Document 66485

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Greetings, little June bugs! Feeling a little
overheated? Hot and bothered? We’ve got the
perfect cure for the summertime blues if you
got ‘em. Because here at ION we boast the
most complete coverage around to keep everybody
hoppin’ at every happenin’ around!
Wanna know two great things that are great together, besides vodka and olives?
We’re excited to announce that ION has partnered with SWAY Events! This means
you can look forward to seeing the ION Party Crew all over town sharing the love.
And maybe the occasional herring. First come see what we’ve got planned for you
on June 14 at Kobalt. Throw another shrimp on the barbie, because it’s the Priscilla,
Queen of the Desert: Extra Frills Edition DVD Release Party! So come out for
prizes, posters and a beer bust, mates.
Join ION and SWAY Events at the fabulous She Lounge on June 14 for “Quench
Your Wench II,” a party where you’ll be seein’ some hot pirates of the Caribbean
only if you’re agreein’ to surrender the booty, if you know what I mean. We’ll sink a
few more ships, it’s true, than a well-bred penguin ought to do.
Heading up north to Flagstaff? Cool your heels and
then kick ‘em up at Pride in the Pines for the weekend
of June 8-10. We’ll be having fun downtown at
Wheeler Park. Check out the schedule of events
at www.flagstaffpride.org for more information.
Or maybe you’re going down south to the Old
Pueblo? Hop on over to the Gay West fun night
at the Old Tucson Studios on Saturday night, June
23 for a Hee-Haw with a queer kinda twist that’s
guaranteed fun. Ki-yi-yippee yippee-yay,
yippee-yay pilgrim!
You see that good looking face here on the
page? Besides mine, that is? It’s Ricardo
Campos and I’m happy to tell you I’ve
picked him to be the “ION Party Penguin
of the Month!” You’ve seen Ricardo at
Burn nightclub and he’s an all-around
terrific guy. That’s why we love him!
So look around and smile for the ION
Party Cam because you just might be
the next Party Penguin!
In the meantime take care, party safe, and tell
‘em ION sent you!
Love,
ION, the Party Penguin
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3819 North 3rd Street Ste. #10, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 308-4662 • Fax (602) 271-0939
www.IONAZ.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / EDITOR
Kevin Bushaw - Ext. 4 .................. editor@ionaz.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Deon Brown ................................. editor@ionaz.com
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Kimberly Ruff ................. kimberlymruff@yahoo.com
PRODUCTION & OFFICE MANAGER
production@ionaz.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Jack Tesorero, Ext 6 ................. adsales@Ionaz.com
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS:
Ted Kirby and Paul Sanchez, Steven Griswold
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Mike Chesworth
Richard Bolinski
Carl James
Jason Buche
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
CONTRIBUTORS:
David Alan Maxey
Wes Bergman
Kim Ruff
Corey Blanchette
Dave Salcido
Addison DeWitt
Jorge Treviano
Dave Jackson
TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS,
CALL (602) 308-4662.
Published monthly by
© 2007 Tesorero Omni Media
a JMT Designs, Inc. company
PUBLISHER
Jack M. Tesorero .............................. jackt@ionaz.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN THE USA
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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PARTY CAM
2ND CHANCE PROM
PARTY CAM
YO MAMMA
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Gay West
Tropicana Club
No, you won’t find Ricky Ricardo here singing “Babalu” but you
will find this muy caliente nightclub opening it’s friendly doors to
the LGBT community every Thursday night with an exciting theme
every week. Oh, and more thing: Strippers. Need I say more? See
you at the Tropicana Club in the Papago Plaza on the southeast
corner of Scottsdale and McDowell Roads or call (480) 563-3529
or (480) 522-8311. Hasta pronto!
The Gay West fun night has returned to the Old Tucson Studios
after a four year hiatus. So saddle up, little buckaroos, and head
down to the Old Pueblo for some fun with the boys and girls of
the golden west. There’ll be DJs, dancing, drag queens, stunt
shows, vendors and more. Funds raised benefit Wingspan,
the Tucson GLBT Community Center. 6 p.m. to midnight on
Saturday, June 23. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
Independence Day
Yankee Doodle Dandies should hightail it to the Steele Indian
School Park for the 22nd Annual Fabulous Phoenix Fourth on the
4th of July. In addition to the greatest fireworks display in the state,
you’ll see great local entertainment and enjoy food and beverages
at greatly inflated prices! The event is from 6-10 p.m. The fireworks
start around 9:30 p.m. Some of the best views and deals, however,
are in front of Roscoe’s and across 7th Street at Tangible Fitness.
Party in the Pines -- Flagstaff Pride
Visit those friendly folks in Flagstaff for Flagstaff Pride: Party in
the Pines. or the weekend of June 8-10. Join those Lumberjacks
and Janes who’ll be having fun downtown at Wheeler Park. The
juicy Jodi Watley is the headliner on the Main Stage this year!
Check out the schedule of events at www.flagstaffpride.org for
more information.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert DVD Release
“I don’t care if the sun don’t shine, I get my lovin’ in the
evening time ...” Get your lovin’ and see the ultimate cock
in a frock on a rock classic! SWAY Events and the new ION
Party Crew is throwing a party for the release of the DVD
collector’s edition of queer classic Priscilla, Queen of the
Desert. There’ll be prizes, giveaways, costumes, singing and
maybe even a “Ping-Pong Ball Contest.” 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 at
Kobalt.
Big Boys Need Toys, Too
No, it isn’t what it sounds like, but the Big Boys & Their
Toys Expo is a great way to rub elbows with manly
men in pursuit of manly things, through exhibits and
demonstrations for such manly pasttimes as fishing,
hunting, boating and electronics. Manly, yes, but we like it,
too. At Phoenix Civic Plaza, June 16 - 17, 2007.
Call (480) 948-2206.
Quench Your Wench II
Avast, ye! Those piratical folks from SWAY Events
and the ION Party Crew will be at the She Lounge for
this naughty nautical pirate party for landlubbers on
Saturday, June 23. You might even find a sunken chest
or two, but we prefer a 40DD. Har, har! You’ll be hoist by
your own petard! Sail on up to the She Lounge at 4343 N.
7th Ave. For details call (602) 279-0388. Tits ahoy!
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Space Is The Place
The theme of space exploration—its infinite potential,
as well as its historical impact—is the focus of Space
Is The Place, featuring installations, paintings and
sound and video works made by an international group
of contemporary artists. At the Scottsdale Museum of
Contemporary Art, June 16 – September 2, 2007.
Call (480) 994-2787.
