Wire Magazine 11.2019 Meet Spanish Model Raul Perez Tarrago by David Vance

ISSUE # 11 | 05.23.19 DISPLAY UNTIL 06.05.19 OUT & ABOUT: COMMUNITEA DANCE WITH SHANGELA AT ARSHT CENTER DESTINATIONS: PHOENIX & TEMPE, ARIZONA ARTS NEWSIE: GEORGE DANIELL MUSEUM, LGBTQ ARTIST TOP TRAX: THE LIZZO REVOLUTION

SPANISH MODEL

RAUL PEREZ TARRAGO BY DAVID VANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS: CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH JUNE 1 | 5PM-9PM Music, dancing, drink specials and more!

E FRE L A LS AGE

KARLA CROQUETA

MORPHINE LOVE

DANCE

The Arsht Center will be hosting another fabulous CommuniTea Dance June 1, 2019, so we preview the occasion by interviewing RuPaul's Drag Race's Shangela, its star performer.

12. TOP TRAX: THE LIZZO REVOLUTION

SHANGELA

HOSTED BY:

8. OUT & ABOUT: ARSHT CENTER'S COMMUNITEA

According to DJ FR8-O, Lizzo will be one to watch this summer and will inspire female artists for years to come.

SASHA LORDS

PETTY BOOP

ULTIMATE MIAMI DRAG QUEEN 2019

14. COVER STORY: SPANISH MODEL RAUL PEREZ

TARRAGO BY DAVID VANCE

DJ HOTTPANTS

PHAXAS

THE STATE OF

David Vance photographs beautiful male models from around the world, so we bring you another one of his muses, hot model Raul Perez Tarrago from Valencia, Spain.

20. DESTINATIONS: PHOENIX/TEMPE JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL’S THE ORIGIN OF LOVE

THE SONGS AND STORIES OF HEDWIG

Travel writer Joey Amato shares his experiences while traveling in both Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, where there is a lot to do in both destinations.

24. ARTS NEWSIE: GEORGE DANIELL MUSEUM

The George Daniell Museum opened its doors on April 3, 2019, so we interviewed Director Helmut Schuster to find out more about the LGBTQ American photographer and artist.

WIREMAG.COM: FEATURE: THE ELLIES FUNDING LGBTQ ARTISTS & PROJECTS

Miami's Visual Arts Awards, The Ellies, will provide funding to visual artists and art teachers in Miami-Dade. Several LGBTQ artists and projects received Creator Awards last year.

TICKETS! 305.949.6722 · arshtcenter.org

GOING OUT

Visit wiremag.com/goingout to plan your nightlife, dining, and cultural events outings!

PHOTO CREDIT: © DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM | ADEMYAN

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Publisher/Editor in Chief Rafa Carvajal Associate Publisher/Editor Michael Bustamante Design & Production True Ink Designs L.L.C. | trueinkdesigns.com Columnists Joey Amato Alfredo Barrios Alyn Darnay Anthony Reyes Michael W. Sasser Jesse Walker Official Photography Studio Photo Studio Miami Staff Photographer J.R. Davis Local Advertising advertising@wiremag.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media | 212.242.6863 Contact Information Tel: 305.520.WIRE Email: info@wiremag.com 1541 Brickell Avenue, #2004, Miami, FL 33129 Wire Magazine is published, produced, and owned by Wire Media Group L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

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The views, opinions or positions expressed by contributors to and interview subjects of Wire Magazine are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Wire Magazine, its staff or publisher.

Cover photo by David Vance davidvanceprints.com Model: Raul Perez Tarrago

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PUBLISHER'S CORNER LET’S PAUSE TO REMEMBER AND HONOR OUR HEROES Memorial Day is considered to be the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. In fact, while driving to my other job as Chief Operating Officer of Q Link Wireless from Miami to Dania Beach, Florida, this week I noticed that traffic on I-95 is less busy because some people are already on vacation. While it is nice to celebrate the start of summer with friends and family or take a long weekend vacation, it is of the utmost importance that we remember why Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. Every last Monday of May, our nation pauses to remember and honor our heroes who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

So, let’s pause for a moment this coming Monday to commemorate and honor the brave men and women, our fellow citizens, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our Armed Forces. Let’s never forget that, as Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” That is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform!

