July/September 2015

July / September 2015 Issue12
BUSINESS
UP AND COMING FEMALE
10
THE GLAM BAR
Vernesha Callahan
M A G A Z I N E
34
ON THE COVER
POWER COUPLE
Dan and Jennifer Marries and son Dean
UP AND COMING MALE
12
TRUELY ORGANIC
Marcus Hinton
FEATURED BUSINESS
14
MOUTH OF THE SOUTH
SALSA
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
PRINCIPLE OF LULU
ELEMENTARY
Michael McConnell
22
Cover Photography by Lyn Sims
24
TEACHER
Marissa McConnell
REPORTING THE
18 NEWS WITH STYLE
SPORTS & FITNESS
Paul Cicala
FIVE FEEL GOOD POSES
Phoebe Jenkins
28
Tucson Model Magazine is a Quarterly publication. The subscription price per issue is $19.95. To advertise in Tucson Model Magazine, please call 520-220-0129. Printed in
the USA all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. From time to time we make our subscriber lists to companies
who sell goods and services by mail that would interest our readers. If you would rather not receive such mailings please email your full name and complete mailing address to
rhonda@tucsonmodelmagazine.com
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PHOTOGRAPHER
47 Al Marrero
M A G A Z I N E
July / September 2015 Issue12
MODELS & ACTORS
MODEL
Tori Tang
36
48
FASHION
MENS FASHION
Dominic Escamilla
38 MODEL
Karina Lavine
52
ENTERTAINMENT
MUSIC ARTIST
Leigh Ann Lesho
40 ACTOR
Brent Rock
54
MUSIC ARTIST
Alexa Raquel
BEAUTY / PHOTOGRAPHY
42
MAKEUP ARTIST
Marcie Rodriguez
DJ
58 Joey Sanchez
44 PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul Davis
COUNTRY ARTIST
60 Tony Corrales
Tucson Model Magazine is a bimonthly publication. The subscription price per issue is $4.99. To advertise in Tucson Model Magazine, please call 520-220-0129. Printed in the
USA all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. From time to time we make our subscriber lists to companies who
sell good and services by mail that would interest our readers. If you would rather not receive such mailings please send your full name and complete mailing address to Tucson
Model Magazine 245 S Plumer Suite 31, Tucson AZ 85719.
Like Tucson Model Magazine on Facebook
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TUCSONMODELMAGAZINE
Follow Tucson Model Magazine on Twitter
WWW.TWITTER.COM/TUCSONMODELMAG

M A G A Z I N E
Rhonda Moretti
Owner and
Founder was
originally born
in Wisconsin,
moved to
Tucson in 2001.
With a strong
background
in business and real estate
management, she is proud to call
Tucson her home. “I wanted to start
a publication that would showcase
the success of local hard working
Tusconans.” Her vision is to bring
all aspects of business in Tucson
together as one while raising
money for local charities and causes
through the magazine quarterly
launch parties.
Our Founders
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
www.Tucsonmodelmagazine.com
Tucson Model Magazine celebrates the hallmarks of local everyday business. Our goal is to showcase the talented
leaders, role models and entrepreneurship of our community in Fashion, Beauty, Business, Music, Nightlife, Arts
and so much more. Our admiration of personal triumph, fascination with success, desire to be inspired, and
universal optimism will ensure a strong publication. In an effort to move Tucson and bring all of our blossoming
industries together as one, this magazine will feature Tucson’s best. The launch party for each issue will be a great
source of networking and will always benefit a local Tucson Charity.
Mission Statement
Brad Phipps
Originally
from Rockford
Illinois, Brad
moved to
Tucson in
1973. With
his specialty in
videography
and graphic design, he is a huge
asset to Tucson Model Magazine.
Known for his work and expertise
with Access Tucson, his knowledge
and capabilities are superior. “I
feel honored to be a part of Tucson
Model Magazine. I believe this
magazine is a great way for us all to
come together, share resources and
highlight some really great people
who inspire us everyday.”.”
WWW.TUCSONMODELMAGAZINE.COM
Tucson Model Magazine celebrates the hallmarks of local everyday business.
Our goal is to showcase the talented leaders, role models and entrepreneurship
of our community in Fashion, Beauty, Business, Music, Nightlife, Arts and so
much more. Our admiration of personal triumph, fascination with success,
desire to be inspired, and universal optimism will ensure a strong publication. In
an effort to move Tucson and bring all of our blossoming industries together as
one, this magazine will feature Tucson’s best. The launch party for each issue will
be a great source of networking and will always benefit a local Tucson Charity.

M A G A Z I N E
Meet our Team
Brad Phipps / Partner / Art Director / Video production: With his expertise in graphic design
and knowledge of video production, he is a huge asset to Tucson Model Magazine. Known for his
involvement with the Tucson music community, Over 25 years, currently with the bands Stands With
Fists and End of Swan. He also volunteered and produced T.V. shows on Access Tucson channel 20 for
over 5 years. His knowledge and capabilities are superior.
Therese Van Veghel Phipps / TMM Partner/ Creative Assistant/ Writer: Therese has always been
passionate about expressing herself. She enjoys acting, writing, designing, and doing anything creative.
Therese attended the Art Center of Tucson for interior design, has a keen eye and trend setting vision
which adds a unique perspective to her work. She plans on becoming a yoga teacher. Is one of the
owners of A Personal Reality Video Productions and loves being in front of the camera and behind the
scenes.
Aura Vidal Otero/ Event Director: Born in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico, Aura moved to Tucson at the
age of 3. Was a member of the Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos and later Mariachi Tapatio. After many
years in Banking she pursued Entrepreneurship in Residential Construction and Drafting Design,
after the housing market crash she decided to change gears and use her artistic talents to coordinate
and promote events from Tejano Music/Radio to Motorcycle Events. She is currently in the works of
establishing Entrepreneurship downtown. She has two children, loves Karaoke and is a social media
addict #happy #silly #DontMindifIDont #hashtag. @sabinaura
David Clark / Photographer: Originally from a small town in Texas, David moved to Tucson in 1990,
where he has worked as a caregiver for disabled children for many years. In 1998 he discovered a
passion for photography which consumes most of his free time. It is not uncommon for David’s wife
and son to loose him during family outings, as he frequently stops to photograph his surroundings.
David loves everything about photography, down to the sound of the shutter and the pop of the lights.
When he’s not shooting, David enjoys helping the rest of the TMM team in any way he can.
Dominic Escamilla / Mens fashion: Dominic Escamilla is a Tucson native, a husband, a father of three,
and a business owner. He’s also a gourmet cook and a painter. He shares his expertise on men’s fashion
in his column “Slightly Overdressed”.
Phoebe Jenkins/ Fitness Writer: An East Coast native who now calls Tucson home. She spends her
time Health Coaching, teaching IntenSati, yoga and belly dance, working as a Licensed Massage
Therapist at the 6 th Avenue Wellness Center and helping run Spiritual Gangsta Yoga (yoga classes with
a live house DJ). To share a smile or connect with Phoebe, go to www.PhoebeJenkins.com or email
Phoebe@Phoebejenkins.com.

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Nesha
Callahan
Her love of old and new
Hollywood Glamour mixed
with current edgy fashion
designs set the tone.
Photo by: David Clark
THE GLAM BAR
10
Inspiring women throughout Tucson, meet Nesha Callahan, the
owner of The Glam Bar located at 932 North Swan Road.
Born in the small town of Tracy California, Nesha was raised
by her grandmother and great-grandmother. These women
definitely had their hands full, having to take care of Nesha, her
cousins and some extended family also. Nesha grew up seeing
a lot of people succumb to the negative streets of California
and vowed to make something positive of her life so that her
grandmother’s would be proud. At the young age of 17, Nesha
decided to move out on her own and become an independent,
responsible young woman.
In 2008,Neshawas expecting a beautiful baby girl and decided
to move to Tucson, Arizona. She wanted a better life for her
child and didn’t want her growing up seeing the things she did in
California. Her daughter was born in May of 2009.
Two years later Nesha made another big change in her life and
enrolled in Tucson College. She excelled academically while
working 40-50 hours per week at a local Safeway and raising her
daughter on her own. In May of 2012, around her daughter’s
third birthday, Nesha graduated with a degree in Computer
Applications and Administration. Quickly, she realized the job
market in Tucson was not what she anticipated and she found
herself working part time. Struggling to make ends meet, she
never lost faith. She knew a better life was waiting for her and her
daughter. She had a plan.
Nesha dreamed of owning a store that brought all the latest
internet fashion trends to Tucson. She spent months researching
and started seeking out investors who believed in her vision.
Plenty of people told her she wouldn’t succeed and even thought
she wasn’t serious. Despite all the doubters and nay-sayers,
she opened up The Glam Bar in 2014. Her love of old and new
Hollywood Glamour mixed with current edgy fashion designs
set the tone. You will also be delighted to find little splashes of
her vibrant personality throughout the boutique. She quickly
expanded her services by adding eyelash extensions and plans to
add a full-service spa in the near future.
Today Nesha is a 27 year old, a proud business owner of the
Glam Bar and confident role model for her daughter. She has
overcome many obstacles in her life and plans to expand her
business further by opening another boutique in the Phoenix
area. One thing is for sure, when she makes up her mind to do
something,she’s unstoppable!

