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Saddle up Phoenix!
40th Anniversary of AGRA
WIam an eternal optimist, but I’m also a realist—and sometimes those concepts conflict.
e are
We’ve been told all our lives that the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. As a kid, it was!
No school, tons of delicious food, family, friends and unexpected moments of kindness. Fast forward to our adulthood, we work through the holidays, still enjoy food, see some of our family and friends-- but thanks to instant delivery and shopping on demand, some of the holiday magic of ‘giving’ has lost its spark.
If you’re looking to reignite unique and thoughtful gift-giving, this month our beautiful queen Wilma Carstart from Stacy’s at Melrose showcases some of the hottest gift ideas for the person that has everything. Check it out on page 24.
So will this holiday season be the most wonderful time of the year for you? In these rapidly changing times, sometimes it’s hard to ensure our happiness in the face of the unknown. Financial insecurity, federal budget cuts, global warming — it’s a lot. Are you optimistic about the future?
Truth be told, I think we live in one of the best places in the country — and I’ve loved watching Arizona grow and flourish. Sure, we have problems, but look around and see what other states are facing right now. Our challenges here in Arizona are minuscule by comparison to some of the insurmountable challenges ahead of other states.
So… as we enter the most capitalistic and chaotic season of the year, how will you celebrate? Will you go out with friends and family? Attend dinner parties and events? Indulge in shopping and gluttony? I definitely know I will.
Thank you for being there for the last 24 holiday seasons, and for supporting our growing community at ION Arizona. My best gift from all of you is that you keep reading, supporting your community, playing safe, getting tested and being good to each other.
Happy holidays from all of us at ION Arizona, and to all a good month! I’ll see you in 2026!
Jack M. Tesorero
Jack Tesorero
Wannabe Cowboy
PHX ATTRACTIONS
W.O.R.K. Events
Clock in, hotties—W.O.R.K. Events debuts with a Valentine’s overtime special on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9 PM–2 AM. Featuring DJ Cesar Hernandez and DJ Crums, this after-hours fantasy turns passion into power with thumping beats, red-lit vibes, and kink-forward couture encouraged. Presented by The Adult Shoppe, early arrivals score free goodie bags and free coat check from 9–11 PM. The location drops hours before 9 PM near Midtown Phoenix—no parking, rideshare required. Punch in. Fall into temptation. Tickets at eventbrite. com/e/work-events-tickets-1975645199976
CHROME
Leather up and level up! CHROME’s 1-Year Anniversary hits Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon (4428 N 7th Ave, Phoenix) on Saturday, February 7 at 9 PM for a night of dark beats, bold energy, and unapologetic self-expression. Celebrating a year in its new home, CHROME brings interactive demos, gear-friendly vibes, and a space built for connection and community. With DJs Emerson, Hi-Sir, and Moody driving the soundtrack, expect a deeper, darker dance floor where individuality reigns. Curious or seasoned, this is your invite to explore the edge—respectfully and safely.
The Music of ABBA
You can dance, you can jive, ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA brings disco magic to Celebrity Theatre (440 N 32nd St, Phoenix) on Thursday, February 12 at 7 PM. This world-renowned tribute show has toured 70 countries, delivering pitch-perfect versions of ABBA’s greatest hits—from “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” to “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and “Waterloo.” With costumes, harmonies, and stage energy that feel straight out of the ‘70s, it’s as close as you’ll get to the real deal. Tickets at celebritytheatre.com.
OBSESSED
Love is in the air… or at least on the dance floor. OBSESSED takes over Kobalt (3110 N Central Ave #175, Phoenix) on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:30 PM–2 AM for a flirty Valentine’s weekend bash presented by The Factory and Jarick White. It’s a full-blown Stop Light Dance Party—wear green if you’re single, yellow if it’s complicated, and red if you’re taken (or just dramatic). DJ B and St. Libertine keep the beats hot while the crowd keeps the signals loud. Come ready to mingle, dance, and maybe leave less single than you arrived. Tickets available: eventbrite.com/e/obsessed-atkobalt-tickets-1980149775282
GAY RODEO
Saddle up, partner—the 40th Anniversary Arizona Gay Rodeo rides into Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds (7811 S 29th Ave, Laveen/Phoenix) February 13–15, 2026 for a weekend of dust, denim, and dazzling queer cowboy energy. Hosted by AGRA, this IGRA-sanctioned rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, wild drag race, goat dressing, and more. Gates open at 8 AM, rodeo starts at 10 AM Saturday and Sunday, with awards Sunday night. Enjoy the pavilion bar, “Games on the Green,” and nonstop community vibes. Tickets at https://agra-phx.com/productcategory/admission/
Melrose Street Fair
Mark your calendars and grab your sunnies—the 23rd Annual M7 (Melrose on 7th Avenue) Street Fair takes over 7th Avenue between Indian School and Campbell on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 AM–5 PM. This free, one-day celebration is a love letter to the Melrose District, featuring 200+ local artisans, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a Kids Zone. Car lovers, don’t miss the iconic classic and custom car show—always a crowd fave. Shop local, snack often, and soak up the neighborhood vibes. It’s Melrose magic at its finest.
40 Years of AGRA
A look back at past Rodeo ION covers
This month, as we celebrate AGRA’s 40th Anniversary with a look back in 25 years of ION Arizona rodeo covers. For many of the past issues of ION, go to the ION App or www.ionaz.com past issues. Enjoy!
Rocketman
Rocketman
Rocketman
Rocketman
Ranch Melrose District Melrose Street Fair
Lookout for LOOKOUT
News Briefs In ION Arizona
Glutes, Growth, and a Little Healthy Competition
By Rafael, Founder of Rafalogie Fit and Life Coach
et’s be honest. Every now and then, a TV show gives us more than drama. It gives us inspiration. And in this case: glutes worth training for.