In this week’s issue, we introduce you to Raul Perez Tarrago, our cover story model from Valencia, a beautiful port city on Spain’s southeastern coast also known for its delicious paella. Enjoy Raul’s photos by David Vance and his interview for Wire Magazine. In Destinations, we give you a preview of what you can expect if you visit Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, which have lots for you to do during a relaxing vacation. In Flix, DJ FR8-O tells us that Lizzo will be the artist to watch this summer, and she will certainly inspire female artists for years to come. In Out & About, we interview RuPaul's Drag Race’s Shangela, who will be the star performer at this year’s Arsht Center CommuniTea Dance, taking place June 1, 2019, to celebrate National Pride Month, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

In Arts Newsie, we bring you a special story about the new George Daniell Museum in South Beach, which features a full collection by this prominent LGBTQ American photographer and artist. Daniell is known for his work in Time, Life and Esquire, and for his photographs of famous beautiful women such as Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Lena Horne, and Georgia O’Keefe. The Museum is located at the Wilzig Museum Building and houses personal homoerotic works of the artist including paintings and aquarelles that date back to 1920 through 1991, and will be available for public view for the first time. This museum is possible thanks to the legacy of Naomi Wilzig, founder of the World Erotic Art Museum, that will now be known as the Naomi Wilzig Erotic Art Museum.

Cheers,

Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com

"YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL OR TO DREAM A NEW DREAM." 6 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

- C.S. LEWIS

UPCOMING

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OUT & ABOUT

By Michael Bustamante

THE ARSHT CENTER'S COMMUNITEA DANCE he Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting another fabulous CommuniTea Dance June 1, 2019, on the Center's Thomson Plaza for the Arts in Downtown Miami, for the third consecutive year. The event celebrates National Pride Month, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. The CommuniTea Dance is free and open to all ages with an outdoor event set to celebrate South Florida's LGBTQ community, which will include outstanding local and international entertainment by LGBTQ artists and allies.

Get ready to celebrate Pride at the Arsht Center with RuPaul's Drag Race's Shangela, who recently made a cameo in the Oscar-winning film A Star is Born alongside Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The event will also feature drag performances by Karla Croqueta, Sasha Lords, Morphine Love, and Petty Boop, plus music by DJ Hottpants, Phaxas, and The State Of.

Michael Bustamante: How did you first get into drag and what inspired you to do so?

Shangela: My first intro to drag was when I was 18 and went to my first gay club in Dallas, Texas, and saw a lot of the drag performers on the Rose Room show stage. Also, two of my friends, Alyssa Edwards and Sahara Davenport, asked me to dance backup for them in pageants, which led to my fascination with drag. A few years later in 2009, I got bit by the drag bug and performed my first number, "Single Ladies" by BeyoncĂŠ.

8 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

PHOTO BY TAYLOR MILLER

Wire Magazine sat down with Shangela to preview this year's Arsht Center CommuniTea Dance.

Photo by worldredeye.com

MB: You're kicking o National Pride Month on June 1 in Miami at the Arsht Center's CommuniTea Dance.

What can we expect from your performance?

S: It's Shangela. Expect the unexpected! You know I always show up with stunts and surprises and this will be no dierent. It will be high energy and will leave the kids gagging. It's also a momentous occasion since this June marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

MB: What message do you have for the local LGBTQ community?

S: My message is also something I live by daily, which is, no matter what, push through. I tell people if you want to succeed in life, you have to do the work and keep a positive outlook and never give up on yourself.

MB: The Arsht Center is Miami's home for the performing arts. Why do you think arts and culture are important?

S: Arts and culture are critical to our world because they represent the beauty of humanity.

MB: Who is your favorite queen from season 11 of RPDR, and who are you rooting for?

S: You know, I've been around for a while, haha.

Drag Race to me is like a sorority and to be honest, every year I welcome the many talents that each girl brings to the sisterhood. This season, I think I am rooting most for Miss Vanjie, because Vanjie rhymes with Shangie, and who doesn't love a comeback queen.

"IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED IN LIFE, YOU HAVE TO DO THE WORK AND KEEP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK AND NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF." - SHANGELA

MB: Tell us about your experience being part of A Star is Born.

