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SDGM XXXII Donnie Jay and emceed by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha. It will feature reigning grand marshals Tittie Toulouse and Paloma, as well as former grand marshals and illustrious stars from New Orleans and the Gulf South.
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: info@ambushmag.com
4th Bourbon Street Extravaganza Sat., Aug. 30
Giant 72 Page Ambush
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his giant 72 page edition of Ambush Mag brings readers some 53 pages advertising the hottest activities happening in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Metairie, and Slidell, LA; Mobile, AL; and Pensacola, FL; over the big Labor Day Weekend. Over 125 businesses, both Gay and Gay friendly chose to advertise this year. Ambush [AmbushMag.COM] is the Gulf South’s oldest and largest Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender [GLBT] regional publication covering the lucrative Texas through Florida market since 1982.
Over 125,000 Revelers Expected for 37th Southern Decadence Celebration
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fficial Southern Decadence XXXVII: A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, is expected to bring in over 125,000 revelers for this year’s week long celebration. In 2007 some 135,000 participants pumped in over $150 million into the local economy producing a financial benefit to the City of 1/5th of it's total
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apoleon's Itch, 734 Bourbon St., host the 4th Bourbon Street Extravaganza on Saturday, August 30 at 5pm. The free live concert is at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets. This year's event promises to be bigger than ever according to promoter Chuck Robinson bringing the talents of Deborah Cox, Kimberley Locke, Jeanie Tracy, Thea Austin, Carlos Saenz and Mat Jordan to the concert stage.
35th Southern Decadence Parade Sunday, Aug. 31
SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie Toulouse Photo: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
operating budget annually. The weekend ranks in the top 5 celebrations held in New Orleans. Southern Decadence begins on Wednesday, August 27 and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. The 2008 celebration will be led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (SDGMs) XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma. The mayor’s office, city council, police department, sanitation department, streets department and local businesses have worked together to ensure that visitors and locals will enjoy a safe Southern Decadence. For all the latest, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.
SDGM Drag Show Kicks Off on Friday, Aug. 29
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he Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show kicks off the weekend at the Home of Southern Decadence, The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. on Friday, August 29. Beginning at 9pm sharp, the annual affair is hosted by
2008 SD Parade Route
NO/AIDS Walk, SD Highlights Edition Due Out: Sept. 9th DEADLINE: Fri., Sept. 2nd
inside
AMBUSH/main sdgms on the run paparazzi celebrazzi southern decadence events 37th official southern decadence southern decadence bead toss survivors bar crawl trodding the boards chop chop/nola restaurant guide cookin' with auntie dee carnival/krewe calendar EXPOSE/center one last song
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obituary/robert king sappho psalm in the spotlight ambush paparazzi/nola mobile paparazzi mobile, city by the bay/paparazzi the pink pastor classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge allons acadiana/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette ambush paparazzi/nola
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 info@ambushmag.com
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he 35th annual Southern Decadence Parade celebrating Southern Decadence 37 begins at The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal at Barracks in the French Quarter on Sunday, August 31. Tens of thousands of people will line the route to watch the thousands of parade participants go by. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (SDGM) XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma will address the crowd at 2pm and the parade starts at 2:15pm. Once the parade kicks off, the grand marshals will stop at each gay bar on the route for 10 to 15 minutes. The grand marshals chose Decadence Does Disco as "official" theme; silver, black and white as "official" colors; and Bad Girls in September as "official" song, mix by Brian McCombs and concept by Chris Allen. Since the parade has grown so much, the City of New Orleans has required a parade permit for the past ten years. Sixteen area businesses have underwritten the cost of the parade permit and fees for the police officers required for the parade. Special thanks to the 2008 Parade Sponsors: 700 Club, Ambush, Bourbon Pub/Parade, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Corner Pocket, Double Play, Golden Lantern, Good Friends Bar, Le Roundup, Napoleon's Itch, Ninth Circle, Orlando's Society Page, Oz, Rawhide, Starlight By The Park and Voodoo Mystere Lounge.
15th Southern Decadence Bead Toss Sunday, Aug. 31
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ollowing the parade is the 15th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma from the balcony of Ambush headquarters at 828 Bourbon Street. Beginning around 4ish pm, the annual event is hosted by Southern Decadence Susan
Lucci's Rip and Marsha, and is sponsored by Ambush Mag and SouthernDecadence.COM. The grand marshals and a small group of invited guest toss thousands of beads to the multitudes below.
SouthernDecadence.COM Hosts the Official Sponsors of Southern Decadence
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gain this year, all of the Official Sponsors of Southern Decadence are hosted as a courtesy to the grand marshals at SouthernDecadence.COM. SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma have chosen SouthernDecadence.COM as the Official Website of Southern [continued on Main-6]
THE OFFICIAL MAG
GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] E-mail: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 • 1.504.522.8047 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Mobile Florida - Ft. Lauderdale, Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Tennessee - Knoxville Texas - Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Galveston, Houston, San Antonio, South Padre Island
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 LESBIAN/POLITICAL ISSUES Toni J.P. Pizanie, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Benedict-Baton Rouge, LA Patrick Clinton-Lafayette, LA Regina Adams, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Miss Dee, Donnie Jay, Doug Minich-New Orleans DJ Chromatic, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushmag.com. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2007, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
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the "official" dish ...Main-4 Decadence, Ambush Mag as the Official Magazine of Southern Decadence; Bud Light as the Official Beer of Southern Decadence; Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli as the Official Caterer and Deli of Southern Decadence; Cactus Juice Burst, Crown Royal, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Ketel One Vodka, and Maker’s Mark Whiskey as Official Liquors of Southern Decadence; Queen Fashions as the Official Clothier and Jeweler of Southern Decadence; and Larry Graham: GrahamStudioOne.COM as Official Photographer of Southern Decadence.
Drink, Dine, Shop; Get a Hair Cut or Workout for SD
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he Crescent City is renowned for its numerous drinking party establishments. In this issue of Ambush you will find numerous bar related activities and major events centered around the Official Southern Decadence celebration. The bars and clubs offer live performances, porn stars, the hottest DJs on the circuit, contests, dancers, swimming, art shows and so much more. There is definitely something for everyone this Southern Decadence. As you look through the ads, you are sure to find just the activity you want to experience this Labor Day Weekend. See Main-24 and 26 for the com-
plete list of SD events available as of press time. Restaurants, grills and delis are in abundance as well. You’ll want to see Chop Chop for Ambush’s dining recommendations on Main-36. Of course, shopping is every true queen’s delight! Flip through the ads or look in the Classified listings in the center Expose section of Ambush for retail/shopping, bookstores, florists, galleries, gardening, hair/wig salons, laundries, lodging/accommodations, massage, models/escorts, museum/ arts, organizations, pharmacies, photography, real estate, receptions/halls, services, spas, theatres, tattoos/ piercings and website listings.
Survivor's Bar Crawl Closes Out Weekend Sept. 1
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onday, September 1 closes out the weekend with the 11th Annual Official Southern Decadence Closing Event: Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl. It is led by Cruise Director - Ted Mahaffy, honoring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma. Sponsored by Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM, the crawl begins with snacks at 2pm at Corner Pocket, then off to Double Play, Le Roundup, Orlando’s Society Page, Ninth [continued on Main-10]
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the "official" dish ...from Main-7 Circle, 700 Club, Voodoo Mystere Lounge and ending with a Labor Day BBQ at Starlight By The Park.
See GLITZ at Harrah's SD Weekend
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ickets are going fast for GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation on Southern Decadence weekend. Shows will be held in Harrah’s Theatre Thursday-Sunday, August 28-31, at 9pm nightly. Tickets may be purchased in person at Harrah’s box office, by calling 504.533.6600 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com. You must be at least 21 to attend shows at Harrah’s Theatre. More information about entertainment, at Harrah’s New Orleans is available at www.harrahsneworleans.com. GLITZ! is an avant-garde Elias Pro-
Decadent Ducks Poster Boy Matthew
duction directed by Tommy Elias that showcases the outrageous and extraordinary impersonations of legendary female performers such as Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe and Cher. Roy Haylock hosts the show as the infamous “Bianca del Rio,” the renowned personality known throughout New Orleans and New York.
Decadent Ducks host Food for Friends Raffle
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s the whimsical name implies, the Decadent Ducks are all about having a good time. The group, led by Bennington, Vermont resident Troy Richardson, is celebrating 11 years of bringing gay travelers together in New Orleans for Southern Decadence. “It all started very small,” Troy explains. “Ten people. That was it.” This year, the Decadent Ducks anticipate over 350 members will be converging on the French Quarter over Labor Day weekend. More than just a travel group, the Decadent Ducks has evolved into a close-knit social group of fun and adventurous guys of all ages, from all over the world. So what brings so many diverse people together? “It’s all about the love of New Orleans,” Troy says. “You can’t help falling in love with this city. And then you want to bring all your friends and tell everyone you know.” This year, in addition to various
events and parties scheduled throughout the weekend, the Decadent Ducks are putting their numbers to good use by joining Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Paloma in raising money for Food for Friends, a local organization that provides healthy meals and services to those living with HIV/AIDS. “The people of New Orleans have always welcomed us with open arms and treated us with such kindness and respect. We’re really excited to be able to give something back,” Troy says. Next for the Decadent Ducks is a Club Atlantis Cancun adventure in April 2009. To learn more about the Decadent Ducks, visit the website at www.decadentducks.com.
Catch THRILL ME Southern Decadence Weekend
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f you have only time to see one show this Decadence make it THRILL ME, now playing at the Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street. It will thrill you. THRILL ME - The Leopold and Loeb Story, is not the bio of the musical partnership that gave us My Fair Lady and Brigadoon, but rather the for-real Broadway musical by Stephen Dolginoff about Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two sexually involved law students who set our to prove that they can commit the perfect crime. The infamous murder they committed was the basis for books, plays and movies, the most famous being Rope
and Compulsion. The original New York productions was nominated as best musical and best music for the Drama Desk Awards, and also best musical by the Outer Critics Circle Award. The New York Times called it “Breathtaking”, The New York Post “Fascinating”, and “Stunning” is what Broadway.com said. The New Orleans premier stars Eric Liddick and Joshua Peterson as Leopold and Loeb. Glenn Mech directs, and Jim Walpole is musical director. Previews on Wednesday, August 27 at 8pm, and opens Friday, August 30. then plays weekends thru September 28. Performances are at 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm Sunday. There will be no performance Sunday, August 31 - Decadence Day, but a Monday evening special SIN night on September 1 has been added at 8pm. Tickets are $25 $35 each, with discounts for groups of six or more, seniors and students with ID. VISA and MasterCard accepted. For reservations call 504.218.8559 or 504.848.9608.
Gay Ole Opry Sat., Aug. 30
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he Marigny Theatre and To Do Productions is proud to welcome to Decadence the initial performance of THE GAY OLE OPRY. THE GAY OLE OPRY will be presented at the Marigny Theatre on [continued on Main-12]
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the "official" dish ...from Main-10 Saturday, August 30 for one show only. A Roughneck production, out of Baton Rouge, The Gay Ole Opry is a parody of The Grand Ole Opry, with all your favorite Country and Western numbers parodied with new gay lyrics, it was a hugh success at PrideFest this year, in a cleaned up edited version.
The Gay Ole Opry
THE GAY OLE OPRY is performed live with the live music. Curtain time for this show will be 10pm, after the musical drama THRILL ME. A separate admission of $20 includes the first drink of your choice, for this two act 80 minute show. A great fun late evening not to be missed.
FAB Salutes Decadence
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AB salutes Decadence 2008 with an extensive showing of vintage gay bar posters and magazines, some more that 25 years old. All of these unique works are available with special, discount pricing offers for purchases of multiple magazines and posters. FAB – Faubourg Marigny Art & Books is located at 600 Frenchmen Street at Chartres, just 8 short blocks from Jackson Square. Store hours are from Noon till 10 PM every day. The rare posters feature institu-
tions such as Rawhide in NYC, Gauntlet II and the Spike in Los Angeles, Headquarters in the Castro, The Barracks of Toronto, Boots & Saddle in NYC, Folsum Prison, Ambush and Watering Hole in San Francisco, The Web in Amsterdam, Triangle in Denver, and Clementines in St. Louis and many more. This special Decadence 2008 collection includes Mr. Leather posters from the 1980’s by Etienne and posters by Tom of Finland. Original comic books illustrated by Tom of Finland are also available. You will find hundreds of vintage magazines such as Honcho, Zeus, Eagle, Drummer, Numbers, After Dark, Christopher Street, Mandate, Blueboy, and In Touch and more. A healthy supply of physique pictorial beefcake zines from the 70’s and 80’s are part of this Decadence showing. FAB features New Orleans and Louisiana new and used fiction, nonfic-
tion and coffee table photo and art books as well as new, used and signed GLBT novels and nonfiction – the most extensive GLBT book collection in the Gulf South. The highlight of your visit will include viewing the FAB male nude art gallery featuring original paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints and posters as well as sculpture, all of which is available for purchase. Celebrate Decadence 2008 with a walk on 500 and 600 Frenchmen Street – the Faubourg Marigny “in” spot where locals dine, drink and enjoy great music from the jazz and blues clubs, restaurants and bars combined with a late night visit to FAB – Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen Street.
“Alegria” Fashion Show to Benefit the Louisiana SPCA, Local designers Johnny Delgadillo & Aurora Knox
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ew Orleans – Lower Garden District hotspot The Bridge Lounge, best known for it’s dog friendly atmosphere, will change things up a bit on Saturday, September 6 when it breaks out the catwalk to host a fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA. Local fashion designers John Delgadillo and Aurora Knox will be showcasing their talents in a show dubbed “Alegria.” The evening will feature not only fashion, but raffles and a silent auction as well, with items donated by local retailers, restaurants and hotels, as well as the unique fashions of both designers. Aurora Knox has been a resident of New Orleans for many years and was featured in the New Orleans Magazine, January 2008 issue. Aurora is self taught and her signature design look is “Classic Couture.” She is known for her great taste in textiles. John Delgadillo is a former resident of Los Angeles and has lived in New Orleans for 2½ years. John started out as one of L.A.’s youngest designers and is now known for his classic simplicity with a slight edge. John and Aurora met 2 years ago on the 1200 block of Carondelt St where they both reside and are now a powerful design duo. “Alegria”, which translates to happiness, is sure to bring joy not only to guests of the event, but the proceeds raised that night will go help the LA/ SPCA which is committed to bettering the lives of animals and the people whose lives they enrich. The Louisiana SPCA serve thousands of animals every year through a tapestry of programs from sheltering, adoption, and medical care, to humane education, legislation and advocacy. Tickets will be $5 and available at the door the night of the event, which begins at 6:30. The Bridge Lounge is located at 1201 Magazine St.