Watching a heated rivalry unfold on screen, I could not stop staring at one character: Ilya . His confidence. His energy. And yes, his glutes. That man walks into every scene like he owns it. I paused the episode, grabb
8 Week Program Before & After
Whistle
(Theatrical Release – February 6)
You blew it, literally. Whistle is the spine-tingling new horror flick where Aztec curses meet queer cuteness and pure chaos. When a ragtag group of high schoolers finds a creepy ancient death whistle, they do what teens do best: mess around and find out. The sound summons each person’s future death, yes, it’s giving Final Destination meets The Mummy. Starring Dafne Keen and Sophie Nélisse as a sapphic couple worth screaming for, this thriller goes from kissy to cursed real quick. Pack popcorn and sage.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model
(Netflix – Struts onto screens February 16) Tyra said “smize,” but this doc is all about side-eyes. Reality Check is a no-holds-barred, three-part docuseries pulling back the rhinestone-studded curtain on America’s Next Top Model. Queen Tyra herself faces the music, admitting she “went too far” and honey, we remember. From blackface shoots to weave meltdowns and body shaming disguised as “high fashion,” the series finally confronts the show’s toxic moments, with interviews from Jay Manuel, Miss J, Nigel Barker, and shaken former contestants like Dani Evans and Whitney Thompson.
While it celebrates the show’s early steps toward diverse representation, it doesn’t shy away from the messy, problematic runway it walked to get there. One notably absent voice? OG winner Adrianne Curry, who called the whole retrospective “absurd.” Still, if you grew up whispering “you wanna be on top?” into a hairbrush, this doc is required viewing.
THE MELROSE VALENTINE:
The “Paint & Press” Lamb
Forget fighting for a reservation on 7th Ave this Valentine’s. The real power move is a private table for two at home. This herb-crusted rack of lamb is my favorite “closer”—it looks like culinary high art, but it’s actually a low-stress roast that leaves you time to focus on your date. The chef secret here is the “Paint & Press” technique. You simply sear the meat, “paint” it with Dijon mustard (your glue), and “press” it into the herb mixture. Paired with a lean celery root purée and antioxidant-rich pomegranates, it’s a high-protein, Melrose-approved Valentine’s dinner.
Joshua J Preston Chef & Founder
The Chef of Melrose
602-540-9401
JoshuaPreston@ChefOfMelrose.com Chefofmelrose.com
Instagram: @joshuapreston21
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Gremolata
Serves 2 | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 20 mins
THE MEAT
1 rack of lamb (approx. 1.5 lbs, 8 bones), frenched
2 tbsp avocado oil
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
Behind the Glow: Why Your Derrière Deserves Laser Love
Let’s be honest, boys. You moisturize your face, sculpt your jawline, and curate your gym shorts like a museum exhibit, so why is the backstage area still living in the dark ages? If confidence is king, then a smooth, bright, hairfree derriere is the crown jewel.
Laser Hair Removal: Because Stubble Is Not a Personality
Laser hair removal for the anal and perianal region is one of the most requested treatments in my practice, and for good reason. It’s precise, fa
NAVIGATION
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walterstudios.com
walterwherehouse.com
ION FABULANCE
February arrives with flirty chaos, emotional whiplash, and Valentine drama everywhere. Aquarius weirdness meets Pisces feelings, delivering mixed signals, bold crushes, and resolutions already being ignored. The vibe is “rom-com montage” one minute and “therapy appointment” the next. Expect surprise confessions, thirst traps doing the absolute most, and at least one person crawling back with a “hey stranger” text. Your assignment: flirt responsibly, communicate clearly, and don’t let a heart-shaped box of chocolates become your entire personality.
♈ ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
February pushes your patience, Aries, especially in love. Slow down, stop texting impulsively, and remember not every challenge needs flames, speeches, or dramatic exits today.
♉ TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)
February spoils you with romance temptations and comfort cravings. Enjoy it, Taurus, but don’t avoid real conversations by hiding behind snacks, naps, and perfectly curated vibes.
♊ GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20)
Your mouth moves faster than your heart this month, Gemini. February asks for honesty over flirting, fewer mixed signals, and maybe thinking once before hitting send.
♋ CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
February turns emotions up loud, Cancer, but love feels close. Nurture yourself, avoid spiraling assumptions, and remember not every delayed text is a personal attack.
♌ LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Romance wants attention, Leo, and so do you. February says share the spotlight, flirt responsibly, and stop treating Valentine plans like an award ceremony again.
♍ VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
February tests your expectations, Virgo, especially around love logistics. Not everything needs fixing. Let moments be messy, emotional, and imperfect without rewriting the entire plan.
♎ LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Love feels cinematic this month, Libra, but reality still exists. February encourages balance—romance plus boundaries—so you don’t lose yourself chasing vibes and validation everywhere now.
♏ SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
February intensifies attraction, Scorpio, making everything feel deeper. Use passion wisely, communicate intentions clearly, and resist testing people just to confirm your power this month.
♐ SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
February brings wanderlust and flirtation, Sagittarius, even if travel is imaginary. Say yes to fun, but don’t run from conversations requiring depth, honesty, or follow-through.
♑ CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Romance interrupts your productivity, Capricorn, and that’s uncomfortable. February asks you to soften, express affection, and stop scheduling feelings like meetings with strict agendas daily.
♒ AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Your season sparks reinvention, Aquarius, and February highlights connection. Be yourself loudly, but remember relationships need warmth, presence, and follow-up—not just brilliant concepts right now.
♓ PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Pisces season arrives, soft and romantic, heightening intuition. February encourages dreaming with intention—enjoy fantasy, but anchor feelings in reality to avoid disappointment later this month.
