Ambush magazine volume 26 issue 25

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the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

Grand Jury Indictment Made in Robin Malta Murder

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ew Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro announced the grand jury indictment on November 24 of Mark Ott who is alleged to have killed Robin Malta.

Robin, co-owner of Salon D'Malta with sister Monica, was beaten to death on June 12, 2007 inside his home. The

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 - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Texas - Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Galveston, Houston, 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 Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Donnie Jay-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. ©1982-2008, 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

blood of Mark Ott was found at the scene.

According to Chad Bower, WWLTV Eyewitness News, "Investigators said they believe Robin Malta’s murder was an ordered hit by an alleged drug dealer who was looking to settle a debt.

Malta’s sister, Monica Malta, said she believes the debt was someone else’s whom her brother had helped.

Last November police arrested 27year-old Laura Lapaz, who uses the nickname “Seven,” on first degree murder charges for ordering a hit on Malta because of the alleged debt."

“The brutality of what occurred was beyond a hit,” Monica said in July. “It was someone, some people completely out of their minds who thrived on some kind of demonic pleasure.”

Christmas with the Crawfords Opens Dec. 4 at Marigny Theatre

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or the first time in New Orleans, the San Francisco Christmas staple Christmas with the Ceawfords will have it’s local premier at the Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street on December 5. Unfortunately that evening is already sold out as well as the preview on Thursday, December 4.

Individual tickets and group sales

are available however for the rest of the run December 7 and 11, 12, 13 and 14.

For tickets please call 504.948.9608, group sales call 504.319.7013.

The show will also be preformed on December 10 at the Columns Hotel for a private function.

This is one holiday show not to be missed. The all star cast features; Dan Kuras as Joan, Jason George as Christina and Rikki Gee as Christopher Crawford. Donnie Jay will protray Hedda Hooper, Karen Shields will handle the dual roles of Betty Davis and Ethel Merman. Also in dual roles will be the director Timm Holt as Shirley Temple and Dinal Shore. Favorite Big Easy winner Cammie West will bring Judy Garland to life. El Tahra Ibrahim is the flashy Carmen Miranda, Paul Pattan as Louis Armstrong, Steve Patrick as Gloria Swanson and Heze Falkins as Hattie McDaniel round out the cast.

Jim Walpole fresh from Thrill Me and Onepiece is the musical director.

Curtain times 8pm nightly, except Sundays at 6pm.

Satyricon Sponsors Opening Night of Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas!

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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is sponsoring the opening night performance of Running With Scissors’ production of Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas! on Friday, December 5, 7pm, at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. Tickets for this performance only are $20 and may be obtained by calling 504.525.4498. For tickets to all other performances, please call 504.606.9903.

Holiday Celebration December 12

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Jason George as Christina, Rikki Gee as Christopher, and Dan Kuras as Joan in Christmas with the Crawfords (Photo by Glenn Meche)

he LGBT Community Center invites the community to celebrate the season at their annual 12/12 Holiday Celebration from 6 to 8 pm on December 12. The party will be held at the Center, 2114 Decatur Street in the Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans.

December 12 is an important date

Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Due Out: Dec. 16th DEADLINE: Tues., Dec. 9th

inside

AMBUSH/main celebrazzi snap paparazzi/nola snap paparazzi/nola, metairie trodding the boards art against aids king cake queen xvi chop chop/nola restaurant guide cookin' with auntie dee ambush paparazzi/new orleans cw6 ambush paparazzi/new orleans obituaries

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EXPOSE/center sappho psalm big easy paparazzi/nola one last song the pink pastor in the spotlight out & about in mobile classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge acadiana paparazzi/lafayette allons acadiana/lafayette

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in this community’s history. This year will mark the 17th anniversary of the historic New Orleans Gay Rights Ordinance, and the 16th anniversary of the Community Center.

Two long-time LGBT community activists will be recognized at the reception. Richard Sacher and Anis Rae Reid, who have both been instrumental in supporting the Center as it strives to rebuild post-Katrina, will receive the Center’s 2008 Caldwell-Kirby Founders Awards.

To join the Center in honoring these valued community members, call the Center at 504.945.1103.

Food and drink will be provided.

The celebration is free and open to the community to drop by on the way to the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus concert, which will begin that evening at 8 pm.

R. Scott Hitt Foundation Awards NO/AIDS Task Force

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n early November, the world watched history happen as the United States elected it’s first African-American president. Overshadowed by that, but no less historical, was that over 111 openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender candidates were on ballots across the country and of those, over 70 were successfully elected to serve in public office. As we see more and more LGBTQ individuals serving in public office as well as emerging as community leaders to address the various needs of the community, it is important that we begin fostering leadership in LGBTQ youth today, so that we have strong, viable leaders tomorrow.

The R. Scott Hitt Foundation has made the commitment to prepare LGBTQ youth to lead their communities in the future. This year, the foundation named its recipient of the first-ever Internship in Leadership Development, Eric Knudsen, who will be interning with the NO/AIDS Task Force. The internship prepares future leaders for lasting leadership roles within organizations that support the LGBT movement. NO/ AIDS Task Force is one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations in the Gulf South, providing critical and compassionate services to men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS for over 25 years. NO/AIDS has selected Eric Knudsen to be the ultimate beneficiary of the internship program.

“We are honored to be chosen out of many deserving applicants and thankful for the opportunity the R. Scott Hitt Foundation has provided to NO/AIDS Task Force. We are thrilled to welcome Eric to the agency. His previous experience will be an asset to NO/AIDS and we are confident he will surpass the organization’s expectations and emerge an effective organizer in the non-profit sector and prepared to lead the LGBT community,” said NO/AIDS executive

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Ambush Mag

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

Out on time, every time!

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ueen Petronius XLVII Dawn Falgout-Loebig and Captain Charmilla DeVille hosted the Krewe of Petronius’ "Queer Bar Shopping Network’s Holiday Extravaganza" at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. In addition to the festive evening of entertainment, the live wreath and holiday decoration auction was a hit.

The krewe’s Bal Masque XLVIII is on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 at Laborers Union Hall. For additional information, visit KreweOfPetronius.tripod.com.

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all Lieutenant Wedon Brown and Captain Mickey Gil welcome guests to “A Satyricon Thanksgiving” in the upstairs Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presented entertainment by Running with Scissor’s own Dorian Rush accompanied by guitarist David James along with their homemade traditional Thanksgiving-style Buffet. Proceeds from the event including the silent auction and raffle helps produce the krewe’s Bal Masque VII set for Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 at the Sugar Mill. For more info visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM.

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uctioneer Kasey Roberts, JohnPaul’s Bar Baron Paul Chiriaco and Captain David Boyd show off the Scott Brady art auctioned during the Lords of Leather Wine & Cheese Tasting Art Auction in the Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The event helped raise funds for the krewe’s Bal Masque XXVI Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 at the Alario Center. For more on the krewe, visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

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uest emcee Blanche Debris, direct from Oz, and outgoing Lafitte’s manager Jeff Palmquist hosted the 16th Red Party at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. With a theme of “Red, Hat & Wild,” the annual turn-a-bout show brought a hilarious evening of entertainment to the oldest gay bar in the country. The event raised $4,049 with $3,749 benefiting In This Together and $300 (half of the red hat auction) benefiting W.E. Have A Heart Fund.

