Ion May 2018 issue 203

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PHOENIX PRIDE

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by Peter Lora PeterWasTheWolf@Gmail.com WWW.IONAZ.COM May 2018

FESTIVAL AND PAR ADE

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VIP EXPERIENCE

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RED IS THE NIGHT

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PARSONS CENTER

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830 N. 1st Ave., Unit 203 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 750-1164 www.IONAZ.com ionarizona@me.com PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Jack M. Tesorero .................................... jacktesorero@me.com

SWIMSUIT ISSUE Coming June 2018

EDITOR Deon Brown ............................................ ionazeditor@me.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Bushaw ............................................. kbushaw@me.com ART DIRECTOR .............................................. Alex Campos COPY EDITOR .................................................. Austin Head PRODUCTION & ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS ionazproduction@me.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 DIRECTOR OF SALES John Singleton .................................................. (224) 548-0071 johncsingleton@gmail.com TUCSON ADVERTISING SALES Danny Catt ........................................................ (520) 429-5905 danny.catt@gmail.com DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Christopher Tong .............................................. (702) 883-2525 chris.bgcentertainment@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Franklin Diaz Scotty Kirby LeakedGlass Production RSVP Photography Fernando Hernandez

Danny Catt CONTRIBUTORS:

Addison DeWitt C. Edwards Ted Kirby

Peter Lora Paul Sanchez Miss Tiger

Published monthly by

© 2018 JMT Designs, Inc.

1995-2018: 23 Years of Design and Creative Excellence ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PRINTED IN PHOENIX, AZ

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.

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NEARLY NAKED THEATRE

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U N D E R PA NT S G O D OT

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BLACKOUT

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CHARLIE’S

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Let the Parties Begin!

W

ow! What a great Phoenix Pride weekend! The festival, the parade, the VIP Experience were bigger and better than ever. I couldn’t be prouder of all the people that came, the companies who supported it, the hundreds of volunteers and the hard working managers who worked tirelessly!

At the end of the day (or weekend), we killed it.

Phoenix is growing like never before and it starts with amazing, honest, hard working people. I met Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (who walked the entire parade route) at the VIP Experience, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone, (who was elected and replaced that other guy) as well as Phoenix Pride Volunteer Manager and our next Secretary of State for Arizona, Katie Hobbs!

Splash Bash Phoenix Pride 2018 is one for the books, we turn our attention to our ION’s summer events. We’re excited to announce that our new location for Splash Bash Weekend is at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport on June 2-3. This gay friendly hotel hosted the successful Phurfest weekend last month. When you stay at their hotel, not only do get a huge suite, but a complimentary cooked-to-order 28

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breakfast and a daily free happy hour—all included for only $84 night! Go to IONAZ. com to book your room.

Sexiest Bartender Contest Another one of our signature events, Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s “Sexiest Bartender Contest,” is in full swing with excitement building in bars all over the valley. Bartenders are raising money for the new non-profit HIV/AIDS education and prevention organization, RipplePHX, all month long. Make sure you go to your favorite bar to support their competing bartender. You can also donate directly at the website RipplePHX. org/Sexiest_Bartender

The Hits Keep on Coming In addition, Ignition Brunch at 2601 on Central, Bartlett Beach Bash this month, Bisbee and Flagstaff Prides in June, guarantee that there’s never a dull moment. Use ION as your guide to many of these events and check out our website for easy-to-use calendar.

Get out and explore our community and all it has to offer to you. Enjoy this issue and we’ll see you June 2-3 for Splash Bash Weekend!

Jack M. Tesorero Promoter and Supporter

GPGLCC RAINBOW CLASSIC

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BEARRACUDA

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THE ROCK

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Cinco de Mayo at Karamba Remember that time Mexico won it’s independence from the French? We don’t either, but we love to celebrate it! You won’t want to miss the drag show, after hours, Vaquero Dance, karaoke, and Barbra Seville’s Salsa Challenge at Karamba’s! (We think they’ll even have cerveza and tequila!) Karamba, 1724 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix. (See ad on p. 33)

Ignition Brunch + Car Show Fenders & Friends invites everyone who loves anything with four wheels that’s bright ‘n’ shiny to join them for a delicious brunch and talk about cars! If you’ve got a fab set of wheels, feel free to show off! No registration fee required.

See you Saturday, May 12 at 2601 N. Central, at the corner on Virginia Ave. from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Trucks are welcome, too! (See ad on p. 29)

Get Lei’d at Dick’s Cabaret Aloha, big kahunas! You won’t wanna miss the ol’ fashioned, traditional “hula” dancing ... without any pesky grass skirts getting in your face. These boys know how to make your volcano erupt! See you Friday & Saturday nights, May 18 & 19 at Dick’s Cabaret, 3432 E. Illini St. in Phoenix.

(See ad on p. 86)

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Poolside BBQ at FLEX Who doesn’t love some quality beef? Or delicious chorizo? How about some chicken? A foot long weenie? Maybe you’d like a little piggy? Then get your buns over to the FLEX Spas Phoenix this Memorial Day for a poolside barbecue! They’ll have plenty of vittles from 2-4 p.m. You’ll get filled up, alright! Monday, May 28.

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix. (See ad p. 99)

Splash Bash Weekend Get ready for the splashiest bash of the summer! Our legendary Splash Bash Weekend is right around the corner Saturday & Sunday, June 2 & 3. The excitement is building for “Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s Sexiest Bartender Contest” that Sunday, 1-6 p.m. benefiting More Than Bars and RipplePHX. org. Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport, 2333 E. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix.

(See ads on p. 10 &11)

MAY 2018 ION EVENTS DATE Thurs.

2-6 5 6 12 12 12 17 18-19 18 19 19-20 25 26 27 28

EVENT Wild Men of the West Cinco de Mayo Weekend PrEP Ed Panel Barbra’s Salsa Challenge Ignition Brunch AZ Men of Leather Tyler’s Suite - Phx Metro Men’s Chorus Gaston Silveti Get Lei’d Bash Pups ‘n’ Handlers Anniversary Party Reveille Men’s Chorus Superhero Party Super Villain Party Carnaval Latino Poolside BBQ

LOCATION C7 Karamba Stacy’s @ Melrose Karamba 2601 on Central The Anvil Parson’s Ctr. Paris Scottsdale Dick’s Cabaret The Anvil The Anvil Temple of Music & Art Charlie’s Karamba Karamba FLEX Spas

CITY Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Scottsdale Phoenix Phoenix

JUNE 1 2-3 3 9

Bearracuda Splash Bash Sexiest Bartender Showstoppers - Phx Men’s Chorus

The Rock Phoenix Embassy Suites Airport Phoenix Embassy Suites Airport Phoenix Tempe Ctr for Arts Tempe

Tucson Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix

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Abramov Lex Is

“Uncovered”

Russian Artist and Producer Alexander Abramov Releases Series of Revealing Art Photography Books

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bramov Lex bares all in Uncovered, his coming of age story about a man who isn’t afraid to speak his truth, follow through with his vision and be exposed—body and soul. The five-part series of art photography books tells the story of Alexander Abramov; the Russian artist and producer portrays different characters in unique worlds of action and emotion. Through images and notes from his personal diary, Alexander explains who he really is.

In the series, Uncovered, Alexander depicts five characters: a Wrangler, a Mercenary, a Woodsman, a Journeyman, and a Seafarer.

