Arizona News Publications

 

One Building, Four StoriesMarch 16, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
FROM: Team Effort Productions
CONTACT: Steve Schemmel
602-840-4016


IMPERIAL COURT TO BENEFIT!

Gay Theatre returns to the Valley with the April 18-27, 2008, benefit World Premiere of a new, humorous drama, ONE BUILDING, FOUR STORIES by local playwright Alex Chambers. Playwright Chambers, accountant Charles King and producers John Clifford and Steve Schemmel have donated their time and efforts, so that ticket sales will be distributed among seven local GLBT groups. Sponsors have underwritten production expenses.

THE PLAY:
In a run-down New York City apartment building, four different men: three Gay and one "straight-but-not-narrow", laugh, fight and bond over their differences. As the title indicates, each man has a story and Chambers interweaves them deftly, giving each character a chance to reveal themselves. Perhaps the funniest is the straight man's efforts to unite his family and bring them all to his recently outed sister's upcoming wedding to her female lover. Chambers writes with an easy style that avoids preaching.

ONE BUILDING, FOUR STORIES, as directed by Nearly Naked Theatre's Damon Dering, is an interesting place to visit and an intriguing place to explore.

Seating for the performances is limited, and we suggest you reserve now. Curtain is at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, April 18-19 and 25-26, with Matinees at 3pm, April 20 and 27. Event takes place at Community Church of Hope, 4121 N. 7th Avenue. Enter on 6th Drive, one block East of 7th Avenue, North of Indian School Road.

Reservations available at www.teameffortprod.com .

A Creepy Turn-AboutFebruary 9, 2008

On Saturday, Feb. 9, Grand Duke Gaby Tako and Grand Duchess Sandy La France hosted the Imperial Court's Turnabout show. The theme was "My Creepy Valentine," and let me tell you, there were some very interesting characters out that night! At one point, hair and heels were flying ... literally! Special thanks go to the Court members that made this a very memorable experience,

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess felt that even villains deserve love, so, we had a person perform in a straight jacket singing "crazy" Hi-Jinx with the Devil and The Queen of Hearts. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time.

Thanks to Mr. International Olympus Leather 2007, Sir Jeff, for the sound system and being the DJ for the evening What a job he had keeping up with the Court and their liveliness and still kept the music going. Emperor I, Steve Lafata, kept track of the money that was raised at the event. This event was for Logan's Playground Summer Camp '08. The Court wishes them well.

Empress BallJanuary 27, 2008

The White and Black Ball hosted by Empress II Julie Craig was a great success last night, Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Kobalt in downtown Phoenix. This was the Empress' Ball, one of the Court's four annual State Functions, and our local nobility and their friends were out in full force, in crowns, gowns, tuxedos and bling.

Over $1100 was raised for the Court to continue its' mission of helping the Arizona Community through command performances, raffles and a silent auction. Empress Julie Craig wishes to extend her profound thanks to the titleholders from the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association who performed as well as to her special guests Divinity and Ms. Kobalt Jimena and her Prince Royale Joseph Brumley and Princess Royale Regine Rochelle.

As a State Function the Empress used the opportunity to name Dee Dee Deviant Baroness II and she and Emperor II Michael Gaffney appointed Gary Munson as King Father to Reign II and Jagi as Queen Mother to Reign II.

Bingo!!January 15, 2008

On Monday Jan 14 Emperor II Michael Gaffney, Empress II Julie Craig and JaGi participated
in Bingo Night at Kobalt.(The Empress' Playground) A new Monday night Kobalt tradition, started by Stacey, one of our favorite bartenders, Bingo raises money for a different charity each week. The Imperial Court of Arizona was honored to be selected as that weeks charity. 20% of the money that was raised that night went to the Imperial Court of Arizona. Michael won two games and Julie won one game during the night. This isn't your standard bingo game, most of the rounds use special patterns and it's not as simple as completing one row or column on your card. Stacey, does a great job calling the numbers and keeping the crowds laughing. A good time was had by all and the Imperial Court made $70.00. Thank you to Stacy and Kobalt for an enjoyable evening.

Southwest Leather ConferenceJanuary 12, 2008

On Friday, Jan. 11, the Imperial Court of Arizona performed by special invitation for the Opening Ceremonies of the Southwest Leather Conference. Southwest Leather Conference is one of the major national pan-sexual BDSM in the Leather Community. Focusing on relationships and spirituality it attracts over 500 individuals from around the world every year to Phoenix for a weekend of workshops and fun including the Southwest Master/slave, Southwest Bootblack and US Daddy/boy contests and titles.