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oo, Linda, JR, Dorrian, Lucille, Vicky, Marty and Cheryl celebrate the life of Rick “Lorna” Leggitt (March 21, 1954-November 7, 2008) at a blowout in his honor at Big Daddy’s in New Orleans. Lorna’s sister’s Linda, Dorrian and Vicky mingled with loads of his friends at the upbeat affair.

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ouisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living’s (TFL) John Butts joins Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Lili Alpaugh for New Orleans’ inaugural Gay American Smokeout at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann in New Orleans. In addition to TFL and HRC, the NO/AIDS Task Force hosted the night with participation from Oz, Napoleon's Itch, the Pub, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends Bar and Rawhide.

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rescent City Outlaws’ Rich, Mike, Mina, new Ms. HO 2008 L. Jessica Taylor, along with Crescent City Outlaws’ Bonnie and Nan celebrate following competition during the Outlaws’ annual Ho Down blowout hosted at Cowpokes in New Orleans.

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the "official" dish ...from Main-4 director Noel Twilbeck.

Eric, a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut, already has an impressive resume of LGBT work, research and activism, including an internship with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. During Eric’s 9month tenure at NO/AIDS Task Force, he will work in a variety of program areas which will expose him to the various aspects of nonprofit organizational work and provide him with invaluable knowledge and experience for the future.

“It is an incredible feeling and the greatest honor when highly influential, accomplished people, who have made my life better in ways I will never fully understand, believe I have what it takes to shape the future,” stated Knudsen.

During the course of 9 months, Eric’s responsibilities at NO/AIDS Task Force will focus on 5 core areas to help

hone his leadership skills: policy & grassroots organizing, managerial operations, communications, event production and development & board development. Eric was energized right away about his internship when one of his first activities was to participate in board and staff development, which was facilitated by award-winning author and speaker Kay Sprinkel Grace.

“Working at NO/AIDS is a priceless opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for upcoming victories in LGBT equality,” said Knudsen.

The majority of his work will be with the Task Force’s Community Awareness Network (CAN) Project, which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities. The CAN Project has long been a recognized leader in prevention both regionally and nationally, and was an ideal fit for Knudsen. Eric will assist with the Mpowerment initiative which is a model

HIV prevention program designed specifically to address the needs of young bay/bisexual men. Additionally, he will be an integral part of the Popular Opinion Leader program which mobilizes local gay establishments, community organizations and businesses to adopt messages of HIV prevention and awareness. He will also work implement these messages in online chat rooms.

“The R. Scott Hitt Foundation was extremely excited to have partnered with NO/AIDS and we think that they have selected a very worthy individual in Eric Knudsen. Scott would be humbled to know that his legacy will continue to live on in the bright future of Eric who exemplifies Scott’s vision and work to improve people’s lives everywhere, but especially those at risk and living with HIV/AIDS,” stated Jim Weinstein, Chair of the R. Scott Hitt Foundation Board.

Additionally, the chance to work with an agency in New Orleans will

prove to be an amazing opportunity.

Three years after Hurricane Katrina, the city has created numerous opportunities for young professionals and emerging leaders. The culture in New Orleans is ideal for young leaders to define themselves and emerge with all of the ever-elusive qualities that define great leadership. When Eric Knudsen has completed his internship at NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans, he will be a stronger leader, prepared to help the LGBTQ community continue to grow and prosper.

The application process for the 2009 R. Scott Hitt Foundation Internship in Leadership Development opens on December 1, 2008. The paid internship seeks to provide college graduates with a strong academic record a 7 - 9 month working experience to help them build necessary leadership skills that will be an asset to the LGBTQ community.

Applicants are free to chose an established 501(c)3 nonprofit host organization anywhere in the United States.

Together the applicant and host organization develop a curriculum for the duration of the proposed internship. Applications, which are due by May 8, 2009, must include a cover letter, essay and recent resume. For further information, go to scotthittfoundation.org.

The R. Scott Hitt Foundation, launched in 2007, strives to advance public well-being through the development and training of socially conscious individuals to become the future leaders in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community activism. The internship programs are designed to introduce outstanding, innovative, socially conscious individuals, who are in the educational phase of their lives, to the various aspects of nonprofit organizational work. Through participation in one of the foundation’s two internship programs, both undergraduate and graduate, individuals will learn the skills necessary to participate in the field of gay and lesbian nonprofit advocacy.

The programs are designed to train candidates to follow in our footsteps and lead the way as our community manages with a shortage of highly skilled successors and the increasing need for skillful leadership. Our community has a history of taking care of our own and the Foundation is focused on keeping that tradition alive. For more information about the R. Scott Hitt Foundation, please call James Vellequette at 323573-3005 or visit www.scotthittfoundation.org. [continued on Main-14]

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snap David James & Dorian Rush live at “A Satyricon Christmas” at JohnPaul’s Satyricon’s George & Queen Satyricon V Hoyle enjoy “A Satyricon Christmas” at JohnPaul’s

Ben, King Satyricon V Tony & Conner celebratin’ at JohnPaul’s for “A Satyricon Christmas”

Ama Rosa is a knockout at the Red Party

The Red Party brought DJ Myke to the stage at Lafitte’s

Lord Ben observes Lord Kasey doing an excellent job for Lords of Leather’s Wine & Cheese Tasting Art Auction as auctioneer

Shawn as Roxy serves it up at the Red Party Miss Upper Schwegmann Heights Betty Breakfast joins the Red Party

Lord Pat & Lord King XXV Michael join Lords of Leather’s Wine & Cheese Tasting Art Auction at JohnPaul’s

Clover Grill’s George & DJ Johnny Love sing live for the Red Party Aletha & the Coconuts do the Red Party

King Satyricon I Ted welcomes guests to “ A Satyricon Christmas” at JohnPaul’s

Elijah shows it all at the Red Party benefiting In This Together ($3,749) & W.E. Have A Heart Fund ($300)

Good Friends’ Sammy on stage for the Red Party

”A Satyricon Christmas” brought Robert & Gary to JohnPaul’s

Todd, Dwayne & Brian Peterson (aka Sadie Shepherd) pop in for “A Satyricon Christmas” at JohnPaul’s

In This Together’s Fish hits the stage for the Red Party

Ann Margaret pops in for the Red Party

Will hits the stage at the Red Party

Phillip brings the Red Party to a climax

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Satyricon & Lords of Leather at JohnPaul’s, Lafitte’s 16th Red Party Raises $4,049 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

paparazzi

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snap paparazzi

AJ welcomes revelers to the Gay American Smokeout at Oz

DJ Gage & manager Charmaine welcome you to Club Tribute in Metairie

Lorna’s Celebration of Life hosted at Big Daddy’s Carol getting ready for the holidays at Le Roundup Jerry slings cocktails at Rawhide

