Arizona News Publications


A Grand Ol' TimeApril 23 , 2007
The Rock was decked out in it's Country best for the Grand Ol' Opry benefit hosted by Don Jeff Muir and Dame Regine. The evening was a benefit for Project Hardhat and was able to raise $1000 towards their mission to promote safe sex. The audience was treated to everything from Barbara Mandrell to Dolly Parton and Trace Adkins. Our friends from the American Legion were out in force (and in their underwear, Henry) and really helped make this event a success.

Coming up next weekend are our general elections for Emperor and Empress. We look forward to seeing everyone there.


Feeling the HeatMarch 24 th , 2007

Last night was a wonderful evening as Liz St. James and Truley LaFemme hosted the Monarch's Roast at Friends. Emperor I, Steve LaFata and Empress I, Jennifer Carroll dined on steak, lobster and crab while they were toasted and roasted by the Imperial Family and friends. While they lounged in their oriental silk robes, Candidate Julie Craig delivered rewritten bios stressing a modified version of what it meant to service the Community and Stephen Bloom retold how the two met at a local Leather event and one of his Leather brothers became a sister to him. The Line members and guests outdid themselves on their numbers and Countess Ebony brought the house down with Sisters.
All together $654 was raised for Logan's Playground, which added to the $300 raised at the Sherriff's Pink Party means we will be writing a check for $954 to assist Logan's Playground with their mission to assist children infected and affected by HIV.

Coming up in April, please join us at Phoenix Pride April 14-15. We will be working one of the soda/water booths and performing on stage. Keep an eye out around town for our Candidates for Reign II, Michael Gaffney and Julie Craig. Elections will be held on April 28th at MCC Gentle Shepherd Church.

April 21st please join us for our last show of Reign I, "The Grand Ol' Opry" at the Rock, hosted by Don Jeff Muir and Dame Regine. It will be a good old fashioned country ho-down as we raise much needed funds for Project Hardhat.

Pictures of the evening can be seen here.

Marvelous Masquerade February 25th , 2007
Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us for the Empress' Ball: Mardi Gras Masquerade last night at the American Legion Post 105. The Hall was decorated in it's Mardi Gras finest as beads were freely distributed. The evening was filled with elegant gowns, elaborate costumes and extravagant masks as everyone danced the night away. Empress Jennifer Carroll was glorious as the host of the state function, modeling several beautiful gowns. Special thank yous from the Empress were given to the support staff for the evening and her Command performers.

As a state function, the Emperor and Empress were able to formally issue several proclamations.

  • The Titles of Prince and Princess Royal shall forever more be known as Prince and Princess Royale. This bring those titles in line with the accepted form of the titles throughout the Court System.
  • The elevation of Wayne Young to the title of Baron. Wayne has served the Court faithfully and selflessly as the official Court photographer for the last year and was warmly welcomed to the Royal Line.

Thank you to the members of American Legion Post 105 who welcomed us into their Hall for the evening. Without the support of our Community we could not do what we do.

Pictures of the evening can be seen here.

Verdant Valentine February 11th , 2007
Cash Inn Country started Valentine's early with Cupids on Fire Sunday afternoon. The bar was decked out in red heart shaped balloons and most of the performers wore red, the Empress sporting her newest red Chinese silk jacket. This event was different than some of our others in that most of the performers were non-Court members. So we'd like to thank all of our special guests and community members who helped make Cupids on Fire possible. Without the support of Canyon Echoes, Steppin' Out Cloggers, Sisterz Twisted and many others we would not have been able to raise $1700 for the Wellness Community. The Court is extremely grateful to have their support in our endeavors to help local Arizona charities.

Turn About January 28th, 2007
Thank you to all of our friends who joined us for our Turnabout show at Charlies last month. With your help the benefit for Joshua Tree was a fabulous success. If you missed it, the guys gave the girls a run for their money as they donned heels and gowns for the evening and became the "Dreamgirls." OK, some were a little nightmarish. The ladies butched it up with false mustaches and combat boots as they sang "There's nothing like a dame." Our esteemed thanks to Phaedra for being our host for the evening.Check here for pictures.

Christmas Comes Early for Phoenix Children's HospitalDecember 17th , 2006
Last night, December 16th, 2006, Christamas came early for Phoenix Children's Hospital as the Imperial Family raised over $2150.00 for Phoenix Children's Hospital at Kobalt Bar. Everyone was in a festive spirit as old holiday favorites were performed as well as some truly hysterical numbers that had the audience laughing (pictures coming soon).