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big easy
Cutter’s Bar Baron Mac joins SDGM XXXI Rusty for the 2008 SD Poster Signing at Big Daddy’s
SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse & SD Sponsor Bud Light’s Dan at the Poster Signing
SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux, SDGM XXXV Paloma & photographer Larry Graham at the 2008 SD Poster Signing at Big Daddy’s
Drag Dingo with Princesse Stephaney, SDGM XXXV Paloma, SDGM XXXI Regina Adams & Sable Nicole Starr at Oz
Bartenders’ Spencer, Streeter & Chris with SDGM XXXV Paloma (c) at Good Friends Bar Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth (Jeff) & Stephen at the Poster Signing
Bill, SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse & SDGM XXXIV Quadalupe at the Poster Signing Gene pops in for the Poster Signing at Big Daddy’s
SDGM XXXV Paloma with SD Susan Lucci Marsha at Good Friends
Hope, SDGM XXXV Paloma, Rikki & SDGM XXXV Tittie at Masquerades on the SDGM Metairie Bar Run
Jeanne, Stephanie & Tonia welcome the SDGM Metairie Bar Run to Club Tribute
SDGM XXXV Paloma, 4 Seasons Chuck, SDGM XXXIV Electra & 4 Seasons Brad at 4 Seasons for the SDGM Metairie Bar Run
SD Susan Lucci Rip & Parade Lt. Ken at 4 Seasons on the SDGM Metairie Bar Run Society Page’s Orlando, SDGM XXXI Rusty & Joe at the Poster Signing
Jeff & Aletha with Paloma (c) at Lafitte’s SDGM XXXV Paloma with manager Joey at Good Friends Bar
Parade Lt. Ken, SDGM XXXV Tittie & Ron at Big Daddy’s for the Poster Signing
Paloma with manager Glenn at Oz
SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie flank Sanctuary’s Gerrie on the SDGM Metairie Bar Run
Stuart, SDGM XXXV Tittie & EGM IX Ron (Safonda Peters) at 4 Seasons
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Southern Decadence Grand Marshals on the Run ~ New Orleans ~ Photos: Regina Adams, Rip Naquin-Delain
paparazzi
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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshal (SDGM) XXXI Rusty LaRoux hosted the Official Southern Decadence Poster Signing reception at Big Daddy’s in New Orleans. Reigning SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma were on hand to sign their poster created by renowned photographer Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM reflecting this year’s theme, Decadence Does Disco. (Photo: SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, SDGM XXXIV Quadalupe, SDGM XXIV Wayne White, SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams, SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux and SDGM XXXV Paloma)
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma present Club Tribute manager Charmaine Rumore with the 2008 Southern Decadence Sponsors Poster for Club Tribute during the SDGM Metairie Bar Run.
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ollowing the Metairie Bar Run, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Paloma popped in to Dance Club of the Year Oz to present GM Tommy Elias with the 2008 Southern Decadence Sponsors Poster in New Orleans.
rewe of Petronius Captain Carmella DeVille joins guest emcee Princesse Stephaney for the krewe’s highly successful Dinner and Drag fund-raiser hosted at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The evening’s proceeds will help produce the Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque XLVIII at New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple on Sunday, February 1, 2009. For more information, visit http:// kreweofpetronius.tripod.com.
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DGMs XXXV Paloma and Tittie Toulouse (right) presents Chuck Hinkley, Brad Held and Toby Lefort with the 2008 Southern Decadence Sponsors Poster for 4 Seasons during the SDGM Metairie Bar Run. The staff of 4 Seasons rolled out the red carpet for the grand marshals and their entourage with a fab buffet featuring Chuck’s famous gumbo.
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hef Shep Field prepared whole roasted pig on the sidewalk out front of The Golden Lantern for Winston Gray’s annual Surprise Birthday Bash in New Orleans. Loads of other culinary delights were served along with a show featuring Donnie Jay and Eva Las Vegas at the Home of Southern Decadence. (Photo: Shep Field, Winston Gray, Golden Lantern bar baron Rick Goulet and Lester Perkins)
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ody, Malissa, bar baron Matt Giglio and Michael welcomed guest to the The Dark Side of Madonna 50th b-day blowout at 700 Club in New Orleans.
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tarlight hostess Jaded Jade joins Miss Rampart Street 2nd Runner-up Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Queen Tatiana and 1st Runner-up Passion Armani Cassidine after pageant competition at Starlight By The Park in New Orleans.
nastacia Davenport, reigning Miss Gay Crescent City America, was crowned Miss Gay Louisiana America (MGLA) 2008 after stiff competition at Splash in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is joined by MGLA promoter and Miss Gay America 2006 Raquel Chevallier. First alternate was Brittney O’Bryan, show director at Cowpokes in New Orleans. Both Davenport and O’Bryan will represent Louisiana at the upcoming Miss Gay America Pageant. (Photo by Ben Woods)
Souther n Decadence Southern SouthernDecadence.COM
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southern decadence events TUESDAY, August 26th... 8am, giant new Official Southern Decadence Guide Ambush Mag, hits the streets in New Orleans, the rest of the Gulf South by Wed., Aug. 27th
WEDNESDAY, August 27th...
9pm, GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation, Harrah's New Orleans Casino 10pm, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 11pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence with USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest w/$100 cash prize, Good Friends Bar 12midnight - Dick of Decadence Contest, all $5 cover charge proceeds goes to top 3 finishers, Balcony Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile 12midnight, 12 men of Manwatch Preview Show with the Persana Shoulders Revue. Come meet and greet all 12 of Oz Dancers for Southern Decadence. Vote for the one you like the best and he will win cash, Dance Club of the Year Oz
10am-1am, Get Decadent Outdoors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot Tub Party, The Country Club 8pm, Marigny Theatre & To Do Productions presents the preview of Thrill Me: the leopold & loeb story by Stephen Dolginoff, tickets $35-$25, reservations 504.218.3559 or 504.948.9608, To Do Productions 8:30pm, Marcy Marcell's Golden Age Revue presents a Show of Shows benefiting the Robin Malta Benevolence Fund with silent auction, raffles & door prizes, JohnPaul's 10pm, Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contest hosted by Lisa Beaumann, judged by SDGMs XXXV FRIDAY, August 29th... 10am-1am, Playgirl Photo Shoot Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, plus the Boys Party, swim with the models in the pool from Around The World & the Corner or hang out with them in the hot tub, The Pocket Boys with $150 in cash & prizes, Country Club Corner Pocket 11pm, Marigny Southern Decadence XXXVII KickOff Party with special performances by SDGM Paloma & the Drag Kings plus free prizes & giveaways, no cover - but donations accepted for Food For Friends, Tomatillo's 11pm, Show Night! Special Drag show opening Southern Decadence featuring Cotti Collins (North Caro- Playgirl Photo Shoot Party set for The Country Club on Friday lina), Lawanda Jackson 12noon-5pm, It's Southern Deca(Houston), plus additional special dence with DJ Tim Pflueger, Dance guests, Dance Club of the Year Oz Club of the Year Oz 12noon till, Southern Decadence THURSDAY, August 28th... Weekend Blowout with Hot Dancers & 10am-1am, Get Decadent Out$5 Absolut all weekend + never a cover, doors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot 700 Club Tub Party, The Country Club 12noon till, Southern Decadence 3-7pm, Southern Decadence Happy with the hot Men of Manwatch, Dance Hour, Tomatillo's Club of the Year Oz 3pm until, Southern Decadence 3-7pm, Southern Decadence Happy XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Hour, Tomatillo's Dancers w/The Boys from Around The 3pm until, Southern Decadence World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male 4pm till , The hot Men of Manwatch Dancers w/The Boys from Around The Kick Off Southern Decadence, Dance World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket Club of the Year Oz 5-11pm, It's Southern Decadence 4pm until, Welcome to Bear Decawith DJ Jason Lanoux, Dance Club of dence: Sweatin' in the Swamp Beer the Year Oz Bust, Rawhide 2010 6-8pm, Southern Decadence Dingo, 7pm-til, Decadence Boy's Night, The Bitches are Back with Bianca Del Tomatillo's Rio & Blanche Debris, Dance Club of 7pm, Saints vs. Miami on all the Year Oz screens (food after opening kickoff), 7pm, 3rd Annual "Katrina" Party Cutter's (campy with food), Cutter's 8pm, Southern Decadence Line7:30–10pm, Strut your stuff with W up: Playgirl Manhunt 2008 Finals, The New Orleans, PASSPORT magazine Marigny Theatre and Andrew Christian at a very deca9pm, Decadence with DJ Tony B, dent underwear fashion show. Mingle Phoenix with New Orleans' hottest while donat-
ing dollars to Project Lazarus. http:// www.passportmagazine.com/rsvp, W New Orleans Great Room, 333 Poydras St. 8pm-12midnight, Candy Riedl live, Big Daddy's 8pm, Marigny Theatre & To Do Productions presents Thrill Me: the leopold & loeb story by Stephen Dolginoff, tickets $35-$25, reservations 504.218.3559 or 504.948.9608, To Do Productions 8pm, Southern Decadence Lineup: Country Dance Disco: Boots & Balls at the city's largest country dance party, Cowpokes 9pm, Annual Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals' Drag Show starring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, hosted by The Susan Lucci's: Rip & Marsha + SDGM XXXII Donnie Jay with Past SDGMs & New Orleans finest entertainers, Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. 9pm, Decadence with DJ Tony B, Phoenix 9pm, GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation, Harrah's New Orleans
Casino 9pm-12midnight, Southern Decadence Weekend Prince of Perversion Ball sponsored by the Radical Faeries, $10 suggested donation, open event JohnPaul's 10pm, Leather Block Party with Beer Bust by Lords of Leather; Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite and Coors Light from the New Orleans Bears & the LSGRA plus the return of The Jager Bus, Phoenix 10pm, Southern Decadence Lineup: Boylesque, Show Bar of the Year Cowpokes 10pm, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 11pm, Kristy Lee Band with Beverly Skillz & Tony Akratchere, Tomatillo's 11pm-5am, It's Southern Decadence with Circuit Great DJ Joe Gauthreaux, Dance Club of the Year Oz 12midnight, Marcy Marcell's Timeline To Disco Revue Full Production Show with special cast, Starlight By The Park
SATURDAY, August 30th... 5am till, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Jay-R, Dance Club of the Year Oz 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Ultimate Pool Party, The Country Club 11am-5pm, Annual Pool Party and Fashion Show hosted by New Orleans own Natasha Fox and featuring Jean Therapy, The HIM Store, prizes, entertainment and much more, $10 admission, 50% of admission profits benefit Project Lazarus, Chateau Sonesta Hotel 11am-2pm, Southern Decadence Saturday Brunch, Tomatillo's 12noon-3pm, Bear Decadence: Sweatin' in the Swamp Bears and Bubbles: The Brunch Edition, Auld's Circuit DJ Joe Gauthreaux Friday at Oz
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sd events ...from Main-24 Sweet Olive 12noon-5pm, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Mary Pappas, Dance Club of the Year Oz 12noon till, Southern Decadence Weekend Blowout with Hot Dancers & $5 Absolut all weekend + never a cover, 700 Club 12noon till, Southern Decadence with the hot Men of Manwatch, Dance Club of the Year Oz 3pm until, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 5pm, Napoleon's Itch presents the 4th Bourbon Street Extravaganza live free concert featuring Deborah Cox, Kimberley Locke, Jeanie Tracy, Thea Austin, Carlos Saenz & Mat Jordan at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets 5-11pm, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Jason Lanoux, Dance Club of the Year Oz 7pm, Monthly Birthday Party for August babies, Cutter's 8pm, Southern Decadence Weekend Bear Decadence: Sweatin' in the Swamp Sire Ursus of Decadence Buffet with 9pm Contest, JohnPaul's 8pm, Marigny Theatre & To Do Productions presents Thrill Me: the leopold & loeb story by Stephen Dolginoff, tickets $35-$25, reservations 504.218.3559 or 504.948.9608, To Do Productions 8pm, Southern Decadence Lineup: Country Dance Disco: Boots & Balls at the city's largest country dance party, Cowpokes 9pm, GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation, Harrah's New Orleans Casino 9pm till, Southern Decadence Weekend Blowout Disco Party with Hot Dancers & $5 Absolut + never a cover, 700 Club
Circuit DJ Eddie Baez Saturday at Oz
9pm, Steamy Decadence: Hot Leather, Hot Men & Hot Music with DJ Karbin, Phoenix 10pm, Southern Decadence Lineup: Rough Necks Gay Ole Opry, Show Bar of the Year Cowpokes 10pm, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World
Lukas Ridgeston Live Sunday at Oz Photo Courtesy of fabscout.com & belamionline.com
appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 11pm, Kristy Lee Band presents Spikey Dikey, Tomatillo's 11pm-5am, It's Southern Decadence with Circuit Great DJ Eddie Baez, Dance Club of the Year Oz 11pm, The Zoo Revue's Southern Decadence Show starring SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux & Cast, Big Daddy's 12midnight, The Jaded Jade "My O My" Revue featuring Miss D & Passion with special guests, Starlight By The Park 12midnight, Southern Decadence Weekend The Golden Age Revue with Show Director Marcy Marcell, JohnPaul's
Decadence: The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. 3pm until, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 4pm, 15th Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, sponsored by the Susan Lucci's: Rip & Marsha, Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM, AMBUSH Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. 5pm, Annual Miss High Hair Contest, winner takes home the coveted Bronze Barbie, Good Friends Bar 5pm, Southern Decadence Weekend Surprise Drag Show, JohnPaul's 5-11pm, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Jason Lanoux, Dance Club of the Year Oz 6-9pm, Hot Ash Cigar Party at the Eagle, Phoenix 7-10pm, Julio Caesar on the Courtyard, Tomatillo's 8pm, Fleur de Lis Divas' Southern Decadence Show hosted by Brittany O'Bryan featuring Nicole DuBois, Opal Masters & Special Guest Celebrating Cowpokes 10 Year Anniversary, Show Bar of the Year Cowpokes 8pm, Southern Decadence brings Bel Ami Exclusive Model Lukas Ridgeston Live on Stage with Blanche Debris, Dance Club of the Year Oz
SUNDAY, August 31st... 5am till, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Jay-R, Dance Club of the Year Oz 8pm, Southern Decadence Weekend Complimentary Continental Breakfast, JohnPaul's 9am, Bear Decadence: Sweatin' in the Swamp Bear Breakfast featuring Best Bear Beard, Butt, Belly & Chest Contest, Phoenix 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Ultimate Pool Party, The Country Club 11am-2pm, Southern Decadence Sunday Jazz Brunch, Tomatillo's 12noon-5pm, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Tim Pflueger, Dance Club of the Year Oz 12noon till, Southern Decadence Weekend Blowout with Hot Dancers & $5 Absolut all weekend + never a cover, 700 Club 12noon till, Southern Decadence with the hot Men of Manwatch, Dance Club of the Year Oz 1pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma Brunch & Make-up Party, Friendly Bar 2pm sharp, 35th Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma celebrating Southern Decadence 37, begins at Official Home of Southern