Jeanne slings cocktails at Club Tribute in Metairie

Arthur, Marsha & Amy celebrate the life of Lorna at Big Daddy’s

Donna joins Onepiece playwright Randy Bibb for cocktails at Double Play

Rick & Lori pop in for the Red Party at Lafitte’s

Christine & Brandy at Club Tribute in Metairie

Trenton slings cocktails at Cowpokes

Josh is a real cutie behind the bar or on the bar at The Corner Pocket

Buttercup behind the bar at Napoleon’s Itch for the Gay American Smokeout

Sadie & Nadia snuggle up to Herman at 700 Club

Poncho back from Vermont behind the bar at Cutter’s

Cocktails with DB upstairs Fridays & Saturdays at JohnPaul’s

4 Seasons bartenders Toby & Steve in Metairie

David slings cocktails on the patio at 4 Seasons in Metairie

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Around The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush

Lorna’s sisters Vicky, Linda & Dorrian brings Lorna to Big Daddy’s one final time for his celebration of life

Manager Joe welcomes you to Rawhide

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the "official" dish ...from Main-8

Rubyfruit Jungle Announces Reopening

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he year was 1994. New Orleans was about to experience a new concept in LGBT entertainment. Rubyfruit Jungle was born. And the adventure began.

"Check your Prejudices at the Door" was their motto and everyone was welcomed.

Frenchmen Street became a new center for all with the latest in audio, video, intelligent lighting, and entertainment. It was exciting, safe and inviting.

DJ Mary Pappas provided the grooves and men and women alike danced, met friends, and found a place to belong. The staff was friendly and bartenders soon knew your name.

Rubyfruit Jungle was embraced by the community and provided a home for diverse groups.

Now Rubyfruit Jungle is returning to New Orleans, making its home in a multi level entertainment facility at 1135 Decatur Street. Newly conceived in 2008, Rubyfruit Jungle reemerges in the 21st century! Grand Opening is Friday December 5th at 5pm. Whether you knew the Jungle back in the day, or whether it's a new experience for you, The Jungle is the place to be. Still friendly and even more exciting, this is something you cannot miss. Some old

familiar faces: same ambience, same owner, Mary Pappas as general manager and dj-ing special late night sets.

Some brand new faces: a variety of djs, new entertainment, both edgy and comfortable. The Jungle is hot, happening, and here!

For additional information visit m y s p a c e . c o m / RubyfruitJungleNOLA.

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Spinning Into Butter at Loyola’s Marquette Theatre

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aura Hope’s production of Spinning Into Butter started off so broadly I thought I was watching commedia dell’arte. Though there were some bright comic moments, I thought it was a bit much.

But as Rebecca Gilman’s play about race relations and the politics of academia developed, Hope brought things into focus—the small-minded characters turning into buffoonish caricatures, the decent ones turning achingly real—to devastating effect.

Though a worthy play and Gilman’s best known one, Butter is not a perfect work what with its points sometimes spelled out too baldly and actions/motivations that occasionally bump up against logic. That said, Hope’s little touches, like wittily choreographed scene changes, made the evening that much more engrossing; by giving it an expressionistic edge, its naturalistic flaws were minimized.

The young cast carried out Hope’s direction with courage and conviction.

Colby Lemaster brought untold layers of depth to the small but important role of a down-to-earth security guard. Playing a pompous and petty elder faculty member, Christopher Bohnstengel mostly pulled off this tough role complete with jumping on desktops with hilarious results. James McBride was solid as a well-meaning if caddish young professor.

As Sarah Daniels, the young Dean who is the center of the drama, freshman Laura Friedman was about 15 years too young for the role. Yet she captured Sarah’s insecurities and determination, winningly tracing the arc of how her good intentions lead to her (one hopes, temporary) defeat. And in Gilman’s scalding, extended monolog on race, Friedman was simply brilliant.

Though Spinning Into Butter, first done in 1999, remains an interesting play—one could palpably sense how intently a recent audience at Loyola was paying attention to it—Obama’s win manifests how things have changed to some extent. And of course, nowadays, all the characters would be emailing, IM’ing and texting each other.

The Frogs at Delgado Community College

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tephen Sondheim’s The Frogs, “freely adapted from Aristophanes by Burt Shevelove [and] even more freely adapted by Nathan Lane,”is not top drawer Sondheim but it’s kicky fun.

And, hey, 2nd drawer Sondheim is still

better than most.

In this spirited tale of Dionysus’ trip to Hades to bring George Bernard Shaw back to Earth, nothing is too much whether sexy babes or tough broads, trampolines or lotsa theater references from Fosse to The Lady is a Tramp. If things slow down a tad when Shakespeare challenges Shaw for the right to return and they go head-to-head reciting selections from their works, hey, what do those two know about musical comedies?

Director Timothy K. Baker wisely doesn’t overdo things; with something this lightweight, the last thing you need is overkill. Instead, this Frogs hops merrily along its way.

With a self-satisfied look on his face, Travis Resor was a perfect Dionysus, nicely navigating between the noble and the silly, the ballsy and the, well, less manly aspects of this demi-god. Bill Mader, Jr. did well as his slave and saucy sidekick. Martin Covert was funny as Styx’s ferryman Charon and even funnier as Aekos, Pluto’s gatekeeper. And after the intensity of Miss Saigon and Assassins’ seriousness, it was fun watching Vatican Lokey camping it up, wonderfully, as the feyest Pluto you’ll ever see.

The musicians, led by Karl Harrod, did well by Sondheim’s challenging score and Tom Dawson’s set surrounded

by Greek stoas ingeniously changed into the River Styx.

As a cute introduction to Aristophanes, The Frogs nicely showcased Delgado’s strengths and, I’m happy to say, registers as the most fully satisfying show seen at this community college in a while. Ribbit, ribbit.

The Sweetest Sounds: The Music of Richard Rogers at NOCCA’s Nims Blackbox Theatre

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or NOCCA’s Musical Theatre Department’s fall show, the prodigiously talented Jefferson Turner adapted and arranged nearly 40 of Richard Rodgers’ songs into a two hour concert entertainment.

And if it had gone on for another eight hours, I wouldn’t’ve minded a bit! >From the opening’s gorgeous profusion of 30-strong voices in a medley of The Sound of Music/The Sweetest Sounds/It’s a Grand Night for Singing onward, Turner continually took these classics and reconstituted them especially for the NOCCA cast’s voices while intermixing snippets from other Rodgers songs. Challenging? You bet! But under Director Blake Coheley’s guidance, the result was a classy evening. Very classy.

Act One continued with the delightful Sing for Your Supper/Johnny One Note, a “love” section encompassing the funny (I Wish I Were in Love Again), the serious (If I Loved You) and the funny-serious (People Will Say We’re in Love), a cute juxtaposition between Manhattan and Kansas City, the atmospheric Ship Without a Sail/Bali Ha’i, the jazzy Falling in Love with Love, and the lustrous melding of Do-Re-Mi with Oklahoma!