ION SPECIAL EVENT CALENDAR
DATE
6/2
6/8
6/08-10
6/8-10
6/09
6/11
6/12
6/14
6/16
6/16
6/16-17
6/16-9/2
6/20
6/22-24
6/23
6/23
6/27
7/04
7/04
EVENT
LOCATION
Scandalesque
Paper Heart
First Friday Artwalk
Downtown Phoenix
New Work by Ib Andersen
Orpheum Theatre
Party in the Pines
Flagstaff Wheeler Park
Cabaret Boheme
Club Congress
Sangria & Skincare
Ticoz RestoBar
Second Act: Happy Hour
Herberger Theater Center
The Priscilla QotD Party
Kobalt at Park Central
Grand Opening Party
Dick’s Cabaret
Juneteenth Celebration
Eastlake Park
Big Boys & Their Toys Expo
Phoenix Civic Plaza
Space Is The Place
Scotts. Museum of Cont. Art
First Time Home Buyers Seminar University of Phoenix
Grand Canyon Games
US Airways Center
Gay West!
Old Tucson Studios
Quench Your Wench
E Lounge
Ringling Bros. Circus
US Airways Center
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
Steele Indian School Park
The Big Bang
Tangible Fitness
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(602) 262-2020
(602) 256-7539
(602) 381-1096
flagstaffpride.org
(520) 622-8848
(602) 200-0160
(602) 252-8497
(602) 264-5307
(602) 274-DICK
(602) 262-4627
(480) 948-2206
(480) 994-2787
(480) 365-9045
(480) 517-9700
(520) 883-0100
(602) 279-0388
(480) 517-9700
(602) 495-0739
(602) 314-6444
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Goo Goo Dolls
One of the great rock & roll bands of our generation, the
Goo Goo Dolls with Lifehouse and Colbie Caillat will return
to Phoenix to perform at the Dodge Theatre on Friday,
June 15th. The Goo Goo Dolls tour will once again bring
USA Harvest out on the road to collect and distribute
canned food/goods for families in need. Containers for
food collection can be found near the entrance of Dodge
Theatre. Visit livenation.com for details.
The Police Reunion
Yes, it’s true, Andy Summers, Stewart
Copeland and Sting have finally gone
the route of all classic rock bands with
their “slavishly anticipated reunion tour,”
hoping to resurrect the magic for die hard
fans and introduce a new generation to
the sound that made them famous. At
U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, June 18,
2007. Call (602) 379-7800.
JUNE ION CONCERT CALENDAR
DATE
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1
1
2
2
2
3
4
6-7
7
8
8
10
10
13
15
18
18
19
19
20
22
23
23
26
30
20
EVENT/ARTIST
Hellogoodbye
Shawn Mullins
Indigenous
Colin Hay
Morrissey
The Aquabats
Marshall Tucker Band
Quietdrive
Canned Heat
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra
Keith Urban
Lindsey Buckingham
Dave Koz & David Benoit
Chayanne
John Mayer & Ben Folds
Goo Goo Dolls & Lifehouse
Norah Jones
The Police
Nelly Furtado
The Queers
The Aggrolites
Fall Out Boy
Acoustic Alchemy
Buckcherry
Alison Krauss and Union Station
Candye Kane
LOCATION
Marquee Theatre, Tempe
Cave Creek Coffee Co., Cave Creek
Rialto Theatre, Tucson
Cave Creek Coffee Co., Cave Creek
Maricopa County Center, Sun City
The Venue of Scottsdale, Scottsdale
Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix
Club Congress, Tucson
Rhythm Room, Phoenix
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
US Airways Center, Phoenix
Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
Dodge Theatre, Phoenix
Jobing.com Arena, Glendale
Dodge Theatre, Phoenix
Dodge Theatre, Phoenix
US Airways Center, Phoenix
Dodge Theatre, Phoenix
The Clubhouse, Tempe
Club Congress, Tucson
Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
The Clubhouse, Tempe
Dodge Theatre, Phoenix
Rhythm Room, Phoenix
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by Dave Jackson
djackson@virginmega.com
Yo, DJ! What’s New?
Various – Gay Days 2007
Like it or not, summer’s officially here! So,
check out these hot hits to keep you cool
all month long …
Centaur is back with another fun filled disc
full of diva-esque anthems to keep your
ass shaking for months. DJ Randy Bettis is
back on board for this mostly covers project
and truly delivers a driving, continuously
mixed club session. Taken from the uber
popular event in Orlando, get in the groove
this summer even if you cannot be with
Mickey and friends. Look for tracks by
Danielle Bollinger, Suzanne Palmer, Peyton
and the super hot remixologists, The
Freemasons (a là Beyoncé, Shakira, etc.)
to complete this 12 song soundtrack.
Maroon 5 – It
Won’t Be Soon
Before Long
After selling four
million copies of
their debut Songs
About Jane, huge
expectations
surround the release of their sophomore
album. Though it’s a bit of a departure
from their first, I believe it’s a perfect
progression. The one-two opening punch
of “Never See Your Face” and “Makes Me
Wonder” sets the tone to this catchy, sleek,
and soulful yet electric album. Drawing
influences from Prince, Talking Heads,
Michael Jackson and even Outkast in
“Little of your Time,” this album is definitely
“sexier and stronger” than their first and is
just plain groovy!
Deborah Cox
– Destination
Moon
From the
dancefloor queen
and the R&B
songstress comes
this concept
album of covers from the incredible Dinah
Washington on her Decca Debut. Deborah
re-interprets these classics with richness
and confidence all while showcasing her
incredible vocal abilities. Who would have
thought this diva could handle big band,
blues and jazz with such ease? From the
swing of “All of Me” and “Destination Moon”
to the swanky “Misery,” this album is not
for the faint hearted. Never fear however;
pulse driving remixes of these classics are
surely on the horizon.
Erasure – Light
at the End of
the World
And you thought
they were breaking
up – wrong!
Thankfully, Erasure
gives us what
we’ve come to expect and delivers another
pop filled, electronic infused album. Fans
of Nightbird will think of this as the perfect
counterpart with tracks “Storm in a Teacup,”
“Fly Away” and “Golden Heart” as the
core. Lead single “Fall in Love with You,”
isn’t quite as catchy but it attempts to bring
them closer to the commercial success
they saw in the 90s. And with the gayest
cover in ages, hopefully they’ll keep their
current fans happy while picking up some
new ones along the way.
In other music news, Madonna and the
Timberlake/Timbaland team have finished
six tracks for her next album. Though no
post production has started, just knowing
they are getting closer to a finished project
keeps me wet with anticipation. When
asked however, no decision on any vocal
contributions has been agreed to. But you
just know Justin wants to one-up on Britney
to get in “her zone!”