The event hosted by Count Cris Cringle and Countess Ebony was an evening to remember and we would like to thank all of the staff at Kobalt for doing such a great job supporting the benefit. The event which ran about 2.5 hours and also had presale ticket's for some cool giveaways was just a splendid evening.

Our Empress Jennifer arrived sporting a superb Christmas dress in red velvet and fur and entreated everyone to look into their hearts and help the children out this season. Prince Royal Don dressed as a Jewish Rabbi was spotted singing and Yes dancing to "If I were a Rich Man." The most hysterical outfits had to belong to Michael Gaffney's Christmas tree outfit and Princess Tiffany's baby doll outfit as she sang "All I want for Christmas is a Hippopotamus." The Court's own Santa Claus and host for the evening Cris Cringle obliged her and presented her with a hippo at the song's closing.

Our Emperor Steve is up again and on the mend. Attired in his sporty Christmas sweater, he circulated in the crowd greeting one and all, and took charge of making sure the money was counted appropriately and providing updates on the totals raised throughout the evening.

Coming Up:
Our monthly meeting is today. Our monthly meetings are held at 2pm on the third Sunday of each month at Augustana Church(Mcc Gentle Shepard), 14 Street & Virginia. Meetings and are open to anyone interested in attending and to learn more about us.These meetings are open to the public who wish to learn more about the Imperial Court of Arizona and join us in having fun doing good works.

Now January is shaping up to be a busy month for the Court with our Tunabout show Coming up on Jan 27th. This is were our male line, and yes this includes Emperor Steve, will become the Females for the evening and vice versa. This benefit for Joshua Tree will be at Charlies and will be one of the funniest benefits we have produced. So come and watch the Studs turn into the Glamor Queens or at least attempt it.

 

Las Vegas CoronationDecember 5t h , 2006

Their Imperial Majesties and members of the House of the Phoenix were spotted in Las Vegas the weekend of December 1-3, 2006. Not to gamble on the Strip, though we did manage to visit, but for the Las Vegas Coronation. In attendance were Emperor I, Steve LaFata and Empress I, Jennifer Carroll, Princess Royal Justice, Prince Joseph, Grand Duke Gaby, Grand Duchess Sandy, Michael Gaffney and Julie Craig.


Las Vegas Coronation was a splendid production of delightful fantasy as we were attired as the Greek Gods of Mount Olympus: Dionysius, Athena, Chaos, Menarke, Hades, Persephone, Zeus and Hera. Everyone did the House of Phoenix proud.

Our congratulations on a successful year go out to Bryan and Michelle and we warmly welcome the new Monarchs of our Sister Court, Rob, Emperor 9 and Nikata, Empress 9 of Las Vegas.

Upon arriving home we also learned that that the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona has been nominated for Small Non-Profit Group of the Year for the Pantheon of Leather awards. These community based awards are the Oscars of the Leather Community and we are honored by the nomination. For more information on these awards, see www.theleatherjournal.com

Also we have had a change of venue for our December event,

Winter Wonderland, hosted by Count Cris Cringle and Countess Ebony. The benefit for Phoenix Children's Hospital will now be at

Kolbalt at Park Central
3110 No. Central Ave. ste.125 Phoenix, AZ, 85012.
We offer our profound gratitude to Phoenix's newest bar for coming to our aid and are eagerly awaiting to see what Santa will be able to provide for these children through your generous donations.

You will be able to catch our Emperor and Empress performing at Charlies for Marque on Tuesday, December 12th.

Remember our monthly meetings are held at 2pm on the third Sunday of each month at Augustana Church, 14 Street & Virginia. Meetings are open to anyone interested in attending and to learn more about us.

 

LA/ Hollywood CoronationNovember 27th , 2006

We hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you enjoyed yourselves. While we were all having turkey and the great things that went with it our Monarchs were on the road to LA/Hollywood Coronation. According to sources Emperor Steve and Jennifer had no turkey , but they did have a good time.

Coronation in LA/Hollywood was wonderful as our Monarchs represented Arizona to the hilt.With some new digs both Monarchs had a great time and yes there are pictures downloaded on the Yahoo Group.Our Congratulations to Empress Amanda for being the New Monarch of La/Hollywood and look forward to seeing her out in Vegas.