Circuit DJ Alyson Calagna Sunday at Oz
8pm, Southern Decadence Weekend Bear Decadence: Sweatin' in the Swamp Bear Dance Party, JohnPaul's 8:30pm, Southern Decadence Live Entertainment with Jack Ass Flats, a three piece band with piano, guitar & flute with vocals (the piano and flute players are Professors of Music at Loyola University & guitar performed by Ray Crumley, Cutter's 9pm, Decadence with DJ Karbin, Phoenix 9pm, The Starlight Showcase (Done Starlight Style!) featuring 2 mystery guests hosted by Marcy Marcell, Starlight By The Park 9pm, GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation, Harrah's New Orleans Casino 10pm, Southern Decadence Line-
700 Club's Matt Giglio & Mike Cookmeyer are happy to serve as the Official Bar of the Decadent Ducks
up: Boylesque, Show Bar of the Year Cowpokes 11pm-5am, It's Southern Decadence with Circuit Great DJ Alyson Calagna, Dance Club of the Year Oz
LABOR DAY MONDAY, September 1st... 5am till, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Jay-R, Dance Club of the Year Oz 10am-1am, Official Recovery Day Outdoors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot Tub Party, The Country Club 12noon-6pm, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Karen Baker from Splash Baton Rouge, Dance Club of the Year Oz 12noon till, Southern Decadence with the hot Men of Manwatch, Dance Club of the Year Oz 2pm, 11th Annual Official Southern Decadence Closing Party: Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl led by Cruise Director - Ted Mahaffy, honoring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, sponsored by Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM, beginning with snacks at Corner Pocket, then off to Double Play, Le Roundup, Orlando's Society Page, Ninth Circle, 700 Club, Voodoo Mystere Lounge& ending with a Labor Day BBQ at Starlight By The Park 2pm, JohnPaul's 1 Year Anniversary with light refreshments, JohnPaul's 3pm until, Southern Decadence XXXVII: Where The Boys Are, Hot Male Dancers w/The Boys from Around The World appearing nightly, Corner Pocket 4-6pm, Special Early Southern Decadence Dingo, The Bitches are Back with Bianca Del Rio & Blanche Debris, Dance Club of the Year Oz 6pm-12midnight, It's Southern Decadence with DJ Tim Pflueger, Dance Club of the Year Oz 8pm, Marigny Theatre & To Do Productions presents Thrill Me: the leopold & loeb story by Stephen Dolginoff, tickets $35-$25, reservations 504.218.3559 or 504.948.9608, To Do Productions 9pm, The After Party with the sounds of DJ Tony B, Phoenix
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Specializing in Historic Properties Full-time Licensed Realtor for 12 years French Quarter Property Owner To Buy, Sell, or Lease, call Mary Lind! Phone 504.948.3011 or 504.581.2020
trodding the boards by Patrick Shannon, III E-mail: nedcat@earthlink.net
Vigils
V
igils, presented by New Noise at the Convergence Center for the Arts is an original deconstruction of a bit of Homer’s work from the Oddessy. It is not a linear drama but a more surreal collection of thoughts, moments and repeated ritual acts by the performers, all of which was
written by the New Noise Company as a collaborative work. It is a collection of moments in the life of Penelope (Jaki Bradley) who patiently waits 20 years for the return of her husband, Odysseus. It is a short work full of amazingly beautiful lines, phrases and sentences, but not the kind of play one usually
expects to experience. The sum total effect of the work leaves one with unanswered questions, a sense of mystery, and the and the surrealistic effect of the mythical. It might be wise to read up a bit of Homer’s work before attending this show. The performances are ritually stilted and the lines are spoken in a dreamlike manner in most cases. Adding to the strangeness and otherworldly effect of the script is the very imaginative set consisting of several flat rectangular panes of plastic hung like chandeliers upon which are placed short thick candles. These fixtures hang above a long table and four or five chairs, two of which sit side by side stage right. Athena
sits in one with a telephone. Every piece of the set has been whitewashed and aged. The show abounds with anachronisms. Athena in Homer’s work tried to convince Penelope to accept several suitors during her 20 years of faithfulness to no avail. The script was edited by Phil Cramer who also directed the show in a dreamlike stylized fashion; repeated lines and actions such as lighting and relighting the candles on the set are part of the action. Penelope sleeps standing up with her head against a pillow hung from the ceiling like the chandeliers. In this respect Vigils is both a new and an old sort of theatrical [continued on Main-32]
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trodding the boards ...from Main-30 event, but it will make you wonder and probably will remain in your memory as a very cutting edge work which was the result of the gifted and very imaginative members of the Noise Company. Other actors in the show are Elizabeth Bryant (serving girl), Conner Marx (ferryman), Austin Riotte (Enoch) and Johathan Slaughter (Death). This odd dreamlike production shows great imagination for both script and sets by this new group Noise. It will be interesting to see their next work, which may be even more like a disassociated enacted dream than Vigils.
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Guttenberg! The Musical!
G
uttenberg! The Musical! was recently presented by Fourfront Theatre on stage at the Southern Rep Theatre. It at worked to an extent only because of the great chemistry between its two performers, Gary Rucker as Doug Simon and Sean Patterson as Bud Davenport with the incidental support of James Kelly as Charles. They have become the Bud Abbot and Lou Costello of our town and I don’t think anyone else could have made a faux silk purse out of such a pigs ear. This show is another example of the silly trash that comes in great quantity from the annual New York Musical Festival, while many worthwhile shows presented there are ignored. Rucker and Patterson’s snappy direction and high energy alone made Guttenberg! The Musical! endurable. The musical was totally forgettable and the script, while cute, was perhaps more acceptable to those younger people, those aspiring actors and their fans, those Tulane Theater students and other young and old academic types with little real knowledge and a dumb taste for enduring theater. While this childish concept of creating a life complete with romance and sophomoric references to the muddy mediaeval period of history when Guttenberg was alive was a good as the plot for many another more successful show, the creators with a little more imagination could have supplied much more interesting material than a running joke about thatched roofed. The idea of using baseball hats with the names of village characters written in black ink on each was quite clever but once again, the only thing that made this piece of soporific silliness worth a shot was the extremely highly talented duo of Gary Rucker and Sean Patterson. Only they and the high galvanic result of their direction could have given any life to this moribund example of the small talents of creators Scott Brown and Anthony King. It’s a high school show for aspiring tween talents. But I understand that that great majority of theater patrons in our town perhaps with adolescent world views and unsophisticated taste filled the houses and made this first production of The Forefront Theatre a box office success. I am sincerely glad and I know this production company, with the talents of its founders will bring us some really fine and seriously worthwhile theater. At this point all I can say like our towns Becky Allen is “Thank Gawd fa da great talents of Rucker and Patterson and dere tech krewe.”
Oklahoma!, Review Correction on Li’l Abner
F
irstly let me make a correction from my review regarding Tulane Summer Lyric’s last show, L’il Abner and I quote: Li’l Abner as staged by our own remarkable TSL Artistic Director B. Michael Howard with such a crisp, fresh, joyful well paced vision was, yes, let’s say it kids, awesome. And Director Diane Lala added many a dollop of bright beauty to his work. I got it backward. It was the remarkably talented Diane Lala who ACTUALLY DIRECTED the show with such a crisp, fresh, joyful well paced vision not that Mr. Howard would have done otherwise, as we all know his genius in that field, but in this case his addition was the catalystic dollop
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of artistic influence and Ms. Lala did all the rest, and much more than a dollop. It was she who directed that show and one of the first females to direct a musical on that stage. Nah as we say in out town, let’s talk about the last production at that venue, Oklahoma! which was also not directed by our own B. Michael Howard but by another great professional of the theater, Edmond Kresley, once again B. Michael Howard as Artistic Director adding to the glory of this production. Matthew Neff, Oklahoma And I do mean glory. This Choreographer Oklahoma! was so profes(Photo by Michael Palumbo) sionally beautiful in every aspect of theatrical work that it was like a diamond necklace of individual parts, tech and performers, made into a necklace of talented cooperative work artfully wrapped in a gift box of Adlers. It would have been simply packaged as is and everyone concerned shipped to any big Broadway theater in NYC. That being said, I will not elaborate on the impressive set pieces and design concept of Rick Paul, or the fantastic costumes of Linda Fried’s costumes or Matthew Neff’s improvement on Agnes De Mille’s choreography, or C. Leonard Raybon’s great grand musical sound from the orchestra, or Michael Batt’s superb lighting design, The Cast of Oklahoma! or Linda and Don (Photo by Michael Palumbo)
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Guillot’s wig and makeup magic nor the thrilling dancing of our own Ian and Eleanor Carey in Laurey’s Dream Ballet. It was all breathlessly wonderful and ready for the great white way even based upon the dress rehearsal I saw. So only a few words about the perfect performers. What can one say? How about memorable, well conceived, polished and brought to life on stage due to the dynamic acting, singing and dancing of Beverly A. Task (a dream of an Aunt Eller), Stephen Lukas (Curly McLain, handsome and talented to boot), Melissa Marshal (Laurey Williams, a great performer), Jud Fry (Lee [continued on Main-34]
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trodding the boards ...from M-32 Farrar Bailey and what a great voice), Chase Kamata (a little scene stealing darling as Ado Annie Carnes), Lorenzo Gonzalez (unforgettable as Ali Hakim), Brian P. Bell (Will Parker), Tom Grantham (Ike Skidmore), Katie Howe (Gertie Cummings), Mark P. Burton (Andrew Carnes) and Daniel Garvey (Cord Elam), each one in tip top shape. And the Men and Woman’s Ensembles were at the peak of their abilities. So just pack them all up and send them to New York City which we didn’t have to brave because we got to see them all right here in Dixon Hall on the Tulane University Campus. And it didn’t cost you $200 plus to attend.
Goin’ To Jackson The Jamie Wax Phenomenon
T
hose of us who were fortunate enough to see the pro duction of the drama Doubt performed with near perfection on the stage of Southern Rep Theatre will no doubt agree that the entire cast was impeccable. And among those really fine talents was someone new to this reviewer, Jamie Wax, who played the “Priest of Concern” as the C.I.A. crowd might say. In Doubt he was undeniably as good as the actor I saw in New York City. But how is he as a stand-up one-
But Mr. Wax is among those unique stand ups that are able to make us laugh a lot without any of those referenced techniques. He takes us to a mental institution we all know about in Jackson, Mississippi, and creates a few characters locked in that place of mental fragmentation. Seemingly demented souls that we on the “outside” would call nuts, freaks, and crazies or psychos.. He adds a musical number of two he has written which are lovely to hear and add much to the routine, but the most important talent he has is the ability to interweave ever so subtly the terror, sadness, and despair of the entire human condition without any maudlin nonsense, although I did see one brilliant actor at my table wiping tears from his eyes near the end of Mr. Wax’s guided tour into the mysteries and mystic elements of the human mind with little side trips to the human heart. In the end, it’s all to clear who should perhaps be locked up in a mental institution - just look in the mirror. You don’t have to drive to Jackson. We are all living quiet little lives of secret suffering behind the forced smiles and the hysterical laughter. As Socrates said, “I talk so much for fear that if I stop I shall forever cry.” Thank you Jamie Wax for tickling us in all the right places as you slowly place your compassionate hands over our frightened hearts.
Rabbit Hole
D
Jamie Wax man comedian? I recently saw the last performance of his act Goin’ To Jackson, brought to the stage of Le Chat Noir by All Kinds of Theatre and I must say that he is one of a kind. This show is billed as a one man musical comedy and that it was, but there are stand up comedians and there are stand up comedians. Some make jokes out of personal bodily functions, others use a heavy mixture of foul language in their routines, others touch on social and “think” issues like the late George Carlin (“...if God is so perfect, why is it that every thing he makes dies? “) Mr. Wax wrote the entire show including the music.
ON’T MISS THIS PRODUCTION of the Pulitzer prize winning play Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay Abaire currently running at The Actor’s Theater of New Orleans. This play about how families can or cannot handle the unexpected death of a young child is neither maudlin nor full of clich‚s. The script sounds so authentic and real, and as spoken by this polished cast, you will be entirely mesmerized and feel as if you were spying on neighbors through a window as they gather around the kitchen table and try to communicate their pain and loss and share their compassion. On a solid and serviceable set conceived by Rene J. F. Piazza which manages to create the illusion of a kitchen area, a living room, and an upstairs child’s bedroom on the small stage of this venue, the actors give performances that make acting look so easy and without bumping into each other they add to the illusion of space galore. This cast fits together perfectly and Mr. Piazza has managed to keep them all, and the set, moving smoothly and professionally in such limited playing areas. Now that’s fine directing. Piazza directed the show with a very sensitive touch but a lot of strong honest understanding. He did a remarkable job and he plays the father, Howie, of the dead son, with an honestly that becomes moving without being unmanly. Playing his wife with perfect timing
and another honest example of acting talent at its peak is the wonderful Chelle Ambrose in the roll of Becca. Gina Abromson plays her wisecracking sister, Izzy, who brings a life affirming secret into the plot and she just shimmers with talent. Equally as bright a spirit on stage is Nat, the mother of these two women, Isabel Medina, played with poise and poetic stage presence mixed in with a steely inner core of understanding. And playing the teenager, Jason, who accidently killed their son/grandson in a car accident is Dylan Young, who brings an unusually mature sensitivity and talent to his role. For a local community theater, Rabbit Hole is as good as it can ever get. True Patrons of this fleeting and insubstantial art should flock to the theater and see it. (504.456.4111).
