Welcome to Fall in Arizona!
The Heat is Off. FINALLY
With the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade in the books, it’s time to reflect on our community and how far we have come. When I started ION Arizona, Pride attendance was about 3,500. Today, it’s tens of thousands packing multiple stages, dance floors, vendors, food trucks, artists and more! I want to give a BIG shout out to my Assistant Mark Porcher (pictured here) who has been invaluable and by my side for years at every event we sponsor. For the third year we were lucky enough to partner with Sergio and his sexy Sinful Studs dancers. Also, special thanks to the team at Phoenix Pride, Mike, Eva, Stella and Landon who work tirelessly throughout the year to create the biggest festivals in the state. This year there were more mega-parties throughout the weekend all enjoying great success!
One thing I have learned over the last 23 years is how diverse our community is. This was evident by the range of people that attended the many different events throughout Pride weekend. While we have one thing in common, everything else is an open book. Everyone is different, everyone likes different things, everyone has different fetishes. This month we focus on the leather bear community celebrating Wax-A-Bear at Anvil Bar November 23rd. Come out, wax your favorite hairy bear and have fun –all for a great cause.
Hopefully, by the time you read this, we will have a new President Elect. Whoever it is, can I ask everyone to finally be civil to each other and put our differences behind us. Because it’s our differences that makes us great. Embrace them and our next President.
EXECUTIVE
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:
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RSVP Photography
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APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile
SOCIAL MEDIA: Luis Loza / Exceed Multimedia
CONTRIBUTORS: DISTRIBUTION: Danny Silvani
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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 Arizona Instagram Account Hacked!
Last month, someone from Turkey got a hold of the ION Arizona Instagram account and threatened to sell it if we don’t pay him. We didn’t pay and he closed it down. We lost 11,000+ followers and all of our content. Meta was not helpful with no phone support. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you can all go to our new Instagram account and follow us! We will never be bullied. We will never give in to threats. We will never surrender. Unfollow ionarizona and follow our new ION Arizona Instagram:
ion_arizona
Chatterbox
Chatterbox Stand-up Comedian Matteo Lane can’t stop talking.
By Deon Brown
Stand-up comedian Matteo Lane speaks English, Italian, Spanish, and French, plus he studied German in high school. No wonder this funny man can’t stop talking. And that’s why he’s bringing his “Can’t Stop Talking” tour to Phoenix with more laughs than ever.
ION: Advocate magazine called you one of LGBT icons, innovators and disruptors. How does that make you feel?
ML: It makes me feel like I didn’t need to go to college.
ION: You’re very well-educated. You studied oil painting among other things in college.
ML: I did. I went to school at the Art Institute of Chicago and I loved it.
ION: Matteo, could you paint me one of your French boys?
ML: No. [Well, that question flopped. Big time. Our reporter tried, folks. Sorry. — Editor.]
ION: Matteo, how did you transition from being a grand opera singer to stand-up comedy?
ML: I don’t know. I was working as a storyboard artist for TV commercials and fashion ads, drawing every commercial from Lexus to 7-Up to Monopoly to DSW, and I was singing in shitty strip clubs and bars on the side.
I started doing comedy when I was 23 in Chicago and doing open mics while I was drawing during the day. I got a job in New York when I was 25, and I just kept doing comedy at night. Within a year and a half comedy kind of just took over
ION: Being a gay stand-up comedian, it’s still kind of an uncharted territory compared to the history of stand-up. How do you deal with [homophobic] hecklers?
ML: When I was younger and starting out, I’d get hecklers, but every comic does. You’re performing at clubs at two o’clock in the morning and people are drunk. Now people want to come see my show and pay tickets, and it’s an event. It’s not like I don’t know the audience and they don’t know me. So now I would say for the professional traveling comic, it’s much less.
Photography by: Troy Hallahan
ION: Matteo, what is the funniest thing about being gay?
ML: Probably the way we sit in chairs. I know that’s a common meme that gays can’t sit in chairs, but it is kind of true. Being funny, being gay … gays always have a good sense of humor, generally speaking. I think it’s a coping mechanism for going through things when you were younger. I feel like I should have a good answer for that; I guess I don’t. [See? We can’t all hit one outta the park. — Editor.]
ION: In April you are coming out with a cookbook called Your Pasta Sucks where you promise how to cook pasta “like an Italian, Irish, Mexican, homosexual.” We saw the cover of your book. What do you typically wear while cooking pasta at home?
ML: A shirt and jeans.
ION: Not just an apron and tighty-whities? Damn.
ML: No, that was for the book cover. I cook like everybody else and just wear normal clothes when I cook pasta. [That was another question that failed. Sorry, everybody. We may have to fire that reporter. — Editor.]