Now many of the Royal Family are getting ready to head to Vegas this coming weekend along with Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer so we know they will all have a great time and wish them luck and a safe trip.

So you all have a wonderful week and Remember to be safe!

Leather SockHop Soars at the EagleNovember 18th , 2006

The Leather SockHop at the Eagle was fantastic!, First we would like to thank everyone at the Eagle for there wonderful support and the great fun. Secondly, we have to thank our wonderful Grand Duke Gaby and Grand Dutchess Sandy who organized this month's benefit. The evening featured entertainment by our female line (and Don), a hula hop contest and silent auction.

The event was for Logans Playground, a center for children infected and affected by HIV and the focus of the LeatherLords annual Toy Drive. The Imperial Court raised $1460.00 ($1060.00 cash and the rest donated toys) during the evening. It was a wonderfull show and the crowd enjoyed it.

A Hellfire Halloween October 16, 2006

October 14th was the Emperor's Ball: Hellfire Monster Bash, held at Cruisin' 7th.
The Imperial Court raised $1550.00 and the show was fantastic.The royal family went all out and so did Judy owner of Cruisin 7TH who had the bar festive in ghoulish delights.There was a costume contest with 7 contestants and they looked great. The raffles were also fun with great gifts for the winners. Emperor Steve wishes to thank everyone of the Line Members and Court members who made it all possible!

The event was hosted by Emperor 1 Steve LaFata with guests hosts: President of The Board Julie Craig & Regina Gazelle-Wells show director for Cruisin 7th.

This benefit was for H.O.W.( Honesty,OpenMinded,Willingness) which Regina is Founder and director of and was for our Transgender Community.

The Theme was all Halloween and Cruisin 7TH went all out on this one! There was a Costume Contest with a First prize of $150.00 donated By Gemini Productions 2ND place prize of $75.00 bar tab donated by Judy,owner of Cruisin 7Th and a 3rd place prize of $50.00 donated by Regina. Also many cool raffles and auction items

The '20s Certainly Roared September 24th, 2006

Well what can we say but that last nights event "Speak-Easy Sam's: A Tribute to the Roaring 20's" at the Pumphouse was a roaring success!

With over $1515.00 raised for the County Hospitals Pediatric AIDS unit the evening was just amazing, Prince Joseph & Princess Tiffany were wonderful as the hosts of the event. Their Imperial Majesties and all the fantastic line members and special guests did a great job entertaining the crowd with numbers from 1920's. We were able to raise some additional funds with some great artwork we auctioned off and when you combine that with the great entertainment WOW what an evening it was! Many thanks to the Pumphouse, Diva and Savanah for hosting us. We will definately be back. Click here for pictures.

A Groovy Time August 27th, 2006

Wow what a Night! Last nights event at Plazma was a success, The evening started off with the female line doing a fun and hysterical production number that just set the tone for the night. With most of the members of the royal family performing and our wonderful hosts Marquis Stephen Bloom and Marquessa Ashley Michael's doing a fantastic fundraiser for the Imperial court of Arizona! Bravo you two and a job very well done. We also had some wonderful past Monarchs from out of town who performed and thank you all in helping us meet our goal! Check out the pictures here.

Last nights event raised around $1100.00 for the Imperial Court, This money will be used to cover such costs as printing,stamps,website,and filing fees for our 501c3 non profit status. As you know, never are the funds raised used by any member of the Court for their own use and all transactions must be approved by the Board.

We would also like to applaud the Miss Gay Arizona Pageant for a great night on Friday the 25TH and congratulate the New Miss Gay Arizona and look forward to working with her in the coming year!

So here we go some upcoming events for September!

Next weekend Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer along with some members of the court will be in Tucson for Splash Bash on Saturday Sept 2ND. The Monarchs and Royal Members will be selling tickets at this event which is a fundraiser for Tucson Gay Pride. So get in touch with us if you would like to volunteer this weekend to help our great southern city and community and have fun and get paid doing it!

On September 17TH is our Monthly Membership meeting which is open to the public and held always at MCC Gentle Shepard Church located at 14TH St and Virginia. So come on down and learn about one of the fastest and most exciting non profit organizations in Arizona and how we are building a better Community!

September 23rd, "Speak-Easy Sam's: A Tribute to the Roaring 20's" at the Pumphouse
from 9pm-11pm . This is the Benefit for County's Pediatric Aids group,and is hosted by Prince Joseph and Princess Tiffany.