He posed for more than 5000 pictures at multiple locations with celebrated Russian photographer Dima Bocharov after developing the idea three years ago when he first moved to New York City from Moscow.

He had three motivations: the first was his love and passion for photography.

Second was his desire to share stories from his life that he thought a lot of people especially the LGBTQ community might identify with and find inspiring.

“I started keeping journals 18 years ago. My diary is about awareness of my homosexuality, about my experiences and explorations of the world: first feelings, first love, first sexual encounter.

It’s also about human imperfection and struggle, drugs and fears, scars and past troubles. It tells of becoming the man I have wanted to be: a man who is able to inspire others to makes changes for the better. I’m a man who is not afraid to open his soul,” he says.

“Life only gets better when we are able to be honest and when we are willing to give something to others, especially our spirits.”

Posing for nude photos was something he had never done before. “It wasn’t hard for me to take my clothes off. It’s very difficult to surprise people in the age of universal exhibitionism, but these images deserve some attention. I hope they will resonate and inspire people to be the best versions of themselves—inside and out—as well as inspire them to travel to gorgeous places and live outside of their comfort zones.”

As a gay man who was born in the Republic of Kazakhstan, living his young adult life in Russia, Alexander knows from experience the lack of gay rights in those countries. He is donating 10% of proceeds to the Russian LGBT Network to help protect the gay youth of his native countries. The Russian LGBT Network is an interregional, non-governmental human rights organization promoting equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“It’s been a long, winding road to where I am now, but I’m excited to reveal all of my past experiences in Uncovered,” he said.

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Yuhua Hamasaki at Karamba “Yuhua gonna remember me!” How could anyone forget this glamorous queen from the mystic East? Yuhua competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, season 10. (While she was filming, she hid her disappearance claiming to have been in a coma.)

Come see her throw some genuine shade at Carnaval Latino on Sunday, May 27 at Karamba, 1724 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix. (See ad on p. 33)

MAY 2018 ION DRAG LISTINGS DATE TIME May 3 May 6 May 13 10:00am May 27 Mondays 10:00pm Tuesdays Wednesdays 10:00pm Wednesdays 10:30pm Wednesdays 10:00pm Wednesdays 10:00pm Thursdays 8:00pm Thursdays 10:30pm Thursdays 10:00pm 1st&3rd Thurs 10:00pm 1st & 3rd Fri 10:30pm 2nd & 4th Fri 10:00pm 2nd & 4th Fri 10:30pn Fridays 10:00pm Fridays 10:30 Fridays 9:00pm Fridays 9:00pm Saturdays 10:30pm Saturdays 10:30pm Saturdays 10:00pm Saturdays 9:30pm 1st Saturday 9:30pm 1st Sunday 2:00pm 2nd Sunday 7:00pm 3rd Sunday 4:00pm 4th Sunday 4:00pm Sundays 8:30pm Sundays 7:00pm Sundays 10:30pm Sundays 10:00am

LOCATION Karamba Karamba 2601 on Central Karamba Charlie’s BS West Club Volt Karamba Charlie’s Cruisin’ 7th Club Volt Karamba Charlie’s The Rock Cruisin’ 7th The Rock Cruisin’ 7th Club Volt The Rock Plazma BS West Club Vlt Cruisin’ 7th The Rock Charlie’s Oz Bar Cruisin’ 7th Cruisin’ 7th Cruisin’ 7th Cruisin’ 7th Charlie’s BS West Karamba 2601 on Central

SHOW / PERFORMER(S) Pre-Cinco De Mayo Party Ruby Hosts Barbra Seville’s Anual Salsa Challenge The Queens of Brunch Mothers Day Special Yuhua Hamasaki from RuPaul’s Drag Race Claudia B & Coco St. James - The Strip Factor The Next Big Star with Naomi St. James T Party hosted by Gia DeMilo Ariana Miller Show Nevaeh’s High Heels & Halos Big Wednesday’s with Espressa Grande RPDR Hosted by Luna Love St. James Urban Thursdays with Ruby Reynolds Piping Hot Thursdays with Piper M’Shay Valentina’s Cantina with Valentina Knowles Olivia’s Garden Party Coco’s Charm School Nikki at Night with Nikki Knowles 4Some Revue with Miley, Gia, Piper & Luna Special Event Rotating Drag Shows New Times Best Drag Show Freaky Fridays with Celia Putty Elements - The Valley’s Top Drag Entertainers Volt Vixxxens with Naomi St. James Lady Christian’s Lady & the Tramps The Barbra Seville Show Pussy’s Patio Show Sinful Saturday Hosted by Sonja Jae Savage Excuse Our Beauty Revue Femmeology ft. Sssy, Phoenix, Dita & Taylor Sunday Funnies with Celia Putty Cruisin’ for a Cause Pussy LeHoot & Friends The Showgirl Follies Big Sexy Show Top 40 Sundays Adriana Galliano Show The Queens of Brunch May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 45

SAAF JELL-O WRESTLING

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4th Avenue

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Kendrick Lamar

Bitch, don’t kill my vibe! This rapper and songwriter ain’t exactly “Humble,” ‘cuz he don’t need to be. For one thing, his 2017 album “Damn” won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. He disses Drake and everyone else on Monday, May 14 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Go to TicketMaster.com 800-745-3000

MGMT

After a hiatus, the indie, synth-psychedelic sounds of MGMT return to the stage, with their “Little Dark Age Tour.” Get for them to dominate your mind hole on Sunday, May 20 at the Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave. in Tempe. For ticket call 480-839-0707 or visit LuckyManOnline.com

Kimbra

This quirky little Kiwi is only the third New Zealander to win a Grammy. You know her best from the 2012 duet with Gotye, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

(C’mon! It was everywhere!) Her creative mixt of jazz, pop, rock with some Björk-y zingers comes to The Van Buren on Friday, May 25 at 401 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix.

TicketMaster.com 800-745-3000

MAY 2018 ION CONCERT CALENDAR DATE ARTIST 2 Justin Timberlake 3 Plain White T’s 4 Lit 6 Maluma 8 Taylor Swift 8 Weird Al Yankovich 11 Franz Ferdinand 11 Khalid 12 Funk Fest 12 90s Block Party 13 Luis Miguel 14 Kendrick Lamar 14 Tech N9ne 16 Luis Miguel 18 Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Co. 20 MGMT 25 Kimbra 29 James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt

LOCATION PHONE Talking Stick Resort Arena - Phx 800-745-3000 Blk Live - Scottsdale 480-494-5069 Blk Live - Scottsdale 480-494-5069 Comerica Theatre - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Univ. of Phx Stadium - Glendale 800-745-3000 Mesa Arts Center 480-644-6500 The Van Buren - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Rawide Western Town - Chandler 800-745-3000 Celebrity Theatre - Phoenix 602-267-1600 Comerica Theatre - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Comerica Theatre - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Ak-Chin Pavilion - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Rialto Theatre - Tucson 877-987-6487 Casino del Sol - Tucson 800-344-9435 Ak-Chin Pavilion - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Marquee Theatre - Tempe 480-839-0707 The Van Buren - Phoenix 800-745-3000 Talking Stick Resort Arena - Phx 800-745-3000 May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 49

I

t seems like Todrick Hall is everywhere.

YouTube. MTV. RuPaul’s Drag Race. Broadway.

Music. And coming soon to an Arizona stage near you.