ION: You’ve been married just over a year now, so how’s married life.
ML: Great! I’m touring a lot, so it’s a lot of phone calls, but just feels kind of normal. Marriage can sometimes be anti-climactic. You get married and you’re like, “Oh wait, everything’s still the same.” But yeah, it’s good.
ION: So tell our readers something that might surprise them about you. Tell us a secret about Matteo Lane.
I have something called ‘synesthesia.’ It’s a neurological thing. I hear color, or I see color when I hear music, or I see color when I see letters and numbers. It’s like a weird thing. Very few people have it. Some people have it where a taste is a shape, but synesthesia is real, but you should look it up. I have it. For me the number four is yellow. It makes no sense, but it does to me.
ION: Great, now everybody’s going to want to get it.
Yeah. Well, I don’t know. It’s not something that you can go to the store and buy.
ION: Would you like to have your own TV sitcom or to expand to feature films? Sure. I would never say ‘no’ to work or to a paycheck; being able to act, that’d be fun. Sometimes people think it’s much easier to get stuff like that made. You get people that when they see that I do stand-up say,
“Have you thought about SNL?" And, well, yes, but this doesn’t work like that where all of a sudden, “Now I’m in movies!” It’s a long process and finding producers and writing the show and selling it and hopefully they pick it up, and there’s years worth of stuff that go before it and it just has to be the right moment and the right time.
Right now I feel like no one’s making TV. I’m very content doing standup. That’s what I set out to do and that’s what I love the most. I don’t see acting as something above stand-up. I see stand-up as a very high form of art that I love. It takes a year and a half to get an hour together to perform for an audience. So they’re not there watching you work it out every single night, but that’s okay. That’s my job. And their job is just to enjoy it.
I like the interaction with the audience. I like telling jokes that I wrote and worked out about a hundred times to make sure that they work and then presenting them. It almost feels like you worked all day cooking something and then you get to give it to people to enjoy.
ION: Now, for the shameless plug: what can your Phoenix audiences expect at your show?
To laugh. Come have a good time. It’s going to be stand-up, it’s going to be a new hour, so hopefully they’ll enjoy what I’ve been working on and just laugh and have a good time. I’m excited to come to Phoenix. I’m excited for the weather!
Don’t miss “Matteo Lane: Can’t Stop Talking” when he comes to the Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St. in Phoenix with two shows: Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.. No pasta allowed. We promised him that the weather will be nice! Get your tickets at
PHX ATTRACTIONS
AURA at Stacy’s
If you want to dance, don’t miss this! Grammy nominated DJ Abel is an internationally acclaimed Tech and House music producer and remixer and he’s become one of the most versatile and renowned DJs in the circuit scene. It all happens at Stacy’s, 4343 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix.
Friday, November 8, from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Prism Drag Ball
Equality Maricopa is proud to announce the third annual PRISM Drag Ball with an all-star lineup featuring VIP Headliners RPDR queens Megami and Kornbread Jeté plus many more! Phoenix College, Bulpitt Auditorium, 1202 W. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. Search Eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.
Friday, November 15 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Pride in Chandler
We’re everywhere! Our LGBTQ+ friends in the East Valley are celebrating everything queer! Live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and fun! Come with friends, family, and neighbors to show your Pride! A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Place. Visit ChandlerPride.com for more info.
Saturday, November 16 from 4 - 9 p.m.
Equality Chamber Queer Holiday Market
What to buy Aunt Helen? A handmade tea cozy? What about dad? A dildo?! Candles, art, vintage gifts and more. Support local artists, have brunch, and get your holiday shopping done at Warehouse 215, 215 E. Grant St. in Phoenix. Visit EqualityChamber.org for details.
Sunday, November 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Better Together
Ready to dance, and dance, and dance? Don’t miss this twonight, vibrant, new music festival with headliner DJ legend Tiësto, the trance/house producer and EDM godfather. Rawhide at 5700 W. North Loop Rd. in Chandler. Tickets at WeGoBetterTogether.com
November 22 & 23
Wax-A-Bear at The Anvil Bar
Break out the Nair Wax Strips! Pick out a hirsute ursine hunk and rip out the hair follicles on his chest, back, and who knows where else? Hosted by Phoenix Boys of Leather, sponsored by Your Health & Wellness while benefiting RipplePHX at The Anvil Bar, 2424 E. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix
Saturday, November 23 at 9 p.m.
World AIDS Day with Aunt Rita’s
Aunt Rita’s Foundation invites you to their World AIDS Day Event and their commitment to a future without HIV. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display at the SW Center for HIV at Parson’s Center thru’ December 6. Aunt Rita’s: 326 E. Coronado Rd. in Phx. • SW Center for HIV: 1101 N. Central Ave.
Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Festival of the Trees
Deck those halls and bid on a beautifully decorated Tannenbaum at this annual event hosted by the beautifully decorated Barbra Seville. Live jazz sets the mood for the Roaring 20’s. Find out more at FestivalOfTheTrees.org. Fa-la-la-la, la, Mary!
Warehouse 215, 215 E. Grant St. in Phoenix.
December 7 at 6 - 9:30 p.m.
WAXA BEAR
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear … Choose your favorite hot ’n’ hairy bear, get some hot wax … wax on … wax off! Your bear will smooth as a baby’s bottom. Hosted by Phoenix Boys of Leather, sponsored by Your Health & Wellness while benefiting RipplePHX at The Anvil Bar, 2424 E. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix on Saturday, November 23 at 9 p.m.
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?
3 17 10 24 1 5 19 12 26 3 4 18 11 25 2
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Karaoke (W) 8pm
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W) 8pm
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Sazerac
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Charlie’s Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
THURSDAY
Sazerac
Stacy’s @ Melrose Milkshake Fetish Ball (M)
Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)
@ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Sazerac
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
WEDNESDAY 6 20 13 27 4
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
@ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)
Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Sazerac Throwback Thursdays (W)
Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)
Sazerac/Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
Stacy’s
The Anvil Bar WAX A BEAR
Stacy’s
ION CHARLIE’S PRIDE
“MARIAH CAREY’S CHRISTMAS TIME”
TOUR
Once you hear those little bells chiming on loudspeakers everywhere, you know the Holiday Season is here. Even if it drives you crazy, you can’t avoid it.
Produced by Live Nation, this tour marks Carey’s grandest holiday spectacle to date and is the first of many surprises she has in store to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her fabled album, “Merry Christmas,” and its monster single “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Her 1994 carol dominates holiday music like nothing else. The Christmas colossus has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart the past five years in a row — measuring the most popular songs each week by airplay, sales and streaming, not just the holiday-themed — and it’s reasonable to assume this year will be no different. One expert predicts it will soon exceed $100 million in earnings. Even its ringtone has sold millions.
In 2017, The Economist reported that “All I Want For Christmas” has earned Carey $60 million in royalties since its release, bringing in a rough average of $2.6 million a year. While Carey calls herself the “Queen of Christmas,” her bid to trademark that title failed. Sorry, Mimi.
The show will feature timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers. The gays love her!
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-653-8000 Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix. November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
You want more Mariah? Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi), a leader in high-fidelity audio reissues, announces 30th anniversary editions of Mariah Carey’s nine-timesPlatinum holiday album, Merry Christmas available in three formats, all sourced from the original master tapes: a Hybrid SACD ($29.99), a numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP limited to 4,000 copies ($59.99), and a numbered-edition UltraDisc One-Step 180g 33RPM LP limited to 3,000 copies ($100). These releases are scheduled to ship to customers on December 13, making them the perfect addition to a Yuletide celebration.
Pre-order at Mofi.com
ION STREAMING
Will & Harper
When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years and comedy co-writer comes out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a crosscountry road trip to process this new stage of their relationship and ever-evolving bond between two friends in an intimate portrait of friendship, transition, personal growth and America. Documentary.
What We Do In The Shadows - season 6
The beginning of the end! The final season rings down the curtain on vampires Lazlo Cravensworth, Nadja, Colin Robinson, Nandor the Relentless and his long suffering familiar, Guillermo. But what about their long lost roommate, Jerry, who’s been asleep for the past 50 years? Staten Island will never be the same.
Challengers
A complex polyamorous romp with plenty of homoerotic sizzle scores in this high stakes love triangle directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name and Queer). Friends since their teens, Art and Patrick are tennis pros, but vamp Tashi (Zendaya) drives a wedge between them. The highly homoerotic sauna scene will make the boys sweat.
“Light Bloom” by Hybycozo
Nature and light converge transforming the night with stunning geometric light installations illuminating the beauty of the desert landscape as the sun sets. Intricate shadows and vibrant hues dance across the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy. in Phoenix. For more info and tickets visit DBG.org
Thru’ January 20
ION ARTS
Canal Convergence “Reflections”
Don’t miss Scottsdale’s best art festival. The annual public event takes over the Scottsdale Waterfront featuring eight large-scale light-based artworks, plus live music, food trucks and more. (This is a great date night! And it’s free!) Find out more at CanalConvergence.com
November 8-17
Sweat
Friends spend their days on a factory floor and nights sharing secrets and laughs. Layoffs and picket lines erodes their trust, pitting them against each other in a fight for self-preservation. Stray Cat Theatre stages this 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play.
Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. Tix: StrayCatTheatre.com or call 480-350-4822
November 22-December 7
Cyndi Lauper
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Farewell Tour comes to Phoenix
Turn on the Way Back Machine and set the dial to 1983. Icon Cyndi Lauper was the kooky, colorful, brash, zany, New Wave/Pop singer who had the whole country singing along to pop anthem, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then it’s been covered by over 30 other artists on albums or on stage, including a duet with Nicki Minaj. Lauper became the first female singer to have four top five singles on the Billboard’s Hot 100 from one album, staying on the charts for 65 weeks. She won “Best New Artist” at the 1985 Grammys.
Cyndi looked back on those days time after time. “It’s been the blink of an eye and it’s been forever,” she told ION Arizona in a 2013 interview. “I’ve spent a lot of time looking at my life and what an amazing ride my life has been.”
Cyndi is a gutsy real-life heroine who has never been afraid to speak her mind and stick up for a cause—whether it’s women’s rights, gay rights, or fighting against HIV/AIDS. She’s an actress, a mother, and maintaining a music career that has lasted more than 35 years. As an activist, She’s raised money for AIDS awareness and research, antibullying, spousal abuse, racism, abortion issues and the National Runaway Switchboard in addition to inaugurating her own True Colors fund.
“It’s an honor to have the genuine affection of the gay community. They have never turned their back on me; I will never turn my back on them,” she told ION. “I am family and I am a friend. When you see your family and friends’ civil rights being taken away from them you do everything in your power to keep that from happening.”
As Cyndi leaves the touring stage for the last time she talked about the last hurrah. “I wanted to say goodbye in a big way. I want people to leave happy ...” Lauper said.
ION asked Cyndi the age old question: “Do girls – and boys – still just wanna have fun?”
“Definitely!” she replied.
Have fun with Cyndi Lauper one more time on her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Farewell Tour with special guest DAYA and let your “True Colors” shine through, time after time.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com Tuesday, November 19 at 8 p.m.
Lauper
ION LOST SOULS
ION HALLOWEEN
Chandler Center for the Arts
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 planets all having something to bring to the cosmic Thanksgiving table … like green bean casserole or pumpkin pie. • November 17: Uranus at Opposition. This planet of awakenings brings flair, uniqueness and authenticity. Time to try out a new way of seeing and doing things. Bossy Uranus pushes us to align with our talents, gifts and desires. So wake up, bitches! Don’t just unconsciously phone in life. Show off your fabulousness! • November 19: Pluto packs its bags and sets up housekeeping in the Aquarius Air B&B for two whole decades. The dreamy planet’s new address will transform society and life as we know it until 2044. • Mercury is retrograde from November 25 to December 15
ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20
You might feel stifled lately because the New Moon in moody Scorpio makes you broody. Or you might feel sensitive. Or just bitchy. You’re so unpredictable. Look for the silver lining.
TAURUS April. 21 - May 20
Expect someone significant to come into your life. Not Channing Tatum or Angelina Jolie, be realistic. But someone who’ll make a difference. Time to confront pesky feelings and people.
GEMINI May 21 - June 21
Unpredictable Mercury goes rogue! You might expect friction in some relationships – but aren’t all relationships kinda that way? Answer: Yes. Declutter your life. And your underwear drawer.
CANCER June 22 - July 22
Look for reformation, transformation, increasing productivity, and other boring grown-up things. Learn something new! Maybe it’s a cookie recipe or an oral sex technique. Choose wisely.
LEO July 23 - Aug. 22
This month it’s all about making money. The filthy lucre comes rolling in but you gotta work hard for it. You don’t get money for nothin’ and chicks for free. Or dudes.
VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
Add a new beauty regimen to your routine. And a few new tricks in the sex department. (Oh, c’mon! It doesn’t taste that bad!) An ex slides into your DM’s. You’re on your own there, pal.
LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22
It’s all about communication. Are you listening? It’s not a test. The stars feel like you’re not paying attention because Mercury is screwing things up. You can do that all on your own.
SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23
The Sun is moving through your sign and you’re the belle of the balls! It’s like your starring in a fantasy gang-bang! Birthday Scorps will set new goals.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23
Exploration! Growth! Optimism! Speak your mind. Birthday? Look for opportunities. All eyes are on you, so make sure your zipper is zipped or you’re wearing a bra. Or not.
CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20
The cosmos have you pursuing another adventure; this a good time to slow down. You’re juggling a lot of projects. Find common ground between fantasy and reality. (Damn! Those fantasies are hot!)
AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
Whoa! Yes, we all know you crave passion and drama. (Boy, do we ever!) Your network sparks a connection between your wildest dreams and the big picture.
PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
Imagine you’ve been giving a magic wand and make things happen. Because you can. You might uncover some hidden truths: like the one about the rando who gave you crabs. We know all about that.