So come and join us and see how we have fun while helping all of Arizona!


Las Vegas Ducal Ball August 21st, 2006

Our Grand Duke Gaby and Grand Duchess Sandra along with Duchess Joy and Dame Ebony and our President of the Board Julie Craig were in Las Vegas Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Ball, below is what Gaby and Julie had to say:

First we have our GD Gaby and her view of the event,

Steve & Jennifer,

I had a FABULOUS time in Vegas. Civil Wrights and Uncle Bill are terrific
hostess & host. Julie Craig did a quick protocol before we all went down to the ball and Dame Ebony brought the house down with her final number (mind you, Julie, the consummate performer was also -as usual - great). We followed Julie's lead as our senior ranking member,Made a bunch of new friends, for sure, and at least one member of the LV court is thinking of moving here in the next year, so possible new member for us.

I think that Craig, Maury,Joy, Sandy and I all work well together and make a good team - we did win the best-theme award (Craig has it) and several members of our group (Sandy and Joy, I believe Eb and Julie, too) were extended other awards as well (I cannot remember them all).

I cannot tell you how tickled I am to have had the opportunity to get to know Craig and Maury a little bit better!

Thanks Gaby for your fun chat and glad you had fun!!

Now from Julie Craig President of the Board,

To the Imperial Family and Members,

This past weekend found Grand Duke- Gaby and Grand
Duchess- Sandy, Duchess- Lady Joy, Dame- Ebony, and Miss Julie Craig in Las Vegas for the Grand Duke and Duchess Ball.

The weekend started with a bang, when arrangements were made for Gaby and Sandy, and Eb and Julie to have adjoining rooms on the 19Th floor of the Four Queens (go figure) Hotel on Fremont Street in old downtown Las Vegas. We were escorted about town by a past Phoenix resident and friend, Michael Muskiewicz. We began the evening by meeting up with the bus tour at Badlands Bar. The Duke and Duchess of Las Vegas - Uncle Bill and Civil Wrights, were greatly pleased and surprised to find us there and ready to party.

The evening proceeded with visits to several Las Vegas watering holes. And everyone got their fill of "Las Vegas Water" (as Empress Jennifer would call it).
On Saturday, we fortunately, met up with Lady Joy and Allen. We had a good breakfast at Binions Casino. Then we all relocated to the Hospitality Room and met up with all of the Court people. Bling was available for purchase and "the Phoenix" flew to the sparkles laid out. Protocol, command information, and the evening lineup was completed and set.

The festivities began when the The Phoenix arrived in force at the ballroom.
The theme was "Gone with the Wind" and Arizona arrived looking like they just stepped out of the Deep South. The room, set, and all was beautifully done. We made our way around the room introducing ourselves, and being introduced to the other people from in and out of town. Eric and Mark of San Francisco also attended, and our table was then complete.

Grand Duke and Duchess- Gaby and Sandy, Duchess- Lady Joy, and Dame- Ebony, were all guests to the Dais. They represented the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona with southern grace and dignity. It was like they were born to be royalty.
The evening proceeded with many command performances that had the room spellbound. Dame Ebony and Miss Julie overwhelmed the audience and both received standing ovations for their performances. As the evening came to a close, Awards were handed out. And Gaby, Sandy, Lady Joy, Miss Eb and Miss Julie all received special Plaques of recognition from the Duke and Duchess of Las Vegas. Following the close of the Ball, the partying continued at the Spotlight Lounge. I don’t know when any one got back to the hotel (what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas).

The Sunday Brunch was exceptional, Mimosas overflowed the glasses. Laughter and fond farewells filled the room. The best part of the morning was to surprise ‘The Phoenix" by presenting the Court with the highly sought after award for BEST IN THEME. There isn’t much more to say except: The Phoenix Spread It’s Wings, And Flew !!

Imperially Yours,
Craig Van Deen
President of the Board

Wow thanks Julie for that and so happy that you all had a great time.

Minnesota Coronation August 21st, 2006
Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer along with Prince Royal Don were in Minneapolis this past weekend were we heard Arizona took some more titles and awards from The Imperial Court of Minnesota,

Emperor Steve - Brother to the House of Cartier
Prince Royal Don - Brother to the House of Cartier
Empress Jennifer - Sister to the House of Cartier

Steve - Emperor 1/2
Steve - Emperor to Emperor Award

Jennifer - Sister to the Emperor
Jenifer - Sister to the Empress

Now we were also told that both the Monarchs and PR Don did what they did best, Partied and Public Relations work,both by the way very important to our Future lol OK maybe the PR work more then the party but it all is fun!