Todrick has a growing— and devoted following—of superfans calling themselves “Toddlerz.” They respond to his talent and message. (He’s a veteran YouTuber, plus a rapper, singer, songwriter, choreographer, director, producer, actor.)

Growing up as AfricanAmerican and gay, in Plainview, Texas, presented challenges for him. “Who am I? How do I fit in?” YouTube provided him with a platform. He has over three million subscribers.

Todrick is just as committed to his fans.

“I’ve devoted my life to making sure that I can be a trailblazer for any other African American kids or any other gay kids or any other kids that just feel weird or uncomfortable and have their own issues and don’t know how to express themselves,” said Todrick. “I want to be like a beacon for those kids now.”

His big break came when he was picked for American Idol season 9, making it to semi-finals. In 2014 MTV created athe docuseries, Todrick. The wild success of Straight Outta Oz, a visual concept album, explores his own life and quest for fame. It went on to become a touring stage production. In December 2017 he released the documentary film, Behind the Curtain, about the production (and a “Valentine,” to

himself) on DVD and also available on Netflix. He went on when he was cast as “Lola” in Kinky Boots and “Billy Flynn” in Chicago on Broadway.

New projects keep motivating Todrick to create, but a strong social conscience and commitment to make the world better for others spurs him on.

“There are a lot of people who are afraid to be who they are, and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of fame and a little bit of success because I’m being 100 percent truthful with who I am, hopefully that will create a paved way for someone else,” Todrick said. “My whole brand, everything that I stand for and everything I’ve always stood for, is equality and love.”

Get some love when Hall takes the stage with a new show in “American: The Forbidden Tour” coming to Arizona.

Tucson: Weds. May 16 at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Tix: RialtoTheatre.com or TicketFly.com or call 877-987-6487 Mesa: Thurs. May 17, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Tix: MesaArtsCenter.com or call 480-644-6500

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Silence! The Musical

Got a nice chianti and some fava beans? FBI agent Clarice matches wits with Hannibal the Cannibal to catch serial killer Buffalo Bill. This hilarious, raunchy, vulgar, irreverent look at Silence of the Lambs, comes to the stage May 4-19, thanks to Stray Cat Theatre. It puts the lotion on its skin at Tempe Ctr. for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. Tix: StrayCatTheatre.org or call 480-350-2822.

Todrick Hall

The unstoppable Hall takes the stage again with a new spectacular with original songs, dancing and just about everything else imaginable in “American: The Forbidden Tour.”

Tucson: Weds. May 16 at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Tix: RialtoTheatre.com or TicketFly.com or call 877-987-6487 Mesa: Thurs. May 17, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Tix: MesaArtsCenter.com or call 480-644-6500

The Humans

Thanksgiving. Erik brings his Pennsylvania family to celebrate the holiday with a dinner in his daughter’s Manhattan apartment.

Things go bump in the night in this uproarious, hopeful, heartbreaking Tony award winning play. May 29-June 3 at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. in Tempe.

Tickets: 480-965-3434 or ASUgammage.com

MAY 2018 ION THEATER + STANDUP DATE

2-18 4-5 4-13 4-19 10-12 thru 12 thru 12 thru 13 15-20 16 17 17-19 17-6/13 17-6/30 18-6/3 25-27 29-6/3

EVENT

Beauty & the Beast Ken Jeong Silence! The Musical Church & State T.J. Miller Diary of Anne Frank Importance of Being Ernest Bridges of Madison County Les Misérables Todrick Hall Todrick Hall Harland Williams Diary of Anne Frank Big Fish Rock of Ages Cedric the Entertainer The Humans

COMPANY

Mesa Encore Theatre Stand Up Live - Phoenix Stray Cat Theatre - Tempe iTheatre Collaberative - Phx House of Comedy - Phoenix AZ Theatre Co. - Tucson Hale Ctr. Theatre - Gilbert AZ B’way Theatre - Peoria ASU Gammage - Tempe Rialto Theatre - Tucson Mesa Arts Center Stand Up Live - Phoenix AZ Theatre Co. - Phx Hale Ctr. Theatre - Gilbert Mesa Encore Theatre Stand Up Live - Phoenix ASU Gammage

PHONE

480-644-6800 480-719-6100 480-350-2822 602-252-8497 480-420-3553 520-622-2823 480-497-1181 623-776-8400 480-965-3434 877-987-6487 480-644-6500 480-719-6100 602-256-6995 480-497-1181 480-644-6800 480-719-6100 480-965-3434

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Taco & Star Wars Taco Shop Starring: Tyler Posey, Felipe Esparza, Brian Huskey, Johnny Sanchez, Eric Roberts This picture isn’t about Filiberto’s or the fabled taco truck behind Charlie’s. But it is about tacos, and the violence they incite.

Why? Because we love our tacos, right, ese?

Smokes (the lopsided-faced Posey, MTV’s Teen Wolf lead heartthrob who is, in fact, Mexican on his mother’s side, but still looks like he’s wearing a heavy olive base to heighten his Latino heritage) discovers his mother is in debt and they may be losing their home. He gives up his plan to quit working at the nondescript Taco Dollar to open his own fancy taqueria. The popular gourmet Taco Ghando truck parked across the street doesn’t help, either. Soon, Taco Wars erupt, So Cal style.

This lighthearted comedy is brought to you by the same people who made Selena ... but with no “biddy, biddy bom-bom.” Sorry, vatos.

TacoShop-Movie.com Opens May 1

Solo: A Star Wars Story Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson Moving closer to a heist, or Westerntype feel, this is the second Star Wars anthology film, following Rogue One (2016) taking place 10 years prior to the 1977 original, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. (I’m a little confused, too.) But don’t worry. This stand-alone installment highlights the early years of daring, swashbuckling rogue Han Solo (the adorable Ehrenreich, the goofy cowboy star of the Coen Bros.

2016 Hollywood Hail, Caesar!) and meeting his friend, Chewbacca, finding his ship, the Millennium-Falcon, as well as meeting Lando Calrissian (Glover, Atlanta, Community). Cheers alum Harrelson plays Solo’s mentor, Becket.

Expect a solid piece of filmmaking with Ron Howard in the director’s chair, and a story by screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, the writer and director for Raiders of the Lost Ark and co-wrote three other films in the Star Wars franchise.

Opens May 25

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Aural Fixation

by Peter Lora PeterWasTheWolf@Gmail.com

Cardi B

Invasion of Privacy

We may all gripe about what reality TV gives us, Kardashians, Housewives, our president ... but we can also remember its gifts: Bob Harper, Drag Race and Belcalis Almanzar, better known as Cardi B. She perfectly encapsulates what most millennials think the new American dream is: a Bronx-born MC who parlayed stripping into social media stardom, moving from VH1’s Love & Hip-Hop: New York to becoming the first female rapper to have a No. 1 single at the top of the Billboard Top 40.

Her debut, Invasion of Privacy, is an empathic response to skeptics.

Applying the same precision and curatorial instincts of an Instagram feed, each song is a window into Cardi B’s life: her early career with “Best Life,” cheating boyfriends with “Be Careful,” and poverty with “Money Bags.” Her lyrics are laugh-out-loud clever and endearing. Cardi is her most triumphant with “I Like It,” a Dominican bilingual block party banger borne out of reworking Pete Rodriguez’ classic with the help of Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Available Now

Toni Braxton Sex & Cigarettes Watching Braxton Family Values, an endless circus of family infighting,

D.U.I.’s, and divorces, it’s easy to forget that Toni Braxton is a multi-platinum selling, seven-time Grammy award winning artist. This year marks the 25th anniversary of her eponymous debut album which included her career-defining worldwide hits “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.”