Nesha
dreamed
of owning
a store that
brought all
the latest
internet
fashion
trends to
Tucson.
11

Marcus Hinton
President and CEO of the first and only 100% organic hair and body care line “Truly Organic”
With his limited funds of $100 and his
marketing resourc es being a pen, paper
and cell phone, he set out to educate and
promote his products.
Written by Payton Limon ‘
12
Photoby David Clark
Just imagine, being a 23 year old, president and CEO of the first and only
100% organic hair and body care line while setting a life goal in helping others.
Let me introduce you to Marcus Hinton. As a young man, Marcus experienced
a life changing event when his close friend’s mother was diagnosed with stage
3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, breast cancer. Later, his mother, her two sisters,
and his grandmother were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Thesetragic events
happening in his life began the drive for Marcus to help other and make a
difference.
At the age of 15 most of us are usually focused on friends, sports, or video
games but not Marcus. Marcus believed eating and/or growing organic foods
won’t help your health if what you’re putting on the outside of your body has
thousands of chemicals. Marcusbegan devoting his life to the idea of making
Organic hair & body products. He started researching ways for these types of
products to be developed followed by extensive testing. The products would
be geared towards those fighting cancer, going through chemotherapy or just
for daily use by you and I. He wanted to ensure the products could be doctor
tested and recommended.
By the age of 19, Marcus’s business “Truly Organic” was up and running.
With his limited funds of $100 and his marketing resources being a pen,
paper and cell phone, he set out to educate and promote his products. He
targeted different spas, resorts, and salons to use and sell his products. Truly
organic products use 92 herbs and 48 grade “A” oils from around the world.
As business was picking up, Marcus began donating products to cancer
centers around the United States. Along the way, he established the “Pink
Foundation”. This foundation selects a family battling cancer and provides
financialassistance, moral support and unlimited Truly Organic supplies.
Marcus is now 23, president and CEO of Truly Organic. Outside of this
passionate drive to help others, and the success of his business, he wants it
known that “no matter what you think, you can achieve your dreams with hard
work and continue to owe no man but God”. Truly Organic will be donating
over 800 products on August 29, 2015 to Cancer and Lupus patients.

13

Mouth of
the South
Photo by David Ckark
Written By Tanya Whitman
SALSA
Blood is thicker than water, especially when you add a little
salsa to the mix. In the case of the Mouth of The South family,
they pack heat in four different flavors, Lame, Tame, Flame and
Insane. Knowing that the path to a person’s heart is almost always
through their stomach, they’ll be the first to tell you that they
have a flavor for every mouth and a mouth for every flavor.
It’s the path Andrea McGowan and her husband and business
partner, Antonio
McGowan have
taken to win
the hearts and
palates of salsa
lovers across
this beautiful
state. In just
one short year
the Mouth of
The South team
has amassed a
number of winnings beginning with the My Nana’s Best Tasting
Salsa Challenge, an event held by the Arizona Hemophilia
Association which pits 100 local salsa makers against each other
vying for the judge’s favor. It wasn’t an easy win. After giving out
30 gallons of salsa, portion cup, by portion cup the judges voted
Mouth of the South Salsa Co., Best of Show for their delicious
salsa and fun interactive booth.
The company, along with the help of two close family members,
Andrea’s Cousin, Mark Murrietta and mom Terry Piper-Moreno,
followed their win in Phoenix, by coming home to Tucson and
competing in the 2014 Salsa and Tequila challenge sponsored by
the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. Attendee’s at
the challenge were given a “score card” that listed over 48 local
restaurants and salsa chefs. When all the votes were tallied, the
1st Place People’s Choice Award went to Mouth of the South
Salsa!
They say the same chips fall on us all, but it is how Mouth of
The South mixes their salsa, that sets them apart. One salsa
that they have been consistent in preparing was Andrea’s, Nana
Mary’s family recipe for a traditional tomato based salsa made
with freshly
picked, hand
“The path to a person’s heart
is almost always through their
stomach”
chopped
produce,
mixed with
authentic
herbs and
spices.
Again this
year, the
company and
their SALSA DREAM TEAM, armed with Nana Mary’s recipe
participated in the My NANA’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge of
2015 and it was a repeat sweep bringing home 8 different awards
to include Best of Show, two days in a row, as well as 1st place for
their hot salsa the “INSANE” and 2nd place for their mild “THE
LAME”.
Growing up in the small town of Patagonia, AZ and being of
mixed ethnicity, Andrea’s roots are deep seeded in both Hispanic
and Southern cultures. “I was raised in a community that
believes strongly in tradition, family, food and fun, and to us
these beliefs are tightly intertwined with each other,” says Andrea.
While away at college in Silver City New Mexico, Andrea met
14

and eventually married her husband Antonio, a native of South
Carolina.I mean, who doesn’t like their salsa hot, Right? Although
born and raised in very different cultures the couple shared the
same love of tradition, family and food. “I grew up eating and
learning to prepare real Southern BBQ,” says Antonio. “After
coming to Arizona and living in New Mexico for a time, I
also came to love the many aspects of the southwestern and
Hispanic cultures. I loved the flavors in the food so much
that I began adopting many of these different flavors and
styles into my own southern cooking.”
Mouth of The South Salsa is not only carried in
three stores locally, Rincon Market, Five Points
Market and Restaurant, and the Sonoita Mini
Mart, but they are also a delivery service that
will deliver to your house, as they say, “While
you dip chips on the couch.”
With a label and logo that is as bold as
the flavor, Mouth of the South Salsa is now
making its way to consumers all over the state.
Photos Courtesy of Mouth Of The South Salsa
Photo By David Clark
“Eventually we would love to sell our products on a
larger scale and in larger chain, whole food or fine food
type grocers,” proclaims Andrea, “but we also want to
continue to service our growing delivery clientele as well.
We hope that one day we will be a staple in homes not
just in Arizona but across the country, and that everyone
will know, when they WANT SOME Mouth of the South
Salsa, just how and where to GET SOME!”
What’s with the name?
Antonio recalls. “While
in college I used to call
Drea Mouth of the South
because she was always
very outgoing, bold and
well… had a kind of loud
opinionated demeanor…but
not in a bad way,” Antonio
chuckles, “It is one of the
things I liked most about
her, so when we needed a
name for our product we
wanted one that was
also, outgoing, bold
and well, loud…so
what better name
than Mouth of the
South!”
15

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(520) 325-9936
Toll Free: 888-325-9936
Whether you’re going to a wedding,
job interview, or special event,
TUXEDOS ON BROADWAY is
the place to find a complete line of
in-stock suits and tuxedos for rent or
sale. Our huge selection of in-stock
tuxedos and accessories were created
by some of the biggest designers in
the industry—Andrew Fezza, Perry
Ellis, Joseph Abboud Black Tie,
Ralph Lauren, Jean Yves Formalwear,
Calvin Klein, and Chaps.
www.tuxedosonbroadwayaz.com
Extensive Size Selections—Boys & Men
We carry Suits and Tuxedos from a Boys 2 to 74L and shirts from BXS to 7XL—No Extra Charge.
16

17

Paul Cicala
The proud
product of the
Sunnyside Unified
School District
is making his
second stop at
KVOA.
18
Written by Sara Schaffer
Paul Cicala is excited to return to his Southern Arizona roots
after stints as a Sports Anchor & news reporter at stations in Las
Vegas, Southern California & Texas. The KVOA News 4 Tucson
anchor just took home 1st place honors for the category of Sports
Reporting in the prestigious 2015 Associated Press awards (with
competition encompassing stations from multiple western states
including Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii
and Alaska).
Before KVOA, during his time working in the El Paso, TX / Juarez,
Mexico area, Cicala was nominated for multiple EMMYs for his
sports and news reporting. Cicala also won the 2nd Edward R.
Murrow award of his career for a 3-part series reporting in Medellin,
Colombia & Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Cicala made such an impression
on the borderland, he was voted the 2013 El Paso-area’s “Best
Newscaster Under The Age Of 40”.
However, Cicala’s “true love” is sports, and he’s excited to be back in
the Old Pueblo covering athletics at the college he grew up cheering
for: The U of A. Paul Cicala graduated from Desert View High School
with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was valedictorian for the Class of 1992.
The proud product of the Sunnyside Unified School District is making
his second stop at KVOA. The Tucson native left News 4 Tucson in
2006 for a Sports Director position at KESQ in the Palm Springs area.
Cicala also filed reports in Spanish for the area’s Telemundo affiliate.

Paul Cicala’s anchoring & reporting career has also
included stops in Las Vegas, where he served as a sports
anchor & reporter, and Yuma, Arizona. In Las Vegas,
Paul had the chance to cover some of the biggest boxing
matches in recent history.
Cicala’s first TV job was at FOX Sports in
Los Angeles, while attending the University
of Southern California (USC), where he
graduated magna cum laude and was
honored as the school’s “Outstanding
Graduating Senior” in Broadcast
Journalism. He then worked as a
producer for NBC Network News in
Burbank, where he had the chance
to travel and cover stories all
throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
Paul Cicala’s endeavors in news have
also landed him on national TV shows.
In 2004, Cicala had the honor of being a guest on
the Oprah Winfrey show, providing perspective
as an objective journalist after covering a story
(when he worked as a news report at KOLD News
13) about a Tucson High guidance counselor
who posed nude in an adult magazine. Cicala’s
reporting has also landed him on the NBC
Today show, the Jimmy Fallon show, and & Ellen
DeGeneres. Cicala has had an equally active life
outside of news, with experience as an educator at
Sunnyside & Desert View High School, a mentor
to at-risk youth on Tucson’s south side, and as
a Rotary Ambassador of Goodwill in Puebla &
Mexico City.
When Paul’s not anchoring & reporting at News
4, he can be found at local gyms working out or
playing basketball. He also enjoys cultural activities,
taking the quick drive south of the border to
Mexico, and volunteering in the Old Pueblo with a
variety of groups. Cicala is active in the community
as a speaker at local schools, and is a weekly
volunteer with patients & their families at University
Medical Center. Feel free to e-mail any sports story
ideas to Paul at pcicala@kvoa.com.
Feel free to e-mail any sports story
ideas to Paul at pcicala@kvoa.com.
19

20

21

WHO IS PRINCIPAL
MICHAEL
McCONNELL
AT LULU WALKER
ELEMENTARY?
Born and raised in Tempe, Arizona meet Principal
Michael McConnell. With a strong educational
background, Michael graduated from
McClintock High School in 1989, attended
Mesa Community College from 1989-1991
and found his way to the University of
Arizona, graduating in 1995 with
a BA in Education eventually
earning a Master of Education
in Educational Leadership in
2004 from Northern Arizona
University.
22