The production number was the Fifth Dimension's version of "Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" with both Emperor II Michael Gaffney and Empress II Julie Craig taking the leads. Everyone was dressed in their best "hippie" outfit and performed for a very receptive crowd, making it one of the highligts of the evening, especially during the instrumental part, when the performers went into the crowd to hand out flowers. Also performing were Prince Royale II Joseph Brumley, Baron II Jeff Muir and Count Douglas Mitchell taking the male parts, and Princess II Anita Richman, Grand Dutchess Sandy LaFrance, Princess Royle I Justice Prevails, Jagi, and Liz St. James as the girls.

ICS Members SurveyJanuary 4, 2008

As we attempt to garnish the local, national, and international support we deserve as the second largest gay fund-raising organization in the United States, it is imperative we pool our efforts if we are ever to achieve this goal. One way that will definitely help accomplish this is by putting a face to the ICS.

While we understand the survey may require extended efforts on your organization's behalf, the resulting information will prove invaluable as we (and you) will be able to use this data to benefit the ICS, as a whole, or your individual Court when lobbying businesses, your individual communities, or your local politicians. Because of this, I, Queen Mother of the Americas, Nicole, implore you to complete this survey as quickly as possible and return it to the assigned person to facilitate this process for you ASAP so that we may compile all of the data and develop an instrument that will get us from good to great!

Click here to access the Survey.

Of course, if you have any questions, you may feel free to contact your Heir Apparent and/or your Board of Directors at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully and In Service,
Empress Nicole Murray-Ramirez
Queen Mother of the Americas

Secretary of the Board of Directors
Joe C. Kunkel aka
Empress 1 Jennifer Carroll

 

Making the NewsDecember, 2007
The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona is pleased to welcome n'Touch Magazine as a new media sponsor. n'Touch reaches over 37,500 readers every month in Arizona's GLBT Community.

Spooktacular Spree October 21st, 2007
Emperor II Michael Gaffney hosted a spectuacular Hellfire Ball at Paco Pacos on October 20th, 2007. A State Function, the Emperor's Ball, the event raised over $1000 for the Court so that we may continue our good works in Arizona. The costumes that evening were fabulous as everyone went all out to win the $200 first prize in the Costume Contest. Check out the winner in his hairy devil costume in the pictures from the event. Emperor II Michael Gaffney was especially hunky in his Scorpion King costume and Empress II Julie Gaffney seemed to have the witch thing down perfectly. But we can't forget the evil queen herself Maleficent aka Empress I Jennifer Carroll (we've been forbidden to comment further on that costume choice). Many thanks to everyone who came and partied with us.

Coming up, we are providing the entertainment Saturday October 27, 2007 for Gentle Shepherd MCC's Ghoulish Ghastly Halloween. Oh wait, that's tonight!! This is a fundraiser that the Church is hosting that we are very happy to help out with. Also coming up in November, we're hosting a benefit for 1n10, the Valley's gay youth group. More details to follow.

We're Still LaughingAugust 18th, 2007
Saturday, August 18th the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona raised $1600 for Aunt Rita's Foundation during the "Comedy Central" show at Friends. Hosted by Countess II Dianne Daniels, the evening moved quickly between comedy numbers, bizarre costumes, parodies and political incorrectness keeping the crowd laughing so hard some people fell out of their chairs.

Emperor II Michael Gaffney and Empress II Julie Craig were out of town attending Minnesota's Coronation but were represented at the show by Prince Royale II Joseph Brumley and Princess Royale II Regine Rochelle who conveneintly forgot this was the Reign of "Class, Sass and Elegance" for the evening. We can't even put the names of most of the songs in print and maintain our G rating for the website. Our thanks go out to all of our performers and workers: special guest Divinity, Liz St.James, C.J., Gary, Richard - the Kind Hearted, Count I Cris Cringle, Countess I Ebony, Dutchess I Lady Joy, Princess Royale I Justice Prevails, Empress I Jennifer Carroll, our hostess Countess II Dianne Daniels, Baron II Jeff Muir, Baroness II Ashley Michaels, Dutches II Regina Gazelle, Grand Duke, Gaby Tako, Grand Dutchess Sandy LaFrance, our auctioneer Prince II Stephen Bloom, Princess II Anita Richman, Prince Royale II Joseph Brumley and Princess Royale II Regine Rochelle.

