PHOTOGRAPHY | Mysite

A Day and a Night in Melrose

A Day and Night in Melrose is a collection of pictures taken on September 24, 2023, along Melrose District. These photos depict Melrose in the daytime and during the evening to showcase the lived experiences of this neighborhood on any day of the week. The slideshow begins at the Melrose Gateway Arch at the beginning of Indian School Road and continues to Charlie’s Taco Truck on Camelback Road, encompassing the entire Curve. The Melrose District is primarily known for its vintage shops, eateries, and LGBTQ+ nightlife. This series shows how a community is built and formed in unity under the principle that the Melrose District is “A Place For Everyone”.

Melrose Gateway Arch in Phoenix, Arizona during the day.

Gate to Melrose

The Melrose Gateway Arch sits just behind the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road, marking the beginning of the Melrose District.

Pride flags in the Melrose District in the Phoenix, Arizona.

Daytime Pride

The five flags pictured are to the right of the Melrose Gateway Arch boldly showcasing LGBTQ+ inclusion in the neighborhood for those shopping or eating across the street at the popular breakfast restaurant Valentines.

Rainbow crosswalk in Melrose District outside of Boycott Bar in Phoenix, Arizona.

Across the Rainbow Crosswalk

Near the middle of the Curve, lies the Boycott Bar, the only lesbian bar in Arizona and one of two rainbow crosswalks in Phoenix. The second crosswalk is located in Downtown Phoenix outside the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. The crosswalks are to show inclusion and as a remembrance that the Melrose District is “A Place For Everyone” just as Boycott Bar’s sign promises.

A bartender serves at Boycott Bar in Phoenix, Arizona.

Serving at Boycott

During a break of the Sunday Fungames at Boycott Bar, a bartender keeps the spirits high by refilling refreshments.

Gee Notorious

Drag king Gee Notorious performs to Lady Gaga's “Bloody Mary” for Sunday Fungames at Boycott Bar on Sept. 24, 2023.

Turquoise Thunderbird

The neon turquoise thunderbird mascot of Thunderbird Lounge.

Thunderbird Arcade

A woman plays Mortal Combat in the arcade section of Thunderbird Lounge while a networking/dating event for the LGBTQ+ takes place in the back patio of the bar.

Woman plays Mortal Combat at Thunderbird Lounge.

Playing Video Games

A guest of Thunderbird Lounge plays Mortal Combat while she waits for her friends to arrive.

Charlie's Phoenix Parking

Charlie’s Phoenix’s parking lot on a Sunday night remains packed as if it were any other night of the week.

Charlie's Taco Truck line in Phoenix, Arizona.

Looking for Charlie's Taco Truck

Charlie's Phoenix is not just a club that caters to the LGBTQ+ community but serves as a must-eat destination for locals and visitors of the Melrose District.

Charlie's Food Truck in Phoenix, Arizona.

Charlie's Tacos

Workers inside Charlie's Taco Truck preparing orders for the night for both guests inside Charlie's Phoenix and guests only visiting the food truck.

Charlie's Taco Truck in Phoenix, Arizona

Order 52

Inside Charlie's Taco Truck while workers prepare order 52 to be served.

Melrose Metro

Two men wait at the the Valley Metro Rail Melrose District station that runs along Camelback Road outside of Charlie's Phoenix and Charlie's Taco Trucks.

Mobile Photography

Filling the Frame

Details of a mural at the corner of N 3rd and E McKinley Street in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
Taken Sept. 12, 2023.

Rule of Thirds

E McKinley Steet in Downtown Phoenix remains empty due to parking meters being covered by the City of Phoenix.
Taken on September 12, 2023.

Worm's Eye View

Looking up at Gordon Commons on Arizona State University's Downtown Campus from the point-of-view of a worm on Taylor St.
Taken September 12, 2023.

Texture

A hole in the wall of a mural on the corner of E 3rd and N McKinley Streets in Phoenix, Arizoina.
Taken on September 12, 2023.

Portrait

A portrait shot of Solomon, a local puppy of Downtown Phoenix, taken on N 2nd St. behind Gordon Commons.
Taken on September 12, 2023.