“Students, families and
community come first.
I work very hard to be
visible and approachable.”
Michael started his professional career teaching Kindergarten
at E.C. Nash Elementary School from 1995-2006.“I began
my career in education as a Kindergarten Teacher at E.C.
Nash Elementary School. As a teacher, I found extreme
joy in helping students develop the skills and passion to be
a life-long learner and most importantly a life-long reader.
There is no greater feeling than when a child learns to read.
I have always said that reading is most complex thing we
will ever learn to do and we accomplish that by the age of
eight.” Michael states.He then became a Reading Intervention
Teacher at L.M. Prince Elementary School 2006-2007
which led him to the role of Instructional Support Assistant
(Assistant Principal) at L.M. Prince Elementary School from
2006-2008. “As an educator I have always prided myself
on making decisions based on what is best for children. “
Michael says.
Michael became the Assistant Principal at Coronado K-8
2008-2011 and found his home as Principalof Lulu Walker
Elementary School from 2011-Present. “As a principal, I want
my staff to know that I am their biggest supporter. I feel my
main job for teachers is to provide them all the tools, time
and resources necessary to do the job that god put them
on this earth for and that is to positively impact the lives of
children.” Michael says with pride.
“The one thing I want my students, families and community
to know is that the reason I am here is for them. My door is
always open and I am never too involved in a task that can’t
wait. Students, families and community come first. I work
very hard to be visible and approachable. I visit classrooms
multiple times a day. I am outside at student drop-off and
pick-up every day. This allows my parents who work and
cannot visit school frequently to have easy access to me and
share any concerns, ask questions or offer praise. I do not
want school to be like it was for me when I was a child. I
struggled to learn to read and I did not like school at all. The
principal was just a man you went to when you got in trouble.
I do not remember seeing a principal around campus,
playing with, helping or talking with children.” says Principal
McConnell.
Michael has a beautiful wife, Marisa, who teaches first grade
at Mesa Verde Elementary School. Together, they have two
sons who have grown up to be wonderful young men. Colby
is 21 and works for Wells Fargo and Cadden is 23 and is
going to be completing a 5+ year enlistment in the US Army
in the next couple of months. “Marisa and I have been
married for 12 years (13 in October) we met at E.C. Nash
Elementary School where we taught Kindergarten together
for 7 years.” He says.
One of his recent endeavors that he is most proud
of is joining the Ben’s Bells Board of Directors.
“I am honored to work with a group of people
whose sole purpose is to inspire, educate,
and motivate people to realize the impact
of intentional kindness, and to empower
individuals to act accordingly. I am
1/4 of a group of Amphi Principals
who are known as the Kindness
Crusaders; I am Captain Kind, my
fellow Crusaders are Bro Kind,
Harmony Kind and Brainy Kind.
We are a group of principals who
believe in the power of kindness.
We practice and teach kindness
in our schools. We visit schools,
hospitals and various locations
around the community spreading
kindness and encouraging people to
be kind. “
Photos by David Clark
23

Introducing Teacher
Marisa Y.
McConnell
“I want to inspire
them to be their
best. Above all I
want to instill a
love of learning
and a love of
reading into
each one of my
students.”
24
Photos by David Clark

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico Marisa’s family
moved to Tucson in 1986. She graduated from Sahuaro
High School in 1990 but did not go straight to college after
high school, instead, she focused on being a mom of two
amazingboys, Cadden and Colby. Marisa started taking night
classes at Pima Community College when her son, Cadden,
was 2 and she was pregnant with Colby. By the time Cadden
was in kindergarten, she was daring enough to take some day
classes at the University of Arizona. Colby, who was 3 at the
time, would go to some of her classes with her.
“One class in particular, an elementary music class, was his
favorite. The class loved having him there because we could
practice lessons with him. He thought he was so cool and
he claimed he was a college student. It took me 6 years to
complete all my classes and student teaching but I did it.”
She says. Marisa graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in
Elementary Education in December 1999.
In July 2000, Marisa was hired to teach 2nd grade at E.C.
Nash Elementary in the Amphitheater School district. “One
day, this crazy kindergarten teacher asked if I had ever
thought about teaching kindergarten. I went in to observe his
class and loved what I saw. I talked to the principal and got
the ok to move to kindergarten. I was so excited and looked
forward to the next school year. Then came August. What
that crazy Kindergarten teacher failed to mention to me was
kindergarten in August was not the same as kindergarten
in April. They cry, they run, they are everywhere. After that
first day I went to his room and asked WHY? Why did he not
warn me about kindergarten in August? He told me to take a
breath and get through the first few weeks. I did. I survived.
They survived. Ifell in love with kindergarten and taught it for
12 years.” She proudly states.
“I love engaging,
challenging, listening
to, questioning and
supporting my students.
I love learning from
them and teaching them.
I love laughing with
them.”
Marisa ended up marrying that crazy kindergarten teacher
who talked her into teaching kindergarten. They have been
married for 12 years (13 in October). They were lucky enough
to teach next door to each other for 7 years and every August
she would go into his classroom and ask him “why?”. Marisa’s
husband, Michael, is the Principal at Lulu Walker Elementary.
“We have raised two wonderful sons. Our oldest son, Cadden,
23, is finishing up his service in the U.S. Army. He and his
wife Laura will be moving back to Tucson this fall. Our
youngest son, Colby, 21, is working at Wells Fargo. I am very
proud of both of them and blessed to be their mom.” Marisa
says with joy.
Marisa is beginning her 16th year of teaching. She taught
most of her teaching career at Nash. “I moved to Prince
Elementary for a couple of years and nowI am at Mesa Verde
Elementary teaching 1st grade. I love engaging, challenging,
listening to, questioningand supporting my students. I love
learning from them and teaching them. I love laughing
with them. I especially love encouraging kindness. I want
to inspire them to be their best. Above all I want to instill a
love of learning and a love of reading into each one of my
students. I am blessed to have the career I always wanted.
The best feeling is when former students hug me, tell me all
the wonderful things they are doing and say thank you Mrs.
McConnell.”
25

26

27

Five Feel-Good Poses for
Stamina, Energy, and Health
by Phoebe Jenkins
Creating and maintaining a feeling of energy and stamina requires a dedication to physical activity. In order to stay energized and
feeling good, movement of all kinds should be a regular part of your daily routine. These 5 poses emphasize using the full body while
gaining cardio, strength, and flexibility.
Plank Pose (with an optional push-up)
This pose will strengthen your entire body, with special attention to
toning your belly, chest, arms and back. It also strengthens the wrists
and improves posture. Practicing this pose for several minutes will tone
the nervous system as well as build strength, stamina and endurance.
Level 1. Begin on your hands and knees, with your hands under your shoulders.
Place your knees slightly behind your hips, creating a straight diagonal line from
the crown of your head to your knees on the floor. Pad your knees with a blanket,
yoga mat or thin pillow if you feel any discomfort. Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Repeat for a total of 3 times.
Level 2. Begin in the top-of-a-push-up position, with your hands under your
shoulders and your toes under your heels. Make sure your spine is straight and
your body is in a line (don’t stick your hips up!). Engage your belly and without
moving your hands, pull them toward your feet for greater core engagement.
Press into the floor and press up in the area between your shoulder blades. Hold
for 30-60 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3 times.
Level 3. Repeat level 1 or 2 and simply add in 1-5 push ups during each set or
add in a gentle side to side rocking motion while holding plank
Frog Jumps (with optional knees to chest)
This is an explosive movement that will challenge your body drastically. Just like
the name suggests, this pose is about jumping like a happy frog. This pose can be
done anywhere easily and really maximizes the calorie burn while elevating your
heart rate quickly. You will strengthen your legs from toes to hips, burn fat, and
tone your core. I suggest doing this pose for 20-30 seconds, taking a 5 second
break, then repeating for 3-5 more sets. Try to go at least for a whole minute!
Level 1. Begin in a squat position, like a frog. Have your hands on the ground,
lift your heels and make sure your knees are turned out to the side. Take a
deep breath in. On your exhale, push into the ground with your hands and feet
and leap straight up into the air. Reach your arms overhead as you jump and
stretch through your legs making them straight. Land onto the ground in your
squat position. It’s just like a big frog jump! You can perform this movement by
jumping straight up or propel yourself slightly forward while you jump to travel.
To make this pose slightly easier, keep your hands behind your head while you
jump.
Level 2. Repeat level 1, but bring your knees into your chest when you jump up,
rather than keeping them straight. This will increase the core workout of this
pose.
28

Tucson Trainer
I call this pose the Tucson Trainer because it’s a great full body workout
all in one. Just like the frog jump, this is one of the most efficient,
functional workouts you can do. You’ll build endurance, strengthen
your entire body and burn calories while elevating your heart rate and
breaking a sweat.
1. Begin in a standing position. Jump straight up to the sky, reaching
arms high overhead, and stretching the legs straight and pointing the
toes. Land with a slight bend in the knees and bring your arms down to
your chest.
2. Press your arms straight out in front of your chest as if you were bench
pressing the air, as you squat a few inches lower. In this variation, keep
your knees pointing forward and your knees over your ankles.
3.Bend at the waist as you squat deeper and touch the ground outside
your feet with your hands. Sit low in your hips as if you are sitting on a
very tiny chair. Make sure your knees stay pointing forward and don’t go
past your ankles!
4. Repeat #2: Press your arms straight out in front of your chest as if you
were bench pressing the air, as you lift your check and sit up higher.
5. Begin again. This pose can be performed quite quickly. Try doing each
part of this pose with the beat of music. Up-center-down-center, and
repeat.
Boat Pose
This pose will strengthen your back, abs, legs, hip flexors, hamstrings
and arms. Finding stability in this pose can also help you calm and align
your body, mind, and emotions while improving balance and digestion.
It also stimulates the kidneys, thyroid & prostate glands, and intestines.
Begin sitting on your sit bones with your check and lower back lifted
and your knees bent into your chest. Lift your toes off the ground and
have your hands placed on the ground behind your hips.
Stay here and hold for 30-60 seconds or increase the challenge by lifting
your hands off the ground and placing them along side your legs. If you
want more of a challenge, straighten your legs and point your toes into
the sky, keeping your knees near your chest.
Gorilla Crawl
This pose is great for toning the legs and opening the hips. Plus, moving
in unconventional ways, like a frog or gorilla, really forces the body to
use muscles we didn’t know it had. This will give your entire body a
workout while being fun!
Begin in a squat position, like the frog jumps previously mentioned.
Reach your hands as far in front of you as you can. Lean onto your
hands then jump your feet to, or as close to, your hands as you can.
Repeat. Imagine how a gorilla might run. Do your best to keep your
hips low to the ground and reach as far forward as you can. Go for
speed
Photos by David Clark
If you would like to see a free video of how to do these movements in action, go to Phoebe Jenkins’s Youtube
Channel (www.youtube.com/user/PhoebeJenkins/videos).
29