S: Being able to work in A Star Is Born was truly a dream come true.

Not only did I get to work with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, but it was also the first time my mom was able to take my grandma to the local movie theatre and see me on the big screen.

MB: What has been your favorite encounter to date?

S: I love all my fans but I think sometimes meeting the moms is my favorite part! When I meet other people's moms, it reminds me of my own mom and her excitement for drag and Drag Race.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR MILLER

MB: Where do you see Shangela/DJ Pierce in five years?

S: Still working! I hope to continue to grow as an entertainer, as an actor, and as a business person. I want to continue connecting with fans around the world in everything from telling stories in media to creating new music, and I want to maintain my financial independence because...

I don't have a sugar daddy. I've never had a sugar daddy. If I wanted a sugar daddy, I could probably go out and get one because I am what?

Sickening.

Photo by worldredeye.com

#11 2019 WIREMAG.COM 9

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BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

} Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you

have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

} Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

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} BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

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GET MORE INFORMATION about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

} Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP LOVING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0102 01/19

KEEP LOVING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

TOP TRAX

THE LIZZO REVOLUTION

By DJ FR8-O

Like other artists who seem to come out of nowhere, Lizzo has actually been working her ass off since she was 14; pioneering several girl bands and hip hop groups until finally releasing her first solo album Lizzobangers in 2013. Two years later, she followed up with Big Grrrl, Small World before signing with Atlantic Records, and following her life-changing trajectory. Her first offering under her new label was the acclaimed EP Coconut Oil, oozing with the diva's signature blend of hip hop, funk, and gospel-soul.

However, it was last year's sizzling single "Boys" that eventually caught the attention of the worldwide queer ear. With its deep

PHOTOS BY LUKE GILFORD. PROVIDED BY MIGHTY REAL AGENCY

n case you haven't noticed, there's been a shift in the music world lately. Long gone are the days when artists could be boxed into categories like pop, rock or hip hop.

These days an artist must channel their inner chameleon to survive. Singers are rapping on their tracks, rappers are stretching their vocal muscles a bit more, and almost everyone is either co-producing their own albums or playing an instrument (or two) on stage.

Lizzo is the newest recruit to lead the charge in this musical revolution, and her new album proves she's got the chops to break through any box that tries to contain her.

baseline, solid hook and, of course, the title, how could we resist this dance floor filler?

Her little shout out "To the gay boys / Go and slay boys" didn't hurt either!

Now that she's got our attention – gay or otherwise – Lizzo has finally delivered her long-awaited major-label album, Cuz I Love You. With a voice as big as her curves, Lizzo prides herself in being an advocate for body positivity and self-love; a theme that overflows into every song. This genre-busting set opens with the bluesy title track, ripe with clever raps, and flows seamlessly through a roller coaster of party anthems, like the blockbuster smash lead single "Juice." This collection isn't short on celebrity cameos either, with rappers Gucci Mane lending a hand on "Exactly How I Feel" and the legendary Missy Elliott dropping a line or two on the bombastic "Tempo." Even on the slower tracks, Lizzo's artistic versatility shines through, whether she's belting it out on the curb-kicking "Jerome" or purring like a lioness on the sultry closer "Lingerie."

Her talents don't end in the studio though. If you haven't seen her perform live yet, click through YouTube and watch her and her backup dancers, The Big Grrls, own the stage on any of their talk show appearances, like Ellen or Jimmy Kimmel. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket, you can also catch the 30-year-old diva on her sold-out Cuz I Love You Tour happening right now. With all the personality, confidence, sense of humor and, most importantly, talent that exudes from everything this woman does, it's no surprise that Lizzo will be one to watch this summer and will be inspiring female artists for years to come.

If you're a recording artist, producer or musician and would like your work featured in TOP TRAX, hit me up at abarrios@wiremag.com.

12 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

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MEET HOT SPANISH MODEL

RAUL PEREZ TARRAGO

BY DAVID VANCE

By Rafa Carvajal Photos by David Vance. davidvanceprints.com

14 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

"YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS BECAUSE WE ARE WHAT WE THINK." - RAUL PEREZ TARRAGO

avid Vance photographs beautiful male models from around the world, and this week we bring you another one of his muses. Our cover story hot model, Raul Perez Tarrago, is from Valencia, a beautiful port city on Spain's southeastern coast also known for its delicious paella. Enjoy Raul's photos by David Vance and his interview in Wire Magazine.