Act Two featured an amazingly ambitious adaptation of the Slaughter on Tenth Avenue ballet to showcase eight different styles of dance (ballet, modern, ballroom, jitterbug, tap, disco, hiphop and manic) which the ensemble realized with aplomb.

Coheley can fill the stage in the blink of an eye with singing, waltzing couples, yet is not afraid of simply staging a song such as Bali Ha’i for maximal effect. That said, there was a tendency to have cast members face out at the audience rather than their onstage partner. While this is somewhat understandable given the show’s semi-concert nature, it did lessen the emotional impact particularly in The Sweetest Sounds/I Have Dreamed/ Where or When sequence.

One could also have asked for a pinch more variety in the presentation; by the second half of Act Two, a certain sameness had crept in causing the numbers to blur more than intended. A little more humor would’ve been welcome to join the Stepsister’s Lament/I Enjoy Being a Girl from Act One, quite possible the most hysterically funny musical number (picture some serious ugly/pretty drag) New Orleans has seen this millennium.

The stupendously talented cast included not only such “old” pros as Ambie winner Ethan Andersen, Chrissy Bowen, Ashley Butler, Ambie nominee Janie Heck, Sarah Jackson, Michael Moore, Joshua Smith and Meghan Wagner but such new (or newer) faces as Christina Chester, Tyler Curry, Taylor Morgan, Andrew Otts, Jonathan Stevens and the “cutest” stepsisters around, Kyle Adam and Daniel Rigamer.

As Coheley, Turner and the rest of NOCCA’s dedicated teachers prepare their charges for college and beyond, one hopes there’s nothing but the brightest of futures in store for them.

Side Man at Le Petit’s Muriel’s Cabaret Theatre

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ith its jazz milieu, you would think Side Man, Warren Leight’s Tony Award-winner, would’ve been done here by now. It may not be a great play but it does have its stirring moments so a flourish of appreciation to The NOLA Project for giving it its New Orleans debut.

True, the first act meanders along episodically in a minor key. And I’m not sure if we really need to see yet another

dysfunctional family. Yet when Leight gives his full attention in the second act to the dissolving familial relations of trumpeter Gene, wife Terry and son Clifford, the results are harrowing.

In this atmospheric production, Director Mike Harkins did well with this difficult material. Michael Aaron Santos, Andrew Larimer (in a nice character turn), James Bartelle and Alex Martinez Wallace nicely established an easy camaraderie among their musician characters who watch as their glory days fade from view. Santos, as the clueless Gene, has one of the play’s most memorable moments as he listens to a singular jazz tape, a rare moment of transporting happiness etched on his face.

Yet it’s Ashley Ricord as Terry, a naive if tough New England gal who descends into mental illness, whose performance shall stick in my mind for a long time. With emotions pulled from the bone and a fearless commitment to exposing them, not to mention a nigh perfect Boston accent, Ricord ascended to an even higher level of artistry than she has already achieved.

Unfortunately, fine as these performers are, along with Kate Kuen as good time gal Patsy, they simply can’t enact the lived-in manners and bodies of 40+ year olds, preventing this production from exuding the earthbound weariness Side Man demands. Only Sam Dudley, age appropriate as the haunted, conflicted Clifford, is able to deliver a fully realized interpretation.

What The NOLA Project has done with Side Man is no small achievement. But I look forward to seeing them do it again in 10 or 15 or even 20 years from now.

New Orleans Fringe Festival at various venues

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ats off to the New Orleans Fringe Festival for making New Orleans, in general, and the Marigny/Bywater, in particular, its playground for a weekend’s worth of drama, comedy, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus/sideshow, spoken word, multimedia, performance art, puppetry, improvisation, storytelling and overall creative madness.

Even if one had wanted to, it would’ve been impossible to see more than 18 of the Festival’s 30 offerings. I was able to catch a mere three.

In Lia Romeo’s Baby Boom at the Hi-Ho Lounge, a couple want to have a baby but can’t, so when a machine gun appears on their doorstep in a basket dressed in baby clothes, the wife, eagerly, and the husband, more circumspectly, decide to raise it as their own despite acknowledging “It isn’t a typical baby.”

Romeo playfully spun out her tale until it took a dark turn, infusing her absurdist framework with real passions and a bittersweet take on life. Dana Jacks was delightfully wacky as the

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trodding the boards ...from M-16 wife.

STRIPPED: naked in a new world at the Marigny Theater included three one-woman monologues. Jennifer Pagan’s Donde Esta was a funny, affecting portrait of a Latina wanting to become a U.S. citizen during Nixon’s reign who feels life is passing her by.

Angry Hair written & performed by Francine Segal was a brave revelation of self and interesting as an autobiographical account of growing up as a young Syrian Jewish woman in New Orleans but, as is, never made the jump to art. Segal might want to consider trimming and/or rearranging it into a less linear form to give it more dramatic heft. Diana E.H. Shortes’ portrait of the lady who erected the Pontalba Apartments, The Baroness Undressed, has only deepened since its run at Voodoo Mystére Lounge earlier this year, though its pacing could’ve been just a tad quicker to avoid melodrama.

Any and all of STRIPPED’s components could probably be expanded into a full length work; judging by its full houses, there seems to be an abundance of interest in seeing more of these women.

Only Struck/Break, two programmatic one-acts by J. Stephen Brantley was a disappointment. In Struck, a self-pitying writer who’s had a stroke meets with a high-strung gallery owner friend of his to talk about “Life”. Break featured an encounter between a befuddled Englishman and a druggie who’s broken into his home as he tries to kick his habit; better than Struck but I didn’t quite buy the whole situation. Hunter Gilmore was quite good, however, as the emotionally raw intruder who’s more articulate than he at first lets on. And, man, what a chest he got!

With attendance at the Festival exceeding all expectations, it looks like it’ll be back next year. I’m already clearing my schedule.

7th Annual New Plays Festival at Le Chat Noir

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s is often the case with oneact playfests, Le Chat Noir’s 7th Annual New Plays Festival presented a smorgasbord of offerings that appealed to a wide variety of tastes. Don’t like one? Then wait 10 minutes and try another.

Me, I wanted to go back for a double helping of native New Orleanian Mary Louise Wilson’s Lost, a comic tale of two older ladies with memory issues.

Though best known as a writer for Full Gallop, her one-woman show about Diana Vreeland, Wilson displays a true talent for finding the comic in the vernacular of real people which in turn brought a marvelous humanity to her Helen and Alice. Though Wilson’s denouement flirts with tragedy, she managed to still find humor in the situation to make for a thoroughly satisfying

playlet.

Clare Moncrief and Carol Sutton, too actresses all too often seen in drams, brought Helen & Alice to life with brilliant comedic flair—might there be a Madame Arcati or Mistress Quickly in their futures?

As for the rest, one helping was enough for me.