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33

34
TUCSON’S FAMILY ANCHOR MAN
DAN
MARRIES

Photos by Lyn Sims
Love your family.
Spend time, be kind
and serve one another.
are the words this
husband, father of
two, local celebrity
and friend lives by.
Written by Lou Pimber
Love your family. Spend time, be kind and serve one another are
the words this husband, father of two, local celebrity and friend
lives by. That’s right, Dan Marries who with passion for keeping
others informed has been delivering the news for nearly 20 years,
16 of those right here in the Old Pueblo for KOLD – TV. “Find
a job that you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
That’s how Dan feels about his work and it most definitely shows,
especially if you’re lucky enough to run into him around town. He
never hesitates to stop to chat or listen to your very own Tucson
News Now “breaking story”.
Not very many people know that Dan’s first love was to become
a pilot. He had always thought about it, after all, it runs in his
family. His grandfather, dad, and brother all fly but due to getting
airsick pretty easily, the dream of flying was quickly grounded.
Dan even considered firefighting after spending four summers as
a wildland firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management; three
seasons in Colorado and one was in Carson City, Nevada as a
crew member of the Carson City Helitack.
It wasn’t until Danwas working at a SCUBA shop and “starred”
in a local commercial that he knew he was hooked on TV news.
The next day Dan says, “I changed my major (the 5th and final
time) and within a year I was interning at KREX-TV in Grand
Junction.” A few months later he got the job and was hired as
the morning anchor/producer while still a junior in college. That,
ladies and gentlemen is where it all started and now nearly 20
years later he loves it as much today as he did back then.
Once you meet Dan Marries, you quickly feel like you’ve known
him for years and that’s probably because from the age of 12 he
grew up in a tiny city called Pawnee. But if you ask him where
he’s from, don’t expect a straight answer because he’ll tell you he’s
from San Diego, Oklahoma and Grand Junction, Colorado. That
almost sounds like a Johnny Cash song and to make matters even
more confusing, he was born in Anchorage, Alaska where his
father was stationed while serving this great country of ours in the
U.S. Air Force.
Dan Marries’ story is fitting to be in Tucson Model Magazine as
he is seen as someone worth modeling, he is known to be fair,
balanced and accurate; a man of a character worthy of being
modeled after. Dan spends his time as an active member in our
community hosting and emceeing dozens of events for a number
of local non-profits every year. He is the charter president of the
Casas Adobes Optimist Club and is a founding member of the
Greater Tucson Fire Foundation. As a former wildland firefighter,
helping local firefighters is close to his heart. If you look closely
you might even find him out and about with his oldest son hiking.
Dan is happily married to his beautiful wife Jennifer and this
year they celebrated the birth of their son Dean Wesley Marries
on January 15th. Dan’s oldest son, Kurtis, is a senior in high
school and plans on attending Pima Community College then the
University of Arizona.
When I look at the cover of this issue of Tucson Model Magazine,
I can’t help but feel the love Dan has for his family and reflect on
George Elliot who said, ‘What greater thing is there for the human
souls than to feel they are joined for life – to be with each other in
silent unspeakable memories’.
It wasn’t until Dan was working at a SCUBA shop and
“starred” in a local commercial that he knew he was hooked
on TV news.
35

TORI
TANG
“I don’t think that there is
a specific moment when I
knew I wanted to model;
I just knew. And when
Barbizon contacted me
for an interview, it must
have been fate.”
Who is Tori Tang? Tell our viewers about yourself.
Well, I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and it’s a love
hate relationship for me. I love the warm weather, but there
seems to be little opportunity here for me. I’m currently
attending the University of Arizona as an undergraduate,
studying Environmental Science with an emphasis in land
and water management. I’ll be graduating this upcoming
spring. Aside from school and work I am involved with
VSA, The Vietnamese Students’ Association, at the U ofA .
In VSA I am one of the co-coordinators of the Vietnamese
pageant, Miss AoDai, which has been put on in past years
with the most previous having been coordinated by yours
truly. It is a lot of work, but I have a very motivated team
this year to back me up and execute the show perfectly.
After graduation, I hope my education in Environmental
Sciences will get me out of Tucson. It’s not that I don’t like it
here I just that I have a different idea set in mind for myself
and for my future. I want to travel. I want to meet new
people. I want to network. Only so much can be done at
your fingertips. As of right now, my rough plan of my future
is to live in California, preferably Los Angeles. Hopefully
work will take me here because of drought and other water
related issues, but I will not be set astray if work takes me
elsewhere.
36
In my free time I like to go shopping, relax, Zumba, and
of course do some modeling. Though I am not as active in
modeling as I used to be, it is still a passion of mine. I’ve
been at it for about 7 years now and I’ll never get tired of

it. I remember when I first started
getting into modeling, I was actually
hired to do work for nutrition and
health textbooks. All I remember
is that my mom would always be
there. I would have to smile at cereal
boxes and boy did my mom make
me bust out laughing every time!
I think I got paid $20 a pop back
in those days, but hey, that was a
lot for a 12 year old back then! I
honestly cannot thank my parents,
my cousin, Mai Luc, my cousin, Neil
Peters, JaninDispo, and Mong-Tuyen
Nguyen, enough for really kick
starting my modeling career. I really
would not be where I am today if it
was not for them.
What inspired you to start
modeling?
I’ve always been the type of person
to go out there and try new things
ever since I was young. It was no
surprise that that I wanted to pursue
modeling. I think my family had to
do a lot with me wanting to chase modeling. They are extremely
supportive and motivating. They all have pushed me to almost
my full potential and continue to encourage me to succeed my
dreams every day.
Do you have a defining moment where you knew you wanted to
be a model?
I don’t think that there is a specific moment when I knew I wanted
to model; I just knew. And when Barbizon contacted me for an
interview, it must have been fate.
What advice can you give to the young women who are
interested in modeling?
I would tell them to be confident in who they are. Nothing
speaks louder than a woman’s attitude in a photo or even on the
runway. Be comfortable in your own skin! If you can do that
than modeling will come naturally. But there are times when a
model must practice and only practice make perfect. Study facial
expression and body language in mainstream magazines like,
Style, Vogue, or even fashion photos on Pinterest or the internet.
We would like everyone to get to know you a little better. What
is the motto you live by?
Never give up. When
things get tough keep pushing through with a positive attitude.
Enough of the serious talk. You mentioned that you like
shopping. Where do you like to shop?
Honestly I have been a tad bit lazy lately. I have been doing a lot
of online shopping at boutiques that I’ve discovered on Intagram.
I have also been even obsessed with amazon prime because of the
super fasting shipping. But you can usually find me at Forever21,
H & M, Sephora, Ulta, or even the outlet mall in Chandler!
What is one beauty product you cannot live without?
To be honest I cannot live without my makeup. It has been a
recent obsession of mine. It’s usually been all about shoes, but
I may have found a new obsession. The beauty product that I
cannot live without would be lip balm. I undeniably cannot live
without any type of lip product. I can’t handle dry cracked, painful
lips. I have this habit where if I have dry skin on my lip I’ll pick
and peel it off and that just makes my lips ten times more in pain
than they need to be. I know, TMI but it’s true. So I always carry
some type of chap stick, lip balm, or lip gloss with me at all
times.
37

inr
WHO IS
A.K.A.
Who is Karina Levine?
In her own words, “I am
a dancer, a gymnast,
a writer, a painter,
a model, an actor, a
radio DJ, a community
activist, a maiden
(Tucson Maidens
of Metal), a tattoo
enthusiast, an animal
rights activist, a
survivor, a dreamer…
I am a beautiful
disaster.”
Written by Therese VanVeghel Phipps
Tucson Model Magazine is
highlighting her because she placed
in the top five of our last issue’s cover
contest (photographer credit: Rick
Bracht.) Congratulations to both
of you and we are excited to see
what you have planned in the
future.
Karina was born in our desert
town, and grew up surrounded
by our diverse and artistic
culture. She says, “I have a
huge imagination and as a
child I showed my creative side
all the time, it caused teachers
to be concerned; I finished my
assignments quickly and would start
other, non-traditional assignments,
such as drawing on my books, etc... I had
to learn boundaries quick and how to show
my creativity more traditionally, making
it more accepted.” Always looking for an
outlet, she embellished in ceramics, drawing,
painting, acting, even woodworking and
welding. Karina was also heavily involved
in gymnastics and various dance techniques
including Jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop.
She says, “Dancing has always been my salvation,
listening to a variety of music and being able to dance
to it comes very naturally to me. I am, and have always
been that girl who dances like no one is watching.”She
ambitiously dreamed of going to the Olympics for
gymnastics, attending the infamous Juilliard for dance,
KARINA?
Bella-Rina
and dancing professionally on stage with Up with
People.
When she was twelve, she was up rooted; her
mom decided to go adventuring with her family,
they moved around a lot and Karina says that
she became used being “The new kid.” They
explored Flagstaff, Arizona and later on to New
Mexico, where Karina attended college and
finished a bachelors and a master degree in
Criminal Justice. Fast forward eight years,
life was all business and no play. Karina
was unhappy, she had battled many of
her demons in her young life, conquered
depression and suicidal tendencies, yet she
felt far away from her career expectations,
creatively stifled and judged for the artistic
being that she had tried so hard to hide. She
had had enough, and was determined to be
true to herself and made the life changing
decision to go a whole new, beautiful and
soul embracing route. She came home to
Tucson in 2012, and says, “I can honestly
say it has been the best move I have ever
made. I love the various creative outlets
Tucson has to offer and I decided that I
would continue in the industry, I enjoy
modeling; not just because I feel pretty
and empowered, but because I have been
told by others that I have inspired them,
because I am not what many see as a
(typical) model, I am older (36), I have
a lot of tattoos, and I am short (5’4”).
But I don’t let that stop me.” Karina
has done high fashion modeling,
runway, and has been published
nationally and internationally, she
is also an alternative model. “I love
modeling because to me it is a form
of acting; playing a character, theme
shoots are my favorite. I have also been
told by many that I am beautiful on the
inside as much as the outside, which to me is an
amazing compliment, because I fully believe in treating
others how I would want to be treated, always.”
Let’s rewind a bit. I am sure that you are curious as to how
Karina’s modeling career began, before moving back to
Tucson she says that she “Dabbled in modeling.” and at end
of 2011, when she was 31, she became extremely involved in
her new career. This came as somewhat of a shock to her, and
38