Cul-De-Sac
C
ul-De-Sac by Daniel MacIvor is being performed by Franklin Walker, a handsome and talented actor, at The Voodoo Mystere Lounge Theater under the auspices of An American Theatre Project ZAP Company. With a muddy script that’s much too long, actor Franklin Walker gives a tour de force of good acting technique. But the script fails him. It’s about self knowledge, self identity, self delusion. It seems to be set in a small town and eventually at a Christmas party and Walker plays several characters without much in stage props but a couple of chairs. His vigorous performance style is marvelous to watch and he makes the play work, especially leading up to the intimately sensitive and lovely last scene, but I just wanted it to end. The characters described are boring although Walker comes through successfully creating some male and female rogues. Director Ed Bishop did a fine job considering the script he had to unfold, unravel, and make sense of and he did have the really fine talent of Mr. Walker to work with. If you would like to see a handsome hunky actor go through a lot of high energy and/or sensitive moments of the actors craft go see this show. And I think Michael Martin owner of the Voodoo Mystere Lounge Theatre is on the right track because this venue is becoming big news among the community and we all know how talented Mr. Martin is as well as his lone time partner, Eric. Keep up with the activities of this new theatre. Get in on it early.
The Bachelor in New Orleans
I
did arrive early enough for CulDe- Sac to finally catch Michael Martin do his fantastic, vivid, 6pm humorous and factually engaging one man show, script taken from an old 19th century guide The Bachelor in New Orleans. It’s quite something. It
Michael Martin The Bachelor of New Orleans (Photo by Jason Pitts)
seems he memorized the whole booklet, put on a late 19th century costume, added his fine acting skills and voila, a hypnotic show. After this tour de force I expect him to do a one man show for our gay Muslims for which he memorizes the Koran. Try to see this truly marvelous one man show. It’s an amazing work!
Flight
N
ot too long ago ArtSpot Productions and Mondo Bizarro presented the local premiere of a multi media performance art work at the N. Rampart Community Center. It was quite remarkable and a prime example of how much performance art has evolved since I saw much of it in the NYC of the 1960s. The concept was a mysterious and thought provoking event inspired by the mysterious action of flight or things that fly and why. Utilizing set pieces of a surreal design and original music, the creators were able to create a sense of wonder and concern in its audience with suggestions of how the beauty of flight has always amazed man but also how flight was used by the darker parts of man’s soul to create death and warfare. In the sense of non-traditional theater, Flight was a mystical and original concept appreciated by a rapt audience of both adults and children. Among its creators were Ashley Sparks, Bruce France, J. Hammons, Lisa Shattuck, Kathy Randals, Jeff Becker (concept & design), Lisa D’Amour, Nick Slie, Susan Gisleson, Courtney Eagan, and Sean LaRocca with Selena Poznak as Production Manager. Flight was indeed an original aerial adventure soaring us with mysterious imagination into those vast spaces of the mind where dreams, ideas both good and bad, and beauty take off into rarified atmospheres.
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain www.ripandmarsha.com E-mail: info@ambushmag.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials. Hours are 11am-9pm Mon.Fri., and 9am-9pm Sat. & Sun. Closed Wed. Call 944.4445 for additional info. MasterCard/Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and drinks. Serving lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sun. 11am-9pm, and Sun., brunch 10am-3pm. Call 412.8965 for reservations or additional information. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the direction of new Chef Miles Prescott, you will find delightful menus offering French bistro
cuisine including appetizers, soups, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, wraps, entrees and desserts. Serving Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 11am– 10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am–12midnight, Sunday 10am–10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am–3pm, closed Tuesday. Call 945.0742 for additional information
or visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info. Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 days 7am-10pm. Call 899.2911 or visit MagazinePerks.COM. Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 [continued on Main-38]
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cookin' with auntie dee by Donnie Jay E-mail: auntiedeej@hotmail.com Photo©GrahamStudioOne.COM
Here Come The House Guests
H
ere we go again, company is a coming and the partying will be constant. So planning ahead of time and getting things ready, preparing heat up meals is a must. It will take less time out of your day if you just have to defrost or pull
from the fridge and heat up than to start from scratch every day over Decadence weekend. So clip this article and post it somewhere at eye level so when this big weekend approaches you can readily find it. Shop now and get it out of the way. Things you should keep on hand for quick and easy eating:
Celery Sticks Small peeled baby carrots Grape Tomatoes Salad Mix Low Fat Dressing – Ranch is best. Most people I know love it. This can be used as a dip or to make a quick luncheon salad. LUNCHEON SALAD Place a generous serving of salad mix on a plate. Just have guests top with their favorite vegetables; choose their own dressing and serve with assorted crackers and Melba toast. CHEF SALAD Sliced ham
Sliced turkey Sliced Swiss cheese Sliced American Cheese These can be added to a simple salad to make a chef salad. This with French bread will make a complete meal. Hard boiled eggs Mayonnaise Can be easily combined to make egg salad or you can whip up some deviled eggs quickly.
DEVILED EGGS 5 hard cooked eggs 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise 5 pimento stuffed green olives, halved 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Cut eggs in half lengthwise, carefully remove yolks. Mash yolks, and stir in mustard and mayonnaise; blend well. Spoon yolk mixture evenly into egg whites. Place a half olive in each center; sprinkle with Cajun seasoning Cajun. EGG SALAD 8 hard boiled eggs 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¾ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill salt to taste white pepper to taste Coarsely chop eggs. Gently fold eggs and the rest of the ingredients together. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve [continued on Main-41]
chop chop ...from Main-36 days 7am-10pm. Call 948.7401 or visit www.marignyperks.com. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info. NOLA Smoothies, 315 Decatur St., features smoothies, fresh juices, bubble tea, supplements and more. Two of the most popular smoothies are the Raspberry Cheesecake with raspberries, fat free cream cheese, honey, graham cracker, soy milk and whey protein, and the Bananas Foster with banana, brown sugar, low fat vanilla ice cream, isopure protein and soy protein. Open 7 days, Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Call 302.1185 for delivery and information. Orleans Grapevine, 720 Orleans, is located in a beautifully renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with over 350 selections and delicious food including prime steaks, lobster tails and rack of lamb. Serving dinner 5-11pm daily. Call 523.1930 for additional information. Petunias, A Restaurant, 817 St. Louis, is open daily 8am-10pm serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, crepes, po-boys, salads, gumbo, Cajun/Creole specialties and dinner. Call 522.6440 for more info. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery. Call 529.1416 to order. Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., is open Tues., Wed. 11am-10pm; Thurs.-Sun. 11am-11pm. The restaurant refers to itself as "A Mexican Joint" featuring appetizers, soups, salads, make your own combination plates, house specialties, burritos, desserts, and of course, specialty margaritas. Call 945.9997 for reservations.
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cookin' w/auntie dee ...from M-38 as sandwiches on your favorite bread or bun. Jambalaya Mix Etouffee Mix You can just add shrimp, sausage, chicken or ham, or any combination to make a quick snack in about twenty minutes. Serve with a loaf hot French bread and a green salad for a complete meal. BAGELS AND LOX ANYTIME Whole wheat Bagels Fat free cream cheese Lox
Capers Red ripe tomatoes Medium purple onion. A great morning or mid day pick me up. Toast Bagel, smear with cream cheese; top with thin sliced lox, and sprinkle with capers. Serve with thinly sliced purple onion rings and a thick slice of the red ripe tomato. Don’t like lox? Try it with some thin sliced baked spiral cut honey ham or smoked turkey, you won’t be disappointed nor will your house guests. MIXED FRUIT AND YOGURT Sliced strawberries Seedless grapes
Melon Balls Dried Cranberries Granola Yogurt Honey Mix fruit together in a large bowl, add granola. To serve scoop fruit mixture into serving bowls: top with yogurt and then top with honey. EASY EGGS BENEDICT English muffins Sliced Canadian Bacon Eggs Hollandaise Sauce mix Toast English muffin. Heat bacon well in a small saucepan. Poach eggs
in boiling water. Following package directions make Hollandaise sauce. To assemble. Place English muffin on a plate, top with Canadian bacon slice, top with poached egg and spoon Hollandaise sauce over it all. QUICHE One of the easiest fix ahead foods is quiche. They can be prepared in advance, sliced and popped into the microwave when ever anyone needs a meal on the run. Just add a salad, some bread or rolls and hit the road. Use premade pie crust to cut back on time. [continued on Main-43]
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krewe calendar FRI., August 29th... ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather & Phoenix present Southern Decadence Leather Block Party, 941 Elysian Fields SAT., September 6th... ~8pm, Krewe of Mwindo & In This Together present FISH, Bubbles and Balloons, Laborers Union Hall FRI., September 12th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SAT., September 20th... ~Lords of Leather Miss Louisiana Leatherette Contest, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields SAT., October 4th... ~Krewe of Mwindo JSU-SU Football Trip to Jackson, MS FRI., October 10th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. FRI., October 17th... ~Lords of Leather Mr, Louisiana Leather Bear Bust, Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields SAT., October 18th... cookin' w/auntie dee ...from M-41 QUICHE LORRAINE Prebake pie crust for seven minutes at 400 degrees. Remove from oven. Cool on wire rack. 8 bacon slices, cut into ½ pieces and fried, drained 4 green onions, chopped 2 cups (8-ounces) shredded Swiss cheese, divided 6 large eggs 1 cup whipping cream ½ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1/8 teaspoon red pepper 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg Sprinkle bacon, green onions and 1 cup cheese into prepared pie crust. Whisk together eggs and the next four ingredients; pour into pie crust, and sprinkle with remaining cheese and nutmeg. Bake at 350 degrees for forty minutes or until set. Let stand ten minutes, Serve or allow cooling completely and refrigerating until ready to use. For those of you who have guests flying out after Decadence, remember that most airlines are serving nothing on flights now, not even peanuts to snack on. So as a farewell present might I suggest that you pack a light lunch or some snacks for their trip home, just a reminder of how great it was to have house guests and a way of saying thank God it’s over, but please, please come again. Have a great Decadence. You may contact me via e-mail donniejay@hotmail.com.
~Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest, Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny St. SAT., October 19th... ~1-4pm, Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Celebration Brunch, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields FRI., November 14th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SAT., November 22nd... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius' QBSN(Queer Bar Shopping Network), Live Wreath Auction, Buy Me Now Specials and Holiday Show, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields SAT., November 29th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather American Bandstand 2008, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields FRI., December 12th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. 2009 EVENTS FRI., January 9th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo, Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SUN., January 11th... ~Lords of Leather Royalty Appre-
ciation Party, site TBA SAT., January 24th... ~8-10pm, Krewe of Queenateenas’ 16th annual King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation, presenting KCQ XVI, by invitation only, Ambush Headquarters SAT., January 31st... ~Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XI, Laborers Union Hall SUN., February 1st... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque XLVIII, New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple, 619-621 Carondelet Street SAT., February 14th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLVI, Alario Center SUN., February 15th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque VII, Sugar Mill FRI., February 20th... ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather &
Phoenix present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart SAT., February 21st... ~12noon, Annual Spanish Town Parade, 5th & Spanish Town Road, Baton Rouge ~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLI, Alario Center SUN., February 22nd... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVI, Alario Center GayMardiGras.COM MARDI GRAS, February 24th... ~12noon, 45th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon ~2pm - 22nd Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, led by King Cake Queen XVI of Gay Mardi Gras, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828
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one last song by Donnie "Jager" Jay, SDGM XXXII E-mail: donniejay@hotmail.com
How to be Decadent and Stay Out of Jail
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ell here we go again. Decadence is upon us once more. My God, have any of us sobered up from last year yet? Well maybe not all of us, I mean here in the city that care forgot, the party rolls on, and on, and on. It just seems to be one thing after another, the time to celebrate occurs daily, there is always something to party here for. In New Orleans, unlike any other city in this great and vast country of ours, America, we tend to party for all occasions, be it birth, death or the fact that we crawled out of bed again this morning. America, land of the free and home of the brave, well let’s just keep it that way and not become land of the jailed. I am now speaking of course about nudity during Decadence. To be quite honest about it we have one of the most liberal police departments when it comes to dealing with offcolor antics and such, but there are a few rules that they will only bend so far, and who can blame them when you think about how the media has been hovering over them since Katrina. The simplest facts are as follows: Urinating in public, that is a complete no-no. I personally don’t think there is any reason for this because the city provides many port-a-lets for this purpose and one can always step inside a club to use the facilities. You say you can’t stand the odor in those confined toilets, well how would you like to wake up in your own home, step out to pick up the morning paper and have your whole neighborhood smell like that? It is not a pleasant experience but one I have personally encountered more than once. The Quarter used to be almost as famous for this smell as the strip joints that now line Bourbon Street, however since they have a new contractor to keep the streets clean, they don’t reek anymore, so let's all pitch in and keep them from doing so. Exposing your private parts in public. First of all let’s talk to the ladies. Now I know that most women are going to say we all don’t act that way, well I agree most of them do not, when sober. However no one is always so prim and proper after a few shots of Jaeger or a high octane Hand Grenade or two or three. Now for the most part you can flip your tits to the breeze and more than likely people will only smile at you and most of the men crowded around Saint Ann and Bourbon won’t even notice, because their minds and
eyes will be on each other. After all Decadence is known the world over as the Gay Mardi Gras, out drawing that event among the gay community for years now. Now that is not to say that you will not receive the customary wolfwhistles, but more than likely they will be coming from other women. Rear ends now are a completely different story and this applies to both sexes. There is no law actually concerning the exposure of the cheeks, however be forewarned that your entrance or exit to this orifice, depending how you look at it, must be covered. Now the covering can be as thin as the thinnest thong as long as the hole is not exposed. Now if you should expose you rear or not is really up to you, but please think of others. Now I know that you really can not see the entire impact you may be creating, unless you look objectively over your shoulder into a mirror. That is of course providing that the mirror is wide enough. But at least have pity on those you are exposing yourself to, almost everyone I know longs to see the perfectly shaped and muscular ass we encounter in so many of our dreams, unfortunately many of the folks who like to bare it all should not. Lord have mercy, I am breaking my own steadfast rule, to each his or her there own, forget the former sentence and let it all hang out, there are many who enjoy a fuller look indeed. Now to the frontal area, or the sex organs per se. It is entirely against our law (not our community standards, which we have none indeed), to roam the streets with them uncovered. This applies to both sexes, equality under the law you understand. Not much covering is really needed, depending on your size of course. A simple g-string will satisfy the law and the men who serve it. I’m speaking of the policemen here now, and not the men packing the goodies in surprise packages. No matter how big the beads are that are being tossed your way, it is best to keep in mind that they won’t set you back near the cost of a night in jail nor the fine that will be levied against you. Now it is permissible, as far as I am concerned, to have your friends surround you to keep the watchful eye of the law from seeing you and it, while you flash the guys on the balconies throwing you your goodies. While we are on the subject I should also interject that pubic hair in not considered public hair and should not be exposed either. To wear less just shave your pubs as low as you dare, but don’t expose your organ in doing so. Don’t cut it either, I can attest to that, that IT really hurts.