With her career more or less sidelined by her 2008 lupus diagnosis, this Toni’s first album since 2010’s Pulse, coming hot on the heels of her relationship with hip-hop mogul and tattoo enthusiast, Birdman.

(The smoking and the love making must be happening off off screen.) This new album, despite Toni’s impeccable vocals, is still sad; her heart remains broken even 20 years later. There’s still hope; lead single “Long As I Live” is the climax of the album with its heavy bass line and Toni’s signature nonchalant cool vocals.

Available Now

Ariana Grande

THE DL SONGS TO DOWNLOAD ARTIST - SONG Ariana Grande - “No Tears Left To Cry” Lykke Li - “Deep End” Helena Delan - “Take It All” MachineDrum - “Hype Up” Janelle Monae - “Pynk” feat. Grimes Kadya Bonet - “Mother Maybe” Leon Vynehall - “Envelopes (Chapter VI)” Amen Dunes - “Believe” Controller - “Channel Tres” MorMor - “Whatever Comes to Mind” May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 61

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Space Case Lost in Space Starring: Toby Stephens, Molly Parker, Parker Posey, Ignacio Serricchio The Swiss Family Robinson was shipwrecked in the East Indies and destined to forge a new life in the 1812 novel of the same name.

(You realize that’s the literary reference here, right? Right?)

In 1965, when television was still in its juvenile years, disaster movie mogul Irwin Allen created and produced three successful seasons of Lost in Space, airing a whopping 83 sanitized episodes about the Robinson family of the future, (White and American, naturally) crashing into a distant papier mâché planet when their space ship is sabotaged.

In April, Netflix premiered 10 episodes of the

sci-fi series with their 2046 version of the Robinson clan, compete with the “Danger, Will Robinson!” mascot robot named–surprise–“Robot.”

Each hourly episode plods on with futuristic effects, but peppered occasionally with mawkish, technical, spaceship jargon. (“We can skip the heat exchanger, but let’s pull the rotary coupling and igniter!”) Sometimes unintentionally hokey soap opera-like plot twists (like an assumed identity) coupled with pregnant pauses, knowing stares and almost silent movie quality expository action (such as sneaking into an off-limits compartment while surreptitiously looking around with great, theatrical expression) will (or should) leave some viewers rolling their eyes.

We get what you’re doing.

For old timers who’ve seen the first incarnation, you can’t help but wish that even a tad of the albeit goofy wit and warmth of the original was also stranded with this newfangled, serious Robinson clan. (The sniveling, fagolicious antics of Jonathan Harris, the original, villainous “Dr. Smith” were hysterical.)

Despite the often too slow pacing and murky explanations, the execution is absolutely intriguing.

Will the Robinsons ever be rescued, or are they doomed—like Gilligan and his fellow castaways—to be marooned forever in a makebelieve TV landscape?

Available on Netflix

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Roland’s I

t’s Cinco de Mayo month! Over the past few years the hot culinary trend is turning the predictable Mexican food that most of us gringos are accustomed to—Tex-Mex combinacíons smothered in red sauce and cheddar cheese—into something with a hightone, epicurean flair. Barrio Café, Barrio Gran Reserva and Así Es La Vida are a few Phoenix stalwarts with pedigree.

Now Mexican street food is getting the red carpet treatment. Phoenix faves like trailblazer La Santísima Gourmet Tacos (featured on the Food Network and perhaps the first in the local street food revolucíon), the exquisite offerings at Presidio Cocina Mexicana (reviewed in ION January 2017) helped changed all that. I’m sure Tucson has their own local gems, too.

Prediction: expect to find more Mexican street food cafes serving fare with as much panache as cuisine at any French bistro. The newest is the brand new Roland’s Café Market Bar as dodgy Van Buren Street slowly gets the needed facelift that comes with gentrification.

The restaurant is housed in the century

old, refurbished Roland’s Market, still crowned with the beautiful pressed-tin tiles on the ceiling. Giant windows flank the airy dining room with exposed brick.

Service is fast and friendly, but expect parking challenges as Roland’s takes off with the foodie set.

McDowell Road’s homey Tacos Chiwas husband and wife team of Nadia Holguin and Armando Hernandez provide the recipes while James Beard Awardwinning and maestro Chef Chris Bianco (yes, of the famed Pizzeria Bianco and Pane Bianco) lends his own industry know-how. (And cash.)

Opened in mid-April, they’re serving up Chihuahua-style street food with a twist, plus a coffee bar with pastries. We dropped by for lunch to check out the buzz.

The Quesadillas were a nice surprise.

Don’t expect a garden variety “cheese crisp.” The Chorizo Quesadilla is a modest-size, 12-inch tortilla with asadero cheese (or “queso Oaxaca,” similar to Monterrey Jack) on top and sprinkled with spicy chorizo from Schreiner’s Sausage, plus a few confetti-size flakes of cilantro. Three others (including a veggie quesadilla with an Italian flair) make choosing difficult. $6-$9 May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 65

Three different two-bite tacos (two bites and it’s gone) are a great start: Pollo (chicken), Carnitas (diced, not pulled, pork) or diced Steak come all dressed up for about $3 each. If you’ve had them at Tacos Chiwas, you know what to expect.

Our hands-down favorite was the Carnitas Sandwich for $12. You’ll get more of the flavorful carnitas with a schmear of frijoles refritos (refried beans), mayonnaise, a spray of arugula, a dash of lemon vinaigrette and a dab of spicy salsa de árbol—all stuffed into a small artisanal baguette of Chef Bianco’s famous bread baked in house daily burning pecan and oak wood.

Rumor has it that his focaccia is on its way. Feel free to choose a sandwich with Niman Ranch steak ($14) or Pollo Asado for $11, each with their own flair.

The two tiny sides of seasoned rice ($4) and refried beans ($3) were served in astonishingly small, midget-sized ramekins that scarcely

warrant the price tag, leaving us grumpy.

We satisfied our sweet tooth with generous slab of Banana Cream Cake, with moist sponge cake, fresh, rich, housemade banana filling and rich whipped cream to die for. Indulge.

Helpful hint: we were roundly disappointed with temperature of the servings. The rice, beans, and tacos, especially, were all barely room temperature. For these prices, Roland’s can afford turn the heat on their stove up.

We hope they’ll work this out. Soon.

Thirsty? They offer many singular (defined: pricey) as well as affordable wines, plus a few exotic beers, both, domestic as well as from South of the Border as well as bottled soft drinks.

Expect a piñata of publicity and praise to bust open for Roland’s. Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with dinner starting this month. And if you can’t get in, Tacos Chiwas is just a couple of miles away for a quick fix that’s easy on the wallet.

1505 E. Van Buren St. RolandsPHX.com 602-441-4749

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Photography by LeakedGlass Text by Deon Brown Special Thanks to Jeremy Bright and Christopher Tong Who makes the screwiest Screwdriver? The dirtiest Martini? The Bloodiest Mary?

When you’re using Tito’s Handmade Vodka, every cocktail is even more special.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, ION Arizona, and BGC Entertainment bring you the 2018 Sexiest Bartender Competition. We’ve challenged some of your favorite bartenders across the Valley to dazzle you with their fabulous flair and superior skills in mixology so you can decide, “Who’s the Sexiest Bartender”?