Rafa Carvajal: Where are you originally from and where do you live?

Raul Perez Tarrago: I'm from Valencia, Spain and live in both Miami and Mexico.

RC: Describe yourself in three words.

RPT: Positive, friendly and honest.

RC: What do you do for a living?

RPT: I'm an actor and also work in real estate.

#11 2019 WIREMAG.COM 15

16 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

RC: Who is the professional icon that inspires you most?

RPT: That would be Al Pacino.

RC: How do you stay in such great shape?

RPT: Through diet, cardio, and weights.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about modeling for photography?

RPT: I enjoy the process of creating new art and the results.

RC: Boxers or briefs?

RPT: Boxers.

RC: What is your favorite food?

RPT: Definitely paella from my city Valencia in Spain.

RC: What is your favorite pastime?

RPT: I spend my free time watching documentaries about spirituality and quantum physics.

RC: Where would you travel if you could go anywhere, and why?

RPT: Bali, because I love nature and peaceful places.

RC: What is your current struggle?

RPT: Making my dreams come true by becoming a famous actor and helping to change the idea of people who want to do it.

RC: Where can we follow you?

RPT: On Instagram @raul_tarrago.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?

RPT: I want to tell everyone that everything is possible. You just have to believe in yourself and follow your dreams because we are what we think.

#11 2019 WIREMAG.COM 17

18 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

DESTINATIONS

By Joey Amato

PRIDE JOURNEY:

PHOENIX/TEMPE Photo provided by Visit Phoenix / D Squared Productions

I really didn't recognize any part of the city, so jumping on a pedal cab for a quick tour of downtown was the best way to orient myself. I met up with my friend Josh Rimer aka Mr. Gay Canada, and we were on our way! Our wonderful tour guide Billy was a hoot. He knew everything about every nook and cranny of the city from the history of buildings to the meaning of some of the city's most iconic murals. He knew we were in town for gay pride, so he included some information about the city's LGBTQ history and culture.

Before checking in to our hotel, we stopped for lunch at The Churchill, a locally owned community-driven gathering spot in the heart of the Roosevelt Row neighborhood. Ten small businesses surround an open-air courtyard intended for dining, drinking and socializing. The space hosts a variety of speakers, art events, and fitness classes throughout the year.

20 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

If you're craving a bit of luxury, check into the magnificent Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It's one of the most LGBTQ-friendly resorts in the region and is set against the picturesque McDowell Mountain range. The sprawling Southwestern-style complex features 750 guest rooms, six heated pools, and a 44,000 square-foot Well & Being Spa. Spa culture is big in Scottsdale, with many properties offering unique treatments highlighting their natural surroundings. The Phoenician offers a wonderful Body & Soul treatment that is not to be missed.

Speaking of spas, we ventured off the beaten path to explore another renowned spa resort called CIVANA. Traveling can be fun, but also stressful, so I chose a relaxing treatment combining 10 different aromatherapy blends. While at CIVANA, take part in a sound bath class, where an instructor creates vibrations using singing bowls made from various healing crystals. All you need to do is relax while the sounds melt your worries away.

PHOTO CREDIT: © DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM | KAVRAMM

he last time I was in the Phoenix area was 2005, so when I was offered a chance to visit the city again, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since this trip would coincide with Phoenix Pride. The temperature in the spring and fall is quite tolerable and enjoyable, so I would plan your vacation during those seasons, unless you are an avid heat seeker.

Photo provided by Tempe Tourism

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Photo by Joey Amato. agency33pr.com

Photo provided by Visit Phoenix / D Squared Productions

For the adventurous type, try aerial yoga. This is not your run of the mill yoga. In fact, it wasn't relaxing at all. It was more like a Cirque du Soleil training camp. I tried my hardest to keep myself balanced while suspended in mid-air by nothing but cloth. Of course, my fearless instructor made me go upside down and swing from side to side while a flimsy sheet was supposed to support me.

After I got over my fear, I enjoyed the class. The entire experience was fun, but more of an upper body workout than a yoga class.