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Kim Hoke at the Comedy Spot
Local comedienne Kim Hoke tackles taboo topics such as feline herpes!
What a slut, right? (The cat, not Kim.) Catch the snatch with a sense
of humor June 3rd and July 1st at the Comedy Spot in Scottsdale, AZ!
According to the gorgeous gal herself, June 1st will be her, “Hey! I’m
gay,” show. Look out, Ellen DeGeneres! Call (480) 945-4422 for details.
Duh Na Na Na Na NA NA BATBOY!!!
The heartwarming tale of a tabloid shocker who wants to become a real boy is told
through Bat Boy: The Musical, when a local veterinarian takes in a bat child and tried to
raise him as his own, despite the townsfolk’s disapproval. Presented by Nearly Naked
Theatre at Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre, June 2 – 30, 2007. Call (602) 254-2151.
Perpetually D-listed funny lady Kathy Griffin...
will be performing at Dodge Theatre on Saturday, June 16. The acidtongued comedienne starred in The Outstanding Reality Program
Emmy nominated reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life On The DList.” Call (480) 784-4444. Outside the metro Phoenix area or visit
livenation.com for tickets and information.
ION THEATRE & COMEDY LISTINGS
DATE
EVENT/ARTIST
LOCATION
Thru 6/2
Thru 6/2
Thru 6/2
Thru 6/3
Thru 6/3
Thru 6/3
6/3
Thru 6-10
Thru 6/30
Thru 6/30
6/1-3
6/1-2
6/2-30
6/7– 10
6/7 – 17
6/7 – 7/28
6/8– 9
6/12 – 17
6/15-16
6/15 – 7/1
6/15 – 7/1
6/15 – 7/22
6/20
6/21-24
6/22 – 7/15
6/22 - 23
6/29 – 7/29
6/29 – 30
7/1
The Bad Seed
Jake Johannsen
The Full Monty
The Life
Girls Night: The Musical
Dream A Little Dream
Kim Hoke
Bye Bye Birdie
Steel Magnolias
Pillow Talk
Jake Johannsen
Dante
Bat Boy: The Musical
Tim Hawkins
Earthquake Chica
The King & I
Rob Jenkins
All Shook Up
Kenny Kane
Hair
Speed The Plow
Grease
Satan’s Angel Vaudeville Exp.
Greg Fitzsimmons
Man Of La Mancha
Rob Morey
Footloose
Randy Lubas
Kim Hoke
iTheatre Collaborative
The Improv
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Black Theatre Troupe
SCPA
Phoenix Theatre
The Comedy Spot
Desert Stages
Scottsdale Desert Stages
Hale Centre Theatre
The Improv
The Comedy Spot
Nearly Naked Theatre
The Improv
Beowulf Alley Theatre
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
The Comedy Spot
ASU Gammage
The Comedy Spot
Tempe Little Theatre
Off Center Productions
AZ Broadway Theatre
The Paper Heart
The Improv
Fountain Hills Community The.
The Comedy Spot
Scottsdale Desert Stages
The Comedy Spot
The Comedy Spot
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(602) 347-1071
(480) 921-9877
(480) 325-6700
(602) 252-8497
(480) 994-2787
(602) 254-2151
(480) 945-4422
(480) 483-1664
(480) 483-1664
(480) 497-1181
(480) 921-9877
(480) 945-4422
(602) 254-2151
(480) 921-9877
(520) 882-0555
(480) 325-6700
(480) 945-4422
(480) 784-4444
(480) 945-4422
(480) 350-8388
(623) 815-7930
(623) 776-8400
(602) 262-2020
(480) 921-9877
(480) 837-9661
(480) 945-4422
(480) 483-1664
(480) 945-4422
(480) 945-4422
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PRESCOTT PRIDE
PARTY CAM
PARTY CAM
BARTLETT BASH
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Photography by Carl James
Makeup by Tony Dean
Production Assistant Heather Dent
Art Direction and Styling by Joey Sarandos-Durisek
HIGH &
DRY
On Santiago:
Pookah Necklace by Buckle
Racing Brief by Andrew Christian
White Robe from Target
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HIGH &
DRY
On Landon:
Corona Cap from Target
Board Shorts from Buckle
HIGH &
DRY
On Sarah:
Bangle Bracelets by Dragonfly
Lifeguard Trunks by
Andrew Christian
HIGH &
DRY
On Santiago:
Fedora + Glasses stylists own.
Pinstripe Board Shorts by Buckle.
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Meet the Men
This month’s Night Out takes us to the all new
“Family Night” at Elévé Restaurant. Every
Thursday, anyone can come in and enjoy
discounted, jumbo martinis and a delectable
selection of appetizers. We happened to be celebrating the upcoming opening of Gabriel and
Ivan’s new boutique Dragonfly, so we enjoyed
Oysters Rockafeller, Shrimp, Salmon, some
great soup and salad... the works! After dinner,
we drove over to visit Nick Duckro and our
friends at Burn Nightclub. We danced to some
Hip-hop & R&B and enjoyed a fantastic round
of $1 shots made by bartender extraordinaire Stacey J. -Thanks everyone,
for a great night!
Name: Gabriel
Age: 28
Astrological Sign: Leo
Occupation: Work for the City of Phoenix, Entrepreneur
Originally from: Parker, AZ
Turn ons: Ambition and passion.
Turn offs: Anybody who doesn’t take
care of themselves. Slackers or unhappy
people.
For fun: Barbeques at the house, watch
live performances, dancing...
Dream Destination: Brazil for Carnaval
When did you come out?: Two years
after highschool.
Favorite Sports: UFL, Boxing,
Bull-riding.
Name: Ivan
Age: 30
Astrological Sign: Libra
Occupation: Manager, designer, dancer.
Originally from: San Diego, CA
Turn ons: Somebody full of life, but
down to earth. Great smiles. Dimples.
Turn offs: Bad teeth.
For fun: Same as Gabe, hang out, and
dance with friends. Used to teach Dance
classes.
Dream Destination: Japan! (I’m a
geisha inside.)
When did you come out?: 24 years old.
Favorite Sports: Soccer, Bullfighting.
602-993-4567 phx
520-791-2345 tuc
Get a Date Tonight!
See ad on page 75 (Free code: 3972)
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JOivDe aYt PrW
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Blanchett
By Corey
JW: Hi, Corey. It’s Jody Watley.
How are you?
ION: I’m doing great. How are
you today, Ms. Watley?
JW: Fantastic!