Andrew Farrier’s Good Children involving a street hustler, an older woman trying to evacuate and a crawfish featured a strange if logically consistent world. You Can’t Walk Backwards by Gabrielle Reisman and Mindy Mayer’s Water Business were nice if uninspired slices of New Orleans life. R.J. Tsarov’s slice, Cheffing, was not as surreal as his works usually are; I’m not entirely sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.

Jamie Wax’s The Scutley Papers started off in the Southern gothic vein and then turned touchingly serious.

Only in New Orleans by Pat Bourgeois had some funny lines as voodoo seemed to help out the Saints. Bradley Troll’s Contraflow fulfilled the absurdist twaddle quotient and To Hell and Back (Somewhat), set in a titty bar, by Bud Faust was silly but an audience pleaser as were most of these.

In addition to Moncrief and Sutton, under Carl Walker’s smooth direction, Vernel Bagneris, Alex Lemonier, Leslie Limberg, Jamie Montelepre, Angela Papale, T. Joe Seibert and Jamie Wax all admirably satisfied the demands of these new works.

Jim Bailey is Judy Garland at Harrah’s Theatre

J

im Bailey brought his uncanny recreation of Judy Garland to New Orleans during the Halloween festivities and what a treat it was!

This is the Garland of the later years when she could host a TV variety series and without fancy lighting or camera work, or flashy sets or costumes, hold an audience mesmerized simply by singing, with a voice like a fine cello, songs from the Great American Songbook.

And what songs they are—You Made Me Love You, Swanee, The Bells are Ringing, The Trolley Song, San Francisco, This Can’t Be Love, Ol’ Man River, Just in Time, Get Happy and, of course, Over the Rainbow.

Wearing a tasteful powder blue, beaded outfit, Bailey stayed completely in character throughout the 80 minute show, recreating not only Garland’s, at times, stuttering speech pattern, but capturing her warmth and self-deprecating style as well as her wonderful interpretative gifts.

Having been performing this act for nearly 40 years, Bailey is still in great voice; if it was a little frayed around the edges, Bailey/Garland blamed it on New Orleans’ humidity and I’ll go with that. One only wishes Garland had the staying power that Bailey has had...

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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 serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 9am-9pm Mon.Fri., and 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 new direction of Chef Sam Allen, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! As always, the specials are available online, as is the entire menu.

Serving 7 days 11am-10pm 7 days and

Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information.

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. Mardi Gras Zone Grocery & Deli, 2706 Royal St., is open for for full service catering and delivery not to mention everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

Call 947.8787 for information. Open 48 hours a day, 8 days a week, Sunrise to Sunset.

Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 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 5pm10pm 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 raspber-

cookin' with auntie dee

by Donnie Jay E-mail: auntiedeej@hotmail.com Photo©GrahamStudioOne.COM

Holiday Pork Roast

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ired of stuffing the same old bird for the Holidays, why not try a pork roast instead.

This recipe is an elegant treatment for a pork shoulder or Boston butt roast.

ROAST PORK WITH GARLIC-ONION GRAVY 1(5-6 pound) pork roast (Shoulder or butt) 10 garlic cloves, halved kitchen string 5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 medium onions, halved and sliced 3 celery ribs, chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons cold water Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Make 20 small deep cuts in roast, and insert garlic pieces. Tie roast with kitchen

string securing at two inch intervals.

Rub Cajun seasoning on roast. Cook roast in hot oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat 2 minutes on all sides or until brown. Remove from skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and celery to skillet; cook stirring frequently, five to eight minutes or until tender.

Place onion mixture in a roasting pan; top with roast. Add broth to pan. Cover loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Bake at 350 degrees for 3 ½ to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. Remove roast from pan; cover with foil and let stand 20 minutes before slicing. Pour pan drippings through a wire-mesh strainer to equal two cups, adding broth or water if necessary. Discard solids. Whisk together 3 tablespoons flour and 5 tablespoons cold water in a medium sauce pan.

Whisk in drippings, adding additional broth if necessary. Cook over medium-

T

he new Cuban-style Sandwich at The Country Club is a delicious choice ($8). The po-boy bread is stuffed with Cuban roast pork, ham, Swiss, julienne cut pickles and mustard, then grilled panini style. It's served with homemade sweet potato chips and the house's spicy peach barbecue sauce. The restaurant is now under the direction of Chef Sam Allen offering very affordable choices 11am-10pm daily with Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. ries, 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, poboys, 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. 11am10pm; 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.

high heat, whisking often. Six to seven minutes or until thickened.

Sizzlin’ Skillet Cornbread, crumbled (recipe follows)

OYSTER DRESSING 2 medium onions, diced 4 celery ribs, diced 2 red bell peppers, diced 2 green bell peppers, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup olive oil 2 (8-ounce) containers fresh oysters, drained and chopped coarsely ½ cup dry white wine ½ cup chicken broth ¼ cup butter 3 bays leaves 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 2 large eggs ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Saute first five ingredients in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat fifteen to twenty minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Stir in oysters and next nine ingredients, cook three to four minutes or until edges of oysters begin to curl.

Remove from heat; let stand ten minutes. Remove bay leaves. Place mixture in a large bowl; stir in eggs and cheese. Fold in cornbread. Place mixture in a lightly greased 3 quart pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

SIZZLIN’ CORNBREAD DRESSING 2 tablespoons bacon drippings 2 cups buttermilk 1 large egg 1 ¾ cups self-rising cornmeal mix

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onto a wire rack. Cool completely.

CREAMED COLLARDS 4 ½ lbs. fresh collard greens 1 lb. bacon, chopped ¼ cup butter 2 large onions, diced 3 cups chicken broth ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Béchamel Sauce (recipe follows) Rinse collard greens. Trim and discards thick stems from bottom of collard green leaves (about two inches); coarsely chop collards. Cook bacon in batches, in an eight quart stock over medium heat ten to twelve minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in a Dutch oven. Reserve ¼ cup bacon. Add butter and onions to hot drippings in skillet. Saute onions eight minutes or until tender. Add collards, in batches, and cook, stirring occasionally, fifteen minutes or until desired degrees of tenderness. Drain collards, reserving one cup of liquid.

Stir in Béchamel Sauce. Stir in reserved cooking liquid, ¼ cup at a time, to desired consistency. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with bacon. cookin' with auntie dee Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat bottom and sides of a ten inch cast iron skillet with bacon drippings; heat in oven ten minutes. Whisk together remaining ingredients; pour batter into hot skillet.

Bake at 450 degrees for fifteen minutes or until lightly browned. Invert cornbread

K

ing Cake Queen XVI-Elect Tami Tarmac appears every other Friday in FourPlay hosted at JohnPaul's in New Orleans. For more on "The Grandee Queen" visit GayMardiGras.COM.

BECHAMEL SAUCE ½ cup butter 2 medium shallots, minced 2 garlic cloves, pressed ¾ cup all-purpose flour 4 cups milk ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add shallots and garlic, and saute one minute. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook one minute, whisking mixture constantly. Increase heat to medium. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, five to seven minutes or until mixture is thickened. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.

