Oh, no. You are here to shine and create. Like a Champagne Supernova in sky. Share the best part of “you” with the world. Be cautious about sharing ideas, and especially money.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 This is a good time to make your intentions known when it comes to Love. Don’t overanalyze romance.

Consider your own dynamics and the stars will set you free. Well, maybe free enough to pull your pants down.

86

IONARIZONA

FEB 2024

goal. Be flexible and openminded. It’s a good time to call in favors owed to you.

Maybe it’s for business, maybe it’s of a sexual nature. Go for it!

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20 Ambition. Willpower. Discipline. Selfrestraint. Persistence. It’s all because of Mars. Venture into the world of the unconventional. You can be a little stuffy; maybe try a three-way?

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19 Time for a big change. Watch out for inflated egos and fast talking big mouths. If it’s your birthday it’s time to transform into a glamorous butterfly.

Use lots of glitter. It’s okay.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20 A sudden realization makes things clear with the Full Moon. (Care to share?) Is it your birthday? Mercury enters Pisces on the 22nd. Let everyone know what you want. You rarely every have trouble with that.