The consumption of alcohol in public places: New Orleans is more than likely the only place in our country where you can wander anywhere in the city caring your open cocktail or beer with you. I am not exactly sure why this is all right, and I have thought it out more than once, but so be it the law of the land and who in the hell do I think I am in pondering one of our most fun aspects of all our laws anyway?. There are like anything else however some simple rules that must be followed, sub-laws if you will. The first of these of course is the most important of all, all drinks must be in plastic containers. Why, you ask? Why not, I reply. I mean any place that states it’s all right to do this I really don’t think should be questioned as to why or why not, and lets just leave it like it is now, less they be inclined to fix the situation and ban it all together. Actually bottles and cans make for rather hurtful missiles if by chance your head should encounter one that is being hurled away, because it has gotten warm or worse yet has been totally consumed. So rather than call out fore, like golfers do to warn about approaching items, drinkers are only allowed plastic cups. Otherwise all we would here would be a constant chorus of fores. And I am quite certain that would be replied back with a bunch of drunken responders yelling five. Anyway to avoid punishment or fines remember to only use plastic for drinks on the street. This includes such favorite gathering places like The Golden Lantern while awaiting the start of the parade.
S
peaking of The Golden Lantern I will be addressing the masses as I have done for several years awaiting the start of the OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE PARADE. I am not sure if the maneating lamb will be with me or not. After all she almost got me arrested grabbing men in their most personal of places last year. I shall then fall in with the parade celebrating with the new grand marshals TITTIE TOULOUSE and PALOMA. They will address the crowd of admirers gathered there, and blow their whistles at 2:15pm promptly to start this year's parade. This past Grand Marshal XXXII will be riding in a Rickshaw drawn by the men of BOYLESQUE. Boylesque will be performing at The Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street that evening, August 31st, after the parade at 10pm. They also have a show at the same location on August 29th at the same time, following the performance of THRILL ME – THE LEOPOLD AND LOEB, musical drama by Stephen Dolginoff. Tickets for BOYLESQUE are available at $15 each and can be reserved by calling 504.218.5813 – group discounts are [continued on Expose-4]
obituary In Memoriam Robert King 12/10/46—11/6/07 Co-Grand Marshal V (1978)
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obert King was one of the original founders of Southern Decadence. The first parade of only 21 people in 1973 began and ended at his home at 2110 Barracks in Treme, a place lovingly called Belle Reve. Robert King served as Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence in 1978 along with his close friend Kathleen Kavanaugh. This was the first year co-marshals were chosen. Because the two were “party people,” both were chosen with the hope that at least one would survive to the end of the march. Both did.
Robert is credited with moving the start of the Southern Decadence parade from Matassa’s bar to The Golden Lantern and to keeping the annual tradition going when other founders grew tired of the festivities. Southern Decadence became a primarily gay event in the 1980s with increasing national attention. Robert King remained devoted to Southern Decadence and its parade even after a tragic fall left him a paraplegic. He then paraded in a wheelchair. Robert loved New Orleans and was an elementary school teacher here until his accident. Because of his injuries he returned to his home state of Mississippi where he became a disability counselor. He continued to return to Decadence until he became bedridden. He died in Brookhaven, MS, on November 6, 2007 in the family home where he grew up. He remained in touch with all his close Southern Decadence friends until his death. Andrew Block, a child of Southern Decadence founders and godson of the comarshals, said: “Robert was my Godfather and if an example of warm spirit, good times and true friendship is what is to be set by that title then I was honored to be watched over by the best. May he always be remembered for his perseverance, passion and love of life.” When you drink your cocktails at Southern Decadence this year, raise your glass to Robert King who started this event which has evolved into the massive celebration we all enjoy today.
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sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: Psalmwrite@aol.com
Happy Occasion
twelve years, I have worked for Ambush Mag. I remember back in the mid1990’s when Rip learned that I loved to write and asked me to be part of the staff. I did not start off as Sappho Psalm. For a year or two, I wrote press releases and did office work. When the paper lost their Lesbian writer, Rip asked me to write a column. I said I’d try, and I still am. In case you don’t know, Rip and Marsha met in New Orleans at Pete's (now Oz). After getting together Rip moved to Baton Rouge, Marsha’s home and Rip had just finished the semester at Nicholls. Rip was ready to leave for New York City to become a Broadway dancer when he met and fell in love with Marsha. They have been together ever since. It is a beautiful story of love at first sight for them both and years of dedication and commitment. Rip & Marsha's Magnolia Anniversary Cake My congratulations to them for a wonderful one last song ...from EX-2 example of what same sex marriage can be. My thanks to them for letting available. THRILL ME – the musical drama, me share in their great celebration. Now what was so great, you ask? premiers on August 27th. (all seats $30 for this night). It then opens August 29th For me it was seeing lots of old friends and plays weekends through Septem- and meeting some new people, too. ber. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and The food was delicious. It was prepared Sundays at 6pm. Tickets are available by Rip and Marsha as usual. They are by calling 504.218.8559 or 504.948.9608 outstanding cooks. The drinks were and range in price from $25-$35. THE good and plentiful – thanks to Ashlee GAY OLE OPREY presented by Rough- and Billy. And the cake was yum,yum. neck Productions will play one show There were lots of hugs and laughs and only on Saturday, August 30th at 10pm gossip. This is always a happy party. I after THRILL ME – this show has a look forward to seeing everyone back at separate $20 admission which includes the Bourbon Street home next year. the first drink. Have a safe and wild Decadence. Medal Count You nay contact me via e-mail at he USA is leading in the donniejay@hotmail.com. medal count, and just last A Time For Adjustment will connight I cheered for Shawn tinue next issue.
I
t was a lovely Sunday evening when hundreds of Rip and Marsha’s friends gathered to celebrate their 34th Anniversary as New Orleans’ first registered Domestic Partners at their Magnolia Cotillion. I have enjoyed many of their anniversary parties, and each is happier and better than the last. I am proud to say I am Rip and Marsha’s friend and that for more than
T
Johnson to win her first individual gold in this 2008 Olympics as I did for Michael Phelps to win his eight. Today, as in most days over the last eleven days, I am once again watching Olympic action. I am also loosing my voice from yelling at the TV – block the ball, run, run, run, faster, faster. My favorites are history – gymnastics, tennis, swimming. Now track and field have my attention along with men’s and women’s volleyball and baseball. These two weeks are enough to make your blood pressure soar and your heart beat double-time.
Politics
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nd on the heels of this excitement is the Political Conventions and the US Open. How do I divide my time between politics and tennis? Do we really learn anything new by listening to the long, confusing speeches? And who are the running mates? My suggestion of a Clinton, Obama ticket has been dashed by the ignorance of the voters. I don’t think that Obama, Clinton is a winning ticket. Some of you may still be thinking that the older McCain has something to offer. I would like you to know where they both stand on some very important issues. Let’s start with Employment Non-Discrimination. Obama supports ending employment discrimination against the entire GLBT community. McCain cast a deciding vote against ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Obama opposes the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. McCain believes that GLBT people should not be allowed to serve in the military, and supports “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Obama and McCain take opposite sides on the support of Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships – Obama is for. Obama is for legislation to protect the entire GLBT community, and McCain voted against Hate Crimes legislation three times. Concerning California’s Proposition 8, Obama is against the amendment to end same-sex marriage equality. McCain supports passing the discriminatory amendment. Obama supports adoption by GLBT people. McCain opposes adoption by same-sex couples. Important to the New Orleans community is where the candidates stand on HIV/AIDS. Obama supports Ryan White comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act and co-sponsored the Medicaid Early Treatment for HIV/AIDS. He also supports sex education aimed at preventing disease. McCain has never sponsored Ryan White. He did vote for a Jesse Helms strategy to remove funding to protect the GLBT community from HIV/AIDS. McCain is NOT good for the GLBT community, and his record is proof of that. These political facts are provided by HRC.
GLBT Leaders’ Obama Website
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received an e-mail from Terry Bean with LGBT for Obama. Below is the press release that Terry sent me: LGBT Leaders Launch Community Website To Elect Barack Obama – LGBTforObama.com to provide news, commentary, and fundraising tools – Portland: LGBT supporters of Barack Obama launch today an online community portal for information and discussion about the campaign and easy to use tools for getting involved. The website, LGBTforObama.com, is the idea of longtime gay activist and Democratic Party loyalist Terry Bean of Portland, OR. “After devouring many polls and talking to friends, it was apparent that many GLBT people were unaware of the stark differences on our issues between Barack Obama and John McCain,” explained Bean. “I was appalled that George Bush got 24% of the GLBT vote in 2000 and again in 2004 and vowed to do all that I could to prevent that from happening again with John McCain.” After conceiving the idea, he soon realized that a website was also the perfect vehicle to keep our community updated daily on election news and to provide a much needed forum for LGBT specific fundraising. The project has attracted the attention and support from community leaders, online bloggers and celebrities, who will be providing daily content and commentary. In addition to content provided by the biog team, user-generated content will also play a key role in LBGTforObama.com. “ We’ve integrated a number of Web 2.0 tools to the site platform, allowing visitors to contribute directly to the content,” said site advisor Michael Crawford. “Users can engage in discussions, comment on news items, post video testimonials, and tell the world why winning this election is vitally personal to them.” Journalists and news junkies will also benefit from the online portal. LGBTforObama.com provides online aggregated news feeds from LGBT bloggers and news sites. There will also be live-blogging from the Democratic Convention in Denver. The public can sign up for the feeds at: RSS Feed: h t t p : / / f e e d s . f e e d b u r n e r. c o m / LGBTforObama. “The stakes for the LGBT community in this election are enormous. The LGBT community must unite behind Senator Obama’s campaign,” Bean said. “LGBTforObama.com is a one stop place where the LGBT community can get informed, make donations and help fundraise, in a shared effort to make Barack Obama our next President.” Terry Bean can be contacted at tpbean@aol.com.
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in the spotlight Many Stories, One Voice Conference to Commemorate Upstairs Lounge Fire of June 1973
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ashington - Many of the hundreds of pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Christians who will converge Sept. 4–7 in New Orleans, La., for the Many Stories, One Voice conference will revisit the site of a devastating fire that killed 32 people at a local gay bar known as the Upstairs Lounge. The tragedy that occurred on June 24, 1973 — 35 years ago — was the deadliest fire in New Orleans’ history. Many members of the local Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), including its pastor, the Rev. Bill Larson, died at the fire, which was widely reported as arson. The members of MCC had congregated after their religious service at the Upstairs Lounge as they did every Sunday. “The Upstairs Lounge Fire, epitomized by the lifeless body of the Rev. Bill Larson, silhouetted in the window of the lounge, and the charred bodies of so many others, was one of those moments in history when hatred and fear seemed to hold sway. That nearly every religious leader in New Orleans refused to offer words of condolence or healing to the LGBT community at the time, but instead offered condemnation, further solidified the power of death. But, as people of faith, we know that death is never the final answer,” said Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Institute for Welcoming Resources and faith work director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “Amidst the deafening silence of so many religious leaders and the vocal hatred of others, leaders of the Metropolitan Community Churches were welcomed by the folks at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of New Orleans. In a great act of courage and affirmation of life, St. Mark’s opened their doors for the memorial service for those killed in the fire,” she added. “Their witness bore life in the moment, but it also planted seeds that have, 35 years later, come to life as the Welcoming Church Movement. Now there are some 3,100 congregations across the U.S. that are publicly welcoming and affirming of LGBT people.” One of the powerful moments that will happen at the Many Stories, One Voice conference will be when attendees participate in a jazz funeral to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Upstairs Lounge Fire. “This jazz funeral will give participants at the conference an opportunity to both grieve and remember those killed in the Upstairs Lounge Fire. But it will also give participants the opportunity to grieve
and remember all of those whose lives have been lost to injustice or oppression and those who have fought the good fight. We will remember those killed in Katrina and its aftermath, those spiritual mothers and fathers of the proLGBT Christian movement and all those for whom the power of justice, faith and liberation have inspired their ministry,” said Voelkel. Many Stories, One Voice: The North American Convocation of Pro-LGBT Christians is a conference that will offer new tools and training in the areas of faith-based community organizing, media training, board development, fundraising, research, biblical studies, theology, capacity-building and other concrete skills. Participants will also engage in discussions about issues of race, class, ability, age, embodiment, gender identity and sexual orientation. Many Stories, One Voice is convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in partnership with more than 30 pro-LGBT Christian organizations representing progressive, moderate and conservative traditions. For more information or to register, please visit www.manystoriesonevoice.org. The National Religious Leadership Roundtable (NRLR), convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, is an interfaith network of leaders from pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) faith, spiritual and religious organizations. We work in partnership with other groups to promote understanding of and respect for LGBT people within society at large and in communities of faith. We promote understanding and respect within LGBT communities for a variety of faith paths and for religious liberty, and to achieve commonly held goals that promote equality, spirituality and justice. The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from the ground up. We do this by training activists, organizing broadbased campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and by building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we also have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and Cambridge. The Task Force is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Washington, D.C. Contributions to the Task Force are tax-deductible to the full ex-
tent allowed by law. (C) 2007 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force . 1325 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005, e-mail: theTaskForce@theTaskForce.org.