she shares, “I was very self-conscience for a long time, truthfully I
still am, but I have gained more confidence in myself over the years. I
preferred being behind the camera, and actually thought of being a full
time photographer. I never thought I would enjoy being in front of the
camera or that I could be brave enough to model” Karina has braved
that fear, modeling for many designers; including Tucson’s JL Edwards
and shares that she has worked with some very talented photographers.
She has acted in five music videos, some small films and commercials.
What’s next? Again, it’s kind of hush hush, what she will say is:“I have
more projects on the horizon that I am very excited about, I love acting
and I have been told I am a natural at it, and I am always looking to
improve my craft.”
Her talents don’t end there; she is also a volunteer DJ for the
independent online music radio station, iporadio.com, with her cohost
and talented DJ friend, Tommy Firestone. Their show is on every
Thursday night from 7-11pm. Karina calls herself a community activist
and gives back by donating her time to various charities including Pay it
Forward Tucson.
Let’s talk about another thing that she holds close to her heart, her
family. Karina would like to give out a huge thank you to those who
have loved her no matter what, especially her mom, Valarie Levine.
Karina says, “She is my hero, best friend and my biggest inspiration,
always and forever!” Her mom raised her and her younger brother alone
while attending school and says, “She (her mom) has always been super
supportive of me and my dreams. She has never given up on me, even
when I wanted to give up on myself, she wouldn’t let me, and in more
ways than one, she saved my life.” Karina is also inspired by her brother
and enjoys spending time with him and his wife Trinity, and their son,
Dillinger. Karina’s father Jim lives in Yuma, AZ, and she regrets not
seeing him as much as she would like, she calls her grandmother the
glue that holds her family together and says that her aunts always keep
her laughing.
Family is more than blood, Karina expresses, “My friends are my
family, I love them all very much, if I didn’t have the friendships I
have in my life, I would be not only lost, but very lonely. They all bring
something very special to my life and inspire me in many
ways.”She would like to bring up her best friend
Anna Marie Archuleta, who died tragically in
2005. Karina, “Always treat those you love
the way you want to be treated, don’t be
cruel, don’t hit them, don’t hurt them,
and if you are in a relationship
that gives you more pain than
happiness, get out. I miss you
my dear Anna, you may be
gone, but you live on in so
many hearts.”
Photo by Rick Bracht
considers herself a free spirit and believes in seizing the
day whenever possible, because frankly life is too short
not to. She enjoys reading, writing, going on outside
excursions, listening to music, working out, especially
dancing and doing yoga, attending concerts, spending
time with her animals and the love of her life, Dylan
Duff. She says with zeal, “He believes in me, all of me, and
I feel the same for him.”
In closure Karina says, “If I could give one piece of advice
to really anyone, but especially for those in this industry,
it would be to always be you, embrace who you are, the
good and the bad, be proud of your accomplishments,
along with your battles; everything in my life has made
me who I am today, I have skeletons, I have been
through some battles; some I have won and some
I have lost, but I have never fully given up on
being who I am, and I never will. I am myself,
it’s all I know how to be and frankly I love
me; all of me. Much love everyone!”
Karina says that she
Photos by Chris Reynolds
39

Brent
Rock
“A lot of people don’t get to
work at what they love. I’m
so lucky to be able to do my
horse stuff and do my acting
stuff at the same time.”
- Brent Rock
40

“When the audition notice came
out for Legends & Lies I knew Brent
was filming in Texas. Fortunately he
made it back to Arizona in time and
landed a great role in the Black Bart
episode.”
- Terri Jo Neff, Mamma Duck Productions
FFrom horseman, to actor and model, this Iowa born cowboy
considers himself an Arizonan, having lived here since his
early 20’s.
With a name like Brent Rock, you have got to be in films and
the opportunity first presented itself while working at Old
Tucson Studios, where his duties included wrangler and stunts,
along with an occasional chance to be an extra. Eventually
he landed a gig with the ABC TV show,Young Ridersstarring
Josh Brolin and Stephen Baldwin, doing stunts and extra work
before snagging a speaking role in the show’s third season.
After Young Riders was cancelled, Brent concentrated more on
working with horses and he eventually landed in Tombstone
working at a high-end guest ranch.
In 2009, he was hired as wrangler for the feature film The
Gundownstarring Peter Coyote (Erin Brockovich) and Sheree
J. Wilson (Walker Texas Ranger). When opportunity came
knocking, Brent kicked the swinging saloon doors wide open
the day Director, Dustin Riker asked him to play an enforcertype
cowboy character named Slim. That turned into a chance
to stunt double for lead actor William Shockley (Dr. Quinn
Medicine Woman) in horse scenes and a pivotal fight scene.
Since The Gundown, over the past few yearsBrent has worked
as an actor, wrangler, producer or crew member on several
projects, including Ambush at Dark Canyon starring country
superstar Kix Brooks. He also worked onBorn Wild and A
Country Christmas, both featuring Kix Brooks.
In 2012, Brent was cast as mystery man Virgil Calhoun in the
soon-to-be-released project Dead Men the Series (working
title). With his riding and stunt experience, director Royston
Innes was presented with many more options than if stunt
doubles had to be used.
Last fall Brent was cast in the Fox News Channel mini-series
Legends & Lies produced by Bill O’Reilly. The highly rated
mini-series was a project Arizona- based casting assistant Terri
Jo Neff of Mama Duck Productions recommended Brent for.
That led to a role this summer in a new series Blood Feuds that
will premiere later this year on Discovery’s American Heroes
Channel.
Brent -with canine best friends Boots and Smoke- is avoiding
Arizona’s hot weather and monsoons by spending the summer
in Colorado. Later this year Brent will be auditioning for a
series of commercials for a major Tucson business.
41

Marcy
Rodriguez
“Success is not the key
to happiness, happiness
is to succeed in
what I love to do,
making women
beautiful”.
42
Photo by David Clark

Marcy Rodriguez is a 31 year old Latina
Entrepreneur,born and raised in the city of Tucson
and graduated from Pueblo High School. With a Mexican
Americanbackground,shealways believed in her dreams and
carries a deep passion for the beauty industry. Since she can recall,
Marcy has always glammed her family and friends up throughout
the years for many events before she was licensed. After being
a licensed Cosmetologist for 10 years, she went back to further
her education to become a licensed esthetician. While achieving
her esthetician license, she was given the opportunity to become
a licensed Cosmetologist Instructor. Shehas always been driven
formore education;“You can never have enough knowledge in
the beauty industry,” Marcy says. That’s where her success is
determined. Being Latinamakes her strive even more, toprove to
women that one woman’s success can only help another woman’s
success.
Being a single mom of three, has been one of her most
challenging obstacles. “The same time it has taken me, where I
never dreamed of success. It made me work that much more for
it!” The empire that she isbuilding for her children and herself is
the legacy she intends to leave to them.
Marcy recently attended the Adalante Movement where she met
Nely Galan, a famed Latina entrepreneur.Marcy’s teachings and
knowledge has inspired her to educate Latinos on professional
skin care and waxing services. She is professionally trained as a
wax and a PCA skin specialistshe has built her own Waxing and
Skin Care business currently working at Sleek Salon. A one stop
shop for all beauty’s needs, leaving guests 100% satisfied.
Marcy is not shy about selling her many skills of waxing, she
delivers on high expectations for all services rendered. Her love
and passion for her clients goes above and beyond for them and
that is what makes her clients loyal to her. Not only does she do
makeovers, waxing, and skin care services, she will be certified in
the application of eyebrow extensions by fall 2015. Marcy intends
to help women who are battling cancer or any other illness that
are a cause for missing hair or skin blemishes. “A woman’s brows
can literally make or break your beauty” Marcy states.Seeing the
look on a beautiful bride’s faceat her photo shoot inspires the
passion to thrive to the best of her abilities.
Marcy’s current workload involves bridal parties, Quinceaneras,
“You can
never have
enough
knowledge
in the
beauty
industry,”
updo’s, aswell as makeup for photo shoots. Marcy stands as
Candy Ramirez’s personal glam girl. Candy Ramirez, of Candy
Cakesalso known as QueenBeeBaker, is a successful baker who
confides in Marcy for allevents including photo shoots and TV
appearances.
Marcy’s goal is to have her own waxing and skin care studio and
live her childhood dreams. With her determinationand ambition,
she inspires to give her children the life they deserve and
considers it an honor being the mom and daughter of a successful
Latina, also from Tucson.
“Success is not the key to happiness,happiness is to succeed in
what I love to do, making women beautiful”.
Having a strong support group of latin woman in her life is
what has helped create who she is today. Her dreams and goals
will continue far beyond the moment they are achieved. She
feels beyond blessed how fast she is becoming the woman in
her dreams. Marcy is available Tuesday thru Saturday at Sleek
Salon.
43

PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul
Davis
Improving. That’s the word that Paul aspires to with his
photography. “My goal is to be constantly improving my skills and
learning new things so that I am able to get the shot whether it’s
on location or in the studio.”
A meticulous planner, he also likes to have fun on set or on
location with the entire team. “I like to plan ahead because I
always want to make the most of the time and talent of the people
I have with me on a shoot but I’ve also learned you have to let the
shoot evolve as it goes along and sometimes things just get really
interesting and you just go with it and see what happens. That’s
part of the fun and magic of a photo shoot.”
“Recently we were on a fashion shoot that was going really well.
As it started to get dark we started lighting marine flares to create
a more dramatic effect with the model for this crazy idea I had.
It was getting dark and the flares created a lot of light and smoke
and sure enough it wasn’t long before the Sheriff showed up to
find out what was going on.” “That was not entirely unexpected
and I had been prepared that that might happen,” Paul says, “but
what was unexpected was to have one of the crew run off and
hide in the desert because it scared them. The officers were very
nice and after they found out what we were doing they didn’t
give us any trouble but I still laugh about it because I can only
imagine what they would have thought had they seen that person
running.”
Born in Louisiana, some of Paul’s earliest memories were sitting
in his father’s lap helping develop pictures in the home darkroom.
“I remember holding tongs and swishing the paper in trays of
44
chemicals and watching the pictures emerge - it was like magic
and I loved doing it.” Soon his father took a job in Michigan
and there was no space in the new house for a darkroom so
photography took a backseat for the next 35 years.
“Throughout high school and college I would always cut and save
interesting photos and movie posters.” he says. “I had stacks of
them in manilla folders but never did anything with them. I did a
lot of drawing instead and while I was never very good it taught
me to look for light and shadow and that helped me later when I
picked up the camera.”
He graduated from Liberty University in 1991 with degrees in
both Marketing and Psychology and moved to Tucson, Arizona,
started a marketing consulting and graphic design firm called
Freeform Design The following year he married Beth whom had
met while serving together in Student Government in college.
“Beth has been the very best thing that ever happened to me. Not
only did she give me two amazing kids, but she’s really encouraged
me and supported me along the way - especially in my career and
in the photography.”
Since 2003 Paul has worked as the Director of Marketing and
Sales for AuntMinnie.com. AuntMinnie.com is the world’s largest
news website for radiology and medical imaging.Then 2006 Paul
bought his first digital camera, a Nikon D200, so he could follow
his father on long trips throughout southern Arizona exploring
ghost towns, small towns and abandoned places. “At first I didn’t
think I would like it much, but I did it because it was my dad’s

“My goal is to be
constantly improving
my skills and learning
new things so that I
am able to get the shot
whether it’s on location
or in the studio.”
passion and I wanted to share it with him.” It was during these trips that
his father taught him how to use a camera and some of the theory behind
photography and soon Paul fell in love with photography himself.
In the beginning Paul’s motto was “if it doesn’t blink, talk back or move I’ll
photograph it” but over time that began to change. “I noticed that people
respond to photos of other people differently than they do a landscape or other
subjects - there is a reaction and an emotional connection there that I found I
enjoyed.”
After completing a series of commercial landscapes for Long Realty, he was
invited to join the media team for the All Souls Procession. This led to other
projects including working as as a media photographer for the Wild Wild West
Steampunk convention and doing weddings and family portraits as well. “I
love elaborate dresses, costumes, characters and anything that adds drama so
events like these were fun for me. I’ve also gotten to go places I would have
never been had I not become a photographer.”
Paul decided to really focus on the fashion/high fashion aspect of the industry
and within the year he and his father teamed up to photograph four apparel
catalogs for Icelandic Design and Wooly Bully clothing located in Denver,
Colorado. “I love doing that kind of work”, he said. “You’re on location, you’re
working with a team, you’re problem solving all day long, but it’s fun because
everybody there wants to get the shots right and the goal is to do whatever it
takes to make the clothes look great. I’m always tired when it’s over but it’s an
incredible rush seeing the final work in print.”
Looking ahead Paul feels like he’s ideally positioned to continue to grow as a
photographer. In 2014 he setup a large home based studio. “I feel really blessed.
I had a unique opportunity to do this and it’s made all of the difference in
terms of my ability learn and grow as a photographer. I can bring people in
and we can shoot in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, we’re not rushed and
if we run long for some reason it’s not a big deal. That’s really important to me
because I want people to enjoy the process of collaborating and creating the
photos together as much as they like the final photos.”
What’s next? I’m actively trying to grow my portrait, fashion and commercial
work and am always looking for new people to work and collaborate with. If
you want to connect with Paul you can at:
Web: www.pauldavisphotography.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PaulDavisPhoto
Instagram: PaulDavisPhotography
“I feel really
blessed. I had a
unique opportunity
to do this and it’s
made all of the
difference in terms
of my ability learn
and grow as
”
a
photographer.
45

46

Al Marrero
“I’m just letting my eyes, my mind,
and my passion loose and I am
enjoying the beautiful pictures that
come out of my camera.”
With a passion for arts, Al Marrero has set his sights on the art of Photography.
Born in Newfoundland, Canada, Al comes from a family of two brothers and
two sisters. Since the young age of 13, Al always wanted to be a photographer.
He often dreamed of also owning his own photography studio one day.
Although his youth did not allow him to chase his dream and he was not in a
position to get the proper training or equipment needed to start his photography
business, that journey would come for Al later in life.
His passion for arts, singing, drawing, and photography continued to prosper
throughout his adolescents. Moving to Tucson in 1991, Al has spent most of his life
as a hard worker, always helping others and continuously trying to find his place in
life.
A great friend and mentor, Fred Wille, was introduced into Al’s life in 2013. Both
working at TUSD, they became very good friends. Fred introduced Al back into
photography and was a strong mentor for Al. Fred showed him what he needed to
learn to master the art and finally chase his ultimate dream. Al also has started a
mobile photography studio which is a project that bothFred and him are working
together on.
At his current age of 51, Al says “I’m just letting my eyes, my mind, and my passion
loose and I am enjoying the beautiful pictures that come out of my camera. I want to
thank Rhonda Moretti, Owner of Tucson Model Magazine and Bellezza Models, for
allowing me to capture some of her special moments at her events. I would also like
to thank Neil Peters for being willing to give me his expert advise and for coaching
others that have supported me along the way. All of the models and people that have
allowed me to capture their beautiful and special moments, I thank you.”
Al captures memories that will last a lifetime. He has created a path for himself as a
photographer and he plans to keep doing photography for many years to come. “I
have so many beautiful things in this world to capture with my camera.” says Al.
Photo by David Clark
47

A Conversation with
Juan Ciscomani
By Dominic Escamilla
This time I had a chance to sit and talk with Juan
Ciscomani to get his thoughts for men in their thirties.
I
I started this column with the purpose of advising men in
their twenties, thirties, and forties how to dress for work. In
my first article, I shared a few principles to lay the ground
work for articles to come. In a past issue I interviewed Dominic
Escamilla Jr., my son, to give you an example of how a man in
his twenties should dress for work. This time I had a chance to sit
and talk with Juan Ciscomani to get his thoughts for men in their
thirties. Juan is a very successful thirty two year old professional.
He has an impressive resume and currently works as the State
Director for Southern Arizona for the Governor. He’s a very well
dressed man. Here is what he had to say….
Me: So when I say “professional appearance” what does that mean
to you?
Juan: It means putting thought into what you wear. It means being
on top of the field you’re in. What I mean, is dress the best way
possible for the job you have. If you have a job where you are
expected to wear a suit and tie then make sure you’re looking your
best. Pay attention to fit and details. If you have a job where you
can dress casual then be sure you look good. I used to work in
sales and it was important to project professionalism which meant
a polished appearance. Now I work in the Governor’s office. Now
I need to be as professional as possible but not at all flashy. I need
to be relatable and conservative in my appearance, no wild ties or
loud, attention getting suits.
Me: Politicians dress horribly!
Juan: Usually, yeah.
Me: When did you start being concerned with the way you dress?
Juan: As far back as I can remember. I grew up wanting to wear
suits. I would always ask my parents to buy them for me. I didn’t
play cop I played detective so I could wear a suit.
Me: Who influenced you?
Juan: No one, really. My dad’s style is very much that of a cowboy.
My mom always made sure I was very well put together. So if
anyone I’d say my mom..Oh and Lou Pimber, of course.
Me: I asked Dom this last time so I’ll ask you too, fashionable or
trendy?
Juan: Fashionable for sure. I like to keep up with what’s current
but remain classic in my approach.
Me: Are their rules you follow?
Juan: Yes, for example, no mixing brown and black. I’m
meticulous about matching my watch to my belt and my shoes.
When I wear a suit I try to keep my jacket on as much as possible.
I only use a Windsor knot. I went from having a lot of different
patterned suits to having a few classic ones and now I use many
different shirt and tie options, I got that from you.
Me: That was wise of you.
Juan: I have mostly blues and greys with some pin stripped suits. I
wear a lot of blue and purple shirts and ties.
Me: What do you avoid?
Juan: I avoid ever being under dressed. I think I know enough
about myself and how to dress for different situations. I take pride
in my appearance. I plan my entire week on Sundays.
Me: How has the way you dress affected your career path?
Juan: Completely! 100%! It’s been half the battle. I’ve created the
perception of myself that I want others to have with the way I
dress. I’ve advanced quickly in my professional life and I’d say
the way I dress has definitely had something to do with it. When
you’re young and dress well you stand out. I’ve never dressed in
a way where it can be said, “You can get away with that because
you’re young.” I’ve always dressed in a relatable professional
manor.
Me: What mistakes do you see out there?
Juan: Guys tend to forget about their shoes. A great outfit can be
ruined by crappy or dirty or old shoes. I hate button down collars
with ties. Fit is the biggest problem most guys have. It’s vital to
48

“You don’t need to
spend a lot of money to
dress well.”
make sure your close fit but not only that, the style you are trying to
wear fits your body type. Like fat guys in skinny jeans or short guys
wearing suits with way too many buttons, those are for NBA players
only. One I really hate is seeing undershirts peek out from the tops
of your shirt. Wear a V-neck or close your shirt and wear a tie. Your
t-shirt is underwear, it shouldn’t show.
Me: Like that awful trend from the 90’s with the crew neck undershirts
under V-neck sweaters a la Ross from friends, I get it.
Juan: Exactly. Also you need to rotate out your ties. Ties go out of
style. I’d say maybe at least every three years or so, maybe sooner. You
have to know when a look is done.
Me: Like the Regis?
Juan: Yeah, that’s exactly what I mean.
Note: The Regis is when you watch the color of your shirt and tie
exactly like Regis Philbin.
Me: What role does physical fitness play in how you dress?
Juan: It’s vital. If you’re in terrible shape it’s difficult to look good no
matter how you’re dressed. More importantly you give the impression
that you are not in control, that food controls you. In my job I have to
attend a lot of functions where food is served. I make it a practice to
eat before I go. To me being seen eating is almost vulnerable.
Me: That’s great advice.
Juan: Especially at mixers where you’re trying to network. I drink
water and work the room.
Me: What advice do you have for men in their thirties?
Juan: In this society where we need to stand out the low hanging fruit
is dressing well. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to dress well.
Your thirties are the best time to start taking this seriously and start to
set yourself apart in a positive way. Stand out for the right reasons.
Photos by David Clark
49