STUFFED MIRLITONS 4 medium mirlitons, cooked, halved, seed removed 1 ½ lb. peeled medium size shrimp ½ cup butter 1 medium onion, finely chopped ½ medium bell pepper, finely chopped 2 celery ribs, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 ¼ cups fine, dry bread crumbs, divided ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon ground red pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons butter Coarsely chop shrimp. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scoop out pulp from mirlitons into a bowl, leaving a ¼ inch shell. Finely chop pulp. Melt ½ cup butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat; add onion, and cook five minuets or until tender. Reduce heat to low; add bell pepper and next four ingredients, sauté twelve minutes or until tender. Stir in one cup bread crumbs and mirlitons pulp until combined. Remove from heat stir in shrimp, salt and next three ingredients. Melt two tablespoons butter. Spoon mirlitons mixture into shells, pressing down lightly. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup bread crumbs. Place mirlitons in 2 (11-x-7-inch) baking dishes. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for thirty minutes or until lightly browned.

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paparazzi

4 Seasons show brought Rikki Redd to the patio stage Jay & Gizelle back in town at FourPlay at JohnPaul’s

Danny, James, Russell & Bear pop in for Cutter’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Lea & Keith pop in for the Jaded Jade Revue at Starlight By The Park David & Jimmy enjoying Cutter’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Lords of Leather Capt. David & LSGRA member-at-large Mike take in FourPlay at JohnPaul’s Javier slingin’ cocktails at his club, Starlight By The Park

Amber Stone emcees 4 Seasons show in Metairie

Emcee Gary Glitter brings Playgirl’s Man of the Year ’09 to the stage at JohnPaul’s for a special b-day tribute

Nicole Dubois stars in the new Fleur de Lis Divas at Cowpokes

Jason pops in for Chuckwagon Happy Hour Fridays at Rawhide

Sable Nicole Starr joins the 4 Seasons show in Metairie

Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier joins Dominic’s show at JohnPaul’s

Amon Ra’s Mr. America Nathan Brooks guest stars in the Fleur de Lis Divas Revue Philip & Rikki stop in at Rawhide for Chuckwagon Happy Hour Fridays

Valerie Kolby-Carrington is always a hit at 4 Seasons in Metairie

Christina Cayne in the new Fleur de Lis Divas Revue

Cutter’s Mac welcomes JohnPaul’s Paul to Cutter’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Playgirl Man of the Year ’09 Dominic live at JohnPaul’s

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Show & so much more! ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, Gary Glitter

Fleur de Lis Divas show director Brittney O’Bryan

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

cw6

by The Susan Lucci's E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

Remembering Lorna

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umerous friends poured into Big Daddy's to celebrate the life of Rick "Lorna" Leggitt (March 12, 1954-Nov. 7, 2008) joining his three sisters: Vicky, Linda and Dorrian on Nov. 14. It was a night when many friends got up and told a special story about Lorna. There was laughter, tears, cocktails, food, and, of course, balloons. As white balloons were passed out, so were markers giving friends a chance to write a short message to Lorna. We all gathered outside Big Daddy's in the center of Franklin and Royal and let them lift to the heavens. Then it was back inside to mingle and reminisce about how special Lorna was to so many of us.

A Scissors Rush

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hen Nov. 15 rolled around we knew it would turn out to be a busy one.

Our first stop was for "A Satyricon Thanksgiving" hosted in the Victorian Galleries upstairs at JohnPaul's. The krewe always has food galore and to-

night was no exception. You were greeted at the top of the stairs by King Satyricon I Ted with DB behind the bar serving up your favorite cocktails. As we headed towards the silent auction, music and song was drifting through the galleries. It was none other than Running With Scissors own Dorian Rush accompanied by guitarist David James. It was so much fun, but we had to cut it short for our next stop.

Pretty in Red ...REALLY?!?

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t was off to the 16th annual Red Party hosted by Cafe Lafitte In Exile, the oldest gay bar in North America. This annual turn-a-bout show always turns some of Wood Enterprises staff into beauties, some real surprises and other hilarious divas. After all it is a night of entertainment raising funds for charity. This year the event raised $4,049 with $3,749 benefiting In This Together and $300 benefiting W.E. Have A Heart Fund. Practically every entertainer wore a red hat which was auctioned off at the end of their performance with half benefiting In This

Together and half to W.E. Have A Heart Fund.

In This Together, under the direction of Michael "Fish" Hickerson, provides positive opportunities for persons with life challenging illness(es) through empowerment, education, and supportive services designed to enhance the individual’s quality of life.

W.E. Have A Heart Fund was established for Wood Enterprises employees who may be in need or going through a crisis.

Oz's Blanche Debris emceed the affair with the help of outgoing Lafitte's manager Jeff Palmquist.

Purses & Leather

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unday, the 16th came around quick and yes, we were at it again. This time it was for the Lords of Leather Wine & Cheese Tasting Art Auction, again in the Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul's. In speaking with Captain David Boyd, we knew there would be sliver, crystal, fine art and more. We also knew that featured artists included Scott Brady from Mobile, Jacey Frew from New Orleans, New Orleans Madness Masks and PD Designs of New Orleans.

The only one we were not familiar with was PD Designs. You can imagine our surprise and delight to find out that Pam Dean (PD Designs) created one of [continued on Main-27]

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paparazzi

King & Queen Petronius XLVIII-Elect Arthur & Freddy join the Holiday Extravaganza at JohnPaul’s

Johnny Passion entertains for Petronius’ Holiday Extravaganza

Eva Las Vegas guest stars in Petronius’ Holiday Extravaganza Sunday Show Night brought Octavia Morris as the spotlight performer to the stage at Oz

Karen & Gene pop in for Petronius’ Holiday Extravaganza

Mercedes Ellis Loreal dazzles at Sunday Show Night hosted by Oz

Mike & Ms. Bonnie work the Crescent City Outlaw’s Ho Down at Cowpokes

Oz’s hot bartenders Allen & Joe

700 Club’s Mike serves up his great gumbo & potato salad for the last Saints game

Muffy Lotta is a hit at Crescent City Outlaws’ Ho Down at Cowpokes

Marigny Manor House’s Gil & John cocktailin’ at the Phoenix

Ben, Marlin & bartender Wayne at the Phoenix Natasha is a dazzler at Petronius’ Holiday Extravaganza

Petronius’ Jimmy & Romney working the krewe’s Holiday Extravaganza at JohnPaul’s

Coca stars in Oz’s Sunday Show Night

Tyra Van Ryan gives sex appeal for Sunday Show Night at Oz

Sissy Havana & Red Neck Mike sing a duet at the Outlaws’ Ho Down at Cowpokes

Outlaw’s Ho Down brought Sissy Havana & her shot gun to the stage at Cowpokes

Jay up on the bar at Cowpokes for the new Fleur de Lis Divas

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Petronius, Shows, Ho Downs, Cocktailin’ ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, DJ Richie Rich

Princesse Stephaney co-emcees Petronius’ Holiday Extravaganza at JohnPaul’s

obituaries La Peniche's Kathleen Nesser Passes Away

K

athleen Ann Nesser passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 at the age of 62 years. She was a retired, local school teacher and business owner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian cw6 ...from Main-25 a kind purses. Created from salvaged cigar boxes, she recycles them into designer accessories, each crafted into a unique work of art. Pam sands them down where necessary, adds handles, feet, linings and mirrors, and decorates them, often using other found objects. If the hinges and catches are too flimsy to withstand much wear and tear, she replaces them with stronger ones. When finished, she adds eight to twelve coats of varnish for added durability. Whether you call them purses or handbags, wherever these little gems travel, they carry a piece of Pam and New Orleans with them.