After drinks, it was time to celebrate Pride. Phoenix Pride is one of the first festivals to kick off pride season and attracts over 40,000 revelers during the twoday festival and parade. This year's festival featured headlining performances from Ada Vox, Kim Petras and JoJo. The bars came alive after Pride, as in most cities. We didn't get to experience many that night due to immense crowds, but we did visit Stacy's @ Melrose, and got to meet Stacy himself. Next time around, I would love to swing by Charlie's and Kobalt to get a feel for the local LGBTQ community.

The next day, it was time to explore Tempe and the first item on the agenda was a pop-up art experience called The Scene. The Instagramable paradise featured 11 uniquely designed rooms ranging from a disco room to a bathtub surrounded by rubber ducks and a glow-in-the-dark slinky room. The owners of the exhibition are from Tempe and plan to bring the exhibition on tour. If it comes to your city, make sure to check it out. It's a fun place for both kids and adults to explore and work on your selfie-taking skills.

While in Phoenix, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, a collection of more than 50,000 arid plants gathered from deserts from around the globe. We recommend visiting when the garden first opens to avoid the scorching heat. The Garden also offers evening tours which, although we didn't get to experience, we heard were a great While downtown Phoenix has a corporate feel, downtown Tempe definitely has a collegiate vibe, due mostly to the presence of Arizona State University. way to view the property.

College students are seen parading around the city on bikes and scooters past Not too far away is the Musical Instrument Muse- rows of rainbow flags and a giant rainbow chair in the heart of downtown um (MIM) which displays a collection of 6,800 which the city installed to celebrate gay pride. The city doesn't have any gay instruments from 200 countries and territories. bars or clubs, but locals are quick to let you know that every bar in Tempe is Most of the displays are enhanced by audio and welcoming to the LGBTQ community. video technologies that allow guests to see the instruments, hear their sounds, and observe them In the center of the city is A Mountain… as in the letter A, which is prominently being played. During our visit, the MIM featured displayed on the side of the mountain. To get the best view of the city, hike to a special exhibit on Arizona native and rock leg- the top in the early morning. For the perfect sunset view, try an evening hike.

Bring lots of water as the hike looks deceivingly easy from the street level, but end Alice Cooper.

All this touring got us thirsty, so it was time for some cocktails. Since we landed in Phoenix, all we kept hearing about was a place called The UnderTow. But after I said I needed to research it, people told me not to, and just go. Guests enter The UnderTow through Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, which happens to be a converted Jiffy Lube. The downstairs area – where mechanics worked on vehicles – has been transformed into a subterranean tiki bar complete with sound and visual effects that made guests feel as if they were stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Not to be outdone by the décor, the bartenders know how to make one hell of a cocktail.

Photo provided by Visit Phoenix / D Squared Productions

22 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

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Photo provided by Visit Phoenix / D Squared Productions

as you begin to ascend, grows extremely challenging especially as you begin to navigate the sharp rock formations towards the top of the mountain.

For dinner, head to Culinary Dropout, a trendy gastro-pub in downtown popular among the college crowd, which specializes in craft cocktails and delicious, reasonably priced cuisine. Start off the meal with an order of Soft Pretzels with Provolone Fondue and Prosciutto Deviled Eggs. I would also recommend trying the Ma… the Meatloaf and Rainbow Trout, which is served with green beans, toasted almonds, and caramelized shallots. The staff at Culinary Dropout is also very easy on the eyes, so I think you'll enjoy this place.

After dinner, check in to the Moxy, a Marriott branded hotel designed with the millennial traveler in mind. Instead of a stuffy reception desk, guests at the Moxy are greeted by a reception area that also doubles as a bar. The hotel lobby contains an oversized Jenga game, pool table, foosball table and two arcade pinball machines in addition to many cool seating areas where guests can gather.

Tempe was the first city in the United States to open a Moxy and it has become a favorite among visitors.

There is so much to do in both Phoenix and Tempe, I recommend a minimum of a week to explore the cities and maybe even take a day trip to Mesa or Sedona. Whichever season you decide to travel in, you will have a blast.