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ION: Great. Before we
begin, I have to tell you, I’ve
been interviewing recording
artists and entertainers for
a number of years now, and
it’s not everyday that I have
the opportunity to speak
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
NTERVIEW
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EXPANDED ION INTERVIEW
with a Grammy Award-winning
artist, so while the journalist and
the writer in me considers this
a privilege, and the fan and the
music lover in me is just thrilled!
material, and fresh takes on your
early work, it is quite an album. I
love it!
JW: Thank you, Corey! That’s very
sweet. I appreciate that. This is
the first time an interview has ever
started off this way.
ION: What was the inspiration
behind this album?
The track
listing
JW: Thank you.
Francisco, titled Songs To the Key
of My Life. I tried out quite a few
of the songs that ended up on The
Makeover like “Borderline” and the
Carpenters Medley. Judging by
the audience’s reaction and what
they responded to the most
in terms of singing
along and
hugging
each
ION: Seriously?
JW: I’m serious.
ION: Well, good. I’m glad that
it stands out from the rest then.
We’re so excited to have you
here in Arizona at Flagstaff
Pride this year. I recently spoke
with Northern Arizona Pride
Association’s new Managing
Director Richard Svendson, and
he is absolutely ecstatic having
you as their 2007 headliner.
JW: Oh, I’m looking forward
to it, as well. Pride events are
always very special to me. I like
the feeling of love and unity and
everyone being celebrated. I wish
it was a feeling that could be
carried on throughout the year.
ION: The past year has been
quite a success for you. I recently
picked up your new album The
Makeover at Virgin Megastore.
Complete with covers songs, new
June 9th & 10th, 2007
features such a diverse mix of
music. How did you determine
which songs you were going to
include?
JW: The Makeover is a bit of a
hybrid project, so to speak, in that
I was writing new songs while
also wanting to make a fun and
frivolous remix record, so it ended
up being both. I selected the songs
by doing some live shows in San
other, those are the songs that
I used. The Makeover is also a
bridge for people who maybe
haven’t kept up with what I’ve
been doing, this being my ninth
record. It showcases the vibe of
where I am musically, which is
still heavily soulful, dancy, jazzy;
it’s a mixture of all of those styles.
The Makeover really represents
those elements where I am now,
having fun with songs that I like,
while also showcasing the newer
material, as well.
ION: I especially like your take
on “Love Hangover.” That is
awesome, even the cover of The
Makeover is kind of Diana Rossesque.
JW: Yeah, ha ha.
ION: You mentioned the
Carpenters Medley, where you
cover “Close To You,” “Superstar,”
and “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
You took those classics in a totally
different, soulful direction with
your rendition. After hearing it,
I felt compelled to go online to
download the classic “Superstar,”
too. Listening to the covers on
The Makeover has given me
renewed appreciation for the
originals, as well.
JW: Oh, really? For me, I think
that’s the beauty of a song, that
you can make it new again. I also
feel that if you’re going to take on
someone else’s song, you should
try to bring something different
to it. I did that for sure with The
Carpenters Medley, it has an afro
down-tempo feel, while “Love
Hangover” is more sensuous,
and my version of “Borderline”
takes you more into the lyric
and the emotion of it. Believe it
or not, I’ve had a lot of people
EXPANDED ION INTERVIEW
say to me that they didn’t know
these songs before. I did a photo
session a couple weeks ago, and
the photographer was in his early
20’s, and he told me that he just
loves “I Want Your Love,” and to
him, it’s my song. He didn’t know
anything about Chic or the original,
so if listening to my album either
takes you back or makes you want
to hear what the original was like,
then that’s really cool. That’s a
huge compliment to me, so
thank you.
ION: Another aspect of this
album’s release when compared to
your others’ is that the only music
retailer that sells The Makeover
is Virgin Megastore. At the same
time, the album also sold very
well through iTunes. What was the
drive behind this unique endeavor,
and how has the ever-changing
music industry affected your ability
to make your work available to
your fans and the general public?
JW: The Makeover is definitely
harder to find in stores. This record
was a unique partnership with the
Virgin Megastore, one of the last
freestanding music retailers since
the demise of Tower. Because
I knew that the songs weren’t
going to have guaranteed spots
on commercial radio, to make
it visible, I had to do something
new and different, which is what
Virgin Megastore was looking to
do, as well. Virgin gave us prime
positioning in the stores. We did
“Makeover” events at most of their
main outlets, including Chicago,
Los Angeles, San Francisco,
and two of the stores in
New York. We gave
free makeovers to
guys and girls, I
performed, I
did Q&A, and
there
was a DJ there, so it was truly a
social event and very successful.
The Makeover was Virgin’s #1
seller for a while, and that was
very exciting. Just recently, we
closed a deal to distribute with
Super D, and they will start to
make The Makeover available
in select markets, too. In fact,
Wal-Mart just did a big buy. The
business side is very exciting for
me also, because I’m redefining
not just my music, but myself as
a businessperson, in a way that
I can be proud of and maintain
my integrity. The iTunes format
and having music represented
online is what I love the most.
Whether you’re a new artist or a
veteran artist, sometimes record
companies can create so much
red tape in just getting the music
out to people, but with the Internet
and the whole digital age, I just
love it because it’s all right there!
ION: Right, and iTunes
has a really great
selection as
48
49
EXPANDED ION INTERVIEW
far as your catalog goes, almost
everything from your early work to
your new material and the remixes
are available.
on Dance Radio. Arizona’s own
Energy Radio has been playing
the Funky Junction + Marco
Zappala Remix of “Borderline”
and the Soulcast Remix of “I Want
Your Love,” as well as the 2005
Remixes of “Looking For a New
Love.”
JW: Yes, but I really had to fight
with MCA, too, because for a
while all they had on iTunes and
the other outlets were my first two
records, the self-titled debut and
Larger Than Life. My third and
fourth, Affairs of the Heart and
Intimacy, were crossroads records
for me, but they still had their
R&B and dance hits, and certainly
deserved to be there, too. I’m also
on them a lot about some of the
remixes that were promo-only
releases. One of the things record
companies will say to artists
whose music has gone out of print
is that they can’t afford to pay
the retail stores for shelf space.
With the Internet, that argument
goes out the window, so I say,
“What are you sitting on them for?
People are asking for it, so get the
music up there!” Every artist that
makes music should have their
music represented online.
JW: Yes, I’ve heard that those
songs are exploding in the cities
that do have dance-oriented
stations, and especially that “I
Want Your Love” is getting a lot
of love. Again, for me, it’s very
rewarding. I don’t want to be that
person that has to say, “Yeah,
yeah, I’m still here.” I’m going
to keep making music that is
contemporary and representative
of where I am without anyone
having to say, “Oh, my God! I can’t
believe she’s...”
ION: Ha ha! Right? Well, your
albums and singles are quality
products. It’s a great sound that
you’re putting out to us.