New Orleans AIDS Memorial to be Dedicated Nov. 30
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orld AIDS Day will be commemorated a day early in New Orleans this year when the long delayed New Orleans AIDS Memorial is dedicated on Sunday, November 30 in Washington Square Park. The neighborhood surrounding Washington Square was very much the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in its early days in Louisiana. The Memorial has already been fabricated and simply needs to be assembled, installed and landscaped. Because the Tulane School of Architecture has taken the AIDS Memorial on as a school project, it has been possible to keep the remaining costs to a minimum. The budget for completing the Memorial is $45,000 and there are many levels available for participation. Granite paving stones honoring an individual or remembering a loved one are available for purchase for $100 per stone. Contributions of $500 or more will also be recognized with a permanent acknowledgement at the site. The prominence of acknowledgement will correspond to the donation level and range from Buddy to Major Benefactor. Contributions of $2,500 or more will also be granted the right to remember or honor an individual with an inscription on a park bench. All contributions should be made payable to the NO/AIDS Task Force, which is serving as the fiduciary agent for the Memorial Committee. A notation should be made on the check that the contribution is designated for the AIDS Memorial. The NO/AIDS Task Force is the state’s oldest and largest AIDS service agency. Its mailing address is 2601 Tulane Avenue, Suite 500, New Orleans, LA 70119. The Memorial consists of a series of glass discs depicting the cast faces of a number of individuals, some of whom are HIV infected and who represent the many faces of AIDS in this region. Tragically, some of the individuals whose faces were cast for the Memorial have since died of the disease. The Memorial site will be paved with stones engraved with the names of some of those who have died of the disease or honoring individuals for their efforts in fighting AIDS. The dedication of the Memorial will begin at 2pm on Sunday, November 30. Rabbi Edward Cohn of Temple Sinai will speak and a number of area artists and groups will perform. For additional information about the Memorial, please contact the AIDS Memorial Committee chairperson, Susan Levingston at 504.443.3090. For information about making a contribu-
tion, please contact fund-raising chairperson, Jack Sullivan at 504.524.1421.
HALLOWEEN’S IN NEW ORLEANS Announces Halloween 25
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alloween’s in New Orleans, a 501c(3) company supporting Project Lazarus in New Orleans, announces the details of 2008’s 25th year of fund-raising events in New Orleans, held October 23-26. The weekend will kick-off once again inside of Saks Fifth Avenue with Saks Loves the Silver Screen. The party will feature premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, entertainment, the Halloween silent auction and, of course, shopping at Saks! Saks will donate 10% of sales to Project Lazarus, valid all weekend (October 23-26, 2008). Friday night the place to be in New Orleans will be Shiny Disco Balls at Generations Hall with not one, but two DJs and not one, but two dance floors! DJ Roland Belmares and DJ Chad Guidry will keep you moving all night long and the DC Cowboys will return to New Orleans for a rare Friday night performance. This party will be open bar and for the first time ever, will feature a VIP Host Lounge on Friday night. Better rest up for Saturday’s main event, Silver Party, at The Sugar Mill. One of the largest costume mandatory parties in the country will not disappoint. Headlined by DJ Brett Henrichsen of MasterBeat with lighting by Bryan Holcombe. Our midnight show should not be missed, and this year will feature THE GREATEST MOMENTS IN HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS’ HISTORY and a performance by Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu from San Francisco. Dance, open bar and a VIP Host Lounge will keep you going well into Sunday morning. 100% of proceeds from all events, including the silent auction, benefit Project Lazarus. Payment may be made at the door by cash or credit card or passes may be bought in advance at our website. For more information on Halloween 25 or Halloween’s in New Orleans, contact either of the Board Chair, Jennifer Calzada at Jennifer@halloweenneworleans.com or Bruce Gallassero at Gallassero@msn.com. Halloween’s in New Orleans is a 501c(3) company, which began holding an annual weekend of fund-raising events in 1984. Halloween’s in New Orleans is supported by Hosts and Patrons, whose donations make up the annual event budgets. Monies taken at the door of each event and generated by the silent auction make up the annual donation to Project Lazarus. The mission of the Hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide health care and support services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised.
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Actor Marshall Harris & Rab Dab’s Dave Rabalais cocktailin’ at Oz The Corner Pocket’s Calendar Boy Contest brings Mitch to the bar
Paulina joins bartender Allen at Oz Show Night
Bar Baron Michael Elias, SDGM XXXIV Electra City and dancer Hector at The Corner Pocket
Men of Manwatch Dancer's Dominic & Roberto flank Oz GM Tommy Elias Jerry & Jim celebratin’ at Oz
Philip & Brock join the Underwear Party at Good Friends
Tatum struts his stuff at The Corner Pocket Calendar Boy Contest
Bartender Allen joins new Oz bartender Jonathan at Oz’s Drag Dingo Costa & Neel welcome you to Rawhide The staff: Beaumont, Chris, Blake, Streeter & manager Joey host the Underwear Party at Good Friends
Bartender Jeff serves the crowd out for cocktails & dancers at Lafitte’s
Bartender Matt joins Golden Lantern Bar Baron Rick at Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Cameron & Tyra Van Ryan at Oz Show Night
Todd slings cocktails at Rawhide 2010
Golden Lantern’s Rick & rescue baby Scooter pop into Good Friends
Oz’s special guest MC Bianca Del Rio direct from New York
Bartenders Beaumont & Streeter did the honors at Good Friends Underwear Party
Bartender Anthony welcomes you to The Corner Pocket
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Parties, Cocktails, Nightlife ~ New Orleans
Good Friends Karaoke MC Rikki Gee got in on the Underwear Party at Good Friends
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Vision’s Christmas in July Blowout Mr. Southern Renegade Pensacola & Sha Sha Glamour at Vision’s Twist Xmas in July
DJ Robbie brings Tiffany live to the stage at B-Bob’s
DJ Chromatic & DJ Robbie hail from B-Bob’s
”The Lez-Bears” Wendy & Brenda pop in for Bear Night at B-Bob’s Larry kissed a girl and he liked it... at Vision’s Twist
Horny Reindeer Lex & Rex at Vision’s Twist
Contestants in Vision’s Twist Wet T-Shirt Contest
Watchin’ the show at B-Bob’s
Cody and friends celebratin’ at B-Bob’s Rexanna wows the crowd at Vision’s Twist Turn-A-Bout
Robert & Tim on a night out at B-Bob’s
Tiffany brings the crowd to fever pitch at B-Bob’s Turkey Bowl Fund-raisers pop into Vision’s Twist Santa Vision’s owner gets a feel from Mistress Santa Vision’s manager
Matt, Billy & Mateo in Wet Boxer Contest at Vision’s Twist
Sexy Rexy (c) with Manny & Laura at Vision’s Twist
Leather, Uniform & Biker Night brought “The Divas of Leather” Jud & Terry to B-Bob’s
Leon, Kevin & Patrick join Leather, Uniform & Biker Night at B-Bob’s
Born to party at B-Bob’s
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Contests, Celebrations, Cocktails ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Bob Brunson, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley
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mobile, the city by the bay Vision's Twist Highlights
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ision’s Twist rocked with Christmas In July week. The Paddi Puddin Show from Birmingham, AL kicked off the weekend and was truly one TWISTED show not to be missed. But the kicker was Saturday night when all the Vision’s Twist employees took to the stage for their Turn-A-Bout night. Vision’s Twist owner, Sonja Samdal was Santa Claus with her mistress Santa, Bob Brunson, the manager of Vision’s Twist doing Santa Baby. Bartender Larry took to the stage
singing “I kissed a girl and I liked it”... we know the real truth Larry, but what a show you put on. Bartender Sexy Rexy brought down the house with his Cheap and Cheasy version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as he enacted Diana Ross with a stomach ache... thank God for the Lysol. Alexa took to the stage as a tough dude singing some wild rap song and stripping right out of her suit. Eva no doubt changed the minds of the way we all look at a country girl gone country boy. And let’s not forget our little diva
the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, 504.214.4340 E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com www.thebigeasymccblog.blogspot.com
Divine Decadence
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am going to get myself in trouble for writing this article! There are some in the LGBT community that would like to ban Southern Decadence as much as any Southern Baptist! Some in our community see the full spectrum of Gay experience as an embarrassment – a stumbling block to their full acceptance at the Country Club (I mean the tennis and golf variety not the hot tub and cocktails variety!). There are those who want to be identical in every way to right wing ‘respectability’ except that they have separate beds with someone of the same sex, rather than the opposite. I believe that social, sexual and political conservatism is a personal right and may be part of a journey to God, but a choice to be conservative should not mean that our choice is appropriate for everyone else; it doesn’t have to mean that we disdain and disapprove of everyone who is not ready, able or willing to
make the same choice. Why can’t I be restrained and discreet - unwilling to flash my meat and two veg (is that just an English expression?) up and down Bourbon Street and still feel the joy of liberation and celebration of those carousing in The French Quarter? Can’t I go to bed at 10pm and read a good book, and still defend the choice of others to go to bed at 10am and read one handed literature? I believe vigorously that if I interfere with judgment in someone else’s journey through life, if I risk telling them how wicked they are and not be content to model God’s love and compassion then I risk being a ‘stumbling block’ for them in their search for God and meaning. It is simply not good enough to assume that anyone enjoying themselves at Southern Decadence is an unthinking party animal with no relationship to God! Have we learned nothing!? God is bigger, wiser and more generous than the best of us, and if a mere mortal like I can see the good in our Decadence revellers then how much more the God who made the joyful masses in Oz or Lafitte’s? Of course, for many self proclaimed Christians, it is much easier to take matters into our own hands and assume God has no idea how to run things. We need to tell folk just how to behave because we can trust neither them nor God to work out an honest path! I am giving away few secrets when I admit that many of my most spiritual conversations have been in slightly risqué environments. It is not good enough for us to sit in our ivory towers and expect people to come groveling to us as if we are the sole deciders of virtue and wisdom, as if God does not exist. We need to go out to where people are, and
Brent with his hair in curlers, bringing to the stage his children Helen and Billy in his version of “Why Our Children are Ugly”... and ohhhh did that all make since. Rumor has it that there will be another twisted turn-a-bout in December with the Twisted Staff at Vision’s Twist. You definitely don’t want to miss that show. Who knows what will happen now that they’ve had a little practice. We will see you there!!!! The week before Vision’s kicked off a new legal defense fund for Khaya Searcy. All the money raised will go to help with legal fees for same sex adoption. Please keep tuned in for more information. Vision’s also held a fundraiser for Mobile Alabama Pride called model the virtues we glimpse in Christ. Virtues defined by compassion, love, kindness, acceptance. I and others from my church will be out and about all through Southern Decadence doing our best to combat the poison spewed by a few deeply wounded individuals who claim to represent God’s church – poison that prevents many from ever approaching Christianity. That does not mean to say that the Christian ideal would necessarily be a series of ‘knee tremblers’ in dark rooms. What it does mean is that Christianity is all about relationships; building them, nurturing them and lavishing love and compassion upon them – this means that our first response should be to seek the positive and bless it, not seek the negative and curse it. There is much in Southern Decadence that is positive, there is much in human sexuality and sexual identity that is positive and expanding and that can lead to growth and maturity. Southern Decadence is at heart a celebration of identity, an identity created by God which celebrates and enjoys the flesh rather than hates and fears it – this can be a way to spiritual and physical health. Rowan Williams, the current Archbishop of Canterbury wrote in his essay ‘The Body’s Grace’ that even the most fleeting physical encounter that contained mutual giving and receiving, even if just of physical pleasure contained more potential for grace and joy and growth than many classical heterosexual marriages. Even though those marriages are approved of by the Church many were and are based upon the control and domination of one sex by the other. They are structures of abuse, and turn away from God in a way that even a casual encounter does not. Casual sex may be cheap, may be meaningless, may be abusive, may be breaking a covenanted relationship or it may not! – it has the potential to lead to forms of relationships that mirror God’s love and faithfulness to us. I have probably horrified and bored you all in equal measure, but I really do believe that it is a Pastor’s role to try
“Get Set to Get Wet Beach Party” on the patio and it was fun filled with water pistols and water balloons... and girl did everyone get soaking wet. The night of wetness closed out with a wet t-shirt contest and a wet boxer shorts contest... oh what fun and the prizes were AWESOME!!! Special thanks goes out to Wayne Tomash for all his work and donations! Don’t miss our upcoming shows in September. We have the Gems and Fems on Friday, September 5 hosted by FUN-LUVIN and our monthly DRAG Show Draggin' on Dauphin on September 12. Check out our website at www.visions-mobile.com for upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you and serving you at Vision’s Twist.
B-Bob's Gears Up for Fall Carnivalle Sept. 20
B
-Bob's is gearing up for Fall Carnivalle on Saturday, September 20. The Main Stage is co-sponsored by both Gabriel's and B-Bob's bringing the high energy party driven by cover band Laurel & The Edge for the event. And the ever inovative Wild Child Anna Rexia will present the Side Show Freak Show. Plus there is even a dunking tank and many more carnival games. Visit B-Bobs.COM for more info. and make sense of things, not just accept received wisdom; to be open to what God is telling us through people’s lives and people’s faith journeys. If all else fails, it sometimes takes a lot of frogs to find a prince! Have a very happy and safe Decadence! Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. They meet every Sunday at 5pm at St Matthews Church at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. NOLA 70118 – ring or e-mail for details: pastor@bigeasymcc.com, 504.214.4340. Sermons streamed online at www.bigeasymcc.com.