This just in: Minnesota has elected Helen Back as Empress XVI of all of Minnesota. Michael and Julie have had a marvelous time at the Coronation and were on their way to brunch when we caught up with them. They extend their heartfelt thanks to Countess Dianne Daniels and the rest of the Court members for doing an oustanding job on the show.

Coming up we have our general membership meeting August 19th at 2pm at MCC Gentle Shepherd Church, 14th Street and Virginia. The Female Line will be hosting the Labor Day show at Kobalt on September 3rd and we are cohosting a show with the Las Vegas Court at the Eagle on September 15th.

Coronation: San DiegoAugust 5, 2007

Our compliments go out to the Court de San Diego, our gracious hosts for one of the best Coronations we have been to. Representing Arizona were their majesties Emperor II Michael Gaffney and Empress II Julie Craig, Prince Royale II Joseph Brumley, Princess Royale II Regine Rochelle, Prince II Stephen Bloom, Grand Duke Gaby Tako, Grand Dutchess Sandy LaFrance and Emperor I Steve Lafata and Empress I Jennifer Carroll.

Our congratulations go out to all of the new Heirs Apparent and their investiture this weekend. Everyone looked splendid in their robes and medallions of office. Our best wishes and congratulations also go out to their newly elected majesties, Emperor Daddy Don and Empress Chantal. We look forward to seeing the many great things they do and want to make sure they know that Phoenix is only an email away should they need us.


FOURTH OF JULY MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN MOTHER OF THE AMERICAS, EMPRESS NICOLE THE GREAT July 3, 2007

I hope that you are all in good health, spirits and enjoying this American Holiday.

The American Flag belongs to all its citizens … so be proud of it, display it, and respect it. My message to you is that “it’s our flag too”. Don’t let the radical right wing use our nation’s flag as if it is only theirs. It belongs to ALL of us.

Let us be more patriotic. At this time let us remember and thank the men and women fighting across the globe to secure the liberties we enjoy everyday. We Americans and Canadians live in the best nations in the world….. once again this year, the Pride Parade in Russia was met with violence and in the Middle East, GLBT people are killed and stoned just for being homosexual.

During my 40+ years of involvement with our International Court System, I have attended countless coronations and witnessed the disrespect of our nation’s flag and national anthems, with improper and incorrect protocol. In my recent trip to Washington D.C., I met with American protocol officials and thus I issue the following proclamation and edict to all American Courts on the correct and final word on the display of flags and playing of national anthems. I will be speaking with Canadian officials on their official protocol and will be reporting back to you when I have this information.

Thank you and I look forward to my upcoming “State Visits” to San Antonio, Texas and Omaha, Nebraska.

God Bless America!

Empress Nicole the Great
Queen Mother of the Americas


BINGO!June 24th, 2007
Saturday, June 23rd the Court held its first benefit for Reign II under Emperor Michael Gaffney and Empress Julie Craig, Beach Blanket Bingo. Our beneficiary this time was Gentle Shepherd MCC and their building fund. Gentle Shepherd, besides offering normal Christian worship services, has opened its doors to many groups in the Community so that they have a place to meet. Our own Court meets there the third Sunday of every month at 2pm. Amazingly, no Court members have been struck by lightning yet. That's how friendly these church folks are. So we were happy to help them out.

Charlie's, our favorite local country bar, has opened its patio and stage every Saturday night for fundraisers and the Court was one of the first groups they invited. So with a beneficiary, a theme and a location, we put on our board shorts, swimsuits and in one case flippers to catch a wave and rock out to the tubular sounds of '50s beach music.

Michael, Julie and the line members kicked the show off with Beach Blanket Bingo and then introduced our friend and host for the evening, Charlie's regular, Miss AGRA Pussy Lehoot. The evening moved smoothly along from there as our line members and special guests entertained the crowds and pulled the money in. As midnight approached, we were happy to announce that the Court had raised over $1100 for Gentle Shepherd. Pussy reported that we had pulled in the largest crowd and raised the most money so far at Charlie's Saturday night fundraiser series and we're happy to hold that spot, but it is our hope that the Community comes together to support their endeavors and the fundraisers keep growing.

So to everyone that came out and supported us and Gentle Shepherd last night, you have our sincerest thanks. It's through the Community's support that we are all able to achieve great things together and make our Community that much better.

Coming up in July, look for our next benefit "For the boys" at Plazma, and our normal monthly membership meetings.