Contestants earn awards in three catagories: Best Drink, Best Talent, Beauty Queen, with the Highest Fundraiser crowned as “Sexiest Bartender.” Vote by donating to your favorite bartender online at RipplePHX.org/Sexiest_Bartender RipplePHX is excited and thankful to be selected as the beneficiary of this year’s competition. RipplePHX is a new, grassroots non-profit organization who will be hitting the streets in June with innovative and exciting ways to curb the spread of today’s HIV in our community. Find out more about them or join in the mission at RipplePHX.org

And now ... bring on those Sexy Bartenders!

May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 71

Heidi Leisberg 2601 on Central

Heidi keeps the Tito’s Handmade Vodka flowing at 2601 on Central. She better— she’s the bar manager. Heidi honed her mad mixology skills in Las Vegas 14 years ago, and she’s been keepin’ cocktails cool ever since.

As an animal lover, Heidi admits, “I lose my mind if I see a dog in public” and—wait— she also confesses, “I watch cat videos when I’m alone in bars.” Yep. She said that. Look over by the Skill Crane.

That’s Heidi on her phone watching YouTube.

Heidi’s a hardcore “ride or die ally for the LGBTQ community,” she’s loves co-hosting the “Big Gay Brunch” every Sunday at 2601. She admits, “I’m always fashionably late,” but never to an arts event—because she’s classy that way.

“My ‘go-to’ cocktail is always Tito’s and cranberry.” Heidi swears by it.

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Dorian Stinson Bunkhouse

He’s the original “Bearbie” of Phoenix! Everyone’s favorite “barba roja” is the one and only Dorian. Originally from San Luis, in southern Arizona, Dorian loves the big city ways of Phoenix where his smiling face makes him a popular bartender and friend, too, helping out with fundraisers along the way.

Feeling naughty? If you have a leather fetish, come see Dorian. He holds the titles for “Mr. Southwest Leather Boy 2013” and “American Leather Boy 2013.”

And that’s a whole lotta leather, people!

More than a bartender or server, Dorian is also a designer with his own business. “I love my job, but I dedicate my free time to My Brand N clothing line that I created a couple of years ago.”

“Let me make you a cocktail!”

Dorian invites. (If you’re lucky it might even be underwear night!)

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Michael Phillips OZ Bar

Mikey Phillips represents OZ Bar, where he’s worked for four years.

Now he’s the General Manager.

Mikey hails from glamorous Dubuque, Iowa, and grew up playing football and wrestling. “I know what you’re thinking, ‘He’s gay and a wrestler—that’s a hot fantasy!’ but I never (intentionally) did what may be going through your mind.” Dang!

You might remember Mikey’s handsome face from Pookie’s restaurant, way back in the day. And did you know he won “Mr. Phoenix Gay Pride” in 2002? Mikey plays on the Gay and Lesbian Association of Darts (GLAD) where he’s a board member.

“I found my love and in 2005 I’m still happily married to him. We live with our three dogs, cat, and a lizard.”

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Devon Reismiller Stacy’s @ Melrose

Nobody can resist Devon’s charms, sure.

His talent gives him a “wow” factor that’s hard to top. His dazzling fire spinning “poi” performances, dancing, and mad roller skating skills make Devon a triple threat.

His good citizenship skills made him an Eagle Scout, which also means he’s really good at Wilderness Survival and even tying knots (like the Trucker’s Hitch. Hot, huh?) and pitching a tent.

Extra hot!

A self-described nerd, Devon loves animé, reading fantasy books, and did you know he’s also part unicorn? True story.

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David Perre

Club VOLT

Nobody can keep their eyes off of the trapezius, pectoralus major, latissimus dorsi or—especially—the gluteus maximus of the sizzle-icious 22-year-old David.

(C’mon! Have you seen ‘em?)

He starting bartending when Club VOLT opened in 2017.

As a five-year Liposarcoma survivor, David raises money and awareness for others dealing with invisible illnesses. He stays busy by working out, (you don’t think those muscles just happen, do you?) with his boyfriend, hiking, art, architecture, building things on Sims video games, and scary movies.

Last year David won this contest’s “Talent” category of the competition as well as appearing as the contest’s cover boy for ION. This dream machine is one to watch out for.

David threw down the gauntlet. “I’m ready to raise thousands of dollars for RipplePHX,” he said. Look out!

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Al Phoenix Los Diablos

Hunky, hirsute, and hot, hot, hot! This bad hombre was born and raised in sunny Mexico before he came to Arizona.

Give Al a little lipstick and a powder puff and he can make your kisser look good, because he was a professional makeup artist for 14 years. Al’s many passions include art & design, epidemiology and science, plus comic book culture.

You surely recognize Al because from shaking is muscular moneymaker on stage as a sexy go-go dancer with Wild Men of the West for four years. He still loves dancing (even if he keeps his clothes on!), going to the movies and traveling and discovering new destinations. Do have any new destinations he might like to explore?

We thought so.

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Evan May BS West

He’s not just a hella sexy bartender, he’s a real smartypants, too. Evan is a UofA Wildcat! He graduated in 2016 with a B.A. in Film & TV, plus a B.S. in Political Science.

Looking for a culture vulture? It’s Evan. “I’m passionate about the arts. I love watching TV, movies, plays, musicals, and pretty much everything else.” We’re guessing that if you’re looking for a classy night out at the theatre, or down for some Netflix ‘n’ Chill at home, Evan’s your guy. But don’t get too comfy—he’s a sweet athlete who works out, plays rugby for Phoenix Storm and loves the great outdoors.

Looking for a view to a thrill ride?

This guy digs roller coasters and theme parks. That must be why there’s little bit of Disneyland in his heart. “I’m super goofy,” he says.

(Get it?) “I like to be silly and joke around a lot.”

When you’re ready to wet your whistle, Evan’s favorite go-to cocktail is a Tito’s Handmade Vodka press with lime.

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Tanner Cordell Gay Gardens

From Wander Boy to Wonder Boy! Tanner is a former military brat who moved around since he was born, putting down roots in Phoenix in 2007, working at various bars from Kobalt to Plazma, and Stacy’s @ Melrose.

Tanner started bartending in 2005 at Jeff’s Pirates Cove on the island of Guam, where he had to learn Japanese just to make a Vodka Stinger. (He says they’re even better with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and deliver a bigger “sting.”)

When he isn’t weightlifting or honing the art of Brazilian jujitsu, he’s singing, or reciting movie quotes.

(A gay man spouting off movie quotes?

Shocker, right?) He puts his magic fingers to work as a massage therapist.

(He knows how to treat a sacroiliac right!)

Tanner’s the new roommie at Gay Gardens, a friendly little commune—kinda like the Kennedy Compound, except without the Kennedys—in the Willo District, where gentlefolk are always welcome and the bar is stocked with Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Ask Tanner for a Vodka Stinger when you drop by.

In Japanese.

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Jen Moreland The Cash

“Let ‘em eat cake!” Why? Because Jen’s also a professional pastry chef.

She knows cake. She also has 13 years of experience bartending, with three of them at The Cash where she gained serious skills: “I can balance a tray of glasses on top of my head.”

Sounds like a challenge, people.

Jen is a connoisseur of craft beer, adores Sunday Funday, and excels at Deep Couch Sitting. (“This usually involves Netflix Marathons in tandem with my girlfriend,” she explains.

No stranger to the stage, Jen used to perform in Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and also competed in “Dancing with one•n•ten,” giving her an edge.