Although Marsha has a collection of Timmy Woods purses, we found these exciting, refreshing, and did we say, one of a kind! Each bag is signed

by Pam Dean. Out of some 30 on display one especially caught our eye.

We had to have it for the upcoming ball season and it was ours for only $100.

After mingling and perusing the other works of art, we visited the silent auction items. Here we also found items that would be presented in the live auction, and can you believe it, Pam Dean had donated one of her bags to benefit the Lords of Leather. This one was a little larger than the one we had purchased, but we knew we had to have it.

After auctioning cheesecake, and fine art, auctioneer Kasey Roberts finally came to the PD Designs purse.

There were several bids and we offered $100, and yes, we got it. Two one of a kind bags in one night and at a leather function. What a thrill!

Wreaths & Drag

A

fter another five days of bar hopping, Saturday, Nov. 22 was up next. It was the Krewe of Petronius' Queer Bar Shopping Network with a live wreath and decoration auction and a holiday show all rolled into one. Captain Charmilla DeVille was lovely in her signature flounced skirt, made from all things, a Walgreen's Xmas tree skirt! And Princesse Stephaney lent her talent and skills to co-emcee the affair at JohnPaul's.

All of us in need of wreaths were in luck with some 20 or so to choose from.

And were we excited when we saw two wreaths adorned in silver. In case y'all

F. and Louis M. Nesser, Jr. and her brother, Louis M. Nesser, III. She is survived by her brother, John J. Nesser, Sr. and sister-in-law, Lori A. Nesser.

Also survived by her nephews, Matthew P. Nesser and John J. Nesser, Jr., nieces, Tiffani B. LeBouef and Charmaine A. Williams, and great nephew, Christian A. Nesser.

Kathleen was a teacher for twenty years in the Jefferson Parish private and public school systems. She was instru-

mental in the opening of La Peniche Restaurant in 1981 and remained active in its successful operation for over twenty years.

Kathleen will be missed by her loving family and a myriad of friends, as well as the La Peniche Family. She will most be remembered for her kindness and generosity, as well as her vibrant persona. In lieu of flowers, Masses or donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,

haven't noticed, we've been in a silver balcony mood since Decadence. We did silver for Halloween and knew we were doing silver for Christmas.

Charmilla humored us and let us pick the first wreath to be auctioned and we chose one of the silver ones. And yes, we snagged it for $50. Others went and then the second silver one came up and we got that for another $50. It was our lucky night.

Blanche Debris was hosting the affair.

Andrew served up our first cocktails and David arrived to serve us at show time.

The cast was giving it their all. We got to see Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Coca, Tyra Van Ryan and Sable Nicole Starr.

And their spotlight performer was Octavia Morris whom we had never seen. The crowd was festive and in a generous mood so all of the show girls were doing it up a notch!

Pre-Turkey Gooble

Feastin' For All

n Sunday, Nov. 23, Cutter's hosted it's Pre-Thanksgiving Feast. Mac, Jimmy and Dudley supplied the turkey and ham and bar patrons each brought in their own specialties. This is definitely one day you should skip breakfast. The culinary delights are astounding. It would take you at least 4 or 5 rounds through the buffet to taste each item here. As usual everything was quite good, but the potatoes au gratin and eggplant casserole were to die for. And if we would have eaten any more, we would have died on the spot. Knowing we had to go out later, we headed home for a turkey induced nap.

hanksgiving Day is always one of those days in New Orleans where many of the clubs all put forth some of the best food in the city to thank all of their patrons and visitors to the city alike. This year we decided not to drive so confined ourselves to the French Quarter to take in the sites and taste of culinary delights.

First we popped into Le Roundup at 2pm where Candise and her crew did the honors serving many of the traditional items including her famous turkey topped with her own fab homemade gravy.

Next we took in 700 Club at 3pm whose first Thanksgiving brought in both family and friends for a delightful afternoon. Mama Cookmeyer joined son Mike carving up turkey and ham. There were loads of everything imaginable here. The oyster dressing and mirliton casserole were just too delicious.

At 4pm, it was off to Starlight. Here the buffet was catered by Nawlin’s Flava right next door to Starlight. As usual, Sharon and Joy outdid themselves. We were quite full, but did manage to try a couple of stuffed eggs and potato salad.

Marcy was celebrating her Thanksgiving b-day and Regina was up and about feeling great after surgery.

Next was the 6pm feast hosted by Doc at The Double Play. Here we got to mingle and chit chat with Doc and Stephen. We were so full, we simply could not eat another bite. We managed to make it to the opening of the buffet which covered the entire pool table, and the dessert table off to the side.

O

Trash Disco

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fter awakening from our nap, it was off to Trash Disco at Cafe Lafitte's. DJ Myke was doing the honors and this long-time Sunday tradition was as festive as always. We ran into quite a few friends and were taking in the videos. A little later, Ken was in. That's Ken from Wood Enterprises, and to celebrate he announced 15 minutes of free cocktails.

Wow! What a treat. Of course, as any good bar patron knows, you're supposed to finish the cocktail you are currently drinking before ordering your free one. And don't order up from what you're already drinking because it's free.

That's a no no. We were shocked to see some of the patrons order their free drink or beer and walk away from the bar without leaving the bartender a penny.

How crude! When someone like Ken is nice enough to offer free cocktails, at least tip your bartender. They have to make a living too.

Oz Glamour

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hen we were off to the Land of Oz. Yes, it was Sunday Show Night, and the lovely

T

Swimming on Black Friday

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o, we were not swimming on Black Friday, Nov. 28, but we did pop into The Country Club for a few cocktails. Bert told us all about new Chef Sam Allen

Memphis, TN 38105, would be appreciated.

Rick “Lorna” Leggitt March 21, 1954-Nov. 7, 2008

R

ick “Lorna” Leggitt, born March 21, 1954, in Carthage, Missouri, to Ray and Gloria Leggitt, died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, at 11:30pm, in his home in the French Quarter. Rick worked at restaurants on the lake in Grove Oklahoma, during high school. He had degrees in Electronics, Computer Technology, and worked as an EMT. He owned and operated a bar in Tulsa Oklahoma in the 70’s.