San Diego Coronation August 7th, 2006
Some news from Their Majesties who returned Sunday evening along with Prince Royal Don, Princess Royal Justice, Prince Joseph and Marque Stephen.

Their trip to San Diego was very nice and the weather most needed. Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer preformed on Friday's out of town show and were a hit, then the party continued from what we hear throughout the evening, On Saturday was Coronation which went wonderful and San Diego now has Emperor 35 Robbie and Empress 35 Norma. Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer and our fantastic line were magnificent all dressed up and were very well received by all.

The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona received a great honor when Nicole the Great presented their Majesties with a plaque naming The Imperial Court of Arizona, San Diego's Daughter court. The party then moved to all over the city. On Sunday morning was the Victory brunch were more awards were handed out and some great food from Ba-ha Betty's. Emperor Steve and Empress Jennifer were given awards from Nicole the Great naming them both the Grandson and Granddaughter to Nicole the Great, a wonderful honor. Emperor Steve was also given by Nicole the Great the Sword she had promised at our Coronation and said the Crown is on the way.


Royal Line at San Diego Coronation: (L to R) Prince Joseph, Prince Royal Don, Empress I Jennifer, Emperor I Steve, Princess Royal Justice, Marquis Stephen


Americana Extravaganza a Hit July 23rd, 2006
Well the Imperial Court and her members did it again.What a wonderful night at Plazma last night as the Empress and ladies of the Royal family presented RED,WHITE & BLUE Americana Extravaganza. The event last night raised $1,188.00 for Dominick Gonzales.
This money was raised for Dominick and his family who after his Father's passing left the family in bad shape from overwhelming funeral expenses. The evening was filled with Americana spirit and some fantastic songs and duets.The Emperor and the male line also preformed. Way to go Imperial Court of Arizona!

Emperor's Black & Blue Ball a Success June 24th, 2006
What can we say but to sing Britney Spears song (oops I did again).. The Imperial Court of Arizona held The Emperor's Black and Blue Ball last night at the Padlock,and lets just say after hearing you'll only get a couple of hundred from this group if your lucky,The Emperor and his Male line and Female line took up that challenge and Raised a Whopping $2502.46 for Project Hardhat.

With spoof numbers from YMCA and lets just say walkers and wheelchairs it was just hysterical, and during the 2ND act Macho Man was great,all of the numbers were fun filled and the Emperor Steve and Prince Royal Don and Marquis Stephen Bloom had a magnificent time laughing and talking back and forth,A Mr Hardhat contest also took place with Boy Ruben winning First place and got a $50.00 bar tab donated by Bill the owner of Padlock and a $25.00 gift certificate to Keyhole Fantasy Leather donated by Daddy Wayne who also donated 4 certificates to be auctioned off.

The Empress also made a surprise visit and got on that microphone and helped pump up the crowd. Well folks it just goes to show you when you tell the Imperial Family and Court members NO they come through and surpassed every expectation! And Jack Addington From Project Hardhat and his great helpers said that this was the most single largest fundraiser event which so much money had been raised. We know that Jack and his great team will be at many Court functions in the future.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Steve 1 would like to Thank Bill the owner of Padlock and his staff for a great Night,and we will be back there for sure Bill. Also he would like to thank his Male line members and Female line members for their fantastic support and hard work so far this year.Ladies I could not have done this without you and Men you just Rock boys!

Prince Royal - Don Hilton
Princess Royal - Justice Prevails
Prince - Joseph Brumley
Princess - Tiffany Rose
Grand Duke - Gaby Tako
Grand Duchess - Sandy LaFrance
Duke - Marshall Sherer
Duchess - Lady Joy
Baron - Ron Caputo
Baroness - Dee Dee Deviant
Marquis - Stephen Bloom
Marquessa - Ashley Michael's
Don - Jeff Muir
Dame - Ms. Ebony

Especially Marquessa Ashley for your wonderful hard work in the heat at the door collecting donations all night.You go girl for that one! And Grand Duke Gaby and Grand Duchess Sandy for kicking butt by counting all that money ..You Rock
and really to you all for your support and love you continue to give to the Community. And Prince Joe for your great organizational skills to keep the Emperor on track.