“I love Tito’s & Sugar Free Red Bull on the reg,” Jen says. “And a Jameson Mule or a good IPA ... if I’m feeling fancy.”

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OZ Bar Trivia Night (W)

OZ Bar Bingo (W)

Bar 1 Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s The Strip Factor (W)

OZ Bar Bingo (W)

Film Bar Funny Girl

31 OZ Bar Bingo (W)

Club Volt RPDR viewing (W)

The Rock Bearracuda Charlie’s Splash Bash Kick off Party

1

Charlie’s Superhero Party

Club Volt Face Savannah (W)

Plazma Sinful Studs (W)

Club Volt 4some Revue (W)

Dick’s Cabaret Get Lei’d Bash

Plazma Freaky Friday (W)

The Cash Dance Party (W)

Plazma Freaky Friday (W)

25

18

11

Paris Scottsdale Paris Pride (W)

Dick’s Cabaret WTF Wednesday (W)

30

Roosevelt Row First Friday Cruisin’ 7th Olivia’s Garden Party (W)

4

FRIDAY

Club Volt T Party (W)

24

Paris Scottsdale Paris Pride (W)

The Rock Undie Night with Chris (W)

23

Mesa Arts Center Todrick Hall

17

OZ Bar Bingo (W)

BS West The Studs of Scottsdale (W)

The Cash Team Trivia (W)

Cruisin 7th Wild Men of the West

10

3

THURSDAY

Film Bar Mommy Dearest

Plazma Sinful Studs (W)

Club Volt T Party (W)

Film Bar Chicago

Dick’s Cabaret WTF Wednesday (W)

16

9

2

WEDNESDAY

I N PARTY CAM EVENTS • (W) WEEKLY EVENT

The Cash Free Dance Lessons (W)

Los Diablos Tuesday Trivia (W)

Dick’s Cabaret Amature Night (W)

BS West Industry Night (W)

29

22

Bliss/ Rebar Taco Tuesday Trivia (W)

Los Diablos Tuesday Trivia (W)

The Cash Free Dance Lessons (W)

Univ. of Phx Stadium Taylor Swift

15

8

Bar 1 Karaoke (W)

The Cash Free Dance Lessons (W)

Karamba Carnaval Latino

28

Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)

Club Volt Flesh (W)

27

Bliss/ Rebar Happy Hour All Day (W)

21

FEZ $5 Big Margaritas (W)

Karamba Mothers Day Show

2601 On Central Big Gay Brunch (W)

20

Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)

Los Diablos Broadway Brunch

14

Bliss/ Rebar Happy Hour All Day (W)

7

MONDAY

Karamba Barbra Salsa Challenge

13

6

SUNDAY

1

TUESDAY Karamba Cinco De Mayo

2

Karamba Super Villan Party

The Anvil Phoenix Boys of Leather

26

The Anvil Anvil Anniversary

The Rock Barbra Seville Show (W)

19

2601 On Central Ignition Brunch

The Anvil AZ Men of Leather

Stacy’s @ Melrose Prep Education

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5

SATURDAY

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DRINK & EVENT GUIDE

PHOENIX FRIDAY SATURDAY

2601 on Central

SUNDAY

FLIGHT FRIDAY’S ALL DAY All flights $10

BRUNCH 10am-2pm $10 bubbles Reverse HH 2pm-6pm

BRUNCH 10am-2pm $10 bubbles Reverse HH 2pm-6pm

Anvil

DIRTY DADDY DANCERS 10pm HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

WILD MEN of the WEST 7:30pm HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

BEER BUST $3 Pitchers All Day HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

Bar 1

HH 10am-7pm

$2.25 Domestic Bottles 7pm-9pm

$1.50 Bud Light Drafts $2 Canned Beer

HH $4 Well & Beer $2 OFF Apps/GlassWine/Prem.Spirits

Brunch Specials 10a-3p $12 Bubbly $5 Bloodys/Sangria

$12 Bubbly, $5 Bloodys 10a-3p 1/2 OFF Cock. 2-7pm KARAOKE 9p

Elements Show 10:30pm $5 ABSOLUT All Night

2-4-1 All Day/All Night Go-Go Boys, Extended Patios VIP

Sunday Funday KARAOKE 10p $2 Miller - $3 Marys & Mimosas

2-4-1 Well / Dom 8am-2pm $2.50 Miller Products

2-4-1 Well / Dom 8am-2pm $2.50 Bud Products

Happy Hour All Day JAZZ w/ Kenny Thames 7pm

The Cash

HH $3 Well & Dom 4-8pm $1 Drafts 8-10pm $5 Long Isl 10-cl

HH $3 Well & Dom 4-8pm DJ Delicious 9pm

HH $3 Well & Dom ALL DAY KARAOKE 8pm

Charlie’s

$3 Pitch/2-4-1 Well-Dom 2-7pm $1 Draft 10pm-Mid

2-4-1 Well/Dom Noon-7pm

Super Happy Hour 4-7pm $3 Pitch / $3 Lng Island Open-Cl

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-8pm Olivia & Nikki 10:30pm

Dirty Daddy Dancers 4:30pm Lady Christian 10:30pm

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-4pm TS Dancers 10pm

2-4-1 VIP & 50% off Cover 7-10pm

Off the Hook Tons of Prizes & Giveaways

2-4-1 Cover, Wristbands & VIP Dances

HH 3:30-6:30pm & 11pm-Close $2 OFF Apps / Well / Wine / Beer

$4 & $5 Big Brunch Drinks 10a-3p HH 3:30-6:30p & 11p-close

$4 & $5 Big Brunch Drinks 10a-3p HH 3:30-6:30p & 11p-close

Karamba

Vaquero Fridays 9-11pm Reverse Happy Hour $3 Drinks

Top 40 Saturdays 9-11pm Reverse Happy Hour $3 Drinks

Top 40 Sundays Adriana Show $3 Pitchers Beer Bust

Los Diablos

Finally Friday HH 3pm-7pm WILD MEN of the WEST 9:30pm

HH All Day Pitcher Specials

Broadway Brunch 11am-2pm HH All Day KARAOKE 2pm-7pm

$2.75 Well & Dom $5.75 Call Drinks KARAOKE 9pm-Cl POKER 7pm

$2.75 Well & Dom $6.75 Top Shelf Darts 2pm KARAOKE 9pm-Cl

$2.75 Well & Dom $5.75 Call Drinks Bingo 1p

$3 Well & Dom Until 8pm $4 3 Olives & $3 Fireball Shots

HH $3 Well/Dom Btl/Drft 12/8pm All Male Revue 10pm

Beer Bust until 7p $3.50 Dom Pitch KARAOKE 8pm-Cl 2-4-1 $3 Shots

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom 2-8pm KARAOKE 9pm

2-4-1 11a-7p KARAOKE 9p Barbra Seville Show10p

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom. 11am-cl

HH 4-8pm $2 Rolling Rock $4.50 Pinnacle Flavors & Firball 8pm-Cl

HH 4-8pm $2 Rolling Rock $4.50 Pinnacle Flavors & Firball 8pm-Cl

$1.50 Rolling Rock & Well open -7pm 7-10 $1 Wells & Rolling Rock

Bliss/ReBar

BS West Bunkhouse

Cruisin’ 7th

Dick’s Cabaret FEZ

Oz Bar

Br

BrBroadwayBB

Paris Night Club Plazma The Rock Stacy’s

TUCSON FRIDAY SATURDAY Hotel Congress

IBTS

Live Music on the Patio Tom Walbank 7p DJ Dirtyverbs 10p

Free Dance Party 10pm DJs Sid the Kid, BOBFelix & More!