 

FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN MOTHER OF THE AMERICAS, EMPRESS NICOLE THE GREAT June 17th, 2007

The face of the GLBT Community is fast changing as many are becoming parents and raising children. Almost every major city has Family Matters or Family Pride Chapters. Truly, to see and get to know GLBT parents and their children is to know the true meaning of “family values”. Our Communities’ Families now have barbecues, get-togethers, children’s birthday parties, sleep overs, and even showers for expectant parents. It should also be noted that every study shows that abuse of children is almost non-existent in GLBT Family Households.

We must not forget that in many states, we are still fighting for the right to adopt children and some courts are even taking children away from their parents, simply because they are gay. For those of you who have a relationship with your own father, cherish it as so many fathers have rejected their GLBT children …. my own father never fully accepted me because I was gay and he died without us ever having closure to this sad situation. Those of you with good relationships with your fathers are truly blessed - never take it or your accepting families for granted. And let us not forget those fathers in the military overseas fighting for your country, who cannot be with their children today. So today I wish a very Happy Fathers Day to all those fathers in our Community ….. take a bow Fathers, this is your day and God bless you all.

Investiture II RockedMay 20th, 2007
Last evening June 2, 2007 the Empire of Arizona had a fabulous time at Investiture for Reign II at the Rock. Many, many thanks to the Rock and for our MC for the evening, Truly LaFemme.

The first set of the evening was the step down of Prince Royale Don Hilton and Princess Royale Justice Prevails, our PRs for Reign I. They presented awards of appreciation to Countess Ebony Le Chic, Count Cris Cringle, Johnny Foley from FlavAZ Magazine and Uncle Bill and Civil Rights from Las Vegas, all of whom had a profound impact on their reigns. Their command performers Countess Ebony Le Chic and Princess Tiffany Rose out did themselves and showed everyone what it means to be a command performer. The PRs final walks really showcased who they were. Don chose Good Morning Beautiful by Keith Urban, a classic sounding, dignified number while Justice chose I Did it My Way, (the punk rock, gothic, Germanic version) showcasing her own dark gothic style. The Empire sends their profound thanks to both of them for their services to Reign I.

Set II, Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties, Emperor II Michael Gaffney and Empress II Julie Craig took the dais to make several decrees and invest their Line of Succession. The complete listing of decrees, will be available on the website at www.imperialcourtaz.org shortly. Lila Sherman rocked the house as she sang live as the Emperor's Command Performer. Liz St.James, was the Empress' Command Performer for Set II and entertained the crowd in head to toe orange. Their Majesties Emperor I Steve LaFata and Empress I Jennifer Carroll were also both formally invested into the College of Monarchs.

Our Line of Succession for Reign II will be:

Emperor II -Michael Gaffney
Empress II - Julie Craig
Prince Royale - Joseph Brumley
Princess Royale - Regine
Prince - Stephen Bloom
Princess - Anita Richman
Grand Duke - Gaby Tako
Grand Duchess - Sandy LaFrance
Duke - Paul Pederson
Duchess - Regina Gazelle-Wells
Baron - Jeff Muir
Baroness - Ashley Michaels
Marquis - Henry Tank
Marquessa - Marie Tank
Count - Douglas Mitchell
Countess - Dianne Daniels
Lord - Wayne Young
Lady - Tiffany Rose

Pictures should be available on the website shortly.

Following Investiture the new Line did a brief tour of the city, visiting Apollo's, Friend's and Kobalt. We are looking forward to all of the great work the new Line will do to make Reign II even better than Reign I as the Phoenix Soars.

Investiture May 20th, 2007
Their Most Imperial Majesties, Emperor II - Michael Gaffney and Empress II - Julie Craig coordially invite everyone to Investiture for Reign II of the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona at The Rock on Saturday, June 2, 2007 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. This is an official State Function of the Court where the Emperor and Empress announce who will serve on their Line. There will be a suggested $5 donation at the door.


Coronation II May 5th, 2007
We are pleased to announce the Coronation of Emperor II Michael Gaffney and Empress II Julie Craig that took place May 5th, 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona. Over twenty seven courts and over 20 local organizations attended to congratulate Emperor I Steve LaFata and Empress I Jennifer Carroll on their successful Reign as they stepped down and bear witness to the crowning of the monarchs for Reign II.

Coronation weekend was a huge success and it was noted how far the Court of Arizona has come in one year under Jennifer and Steve's reign. With over $30,000 raised during the year from benefits and fundraisers the Arizona Court has truly rose from the ashes and is set to soar into Reign II.

We look forward to continuing to work with our Community in Reign II and will be sending out information on Investiture in the near future. Pictures of Coronation II can be found here.

News from Reign I