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ARTS NEWSIE

By Michael Bustamante

he George Daniell Museum opened its doors on April 3, 2019, featuring a full collection by George Daniell, a prominent LGBTQ American photographer and artist. Daniell is known for his work in Time, Life and Esquire, and for his photographs of famed beauties such as Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Lena Horne, and Georgia O'Keefe. The Museum, located at the Wilzig Museum Building, houses personal homoerotic works of the artist including paintings and aquarelles that date back to 1920-1991, and will be available for public view for the first time. According to Helmut Schuster, director of the George Daniell Museum, "The new George Daniell Museum will be of great interest to both the LGBTQ and the mainstream communities, to see the both the glamour and grit of yesteryear, with a strong dose of homoeroticism."

Michael Bustamante: Tell us about the George Daniell Museum's founding and mission.

Helmut Schuster: The George Daniell Museum was founded in 2019 when this well-known artist's trove of stunning photographs and paintings were unearthed and brought to light after his death in 2001. The mission of the George Daniell Museum is not only to preserve his legacy, but to touch the viewer and to help bring a new perspective, particularly from a gay point of view.

George Daniell's work has an outstanding quality that allows the viewer to jump into a whole new world. He was openly gay and brings a clear gay perspective to all of his works. Not only was this unusual in the art world, but his work has been shown in important art institutions throughout the world (e.g. the Smithsonian, MoMA, Chicago Art Institute, etc.) because he was able to make this gay perspective understandable 24 WIREMAG.COM #11 2019

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE DANIELL MUSEUM / ZENTRALDEPOT

Wire Magazine sat down with Museum Director Helmut Schuster to find out more about the George Daniell Museum's founding, mission, and his favorite piece from the collection.

MB: What is your favorite piece in the museum, and why?

HS: What's really great about the George Daniell Museum is that we have his entire life's work, from the 1920s to the early 2000s. During that time, you could see how his work evolved, and how he became more free and expressive over time, as he began to accept himself and his sexuality. So, it's hard for me to pick a favorite piece. At the moment, though, I am in love with the work he did at the Hudson River. I like the beauty and the freedom which he could communicate through his images.

MB: What do you look for in an artwork? What speaks to you?

HS: If an artwork opens a new door in my life or touches me in some way, I connect to it immediately.

MB: Tell us about the new multi-museum complex, in the same building as the World Erotic Art Museum.

HS: We have already two museums and two museum collections in the Wilzig Museum building. By the end of 2020, we will be adding two more museums. It is too early to speak about the details, but you can be sure that the quality of the new museums will be outstanding, and it will perfectly fit into the existing structure.

MB: What do you think Naomi Wilzig would say about The George Daniell Museum?

HS: I had the privilege to dream together with Naomi about the future of her collection and the vision of opening new museums that capture expressiveness and freedoms that other museums often overlook. She also had a strong affinity to the LGBTQ community, so I know she would love the George Daniell Museum, and I'm sure she would say her dream came true.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE DANIELL MUSEUM / ZENTRALDEPOT

to every audience. This is important today, because art can be a powerful way to bring understanding and acceptance to the world.

Daniell was an early gay activist, in more difficult times than today. Today, with growing right-wing politics all over the world, his MB: Is there anything else you'd like to share with Wire Magazine readers? work and his message are even more rele- HS: I would just like to invite all of your readers to visit us. I promise everyone will have vant. a warm welcome and they will not be disappointed.

MB: What is a day like in the life of a museum director?

HS: At the moment, my days are very exciting. I am the museum director not only for the George Daniell Museum, but also the World Erotic Art Museum (now to be known as the Naomi Wilzig Erotic Art Museum, after its founder, Naomi Wilzig), and several other museums which will soon be housed in the same multi-museum building on Washington Avenue in South Beach, to be known as the Wilzig Museum Building. We are currently developing a new structure for our different collections, working together with architects to create new exhibition spaces, working on a new gift shop with a street level entrance and preparing our next show, on loan from Das Museum der Dinge (The Museum of Things) in Berlin. I am also working at the moment with a fashion designer to create our own Museum fashion line, called Naomi. All of this can only happen because we have a great team and one of my biggest goals is to keep the atmosphere in our team positive.

Wilzig Museum Building. 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach #11 2019 WIREMAG.COM 25

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