50

CINEMATIC MIND
the latest release from
STANDS WITH FISTS
available now on
StandsWithFists.com
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
51

BBorn in Ajo, Arizona and raised in Tucson, Arizona, singer and
song writer, Leigh Ann Lesho has always been a fan of sports,
and played both basketball and softball competitively since she
was six years old. She tried out and proudly made the Varsity team
for both sports when she was a freshman in high school and could
have continued playing them both throughout college; but decided
to stop playing hoops to focus on softball when she was sixteen.
Music was very important to her during these early years but it
had to play second fiddle to the sports she was deeply involved in.
She says she was a “closet musician” privately practicing her singing,
teaching herself to play the guitar, picking apart the music written
by her favorite musicians, and discovering her own passion for
songwriting. She also used it as a tool to enhance her performance
as an athlete. “The music I chose to listen to during a practice or before
a performance was very intentional. It would set the rhythm so
I was very careful about what type of energy it carried.” Tori Amos
is the most notable musician I listened to before a game. She’s my
biggest artistic influence. Her music spans a wide range of sound,
is very unpredictable, but very balanced, consistent and calming all
at the same time. This for me was a perfect combo to prepare for a
game. If I felt like I needed some extra calming, Sade and Enya were
my other favorite choices.
Leigh graduated from Flowing Wells high school as a highly
decorated athleteand attended the University of Nebraska on a
full athletic scholarship to pitch for the Huskers softball team.
She was honored as an NCAA All-American. During a pitching
practice early in her freshman season, she had a life changing
moment where she says, “I met my breath for the very first time. I
discovered the breath is key to opening space in the mind, which
allows us to consciously address and work through the mental/
emotional process.” From this moment, she began practicing a very
breath-centered routine on the mound which would lead her on
an exciting spiritual journey on and off the field. Leigh’s pitching
coach (who was a Canadian Olympic pitcher) stood in between her
and her catcher and wouldn’t move until she took a deep, authentic
breath, she did this for every pitch for an entire hour-long practice.
This was momentous to Leigh and she says, “For the first time in
my career, I became aware that I truly had been rushing myself
and not even considering my breath at all. I realized in this practice
that most people in this world go through their whole lives
not paying attention to their breath at all.” The breath is relevant to
many things and Leigh says, “In the game of softball and baseball,
the position of a pitcher is very unique. When the pitcher is on the
mound, her team is on the field with her and is playing Defense,
with the batting team on Offense. However, while the pitcher has
the ball in her hand, she is technically on Offense because she starts
with the ball and is attacking the other team’s batters. But as soon as
the ball leaves her hand she is on Defense with the rest of her team.
When the play is over the ball is thrown back to her, putting her
back on offense and it starts all over again.” As Leigh explains it,
her routine was basically while the ball was in her hand; she trained
herself to have a very consistent, rhythmic physical routine, comparing
it to a gymnast or dancer. She further explains it by saying,
“I built my muscle memory as strong as I could so that I could put
more focus on my breath (energy) and mental game. The mental
game is really where the magic is happening and the breath is the
main tool used to control the mind.”
She went on to play professionally in Spain and Italy. She also
Leigh Ann Lesho
52

completed a summer internship between her Junior and
Senior Year with Bunim-Murray Production in Los Angeles.
Leigh worked in the casting department for The Real World,
Road Rules, Making The Band, and Love Cruise, and casted
Tryshelle on the Real World Vegas. Leigh Ann was offered
a job to return as a casting director after graduation, but
decided that Los Angeles was not for her at that time in her
life. However, she had made good friends with the casting
directors, and they chose Tucson as one of their open casting
call locations in 2004 so that they could come visit her. Leigh
worked that casting call as one of the directors. The University
of Nebraska Athletic Department also has their own production
company called Huskervision and she worked with
them on ABC Sports, and ESPN as a Production Assistant for
the broadcasts of the Nebraska football games. Leigh Ann also
did some color-commentary and play-by-play on the United
Nations Basketball and Baseball Games and worked as a DJ
at a Lincoln, Nebraska’s Clear Channel radio station and also
received her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast-Journalism from
The University of Nebraska in 2003. She returned to Tucson
in 2004 to join the Arizona Heat in the NPF (National Pro
Fastpitch), and to privately coach young female pitchers in the
Tucson area.
It was in that same year that she met her soon to be husband,
Billy. Leigh says that, “Falling in love and the unfolding of my
spiritual path became much more important than the game
of softball, so after one season with the Heat, I hung up my
cleats.” She began to deepen her studies of yoga psychology
and philosophy and decided to obtain her yoga teaching certification.
She achieved her yoga certification at The Providence
Institute and says, “They closed in 2009, but were the first
teacher training program in Tucson and the most reputable
through all of their years. I’m currently studying to receive my
diploma from India in Jivana Yoga, under my teacher Dr, K.L.
Shankaranarayana Jois.”
She also finally had the time and freedom to pursue music as a profession.
She began playing her original music at local open mics to see
what the response would be. “The feedback was inspiring because I
sensed that people were listening to the message, not just the sound.”
Her son, Rylan was born in 2009, so the open mics would have to be
put aside for a while to focus on motherhood. She continued writing
and playing music at home with Rylan as her new inspiration in life.
In 2011, she was ready to get back to teaching yoga so she decided to
open a studio and boutique called The Yoga Tree.
Six months after opening the studio, Leigh and Billy became concerned
about some developmental delays in Rylan’s speech and social
attention. He was eventually diagnosed with Autism and Verbal
Apraxia. Fortunately, sound therapy and communication had already
been Leigh’s main area of study in the field of Yoga Science for many
years. She’s taken a very different approach than most when it comes
to these types of challenges. “I feel most therapies for autism are trying
to fix or cure the person in some way. I don’t believe there’s anything
wrong, so there’s nothing to be fixed. Rylan is no different than anyone
else in that he’s just trying to become a more comfortable being
human, we all are, this is what the practice of yoga is.” She continues
to focus on her own approach to his therapy by using the combination
of love, music and yoga. She decided to close The Yoga Tree in May
of 2015 to allow herself more time to focus on her family and music
again. Leigh is currently recording her debut album “444” due for release
in late 2015 and plans to focus on playing many shows in Tucson
while the next steps are revealed. You can find samples of her music,
as well as her video for the song “Shadowside” which stars Rylan, at
www.LeighLesho.com.
You can find samples of her music as well as her video for the song
“Shadowside” which stars Rylan, at: www.LeighLesho.com
53

54
Lexa Raquel
has managed to
bring audiences
together,
entertain and
express her
passion with her
soulful style and
soaring tone.

Lexa Raquel
Written by: Lou Pimber
What do you get when you’re a beautiful yet bashful flight student
who’s afraid of flying yet takes lessons from a suave, sophisticated, selfassured
and refined flight instructor? One would expect a shiny new
pilot’s license, instead they managed to get a Wild Cat, a bundle of joy
who reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales radio chart
with her infectious single, “One of a Kind”.
Indeed Lexa Raquel Pearson is a one of a kind, with her infectious
smile and a fresh new voice within the Tucson local music scene,
Lexa Raquel has managed to bring audiences together, entertain and
express her passion with her soulful style and soaring tone.
If you’re lucky enough to know Lexa Raquel, you’ll know that at the
tender age of 3 she auditioned for the Arizona Opera Company and
grew to awe-inspire audiences and win hearts when she sang her
very first solo at the age 5. By the 5th grade and well into her early
teens,Lexa was composing her own style and original music all while
learning to strum a guitar!
By the age of 14 and for the next four years, Lexa Raquel began to
study under the tutelage of Crystal Stark, a warm hearted individual,
professional vocalist and American Idol finalist who was able to
mentor, coach and hone in Lexa’s singing and command performance.
Crystal Stark not only mentored Lexa, but as Lexa would say, “Crystal
has been more than my coach, she’s a beautiful soul who helped
me find my voice and myself as well.” LexaRaquel and Stark have
maintained an 8 year friendship.
Like any good daughter, this Desert Christian High School graduate
has learned more from who her parents are, than what they’ve taught
and for that Lexa Raquel is thankful. She is thankful for their love,
support, encouragement and their persistence to see her succeed.
After all, if it wasn’t for Sharon’s willingness and courage to face her
fear of flying and Rick’s gentlemanly style and boyish good looks, we’d
be singing a different tune right now. They definitely hit a number 1
single.
Lexa Raquel is currently finishing up recording her debut album
produced and distributed by Desert Sol Records which includes
renowned Tucson and Nashville Musicians.
“Music, it’s what
feelings sound like”
55

Reposteria
Lety
Phone:
(520)-227-8405
Website:
www.reposterialety.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reposteria.lety
56

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videographers will capture your event without all
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57

JOEY SANCHEZ
On any given Friday or Saturday
night, if you listen to the sweet
sounds of downtown Tucson,
you might just hear DJ Joey
Sanchez mixing a few beats at
a local club on Congress Street
called HighWire. Also the owner
of an online radio station called
TejanoTucsonRadio.com, Joey is
successfully making his mark
here in the Old Pueblo.
Photo by David Clark
58