JW: I feel very good about that.
Thank you.
ION: Yeah! There’s money to
be made and there’s music to
be enjoyed, especially those
remixes you referred to. And,
as you mentioned, just because
commercial radio might not
regularly play your songs, your
newer hits like have found a home
ION: The Makeover, as well as a
number of your previous releases,
has been on your own label,
51
EXPANDED ION INTERVIEW
Avitone. Seeing that you have
had reasonable success in the
independent market, would you
ever be open to another majorlabel deal?
JW: Well, actually I just did I
license deal with Sony-BMG for
a live recording, so I’m doing it,
it’s just in a different framework. If
any company said outright, “We
want to sign you as an artist,”
honestly, I don’t really know that
I would do it. I started Avitone
when I put out the Affection
album in ‘95. After that, I was
briefly with Atlantic, and I didn’t
want to go to Atlantic, but I had
a friend that worked there, and
at that time, I wanted to do a
dance record. I wanted to work
with Everything But the Girl and
Armand Van Helden and do
a really fresh, forward dance
record, and they were like, “Yeah,
yeah, we love it. We love it.” And
as soon as I signed, it was like,
“We want you to do this and that,”
and it was an awful experience.
They ended up not even putting
that record out, and it reminded
me, See, you should have kept
with what you were doing. With
record companies, it’s not about
creativity. It becomes about their
fiscal quarters and shareholders,
and everything else that goes with
them.
ION: That is so true. That’s the
reality of the business.
JW: If I signed with a major label,
then it would be all about finding
those five producers that are
producing every other record
you hear. I know that’s what they
would do, and I wouldn’t feel
good about that. I mean, I love
Timbaland and a lot of the other
top producers today, but I’d feel
like I was on somebody else’s
bandwagon, so I like the way I’m
doing it!
ION: Yeah, the album that Atlantic
didn’t release here in the US,
Flowers, is one of the few albums
of yours that I don’t have, that
and Saturday Night Experience,
the only other one that didn’t get
released in this country.
JW: I did Saturday Night
Experience exclusively for
Universal Japan. I licensed it to
them, and I actually am going to
be making it available soon at
iTunes. Then again, there’s a little
part of me that likes the fact that
some of these you can’t get too
easily, you know? Not everything
always has to be mass-produced,
either, so I have a bit of that
philosophy in me also. Every
time I hear that Saturday Night
Experience went on eBay for
$100, I’m like...
ION: Is it a good feeling?
JW: Yes, kind of. I have a lovehate relationship with it, ‘cause I’m
not getting the $100 at that point.
Somebody else is!
ION: I know what you mean, but
at least somebody loves it, right?
JW: Yes, the right people!
ION: Right, ‘cause it’s only the
fans that are going to pay that
much. Now, where have you
been touring lately? At what
other venues have you been
performing?
JW: My touring schedule is really
unique. I do jazz festivals out in
wine country, I perform at clubs
and gay pride events. I don’t know
of very many artists that can go
from one vastly different audience
to the next so comfortably. I
recently appeared at a private
event in New York for Iman and
Patricia Vasquez for a charitable
foundation they have, surrounded
by the cream of the crop of New
York society, so the differences in
venues keep it interesting for me.
ION: What can we expect of your
Flagstaff Pride performance?
JW: I’m not exactly sure yet what
our set list rundown will be just
yet. I usually fine-tune it the closer
I get to the date. I like to have the
element of surprise, too, but it’s
always a mixture of classics and
new work. I kind of weave them
all together, because I recognize
that there’ll be some people that
only know the classic hits, and
there’ll be people that really love
the new music. I try to balance
it out where I’m happy and the
audience is, too. No one can
come to a performance of mine
and not leave happy in the end,
and if they do, well, they have
problems! Ha ha.
ION: I hear you, I echo your
sentiments there because you
know people are going to want to
hear “Looking For a New Love,”
and they’re going to want to hear
“Real Love,” and “Don’t You Want
Me,” but you know there are also
the people that are still keeping
up with the times, keeping up with
the newer music, and also your
fans, and they’re going to hear
“Off the Hook” and “When a Man
Loves a Woman,” so I’m glad to
know, that even though you don’t
have the set list set in stone, that
you will plan on switching it up.
JW: And you know, when I’m in
full concert, which is generally
70 to 90 minutes, I can feature
a little bit of everything. The
ION INTERVIEW
Pride appearances are always
abbreviated, but it will still be
wonderful and I’m looking forward
to seeing everyone out there.
So how hot will it be,
Corey?
ION: That was a freak of nature,
but I seriously doubt that’d
happen again. It’s not going to be
too hot. It will be a little warmer
during the day, but I think you go
on at about 8PM.
ION: You know what,
Jody? Flagstaff is
not going to be that
hot. Flagstaff is in
Northern Arizona,
in the mountains.
There’ll probably
be a breeze.
In fact, a couple years ago I
was there, having interviewed
Martha Wash when she had
been headlining, and the poor girl
nearly got hailed on. There was a
hailstorm in June!
JW: Yeah, right, it
should be right at
dusk. Well, I look
forward to being there
and look forward to
meeting you, Corey.
ION: As do I, Ms. Watley.
Thank you again for
taking the time to talk with me
today. Before we go, I wanted to
ask in closing about the quote you
have on your official MySpace
page. It says, “Show love, think
love, and be loved.”
JW: Ha ha! Woah!
JW: It’s a motto of mine. I was
raised to treat others the way you
would want to be treated, and in
everything I do, whether it’s in
my songs or if I’m writing a blog
online, I try to be as authentic as I
can be. If you’re thinking negative
thoughts, you’re going to have
negative actions. If you’re thinking
love, then that’s a good thing, and
we need more of that. To take
a line from my song “Affection,”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re young
or old, It doesn’t matter if you’re
straight or gay, Everybody needs
to feel loved.”
54
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Vol. 1, Issue 5
JUNE 2007
OUTRAGEOUS!
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Unfair and unbalanced. We decide.
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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – The
fashionable nightclub, “Amsterdam,”
in Phoenix, Arizona announced that
negotiations are currently underway to
open a new club in the Netherlands’ city of
Amsterdam to be called “Phoenix.” The
innovative club is slated to open in August,
2007. will be on the trendy Leidseplein
Square near the famous Sexmuseum
Amsterdam Venustempel, just a short cruise
down one of the city’s 165 canals.