AMBUSH
MAG.COM 828
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BLU, 960 Spring St., 877.1221 THE HERETIC, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd., 325.3061 WET BAR, 960 Spring St., NW, 745.9494 Alexandria, LA [318] UNIQUE, 3217 Industrial St., 448.0555 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] BEACH LAW FIRM, 525.2999
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com VISION'S TWIST, 266 Dauphin St., 431.9002, visions-mobile.com Key West, FL [305] BOURBON STREET PUB, 724 Duval CLUB INTERNATIONAL, 900 Simonton St. DONNIE'S CLUB 422, 422 Appelrouth Lane 801 BOURBON BAR, 801 Duval St., 294.4737 Miami/South Beach, FL [305] PALACE FOOD BAR, 1200 Ocean Dr., 531.7234 TWIST, 1057 Washington Ave., 538.9478, www.twistsobe.com Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 706 E. Gregory St., 433.8482
Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute MASQUERADES LOUNGE, 3505 Division St., 888.4101 SANCTUARY, 2301 N. Causeway Blvd., 837.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM
Atlanta, GA [404] BLAKE'S ON THE PARK, 227 10th St., NE, 873.5921
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Shreveport, LA [318] KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Austin, TX [512] 'BOUT TIME, 9601 N. IH-35, 832.5339 CHAIN DRIVE, 504 Willow St., 480.9017 CHARLIE'S, 1301 Lavaca St., 474.6481 OILCAN HARRY'S, 211 W. 4th, 320.8823 RAINBOW CATTLE COMPANY, 305 W. 5th St., 472.5288 RAIN ON 4TH, 217- B West 4th St., 494.1150
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CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 COWPOKES, 2240 St. Claude, 947.0505 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 LE PHARE, 523 Gravier St. LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM NINTH CIRCLEAT CONGO SQUARE, 700 N. Rampart, 524.7654 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, PhoenixNewOrleans.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM VOODOO MYSTERE LOUNGE, 817 N. Rampart St., 304.1568
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Corpus Christi, TX [361] GET HAPPY!, 526 S. Staples, 881.8910 Galveston, TX [409] 3rd Coast Beach Bar, 3102 Seawall Blvd., 765.6911, 3rdCoastBar.COM Robert’s Lafitte, 2501 Avenue Q, 765.9092 Houston, TX [713] Brazos River Bottom, BRB, 2400 Brazos St., 528.9192 Chances, G-Spot, New Barn, 1100 Westheimer Rd. 523.7217 EJ’s, 2517 Ralph St., 527.9071 J.R.’s with the Santa Fe, 808 Pacific St., 521.2519 Keys West, 817 West Dallas St., 571.7870 Mary’s, 1022 Wetheimer, 527.9669 Montrose Mining Company, 805 Pacifc St., 529.7488 Ripcord, 715 Fairview St., 521-2792 Rich’s Houston, 2401 San Jacinto, 759.9606 San Antonio, TX [210] HEAT, 1500 North Main Ave., 227.2600, HEATSA@aol.com South Padre Island, TX [956] UPPER DECK HOTEL & BAR, 120 E. Atol St., 761.5953
body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] HOT, MASCULINE STUD FOR SENSATIONAL BODY RUBS & MORE 6am-midnite, 6'0, 182#, hard gun & magic hands. 2nd guy avail. In/Out/Hotel appointments. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is1808]
bookstores Birmingham, AL [205] ALABAMA BOOKS, 801 Third Ave., 322.7823 BIRMINGHAM ADULT BOOKS, 7610 First Ave. North, 836.1580
Baton Rouge, LA [225] CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494
New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107 Chartres St., 586.8006 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELL ADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616 Knoxville, TN [865] TOWN & COUNTRY BOOK DEN, 6927 Clinton Hwy., 947.9153 WEST KNOX NEWS, 5011 Kingston Pike, 588.1972
Austin, TX [512] ADULT VIDEO MEGAPLEXXX, 7111South I-35, 442.5430,www.sexysite.com
cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78
casinos New Orleans, LA [504] HARRAHS NEW ORLEANS, Canal at the River, 800.HARRAHS
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1608]
circuit/events Aug. 27-Sept. 1, 2008, Official Southern Decadence 37-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 135,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 23-26, 2008, Halloween 25: Silver Party, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 28, 2008-Jan. 1, 2009, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 19-24, 2009, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush & Queen Fashions, GayEasterParade.COM May 22-25, 2009, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 4-7, 2009, One Mighty Weekend, Gay Day Weekend at Disney sponsored by Ambush, OneMightyWeekend.COM
construction New Orleans, LA [504] HISTORIC RENOVATIONS, 432.3786, Jim 344.4664
Scott
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964 [is2108]
employment New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS is accepting applications for energetic employees. Drug test/
EXPOSE'-16 of 72 • Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM
background check required. Apply at 515 Toulouse St. HELP WANTED-Experienced line cooks and prep cooks, management skills a plus. Apply 2-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. at Bywater Restarant, Deli & BBQ, 3162. Dauphine St.
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAME, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] ARTICHOKE GALLERY, 912 Decatur St., 636.2004, www.ArtichokeGallery.COM FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555
laundries New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274 WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is1608]
lodging/accommodations Birmingham, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Mobile, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM
Ft. Lauderdale, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Ft. Walton Beach, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayPensacola.COM Key West, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayKeyWest.COM Miami/South Beach, FL [305] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GaySouthBeach.COM Orlando, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Pensacola, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayPensacola.COM Atlanta, GA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAtlanta.COM Baton Rouge, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayBatonRouge.BIZ Lafayette, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AmbushMag.COM Lake Charles, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AmbushMag.COM New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. CORNSTALK HOTEL, 915 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.523.1515, FAX: 504.522.5558, Toll Free: 800.759.6112, CornstalkHotel.COM, E-mail us at Reservations@CornstalkHotel.COM. The Cornstalk Hotel, once a private home, in the heart of the French Quarter, one block from Bourbon, but quieter, now welcomes visitors to enjoy its hospitality and Victorian charm. CREOLE INN, 2471 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.948.3230, FAX: 504.948.4410, CreoleInn.COM, E-mail us at CreoleInn@aol.com. In the Gay/Lesbian Marigny adjacent to French Quarter, Frenchmen Street & Country Club; private baths, garden, wireless Internet, AC, cable TV/VCR, Continental breakfast. Gay operated; mention AMBUSH for 10% discount. INN THE QUARTER, French Quarter, New Orleans, 70116, PHONE: 504.527.5360, Toll Free: 800.570.3085, InnTheQuarter.COM, E-mail us at Info@InnTheQuarter.COM. Over 20 guest rooms, suites and apartments in the French Quarter. All accomnmodations are within a few short blocks of Lafitte’s, Bourbon Pub, Oz, Good Friends, Rawhide and all the other “HOT” spots. Our properties offer private entrances, tropical courtyards, air conditioning, private bathrooms, televisions, and direct dial phones with free local calls. Some have additional features such as balconies, jacuzzi tubs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, full kitchens, high-speed Internet access and free off-street parking. Absolutely all are clean and safe. Regular rates starting at $79/nt. Special Event rates starting at $119/nt. Weekly and monthly discounts available. DAUPHINE ORLEANS HOTEL, 415 Rue Dauphine, New Orleans, LA 70112, Toll Free: 800.521.7111, DauphineOrleans.COM, E-mail us at Sales@dauphineorleans.com. The historic Dauphine Orleans Hotel, steps from Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, boasts quiet intimate surroundings featuring several beautiful courtyards; including our outdoor saltwater pool area. All rooms include complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, welcome cocktail and hi speed internet access. Secure onsite parking is available. Mention Ambush and receive 15% off prevailing rate. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Ram-
part St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/ cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621 Shreveport, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AmbushMag.COM Biloxi, MS DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Hattiesburg, MS DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Jackson, MS DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Natchez, MS [601] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Austin, TX [512] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAustin.NET Beaumont, TX DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Dallas, TX DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayDallas.COM Galveston Island, TX [409] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayTexas.NET Houston, TX DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayHouston.COM San Antonio, TX DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayTexas.NET South Padre Island, TX [956] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayTexas.NET UPPER DECK HOTEL & BAR, PO Box 2309, 120 E. Atol St., 78597; 761.5953, E-mail: gaypadre@upperdeckhotel.com, upperdeckhotel.com
New Orleans, LA [504] FRENCH QUARTER MASSAGE BY MIKE - Treat Yourself!” - Professional, Private & Personal. Deep Tissue & Swedish Massages available. Phone 598.3237. www.FrenchQuarterMassage.COM. E-mail: fqmassage@cox.net. License #LA2687 [is1808]
S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
media
music
massage
New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8047, ambushonline.com, email: info@ambushonline.com
models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 24/7. Playgirl, Inches & Freshmen Magazine model. Pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, 504.756.9443 [is1708]
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100
New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.
music lessons New Orleans [504] PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS - Private music instruction available in my French Quarter studio! Piano, Theory and Composition are offered at all levels. Now accepting students for fall session. DON RUSSELL 504.259.6173. www.DonRussellMusic.com [is1808]
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm Pensacola, FL [850]
GayBatonRouge.BIZ • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayPensacola.COM • GayAmerica.COM • Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2008 • EXPOSE' EXPOSE'-17 of 72
APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org LEWIS HUMPHREY’S FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 387.9798
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org MYSTIC KREWE OF ROYALTY, PO Box 66571, 70896; 926.1698 PFLAG Baton Rouge, Harold L. Truax, 33370 Percy Young Rd., Walker, LA 70785; 225.218.8320, 225.288.2522 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OFAPOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACADIANA RAINBOW SOCIETY OF THE DEAF, PO Box 57166, 70157; 889.0138 (TDD) AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Or-
leans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 779.1178 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CAVALIERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: Gay motocycle group sponsors monthly day rides and other riding events in New Orleans area. Visit www.cavaliersmc.comc or call 782.5625 or e-mail info@cavaliersmc.com. CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality@aol.com FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 1661 Canal Street, Suite 3107, 70112; 962.3245, is www.inthistogetherinc.org, itt@accesscom.net KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, Sec. Mae Falgout 484.6045, http://kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Re-
search Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF ADONIS, 236.4530, Adonis-TLC.COM, MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS BEAR & BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, PO Box 740894, 70174-0894; 529.6975, www.neworleansbears.com NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 948.6884, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NEW ORLEANS WOMEN’S MUSIC COLLECTIVE, 2903 Jefferson Ave., 70115; Ann 838.7918, Sydney 833.2834 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 MOC/NO [Men of Color/New Orleans], 482.5341 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049,
info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDEFEST NEW ORLEANS, presented by New Orleans Alliance of Pride, 1000 Bourbon St., Box 365, New Orleans, LA 70116; pridefestneworleans@yahoo.com, www.nolapridefest.org PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 TAU HOUSE MINISTRIES, 1029 Governor Nicholls, 70116, roddyssnd@aol.com, 529.3569. Mass on Sunday 4:15pm; Vespers on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm. Everyone is welcome! TO DO PRODUCTIONS, 948.9608, www.todoproductions.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717 Dallas, TX [214] KREWE OF APOLLO-DALLAS, KreweofApollo-Dallas.com Houston, TX [713] PRIDE COMMITTEE OF HOUSTON, PO Box 66071, 77266-6071; 529.6979, Fax 529.6929,
EXPOSE'-18 of 72 • Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM
GayBatonRouge.BIZ • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayPensacola.COM • GayAmerica.COM • Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2008 • EXPOSE' EXPOSE'-19 of 72
hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com
And The Winner Is
T
he latest annual contest for Miss Gay Louisiana America was held at Splash last week,
info@pridehouston.org, pride houston.org
pets CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 510 Dumaine St., 274.0810
pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com, cafepress.com/grahamimages
printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] LATTER & BLUM, Agent Mary Lind, 948.3011, 539.9742, 581.2020 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Cathy Espenan, Cell: 344.2116, Office: 861.7575
restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, 899.2911, MagazinePerks.COM Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, 948.7401, MarignyPerks.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746
NOLA Smoothies, 315 Decatur St., 302.1185 Orleans Grapevine, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Petunias, A Restaurant, Cajun, Creole, Crepes, Cocktails, 817 St. Louis, 70112; 522.6440 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., 945.9997
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BEAR NECESSITIES, 940 Decatur, 598.2134, BearsAndHares.COM
and it was great to see the participation and the talent that was on display. Thanks go out to Ben Woods for photoBOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com ESTATE TREASURES CONSIGNMENT SHOP, 2014 Magazine, 679.6600 THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip St., 561.8167 QUEEN FASHIONS.COM, queenfashions.com, exoticfashionmall.com WICKED ORLEANS, 1201 Decatur, 529.4384, WickedOrleans.COM
Austin, TX [512] TAPELENDERS VIDEO/OUTLINES MENSWEAR AUSTIN, 1114 West 5th St., 472.0844, www.tapelenders.com
spas Ft. Lauderdale, FL [954] CLUB FT. LAUDERDALE, 400 W. Broward Blvd., 525.3344, www.the-clubs.com Atlanta, GA [404] FLEX ATLANTA, 76 Fourth St., 815.0456 New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET Dallas, TX [214] CLUB DALLAS, 2616 Swiss Ave., 821.1990, www.the-clubs.com Houston, TX [713] CLUB HOUSTON, 2205 Fannin St., 659.4998, www.the-clubs.com
tattoos/piercings New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT TATTOO & PIERCING, 1041 N. Rampart in French Quarter, 581.9812
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MARIGNY THEATRE, 1030 Marigny St., 947.0505 VOODOO MYSTERE LOUNGE THEATRE, 817 N. Rampart St., 304.1568
websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM
graphing the event and providing me with all the names of the participants while I did a little mountain climbing, bird watching, and visiting historical sites in southern Arizona. The ten contestants and their titles were: Amy Nelson, Miss Gay New Orleans America representative; Tami Tarmac, Miss Gay Crescent City America, 1st alternate; Arianna Dupree, Miss Gay Shreveport America; Anastacia Davenport, Miss Gay Crescent City America; Chica LaRouge, Miss Gay New Orleans America representative; Arilyn Roberts, Miss Gay Capital City America, 1st alternate; Ambrosia McNeil, Miss Gay Capital City America; Brittney O’Bryan, Miss Gay Splash America, 1st alternate; Nicole Foxx, Miss Gay Splash America; and Cassidy St. James, Miss Gay Vieux Carre America. The five finalists were: Anastacia Davenport, Ambrosia McNeil, Brittney O’Bryan, Nicole Foxx, and Cassidy St. James. And the winner was: Anastacia Davenport, Miss Gay Louisiana America 2008. Congratulations to her and to all the finalists in this pageant. The talented and beautiful Raquel Chevallier, Miss Gay America 2006, is the owner of this pageant.