Flawless Fridays with China Collins

Saturday Night Starrletts with Janee Starr

Br

Br

SUNDAY Br

Hot Club of Tucson 10:30pm Club KARAOKE 10pm 2-4-1 9p-Close KARAOKE

A portion of proceeds will be donated to

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Mule Monday ALL DAY $10 mule flights

Taco/Tequila Tues ALL DAY 50% off Tacos

WINE WED All Day $20 Bottle of house Red/White w/ App

THIRSTY THURS All Day HH from open to close

Beards, boxers & Briefs $1 OFF HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

$2 Miller High Life & well vodka cocktails 8pm-close

2-4-1 WELL 8pm-close HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

KARAOKE 9pm HH $3 well/dom $2.50 pint 1-8pm

$1.50 Bud Light Drafts, $5.25 Martinis

KARAOKE 9pm $2.75 well, dom bottle & drft

$6 Huge Long Islands

2-4-1 U-Call-It 10am-2am (except shots & pitchers) $4 Bellinis

HH ALL DAY $4 Well & Beer $2 OFF Apps/GlassWine/Prem.Spirits

$3 OFF Toco Platters $5 Margaritas TRIVIA 6:30p $4 Drafts

20% OFF ENTIRE BILL (excludes discounted items)

$20 Any wine bottle $15 Any wine bottle w/ food purchase

1/2 Price Drinks

Next Big Star 9:30pm $3 Coors Light / $5 3 Olives Vodka

2-4-1 All Day / All Night Go-Go Boys - A Valley Tradition VIP

WMW X-Posed 10pm with Aimee $3 Miller Lite / $6 Titos

HH 2-4-1 Well / Dom 8am-2pm

HH 2-4-1 Well / Dom 8am-2pm

HH 8am-2pm | $4.50 Fireball( All Day) KARAOKE 9pm $3.75 L.I.

HH 2-4-1 Well / Dom 8am-2pm Underwear Night WMW $1 Off

HH $3 Well & Dom 4-8pm Dance Lessons 7:30pm

HH $3 Well & Dom 4-8pm KARAOKE 2-4-1 Well 8pm

HH $3 Well & Dom ALL DAY 2-4-1 Well & Dom 10pm-close

Underwear Party 8pm-Cl 50% off w/ your Pants Off $3 D.Edy.

2-4-1 Open to Close KARAOKE 9:30pm

$3 Dom Pitcher / $3 Finlandia 8pm-Close

2-4-1 All Cocktails & Beer Open-Close

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-8pm TS Dancers 10pm

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-8pm

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-8pm Wild Men of the West 10:30pm

HH $2.75 Well/Dom 6am-8pm Espressa Grande Show 10pm

2-4-1 Cover, Wristbands & VIP Dances

Amateur Night Starts at 10pm

WTF Wednedays $5 Cover and almost everything else!

Thirsty Thursday $5 Cover!

With coupon on our website

$5 BIG Margaritas ALL DAY HH 3:30-6:30p & 11p-close

$5 Classic Martinis ALL DAY HH 3:30-6:30p & 11p-close

$2 OFF Glasses of wine 50% OFF Bottles of wine

$5 BIG Signature Cocktails G Spot / O Spot / B Spot/ A Spot

Cumbia Night $3 Pitchers Karime Show

Urban Thursdays Ruby Show $3 Pitcher $3 Drinks

Taco Tuesdays Trivia 7pm9pm $5 Marg & Mex Beer

Buy 1 get 1 for $1 Well & Dom. KARAOKE 7pm-12

Live Entertainment HH 3pm-7pm Buy 1 get 1 for $1 Well & Dom.

$2.75 Well & Dom $6.75 Top Shelf Poker 7pm

$2.75 Well & Dom $5.75 Call Drinks Poker 7pm

$2.75 Well & Dom $6.75 Top Shelf KARAOKE 9pm-Cl POKER 7pm

KARAOKE 9pm $3 Drinks / $3 Pitchers Taco & Tequi

$2.75 Well & Dom $5.75 Call Drinks Trivia Night 9pm

LiBr

Paris Pride Thursdays 10pm-Close HH 2-4-1 4-8pm $2 Well & $3 Domestic

HH 2-4-1 4-8pm $2 Well & $3 Domestic 9pm-Close

2-4-1 4-8pm Sinful Studs 9pm-Mid

HH 2-4-1 ALL DAY Beautiful Losers Comedy SHow

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom 2-8pm KARAOKE 9pm

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom 2-8pm

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom 2-8pm Underwear Night

HH 2-4-1 Well & Dom 2-8pm

KARAOKE 9pm-Close HH All Day & $2.50 Rolling Rock

HH All Day $5 Martinis All Day & $2.50 Rolling Rock

2-4-1 All Day Live DJ

HH 4-8pm Live DJ $1.50 Rolling Rock & Well 8-mid

MONDAY

TUESDAY

90s House Party 10pm w/ DJ Sid the Kid 90¢ PBR Br

3-4-1 Well Drinks 8p-Close KARAOKE

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night 8pm

Br

Tequila & Mexican Beer ALL DAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Live Music

Salvador Duran 7pm OPTI CLUB Dance Party 10pm

Viva La Diva Show with Diva

2-4-1 All Day Go Go Boys 11pm

Br

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PHOENIX Address

1. 2601 on Central

Phone

2601 N. Central Ave.

Coming Soon!

2. Anvil

2424 E. Thomas Rd.

(602) 334-1462

3. Aqua

1730 E McDowell Rd.

(602) 253-0689

4. Bar 1

3702 N. 16th St.

(602) 266-9001

5. Bliss/ReBar

901 N. 4th St.

(602) 795-1792

6. Boycott Bar

4301 N 7th Ave.

(602) 515-3667

7. BS West

7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale

(480) 945-9028

8. Bunkhouse

4428 N 7th Ave.

(602) 200-9154

9. The Cash

2140 E McDowell Rd.

(602) 244-9943

10. Charlie’s

727 W. Camelback Rd.

(602) 265-0224

11. Club Volt

3108 E. McDowell Rd.

(602) 244-1465

12. Cruisn’ 7th

3702 N. 7th St.

(602) 212-9888

13. Dick’s Cabaret

3432 E. Illini Rd.

(602) 274-DICK

14. FEZ

105 W. Portland St

(602) 287-8700

15. Flex Spas Phoenix

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy.

(602) 271-9011

16. Hula’s Modern Tiki

4700 N Central Ave # 122

(602) 265-8454

17. Karamba

1724 E. McDowell Rd.

(602) 254-0231

18. Kobalt

3110 N Central Ave. Park Central (602) 264-5307

19. Los Diablos

1028 E Indian School Rd.

(602) 795-7881 x

20. NuTowne Saloon

5002 E Van Buren St.

21. OZ Bar

1804 W. Bethany Home Rd.

(602) 242-5114

x

22. Paris Night Club

4280 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

23. Plazma

1560 E Osborn Rd.

24. The Rock

(602) 267-9959 (602) 358-9091

(602) 266-0477

x

4129 N. 7th Ave.

(602) 248-8559 x

25. Stacy’s @ Melrose

4343 N 7th Ave.

TUCSON Address

26. Hotel Congress

(602) 264-1700 Phone

x

311 E Congress St., Tucson

(520) 622-8848

x

27. IBTs

616 N 4th Ave, Tucson

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Hey Mami,

E

very now and then folks take a break from seeking advice on matters such as dick. In this month’s Favorite Bitch®, they’re seeking advice on something else they put in their mouths, and by doing so, they might just stay out of trouble and outta the free clinic!