An exciting element of the club will feature
a lounge called “Central Avenue” featuring
a cabaret with “Queen Trixies’ Tricks”
and “The Van Gogh-Gogh Boys.” Each
dancer will sport only one ear. Dancers will
perform nightly for Happy Hour Heinekin
Hijinx. Early morning hours will offer
patrons dancing, cocktails and a breakfast
buffet. This event will be called “Hash
Browns” and will have a variety of other treats
at the “eetcafe.” Every Saturday night will be
promoted with a party called, “Tulips On Your
Organ” with vases of the country’s official
flower decorating the bar.
Owners Todd Colin and Ken Sannes said,
“We’re excited to expand our concept to
Northern Europe. Our club Amsterdam in
Phoenix is phenomenally successful, so
we thought we’d export a bit of our own
hometown to our namesake city in the
Netherlands.”
71
Plans are currently underway to organize
a tour from Phoenix to Amsterdam called
“Dutch Treat.” Details to be announced.
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Dragnet Searches for Drag
Racing Drag Queen
PHOENIX, Arizona - The usual peace
and quiet of the historic Willo District
neighborhood was shattered in the wee
morning hours and residents were roused
from their slumber when a maniac
transvestite driving northbound on Third
Avenue smashed into power pole, ripping
down lines, creating a “black out” for three
blocks lasting hours. And, boy, is APS mad.
Reliable news sources report that the
culprit in couture rather rockily fled the
scene in high heels, actually making pretty
good time, even pausing to pull down her
pantyhose to pee. She is described as a
statuesque 6’1 in heels, having shoulder
length ash blonde hair made of Dynalon,
an aquiline nose with a face looking
suspiciously as if it had once been pasted on
Jenna Jameson’s body for a print ad.
Alarmed neighbors poured out of their homes
to investigate the wreckage of a blue pickup
truck wrapped around the power pole on
Encanto Boulevard and Third Avenue as the
electrified live wires whipped through the
air, whistling a tune of death and destruction
to those in its path.
Any witnesses with information about the
terrorizing tranny behind the wheel are
encouraged to plug their ears, close their
eyes and hum ABBA’s Gimme Gimme
Gimme (A Man After Midnight).
73
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LOS ANGELES, California -- Hotel heiress
Paris Hilton may just become somebody’s
bitch, according to sources at the LA
correctional facility where she is serving her
sentence as “Prisoner of Cell Block H.” The
penal colony is said to have “very masculine
lesbians” who get physical with inmates in
the group shower.
Speaking to cameramen outside her home
before her sentence was carried out,
Hilton said that the sentence for driving
on a suspended license was cruel and
unwarranted.
“I’m a frickin’ princess!” she raged. “Prison
is where poor people go. I’m not so worried
about the lesbians, I know how to work
them, but I’m very concerned with how I’m
going to accessorize in that big gray dump.”
Heavy women, wearing buffalo plaid shirts
and mullet haircuts at the facility are said to
be lining up for their chance to “hit that.”
75
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Martha Stewart Serves Cat
Casserole to Queen Elizabeth
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – Tastemaker,
trendsetter and ex-convict Martha Stewart said,
“It’s a good thing,” when she served Calico Cat
Casserole to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
during her recent visit to the United States on
May 5th in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, an
early British colony.
the succulent dish with relish. “The Royal We
like it very much,” she said approvingly as she
sneaked the kitty’s drumstick into her powder
blue handbag for a midnight snack.
“The recipe is really quite simple,” said convicted
felon Stewart. “It’s a hearty meal that’s quick
and easy I created while I was serving hard time
in the Big House. All the gals on my cellblock
loved it. I took a young stray I found in the prison
yard, roasted it for three hours with red potatoes,
leeks, carrots and some dandelions, herbs and
peppercorns. I used flour, white wine and butter
reduction for gravy. The Queen really liked it.”
Prince Phillip reported that he prefers a Grey
Tabby, but Stewart said, “I find them to be a bit
tough and gamey.”
Stewart, the fallen Omnimedia empress,
wanted to impress the visiting Royals with a
dish that was unique and displayed Yankee
know-how and creativity. “I am certain that
early colonists in America ate a variety of
domestic animals like cat and dog. Usually just
boiled in salt water. I think they were important
staples to the 17th Century diet. This is a
modern take on an early American recipe,” said
Stewart.
Look for the happy homemaker to recreate this
toothsome dish on the Food Network soon.
By all accounts the aging monarch tucked into
77
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appears to be going well, however, now that
New York actor Jimmy Hays Nelson has been
hired to reprise the role that won him a Best
Actor award somewhere in the vast wasteland
of Texas.
PHOENIX, Arizona- The big news in Phoenix
alternative theater this season is the acquisition of rights for “Bat Boy: The Musical” by
Nearly Naked Theater. Scheduled to hit the
Phoenix Little Theater stage June 2-30, the
hit Broadway musical had been the subject
of a heated bidding war that, before it was
done, left multiple bruised egos and chapped
hind-quarters in its wake. “It was vicious,”
says one actor-in-the-know, “but everybody
knows that when it comes to underhanded
theatrical skullduggery, Damon is hands down
the queen.”
What is it that makes this actor so special?
Outrageous has recently learned that Nelson
is, in actuality, the real Bat Boy! An insider
claims that before he would sign on to the
locally produced show, Nearly Naked Theater
had to meet a list of curious demands which
included such sundries as: flies, gnats and
moths released into his room after sundown
every evening, a cordless sonic cleaner and a
sturdy crossbeam from which to hang. “It’s
creepy,” says the insider, “but he looks good
naked and if it means trumping every other
alternative theater company in the Valley. I
mean, creating the best show possible, we’ll
put up with almost anything.”
It should come as no surprise, then, that “tumultuous” is the best word to describe what
has been a grueling process for director Dering. Among other karmic mishaps, the former
drag queen-turned-theater impresario has had
to deal with cast friction and defections ever
since rehearsals started in mid-March. All
78
PHOENIX NIGHTLIFE
1.
Amsterdam
718 N. Central Ave. - Downtown Phoenix
(602) 258-6122
2.
Apollo’s
5749 N. 7th Street - Phoenix
(602) 277-9373
3.
BS
7125 5th Ave. - Scottsdale
(480) 945-9028
4.
Bunkhouse
4428 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 200-9154
5.
Burn Nightclub
122 E. Washington St. - Downtown Phoenix
(602) 258-1772
6.
Cash Inn
2140 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 244-9943
7.
Charlie’s
727 W. Camelback Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 265-0224
8.
The Chute Men’s Club
1440 E Indian School - Phoenix
(602) 234-1654
C
Clarendon Hotel + Suites
401 W. Clarendon Ave. - Phoenix
(602) CLARENDON
9.
Club Vibe
3031 E. Indian School - Phoenix
(602) 224-9977
10.
Cruisin’ 7th
3702 N. 7th Street - Phoenix
(602) 212-9888
11.