Hittin' The Road
I
hadn’t been vacationing in quite some time, so I got my buddy Kevin to accompany me to the desert and mountains of Arizona. It was hot the first day in the Saguaro National Park near Tucson, but the rest of the time, I found the mountains to be quite cool and refreshing. We were joined the first day by John and Rob from the Phoenix area for the park activities, and they were certainly nice additions to the already charming surroundings. There is one thing for certain when you visit this part of the country. If you aren’t use to the heights, it makes hiking a little exhausting, but we managed and saw some beautiful scenery and wildlife in several mountains and canyons. In addition to seeing lots of rare hummingbirds that never make it to this part of the country, we got to visit some great homes of birders, great restaurants, lots of historic sites, and some very wild and out-of-the-way places. It was great. If you ever go to this part of the country, be sure to check out the Santa Rita Lodge in the Santa Rita Mountains overlooking Madera Canyon and definitely the Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast Inn. We spent only one night at Santa Rita and the surrounding area, and the short cut we took through the mountains and into the valley below was worse than coming down the Pacific Coast Highway in California that hugs the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. And it was a gravel and dirt road with lots of wash-outs and steep dropoffs. I was the passenger, and the dropoffs were on my side. Needless to say,
I was leaning away from that side of the car for the entire trip down the mountain, a slow and not really that enjoyable period of time. The next time, I’d vote for going the long way around. To hell with this short cut! The highlight of this trip was not only the rare hummingbirds, but four places that will always stick with me as absolutely fantastic American gems Casa de San Pedro, Old Bisbee, Tombstone, and Boot Hill. First of all, our home base was Casa de San Pedro, listed in Fodor’s top ten guest house recommendations. It’s gay owned but the clientele is mixed. It is the get-away location for lots of retired couples, business executives who need the privacy, couples (who bring along their gorgeous sons), newly marrieds, gay couples, and, of course, lots and lots of birders. The canyons are within driving distance, and this guest house serves as the ideal spot for the rest and relaxation of a home away from home. Karl was the host of the week we were there. His partner Patrick was in Vancouver, British Columbia, so we didn’t get to meet him. However, Karl is just one of the most personable hosts that I have ever seen. He caters to your every need, and he prepares a fantastic breakfast each day with the help of a nice lady named Carolyn. It is all elegant. The food is plentiful and just what you would expect from the creativity of a highly intelligent and talented gay guy. Even the desserts he prepared for the end of the day were outstanding – pies, cakes, arrangements of fruit, wonderful coffee, etc. With complete services all in one location, it isn’t even necessary to leave unless you care to go out for dinner, and he even takes care of the reservations for you. Casa de San Pedro is a Spanish hacienda (a charming and unique Territorial style inn) built around a beautiful patio with a fountain in the center. Owned and operated by Karl Schmitt and Patrick Dome, it truly is elegant in every way. Situated on ten acres adjacent to
Karl with Shadow and Patrick with Cody the San Pedro River and the Riparian National ConservationArea, it is a couple of miles off the beaten path from High[continued on Expose-22]
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red stick paparazzi
Miss Gay Louisiana America, Club Action ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos: Brad Benedict & Ben Woods
Top five finalists for Miss Gay Louisiana America 2008 Bar baron Richard Dykes
Juju, Patrick, Amanda & Dean
Beautiful Trecennia St. James
Kevin, John & Rob in Arizona
Summer & Amanda enjoying night out Crowning of Anastacia Davenport
Two of Red Stick’s sexiest studs
Anastacia Davenport in evening gown Bethany, Charlotte & Farris
Anastacia in talent competition
George & Gene at Hound Dogs
Shelby & Rachel at George’s
Dawn & Nicole at George’s First runner-up Brittney O’Bryan
Sam & Ernie
Lauren Mitchell at Splash
Cody & Chris at Splash
Bartender Johnny at Hound Dogs
Cody King, the karaoke man
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allons acadiana by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com
T
he summer break for college students is officially over. It’s time once again to hit the books, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end too. In fact, with so many new faces around town, Downtown Lafayette is wilder than ever. The Sound Factory and Back Side are open seven days a week and always have something incredible planned. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink after work or a wild night on the town, there separate weekly lineups make even the most uneventful night fresh and new. From Show nights on Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesdays to their unforgettable Dance Parties every Friday and Saturday, when you plan a night out at Sound Factory and Back Side, you know it’s going to be an adven-
hot tails of red stick ...from EX-20 way 92 in Cochise County, Arizona. You can go out the back entrance and around to the huge pool area for more fun in the sun. There is also an area for cooking out, plenty of benches all around the outside of the property for watching birds, and all of this is just adjacent to the San Pedro River. I didn’t do too much traipsing down toward the river. I don’t care for snakes, and there are plenty of rattlesnakes here. The walls of the unit are solid, and the gates are flush with the stones so that nothing can crawl under, which is nice since a king snake came crawling in front of the front entrance one day. He is the resident rat catcher, but I kept my distance anyway. To me, a snake is a snake, and I’m not a fan of any of them, nice or not so nice. However, that inner elegance is just so wonderful, you know that your safety is assured. There are no television sets in each unit, about a dozen in all, I believe, but there is a huge living room with bookshelves laden with excellent reading materials, a television set with couches and chairs for guests to view movies, news reports, or just to lounge around on, and also a computer for anyone to check their e-mail or send emails to friends. At the end overlooking the pool and large patio area are large windows for bird viewing. With the large opening foyer at the front entrance, you realize you have stepped into luxury. On the opposite side is the kitchen with windows for viewing out the opposite side of the property. All the furniture is hand-crafted Mexican pieces, and it is very reminiscent of staying in old Mexico, or in this case the lower part of Arizona, down near the Mexican border. Day trips took us not only into the mountains but also to Old Bisbee, built
ture. And with ever changing drink specials, you’re sure to get a great deal. What more can you ask for? It’s two bars in one, and it won’t break you’re pocket book. And with the events they’ve been hosting all summer, I can’t wait to see what they have planned now that all the college students are back. With so much going on in Downtown Lafayette, it’s no wonder so many people come here for a good time. And with gas prices as high as ever, few people are leaving town. But I know a lot of you are heading to New Orleans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Just remember, as you’re trekking across the state, designate a driver. You don’t want to become a holiday statistic. Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you around town.
by early miners and their families and located on a curving mountain road. It is quite a sight, and if you are into going deep into the earth, you can do the mine shaft all the way to the bottom and experience this. We decided to stay street side, do some shopping, and photograph the area. From here, we went on to Tombstone. All I knew about Tombstone was what I learned from movies, but I was in for quite a surprise. There is very little new in Tombstone. It is really the old city. It is strictly a tourist area, and there is this lingering feeling here of stepping back into the 1800s when it first was settled – and it never changed – and it never died, in spite of a couple of fires that almost destroyed it. I had to have a beer here and made a deal with the bartender. I’m going to send him some Slap Ya Mama seasoning in exchange for a surprise from Tombstone. It was an interesting diversion along the way before dining at the OK Café. The OK Corral was different from what I imagined it, and the gunfight was not inside but at the side. The corral itself is really a livery stable for boarding horses and parking buggies. This was nice to see and gave me a new perspective on what the movies actually would have you believe. Next was Boot Hill, a very unusual cemetery. Of course, it has been more or less landscaped and is another tourist spot, but if you forget the tourist aspect and feature the way it was originally, you come up with a story of life and death as told by the markers that have been added. It’s located on the outskirts of town, overlooking the valley and contains so many stories that you could spend a long time there just reading and imagining what life was like so many years ago. I hope you all have a chance to visit there someday. I may never return, but if I do it will be because I want privacy to
write and create more columns, articles, and short stories. There is no better place to do this than Casa de San Pedro. Tell Karl that I sent you. It will be an experience you will never forget.
Knockin' About Town
I
had the chance to dine with BC Boy last week before leaving on my trip. This sexy stud just happened to be sitting at this restaurant when I walked in, and I immediately aimed myself at his table. The last time I saw him was a couple of weeks ago when he was out walking his dog and all decked out in black. We had a nice time while dining and caught up on what we were both up to lately. Also while out and about in New Orleans with Sam and after dining at Deanie’s in Buck Town, it was time for a long overdue visit to one of the Lords of Leather’s top leaders, the dynamic Ernie, who was recovering from surgery. He was very pleased to see us, and we passed a good time before heading back to Red Stick. I wanted to visit with Kenneth over by Washington Square and the Ambush team, but there just wasn’t enough time to do all of this. It just calls for more frequent visits to the Crescent City. Well, we did take one detour – over to JohnPaul's to see if Mark’s John was on duty. He didn’t come on until 7pm so I settled for some nice cuddling with owner John, a very nice guy. This is one bar in New Orleans that you really need to visit. It’s located at the corner of Elysian Fields and Rampart. It’s the late Charlene’s old place, and I was so pleased to see that John and Paul display her picture for all her good friends and customers to see. That is such a nice thing for them to do. Maybe I’ll convince Jeannie (if I can get her away from Hound Dogs) to go to JohnPauls with me sometimes. We could have a great time, and if Brandon and Robert would like to join us, I’m sure we could all have a great time together. Well, I’m completely devastated at the loss of two neighbors who really brightened up Spanish Town. That dashingly handsome Edward just got fed up with the “cheap landlord’s new but ultracheaply-constructed apartment” and he moved over to the Garden District. Don’t you just hate to rent from a slum lord who finds it best to live somewhere on the other side of the world and leave his business to someone who could care the less for a man’s comfort? Now I wonder if James will follow. I know I’ve been gone for a week, but I haven’t seen him since returning. I’m also devastated at the upcoming loss of my cute and sexy Englishman. I stopped to chat with him before leaving on my trip. He was adding some racks to his motorcycle in preparation for a ride to Washington, D.C. He has only had the motorcycle for about six months, and now he is being sent back
to home base and that leaves another void in the landscape that will be difficult to replace. I saw him today out walking with that blue T-shirt and loose purple shorts – well, loose but still showing such a nice butt movement and wonderful package up front. He was swinging and swaying in the breeze. It was difficult to keep from wrecking my car when I saw that. Goodness! I’m going to miss him. Maybe I can take him out for a drink or two before he leaves, or at least offer him a free massage. After all, that is the neighborly thing to do. Robert and Brandon were entertaining around their pool last night when I got home. I really don’t have to go to Arizona or anywhere else to see elegance. I can just walk next door or go down the street to that sexy David’s abode. These guys really know class, but they are just classy individuals in every way so that just comes natural to them. I got a call from Jeannie and Joy from Hound Dogs while I was in Arizona. Joy has a big party scheduled, and she wanted me to be sure to attend. She was surprised to know where I was at the time of the call. I think I missed an invitation for another dinner with Gerry and Luther. Either I didn’t check my phone, or I deleted an e-mail by accident. Hopefully, this is the week for another gathering of great minds. It’s definitely a time for me and Gerry to gaze upon one of the most beautiful guys on this planet. I haven’t talked to Guy and Richard since they got back from their latest trip, but I’m sure I’ll be getting some pictures and the complete story of their latest adventures. One of these days, I’m going to head out with them. That would be a hoot! My Colla boy had his truck broken into recently, and if you should happen to have been in his address listing, you may want to contact him. He is having to re-do all his private phone listings and e-mails. You have his number. Give him a call, or send him an e-mail. Otherwise, you may lose contact with him. Well, it’s time to wish you all a safe and happy Decadence. I’m going to try to work it into my schedule and get down for some of the festivities. I am so sorry to have missed the latest Magnolia Cotillion, celebrating the 34th anniversary of New Orleans’ first registered domestic partners, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. In lieu of gifts, the couple asked for donations to the Louisiana State Gay Rodeo Association to help produce Louisiana’s first Gay Rodeo in 2009. I trust it was another magnificent event and brought in the needed funding for the LSGRA. This was the first Cotillion since 2004, something I have missed writing about. Until next time, I’ll do a little info gathering on Splash’s gorgeous new photographer Ben and, of course, all the other beautiful people in Red Stick. Y’all take care, and keep those weenies wrapped. It is the right thing to do.
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acadiana
paparazzi
Darius, that crazy lush, at Back Side
Anthony looking adorable at Back Side
John & Jared enjoying a night at Sound Factory
Chrissy & Brooke looking sexy at Sound Factory
Ryan & Brodie, two hotties at Back Side Macky Ray, right before he moved, at Sound Factory
Christian is all smiles at Sound Factory
Ashton & Jessica having fun at Back Side
Miss Steven looking hot at Back Side Kyle & Jeremy out at Sound Factory
Josh on his first trip to Sound Factory
Chris, Troy & John having cocktails at Back Side
Marc bringing karaoke to Sound Factory
Lauren, Cierra & Erin, some of Sound Factory’s lovely ladies
Mark out at Back Side
Kevin hanging out at Sound Factory
Tyler & Johnny at Sound Factory
Hunter at Back Side
Natalie looking fabulous at Sound Factory
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Back Side & Sound Factory Highlights ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos: Patrick Clinton
Tony working the bar at Back Side
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ambush
paparazzi
David slings cocktails at Voodoo Mystere Lounge Bartenders Robert & Poncho welcome you to JohnPaul’s
Cowpokes’ Bill & Trenton visit John (c) at JohnPaul’s
Newly crowned Miss Rampart Street Tatiana & 1st Runner-up Passion Armani Cassidine at Starlight
Donnie Jay celebrates Winston’s Surprise B-day at Golden Lantern Karen, Gene, Stuart & Amon Ra Pres. Ron join Petronius’ Dinner & Drag at JohnPaul’s Contestants in the Miss Rampart Street Pageant at Starlight
Clint & Brian serve up cocktails at the Phoenix
Bill, Lester & Ernst join Winston’s B-day blowout at Golden Lantern
Jimmy shows off the door prize for Petronius’ Dinner & Drag Miss Rampart Street 2nd Runner-up Mercedes Ellis Loreal
You can catch Karbin spinnin’ at the Phoenix
Steve & Lance sling cocktails at the Home of Southern Decadence, The Golden Lantern Dinner & Drag Show Director Regina & Queen Petronius Dawn
Opal Vanderhurst entertains at Starlight pageant
Nancy Rose behind the bar at The Friendly Bar
Janice & her new baby gettin’ ready to see Drag Dingo at Oz
Cathy Fox hits the stage for Petronius’ Dinner & Drag blowout
Starlight hostess Jaded Jade entertains during Miss Rampart Street
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Clubs, Krewes, Contests ~ New Orleans
King & Queen Petronius Charles & Dawn welcome guest to Petronius’ Dinner & Drag at JohnPaul’s
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