Born in Douglas Arizona, Joey has 3 brothers and was raised by
his beautiful mother who was a single parent. His father played
with a group called Los Apson in Aqua Prieta. He talks about his
father never being around and always drinking but he recalls that
he loved to see his father play the drums. Joey recalls as a young
boy, wanting to play in a band and grow to be a musician. At the
age of 8 years old, he received his first guitar as a gift. While other
kids played outside, Joey spent most of his nights practicing with
his new guitar every night. The first song that he ever mastered
was La Bamba. He spent a lot of his time practicing and learning
new songs and more and more notes. He often practiced with his
uncle who also had a band in which Joey loved to hear them play.
By the age of 12, Joey started with a local band. He performed
at his Uncle Jacks bar where his Uncle Alex’s band also played.
It was a secret between them that his mother never knew about.
By the age of 13, Joey was able to play on Friday nights and help
contribute to his mom in order to help her pay the bills which
then led them to move to Mammoth Arizona. While Joey was
in Junior High School, he joined the band in school and several
other bandsand continued through the 8th grade. Graduating
from San Manuel High School in 1985, he had his 1st born son
that same year. He landed a permanent position at the San Manuel
Mines with BHP to provide for his family. Soon after, he married
and also started his own band called Grupo Salvaje. His band was
together for 10 years playing all over Arizona and produced a few
albums with the group.
After relocating to Casa Grande, Joey decided to start a DJ’ing
business to provide for his four sons and landed a ton of local
business spinning music for Quinceneras, Proms, Private Parties,
Weddings and Clubs. He also met his 2nd wife in Case Grande in
which he married. While he lived there, he played with a group
called Tejano Image. Joey states “Tejano is where my heart had
been set upon.”
Joey moved to Tucson in 2008 and has had the pleasure of playing
with a ton of local talent. A few of his favorite local musicians
include Aura Vidal Otero, Art Aguirre and Bobby Navarette. He
has been very successful with his DJ’ing business in Tucson and
loves working with the community at events and clubs. Tucson
Model Magazine is proud to call DJ Joey Sanchez their preferred
DJ. To hire DJ Joey Sanchez for your next party, you can contact
him at www.TejanoTucsonRadio.com.
59

THE
TONY CORRALES
BAND
Since bursting onto the southwest country music scene
in July 2012, Tony Corrales Band’s star has been rising
fast. Their traditional country sound infused with just the
right touch of today’s “pop” and “bro” country has delighted
country music fans not only around southern Arizona and
the rest of the United States, but virtually worldwide. With
the emergence of internet radio, the Tony Corrales Band
(affectionately known to their fans as TCB), has attracted the
attention of many globally syndicated radio progams and
they have been able to share their music with fans on nearly
every continent.
2014 was truly a banner year for TCB! With the release of
their three song EP titled “Honky Tonks and Cantinas”
and their first country music video, they garnered six
nominations by the very popular Music Road Radio affiliate
during the inaugural New Country Music Association
(NCMA) Awards held in Nashville, Tennessee, in April 2015.
These annual awards are meant to recognize the very best
in independent country music artists. With nominations
for Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year, Vocal Group of
the Year, Video of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Male
Vocalist of the Year these talented musicians solidified the
fact that they are here to stay and they definitely know what
fans want to hear.
Never one’s to sit idle (clearly evident from their high-energy
and entertaining shows), TCB is currently hard at work in the
studio working on their first full-length album to be released
in the fall of 2015. What can you expect from their first fulllength
endeavor? “A great mix of country music that will
definitely get you two-steppin out on the dance floor or chair
dancing in your seat” says lead vocalist Tony Corrales.
So what gives TCB it’s very diverse country sound? Well, let’s
just meet the boys in the band!
60

Since bursting onto the southwest
country music scene in July 2012, Tony
Corrales Band’s star has been rising fast.
Tony Corrales (Lead Vocals) - has been singing since he could
utter his first words. He grew up listening to all types of music
from Rock, Pop, Motown, Jazz, and of course, Country and
Western. He still enjoys all types of music but his soul is deeply
rooted in country music. Admittedly, Tony was a bit of a rocker
in his early years and wasn’t really interested in county music.
All that changed when his step-father, Howard, a good ole
country boy truck driver, came into his life. Tony used to go
on short road trips with his Dad and was “forced” to listen to
country music. Well, it didn’t take long for Tony to be bitten
by the country music bug and he has been hooked ever since.
Tony’s country musical influences range from George Strait,
Alabama, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Keith Whitley, to Elvis
Presley. He is also strongly influenced by some of the hot
new country artists on the charts today such as Chris Young,
Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton and you can
definitely hear that edgey new country sound blended with
classic country. Aside from music, Tony is a very proud 20-year
U.S Air Force veteran who got a bit of a late start in music but
you can bet he is making up for it now! His love for music and
entertaining fans truly comes out in his performances!
Joey Cota (Lead Guitar/Vocals) - has been playing guitar for
over 25 years in a number of bands and genres. Everything
from Heavy Metal to Tejano, Reggae, R&B, Top 40, Funk,
Classic Rock, Africano and original music as well. Being a
good ole boy from Texas, he has always held a deep love of
country music. His musical influences include Richie Kotzen,
Brad Paisley, Jimmy Page, Dimebag Derrell, Stanly Jordan,
this list goes on and on, including the many musicians he
has performed with. Joey says “Since I am still a student of
the guitar, I try to learn from as many musicians as I can, to
continually develop my skills and style.”
Carlos Solorzano (Drums/Vocals) - is a professional drummer
& songwriter from Southern Arizona. His compositions
have been featured on various television shows and have won
multiple songwriting awards and grants. He has also been
featured in DRUM! Magazine and other periodicals. His solo
CD, “Desert Drummer,” is available on Amazon and features
both his tribal drumming compositions and drumset solos
that adapt world rhythms to the kit. His diverse drumming
background definitely provides a fresh, unique, and highly
entertaining beat and foundation to Country music. Carlos
is endorsed by and proudly uses: Soultone Cymbals, Silverfox
Drumsticks, Hansenfutz Pedals, and Mono Hybrid Cases.
Carlos is also a very accomplished author.
Mike Yanoska (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals) - born into a coal
mining family in Harlan County, Kentucky, Mike’s country
music roots run deep. His exceptional songwriting, vocal,
and guitar talent have lead to the successful production of
numerous studio albums of original music, to include 4
solo albums. Mike has toured nationally from Los Angeles
to Atlanta with a number of bands to include: The Towne
Hall Trio, Our Glass, Keystone, Vision, Frontier Justice, and
Cheyenne.
Thomas Charbonneau (Bass/Vocals) - got an early start with
heavy metal band Jagged Edj in 1988 who signed with Vital
Fluids records. Their music was featured on Z-Rock, KNAC, 98
KUPD and many other radio stations coast to coast. Thomas
later moved on from LA to Nashville spending the majority
of his career touring in several country bands that opened for
headlining country acts from 1993 to 2002. Back in Tucson he
has started a new chapter with TCB and they are shaking up the
Arizona Country Music scene.
As you can see, TCB is truly a diverse group with musical
influences from a multitude of genres. This diversity is what
gives them their signature sound and has won the hearts of
many country music fans worldwide. Their future is extremely
bright they cannot wait to share more music with their fans!
To explore more about TCB please visit them at:
www.tonycorrales.com
www.facebook.com/tonycorralesband
www.reverbnation.com/tonycorrales
www.twitter.com/TCBCountry
Photo by David Clark
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A Special Thank You To Our
Contributors
Zanes Law
(520)777-7777
www.zaneslaw.com
Roof Coating Specialists
(520)296-4024
Aja Cooke
It Works
www.beskinnybytomorrow.com
Pamela Mitchell
(520)404-0101
www.youniqueproducts.com/pamelamitchell
Jasons Deli
Broadway-(520)790-7000
Oracle(520)407-1100
Cutting Edge Collision Center
(520)624-2787
www.cuttingedgeref.com
Majestic Limousine
(520)9776243
Mo’s Gallery
(520) 795-8226
www.mosgallery.com
Desert Toyota
(520)296-8535
7150 E. 22nd St.Tucson, Az.
www.deserttoyota.com
WWW.LOUPIMBER.COM
David Clark / Photographer
(520)401-9113
dlclarkaz@hotmail.com
Ability Care Executives
520-271-5400
www.abilitycareexecutives.com
Rosa’s Chante Assisted Living Home
(520) 751-1998
www.rosaschante.com
Buffalo Crown Cigars
520-222-9647
www.buffalocrowncigars.com/
Ultimate Automotive
520-622-1125
Tucson Speedway
YOUR NASCAR HOME TOWN TRACK
www.tucsonspeedway.com
L’Visage LuxuryCosmetics
La Encantada Mall
(520) 342-6669
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Support these fine businesses for supporting you Tucson.

A Special Thank You To Our
Contributors
APR Video Productions
Event video specialists
(520)777-8573
www.apersonalreality.com
Mike Lambert Photography
(520)-343-2105
mwww.mlambertphotography.com
Bellezza Models Inc.
Building Beautiful Confidence
(520)220-0129
www.facebook.com/bellezzamodelsinc
Tuxedos on Broadway
Formal Wear
(520) 325-9936
www.tuxedosonbroadwayaz.com
Emma Anne Newton
Tucson Pedicab Service
Transportation Service
(800) 879-1839
www.universitypedicabs.com
Creative Catering Corporation
Caterer
(520) 690-0146
www.tucsoncreativecatering.com
Access Tucson
www.accesstucson.org
Michael and Jayde Ellenby
Travel buddies, Life buddies, Awesome
friends!
V Modern Thai
Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant · Thai Restaurant
(520) 882-8143
www.VModernThai.com
Marsha Hirschhorn
Hashani Spa
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
(520) 792-3500
Jaybees Auto Service
5070 E. 22nd st.
Tucson, Az.
790-6035
Gary Hagen Jr.
Cutting Edge Refinishing
www.cuttingedgeref.com
(520) 468-2363
Cleaning Specialist
“We are Cleaning Green”
275-7770
Kachina Sign Center
290-2000
www.kachinasigncenter.com
Majestic Limosine
“We are an all occasion
transportation service”
977-6243
Cup Cakes By Natashia
Cutomized Cupcakes
for any occasion
332-9297
Support these fine businesses for supporting you Tucson.
65

We Are An All Occasion
Transportation Service!
We are a 24/7 family owned luxury transportation service.
We hire only the most professional chauffeurs with a vast
knowledge of Tucson and the surrounding areas.
Formal attire is required for all chauffeurs which consist of a
black suit, white shirt and black tie and a well groomed
appearance.
Mention Tucson Model Magazine when you
book a 3 hour rental and receive the 4th
hour free!
Types of Events We Offer:
Small to Large Venues
Corporate to Private
Weddings,
Exclusive Wine Tours,
Special Events
Seasonal Events and more.....
66

Join us to BUILD
homes, communities & hope
What will you build?
HabitatTucson.org 520-326-1217
Everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live!
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