NEW! Dick’s Cabaret
3432 E. Illini - Phoenix
(602) 274-DICK
12.
Dick’s Hangout
11040 N. 21st Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 943-2760
13.
e lounge
4343 N 7th Ave - Phoenix
(602) 279-0388
14.
Friends
1028 East Indian School - Phoenix
(602) 277-7729
15.
Harley’s 155
2303 E. Indian School - Phoenix
(602) 956-2885
16.
Homme
138 W. Camelback Rd.. - Phoenix
(602) 266-0875
17.
Incognito
2424 E. Thomas Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 955-9805
18.
Jaded / Burger Betty’s
5111 N. 7th St. - Phoenix
(602) 240-6969
19.
Karamba
1724 E. McDowell - Phoenix
(602) 254-0231
20.
Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 264-5307
21.
Locker Room
3108 E, McDowell Rd.. - Phoenix
(602) 267-8707
22.
Club Miami
716 N. Central Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 258-6122
23.
Nu-Towne Saloon
5002 E. Van Buren St. - Phoenix
(602) 267-9959
24.
OZ.
1804 W. Bethany Home Rd.. - Phoenix
(602) 242-5114
25.
Paco Paco
3045 N. 16th Street - Phoenix
(602) 263-8424
26.
Padlock
998 E. Indian School Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 266-5640
27.
Phoenix Eagle
3114 E. Cactus Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 493-0355
28.
Plazma
1560 E. Osborn - Phoenix
(602) 266-0477
29.
Pumphouse II
4132 E. McDowell Rd. - Phoenix
(602) 275-3509
30.
The Rock
4129 North 7th Ave - Phoenix
(602) 248-8559
31.
Roscoe’s
4531 N. 7th Street - Phoenix
(602) 285-0833
32.
Taylor’s Tavern
15615 N. Cave Creek Rd.. - Phoenix
(602) 867-2463
33.
Wild Card
801 N. Arizona Ave. - Chandler
(480) 857-3088
34.
Z Girl Club
4301 N. 7th Ave. - Phoenix
(602) 265-3233
BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND NIGHTLIFE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Ain’t Nobody’s Biz
IBT’s
Venture-N
Rainbow Planet Coffee House
Woody’s
Howl at the Moon
Yard Dog
Colors
Hydra Leather
2900 E. Broadway
616 N. 4th Ave.
1239 N. 6th Ave
606 N. 4th Ave
3710 N. Oracle Rd.
Prince Rd.
2449 N. Stone
5305 E. Speedway
145 E Congress St.
(520) 318-4838
(520) 882-3053
(520) 882-8224
(520) 388-9829
(520) 292-6702
(520) 293-7339
(520) 624-3858
(520) 323-1840
(520) 791-3711
3269 N. Mountain
2902 N. Geronimo
300 E. 6th St.
375 S. Euclid Ave.
204 S. Scott Ave.
492 N. Alvernon
(520) 292-9151
(520) 622-4626
(520) 624-1779
(520) 628-7223
(520) 670-9022
(520) 299-6647
(520) 620-6245
COMMUNITY SERVICES
A
B
D
E
F
G
H
86
Metropolitan Community Charch
Cornerstone Fellowship
Wingspan
S.A.A.F.
Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast
TIHAN (Tuscon Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network)
EON Gay Youth Center
87
Happy Hour 4-7pm
Happy Hour 4-7pm
Karaoke @ 9pm
$5 Martinis&Manicures
Hpnotiq Strippers 9pm
Happy Hour 4-7pm
Divas @ 9:30 / No Cover
Karaoke w/ Ron @ 9pm
Karaoke w/ Ron @ 9pm
$2 B.Mrys & Mims ‘til 3
$1 Dom. Draft Beer
$5 martinis all day
2-4-1 vodka drinks 9pm
Karaoke w/ Ron @ 9pm
2-4-1 from 2pm-8pm
2-4-1 from 9pm-12am
Karaoke / $3 DnkyPunch
$2 Domestic Beer
$5 Grey Goose
2-4-1 (Hotspot)
Karaoke @ 9pm
$3 Stoli + Shot Specials
Karaoke + $3 Long Isl.
1c Mimosa/ $3 B.Marys
1/2 Price Margaritas
$1.25 well & 16oz dom.
$5 Martinis
Happy Hour ‘til close
$3 Wells/ $2 Dom.
2-4-1 Wells 8-10:30pm
$1 Mimosas
2-4-1 All Night
CLOSED
$5 L.I.s/ $3CuervoShots
$4 Wells
$2 Pitchers 2-7pm
.75 Happy Hr. 7-9pm
$2 Long Islands
1/2 off - w/only Undies
$2 Specials / 2-Steppin’
$2.50 L.Islnds @ 7pm
$2 Ptchrs/ 2-4-1 @ 7pm
$2 Domestic Pitchers
50c. Pitchers $2 Wells
$2 Coronas + Pitchers
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
2-4-1 Beer +Drag Show
Afterhrs.-Dance ‘til 4am
Afterhrs.-Dance ‘til 4am
$5 OFF (mention ION)
$5 OFF (mention ION)
$5 OFF (mention ION)
NO COVER!!!
2-4-1 Cover + Dances
NO COVER!!!
$5 OFF (mention ION)
Shot Specials All Nite
$4.75 Long Islands
$2 BudLight, 50c. refills
Margarita Madness
Beer Bust (Draft)
Lg.Well Martinis $3.75
2-4-1 8pm - close
2-4-1 well/dom. 8-10pm
2-4-1 well/dom. 8-10pm
18+ Dance - No alcohol
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
$2 domestic pitchers
Karamba Dancers
No cover before 10pm
$3 Pitchers w/Diamond
CLOSED
CLOSED
$3 Pitchers w/Diamond
$3 Pitchers w/Susana
Happy Hour: 4-7-pm
Happy Hour: Noon-7pm
$1.50 D.Beer w/ Jersey
Happy Hour: 4-7-pm
Amer. Idol & Karaoke
2-4-1 All Drinks
Happy Hour: 4-7-pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
$2 dom./well 2-7pm
Drag w/ Galilea- 10:30
Drag w/ Susana - 10:30
Drag w/ Fabiola - 10:30
CLOSED
CLOSED
Drag w/ Susana - 10:30
2-4-1 Thursday
Rev. Happy Hour Mid-2a
Live DJ 9pm
Karaoke from 5-9pm
2-4-1 ALL DAY
$1 draft Bud Light
Strippers/ Underwr Nght
$2 Miller & Long Island
Happy hr: $2 Dom/Well
Lunch from 111a-4p
$7 Long Island pitchers
Big Ass Drink Night
2-4-1 all day (Hotspot)
Industry Night
Happy hr: $2 Dom/Well
Karaoke 9:30pm
Diamond Dolls 9:30pm
Cheap Ass Drink Night
Karaoke 10pm
Wild Card Review 9:30
Drag Bingo 8:30pm
Latin OR Hip Hop Music
$4 Vod/RedBull 8-11pm
$2 Pitchers ‘til 10pm
Poker Night w/Prizes
1/2 Off Drinks Free Pool
Rotating Shot Specials
Drag@ 9pm Shot Spcls.