Dear Miss Tiger, I recently attended my cousin’s wedding and noticed people staring at me while I was eating cake. I may be fat but you know what? I’m in Heaven!

I got a problem with my husband. Dude started gaining weight a year ago. I’ve encouraged him and I cook healthy food for him, but he sneaks to McDonald’s on his way to the laundromat. HELP ME, MA! — Nacio Dear I Bet You Ain’t Complaining When You PROFUNDO In That CULO, Papí, you don’t need advice. You need a goddamn washer and dryer.

Dear Miss Tiger, I’ve tried losing weight my entire life. I’ll lose a little and then gain back a lot. Any diet tips or advice for me?

— Carla in Peoria

— Natalie

Dear Maybe They Were Staring Because You Were Licking The Fork Like It Was The Best Man’s Dick,

Dear Fooled By Oprah’s Freestyle,

Baby girl, if you don’t cut back on those sweets, you’ll be in HEAVEN alright … also known as A DIABETIC COMA! Dear Miss Tiger, My boyfriend wants a 3-way. I think it’s because I’ve gained weight and he’s thirsty for a skinny white boy that we know. I’m unsure, and I need your opinion.

— Nathan Dear Odd Man Out, Darling, if you’re not the Velveeta in that grilled cheese sandwich, than ya bettah be prepared for crumbs ... because that’s all your ass is gonna get.

Next time you order a pizza, try stuffin’ your mouth with the delivery boy’s sausage and forget about that shit your ordered. When you hear your name called out in the middle of the night, it won’t be a box of Hostess Twinkies, it’ll be the pizza boy looking for more of that kitty cat!

THE MISS TIGER SHOW - EVERY SUNDAY AT NOON Visit MissTiger.com for show details

Miss Tiger

Advice Columnist • SiriusXM radio personality ... and everyone’s #FAVORITEBITCH Website FavoriteBitch.com Twitter/Instagram MissTiger Advice ask@misstiger.com May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 93

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by Addison DeWitt

(dis)temper tantrums.

P

hoenix Pride 2018 might seem like a distant memory, but the experience is still fresh in my mind. And whenever I think back about Pride, I like to look at my pictures. And I filed these under “Creeper.”

Believe me, chickadees, I wasn’t the only sneaking a surreptitious snapshot of this musclebound B beauty. (A) WHO IS HE? I tell you who he ain’t, and that’s my huzband. Unforch.

(See what you miss when you don’t go to the Pride festival, you naysayers?)

But if you want love, however, you can buy it. Legally.

Well, I think D “adopt” is a nicer way to put it.

Handsome spokesman for the Maricopa County Animal Shelter, José Miguel Santiago, staged his annual “Dogs & Drag” adoption event at Kobalt featuring adorable orphans like this beauty. (B) NOTE: the drag queens were not up for adoption. Some of them have

A

Ever the impresario of the arcane and amazing, Arizona’s Hip Historian, Marshall Shore, (C) produced his annual “Forbidden Room Cabaret” to an enthralled audience.

I am not exaggerating.

Many of you are much too young to remember Phoenix ex-pat Leigh Crow, who performed locally as a drag king in the Valley waaay before there was any such thing on our (then small town) stages in the late 80s. 1980s. Not 1880s.

Leigh revived her legendary, hip-swiveling, hunka-hunka burnin’ love, old guard Drag King, Elvis Herselvis (D).

C

E

The voluptuous, Rubenesque, crowdpleasing Miss Ruby (E) brought her risqué burlesque fan-dancing skills, delighting one and all.

And what a rare delight she is!

And on that note, I better see all of you at Splash Bash June 2-3!

And tell that juicy tenderoni from Pride that I’ll be lookin’ for him. On a platter.

With a side of lots of mashed potatoes.

Pretty please.

May 2018 WWW.IONAZ.COM 95

Jim Corbin

September 27, 1942—April 7, 2018 Jim Corbin was a much-loved community member of the Phoenix community. He was born in Jameson, Missouri, eventually making his home in Phoenix. Jim cemented his place in our Phoenix LGBT family when he opened his popular bar, Friends, a familiar and welcoming place, with a Manhattan in hand. Jim happily shared that friendly space by sponsoring many fundraisers and events. Phoenix Pride, Rainbows Festival, Bears of the West and The Imperial Court are just few of the many organizations he “supported. He also helped with The Gay Bowling League, hosting their monthly bingo party. Jim Corbin ... we’ll always be “Friends.”

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T

he big news is when Uranus moves into Taurus on May 15. This lasts about seven years, so it’s time to do some planning in advance. (Aquarians and Aries take special note of that.) Uranus is a rebel, pointing the way to a spiritual and emotional awakening.

Taurus encourages appreciation of art, food, and definitely sensuality, so look out for unexpected twists in relationships. Expect something unconventional or even a little bit freaky. Although Taurus likes acquiring “things,” pay attention, because Uranus says this is a good time to free yourself from owning “stuff” - especially the crap floating around in your head. Mind blown? It will be.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20 You’re impulsive, and reaching long term goals needs a little help. You’re confidence keeps you motivated, but you keep getting distracted. What else is new? It all works out in your favor.

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20 Mysteries, espionage, and the supernatural intrigue you. Your perception helps you ferret out the truth. You find yourself emotionally impacted by everything. A birthday finds you discovering the answer to a secret and giving advice. Choose those words carefully.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 Fence-sitting is part of you. You like to know the final outcome before you leap and make a decision. If it’s your birthday, your imagination and intuition are high. You’re feeling inspired. Unleash your creative side. It may involve something wild in the bedroom, work, or both.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 You Crabs have a tough shell to protect that sweet, juicy meat inside. Like the crab, as you and your shell grow, so does your world. Don’t walk sideways, walk forward!

Ever onward!

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LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 You seek admiration and approval. (Who doesn’t?) That really makes your roar. It’s no secret you like having drama in your life.

Truth helps you find your path to adventure.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22 You’re feeling very “Type A” this month.

You demand perfection in everything. Even yourself. It’s balanced. You devote yourself to a selfless mission of service. You’re a saint. (Well ... for the most part.)

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22 You’ve been told, “So and so’s prettier. So and so’s smarter.” You know what? Screw ‘em. You will be recognized for your own unique way of operating in the world. Took long enough.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23 People often associate you with sex.

Don’t deny it. You have this erotic appeal and passion that makes people want to masturbate just thinking about you. Your get what you want this month.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 You like the Truth and getting no-nonsense answers. You’re blunt. You question belief systems and structures because not knowing drives you crazy. You will be enlightened because of that.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20 You’re concerned about your reputation.

Not like you’re a tramp. More like you’re obsessed with duty and responsibility. You make a commitment to achieve security.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19 You’re known for being anything but hum-drum. Space and freedom are your hallmarks. Commitments are a little “iffy” for you. You find a place where you belong.

(Besides the nut hut.)

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20 A confrontation demands that you make a sacrifice because something isn’t fair. You don’t ask, “Why me?” because you’re noble that way. You overcome an obstacle.