DJ Jeff @ 9pm
Jazz @6pm DJJeff @9pm
Beer/ Bingo/ Karaoke
Karaoke @ 9pm
Retro 80’s Nite
Underwear Party
Free pool/ Myspace Nite
90
Open 10pm- 2am
Beer Bust
91
92
by Addison DeWitt
Okay, okay. So Ricky Martin “threw his
his back out” (we can only guess doing
how or doing what) and canceled his
concert here in Phoenix. That was a
mistake, Ricky. A serious mistake. Just
for that I’m printing what my editor cut in
the last issue: Did you know that Ricky
Martin is a “shrimper?” Apparently he
has a fetish for toe sucking, folks. Now
all this according to Wikipedia. And if
you can’t trust the internet, what can you
trust? Now really!
Just in time for Mother’s Day! Last month
Culture Vultures across the Valley got
a chance to see the ultimate play about
child rearing - “The Bad
Seed.” Talented thespians
treading the stage included
hometown genius Neil
Cohen as that little pitbull
in a pinafore, Rhoda
Penmark, the epitome
of malice in an Alice
Blue Gown. Paul
Braun worked his
skirt on stage. Eagleeyed spectators may
remember actor Rick
Hendel as the creator of
the memorable film, “Mud
People of the Ugaho.”
The audience included
publisher and gourmand
Bill Orovan along with
pal, Stonewell veteran
Bob Lewis. And every
actor’s worst nightmare (or
best friend, depending)
New Times and KJZZ
theatre critic Robrt
Pela was there with his
cute boyfriend Todd
Grossman.
Bailey and beau Jack Jackson
there. In the saloon I saw hotelier
Ben Bethel with his pal, the
handsome and evah-oh-so-charming
Johnny Velasquez. He makes my
heart go pitter-pat. Now that Ben has
finished opening the final 50 rooms at
the Clarendon hotel he has more time
to get out and be social. Word is that
he’ll be building a rooftop ballroom
with a retractable roof and quite
possibly even a cozy rooftop bar and
restaurant.
And was that Agnetha from ABBA
with everybody’s favorite silvertongued Southerner, Terry Curvin?
No, it was his T.C.’s adorable
boyfriend Matt fresh from a softball
fundraiser all gussied up as one of
the Swedish songbirds. Fab legs,
darling!
Todd Bradford hosted a
pool party for the not-sorare “Pink Panty Durango
Weekend Jaybird,” in
honor of gorgeous
grizzly Christopher
McDowell. Grrr! I The
welcoming committee
at Bradford’s Bear Den
included Steve Gonzales,
Randy Huggins, Troy
Julius (no relation to Orange)
and Paul Griffin. Artist Adam
Thomas was on hand and the
dreamy Christopher LaFayette
was there to celebrate. Is it true
that commemorative handmade
license plates were given as
door prizes?
Phoenix Body Positive held
their annual “Night for Life” at
the fabulous Phoenician Hotel
on May 12th. It seemed that
every member of the Fluff
‘n’ Tuck Society was on
Charlie’s is always a hive
of activity. I discovered David
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hand to dip into their million dollar
minaudieres and Prada wallets for
the big bucks for this worthwhile
organization. I was greeted with open
arms on the terrace by handsome
Paradise Valley Councilman Brian
Cooney.
Frank Isom and Joe Reid as well
as restaurateur Tom Jetland,
the divine Russ Haan and Mike
Oleskow. I couldn’t miss James
Culver and Jeff Witt. And as far as
I’m concerned no party is complete
without the handsome Bill Hardin.
The cast of thousands included
the Unsinkable Kirk Baxter for
whom the wellness center is named
and Lifetime Achievement Award
recepient Bill Sheppard. Congrats
go to Outstanding Achievement
Award winners Marc Reid and
Robert Black. Community Champion
winner (as well as Historic Building
Demolition Without A Permit Expert,
Westside Cockfighting Advocate
and PETA nemesis) Mary Rose
Wilcox escaped getting shot in her
celebrated butt this time. Bang, bang!
Politician? Sommelier? Fromager?
Huh? Put these three things that
go great together and you’ll get
Sen. Ken Cheuvront. Delish! He
dined with the fab Councilman Tom
Simplot and the divoon First Guy
of District 4, David Smith. And
next time you see Tom, remember
to thank him for the “Exit” signs at
Spectrum Mall. Seems that after
leaving the classy J.B.’s Buffet that
former Gov. Rose Mofford got lost
in the parking lot for three days
trying to find the egress. “Simple!”
said Saint Simplot and a sign was
made for the old dame.
Dreamboat architect Tom Gasbarre
and attorney Sam Meyers with his
yummy, tall, tan boyfriend. And, yes,
the object of my affection, Rocco
Meneguale was there with that
darn, pesky boyfriend of his again.
Bruce McGehee chatted with Joe
Livingston and Brian Spear while
my Russian hands and Roman fingers
inappropriately pawed at the caboose
of the lovely Anthony Casian. My
apologies to his boyfriend, Robert
Rasa. Oopsies! But I managed to
mind my manners around fabulosities
Bill Lewis and Rick Underwood.
This time.
Other glamoraries included the divine
Mark Gove and his sweetie, hot
Scott and the Scrumptious Steves:
Serrano and Schopf. GLAAD
gadfly and president Neil Giuliano
always comes home for the event.
I spotted Mr. Show ‘n’ Tell Gerard
Montemurro and the terrific twosome
My mouth watered like one of
Pavlov’s dogs when I spotted my
very own Milburn Drysdale, Wells
Fargo’s bank robber’s wet dream,
Devin Slayton. The natives are
restless! And why not? Slayton will
be a Tanzanian Devil and touring
the Serengeti Desert this summer.
Better bone up on your Swahili,
sweetie. I’ll miss you.
So if you see Ricky Martin, get a
pedicure and wear a cute pair of
sandals for bait. And just hope he
doesn’t throw his back out diving for
your piggies.
Send Addison hot gossip, a map
of Tanzania, camembert, a license
plate, or a gift certificate for a
pedicure. Or your underwear, of
course. You can e-mail him at
RumorHound@aol.com
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