Rick sold his bar and moved to New Orleans where he found the home of his heart, and second family. He was a great bartender and manager for several lucky employers in the Quarter. Rick loved New Orleans. He loved the eclectic French Quarter and it’s residents.

He had many friends, a few lovers, and a long time partner. Friends could count on him for help with home repairs, rides to and from, or a caring shoulder to cry on. He was always there. It would be a daunting task to try and thank all the people who loved him. We know who you are and thank you.

Our brother was never the same after Katrina. He grieved the loss of his beloved city. It was so painful for him to watch the people he cared about struggle to repair their lives. We were blessed to have Rick in our lives. He was a great sister. When he moved to the Quarter we were also blessed to meet his “family” here and become a part of such a generous group of people. We found a letter of reference for Rick from SR. John Carn Frei, O. P. Ph. D., Assoc. V. P. for Research Development school of Natural and Health Sciences, the last sentences of the referral reads, “He was cheerful, thorough, and one you could rely on. We had to replace him with two people.”

We love you all, and you will be a part of our family forever.

--Lorna's Sisters: Vicky, Linda & Dorrian and his great menu with lower prices.

Lighting The Friendly

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ext up was The Friendly Bar where we arrived in time to see Fish, Steve, Jerce Ann and Marty light up The Friendly with Xmas lights galore. Plus all were treated to Steve's turkey gumbo and Marty's potato salad. Fab! Fab! Fab!

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sappho psalm

by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: Psalmwrite@aol.com

Trans Tragic

S

econd Edit – This has been difficult to write as my feelings are conflicted. I began the first writing with feelings of disappointment and annoyance. A little talk with Fr. Michael and I realized my efforts needed to be more positive. I was suffering from the same feelings that the Trans Community is feeling.

On Thursday, November 20th, the GLB community gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of 30 murdered Transgender individuals. But where was the T? Of the four Transgender people that showed up for the Remembrance, two left before the March to the Joan of Arc statue.

For more than ten years, Ambush and I have fought for Transgender equality. So when the Transgender community failed to attend the Remembrance it was natural to feel negative. The Transgender community has not supported the Lesbian and Gay community through the Forum or HRC because of their anger at not being included in mission statements or legislation. I find that reasonable. But times and policies are changing in New Orleans and across America.

It is time for the Trans Community to leave the past and work with established organizations. The Trans Community is suffering like the Gay Community suffered in our early years of working for equality. Today being Gay or Lesbian is accepted by many and just tolerated by others. While there are still some that hate us and would destroy us, they are fewer today because of education.

Because of working together, we have gained precious rights that were just dreamed of during the 20th Century.

It is true that no one is free until we are all free. It is the responsibility of the Gay Community to continue to work not only for themselves but also for Transgenders. It is the responsibility of Transgenders to work with a positive attitude towards those who are trying to assist them.

So who were the 40something people that showed up? Fr. Michael of Church of Christ the Liberator and Pastor Clinton Crawshaw of MCC lead the service with love and respect. Ernie, Mattie and Amanda organized a joyful reception at the Community Center that lasted long after the 8pm scheduled closing. Fr. Michel was touched by the beauty and tenderness of the young Gay people who took part in the program.

PFLAG was represented by Julie, Stewart and I. Unavailable was our Transgender Board member who was traveling out of state (this was the first remembrance that Courtney has missed) and the Trans parent who has recently resigned from our Board.

The most exciting attendees were the youth of our community. If you are wondering who will be our leaders in the future, I met them that night. And I was impressed.

I feel that the future of the New Orleans GLBT community will be in good hands.

Salute a Soldier

T

his holiday season there are hundreds of injured American soldiers in military medical centers across our country. Whether we agree with the war or not, we should not turn our backs on the men and women that are fighting for our country’s freedom and safety.

If you send only one greeting card this year, please send it to a recovering American soldier. Many of these soldiers will never have a normal life again. And they are

fighting inside our country for rights just as the GLBT community is fighting. Congress has not taken care of our injured brothers and sisters.

Interested? Great! Send a holiday card with or without a message to: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307-50001.

You could make a friend. You will make another human feel encouraged and appreciated. This may be the best gift you give this Christmas.

LA Equality Rally

I

was honored to be a part of this event. Hundreds gathered on Loyola Avenue on November, 15th to demand equality and voice our demands for equal marriage under the law for the GLBT community. I was asked to speak on behalf of PFLAG. The reception I received was exciting.

Ryan McNeely, Managing Director, of the Forum for Equality was the organizer and MC. Pastor Clinton gave the opening prayer and closing remarks. Chair of the Forum, Dr. Marc Behar spoke lovingly on our need for continued support for those who wish to make a commitment to a life partner, a spouse. HRC was represented beautifully by Lili Alpaugh. She reminded us of our need for family, respect and loving commitment.

Sadly, I had to rush off to the CAC for the PFLAG sponsored film in the Community Center’s Reel Identities. I missed hearing Julie Thibodaux from the ACLU speak. I was very pleased to see the involvement of the ACLU in our community. Julie is a precious and dedicated advocate.

Looking out over the crowd that gathered I was struck by the diversity of the people. We were indeed a community of mixed backgrounds, ages, genders, race and needs. I met students who at a young age are not afraid to be “out.” I visited with older members of the community who have been fighting for equality for longer than I have had the courage to be “out.” I spoke with Larry Bagneris, our openly Gay representative in the Mayor’s office. It was Larry who stopped police from removing our banners before the program began.

Thank you, New Orleans, for supporting this important issue. Thank you for lining the neutral-ground on Loyola and waving signs identifying us as supporters of a cause that strikes the heart of our community. Thank you to the speakers who reminded us all of the love we have to share. And thank you most of all to Ryan and the Forum for bringing us together as a part of this National Rally for Equality.

That’s a Wrap

R

eel Identities, the New Orleans LGBT film festival, was a success despite a lower than expected turnout. Those that did attend enjoyed some outstanding films based on Gay, Lesbian and Transgender issues by Gay, Lesbian and Transgender writers, directors, and film makers.

The opening reception was festive.

The spread so to speak was large and delicious and different from the usual sandwiches and dips. It was difficult not to go back for seconds or even thirds. Thanks NOLGCC for a yummy party before the excellent opening film.

It is with love that I suggest that the Community Center do a better job of selling this event next year. I spoke with some that did not know about the film festival. My friend Danny Calhoun learned about the event from this column and invited me to join him at the opening reception. Others learned about the event at the PFLAG Board meeting because the Center asked PFLAG for financial support. So Randy, Stewart, Courtney and I attended in support not only for the Center but PFLAG as well. Julie Thompson was in DC representing New Orleans at a National meeting or she would have been there also.

Another of the exciting reasons for attending the film festival at the CAC was to see the Upstairs Fire exhibit on the 4th floor. Both the event and the exhibit were worth the time and money. Sponsors for film fest were Harrah’s New Orleans, Louisiana Public Heath Institute and PFLAG. The next big event for me will be the dedication of the AIDS Memorial. I know Washington Square Park will be full of friends and loved ones that have waited many years for this day. I expect this to be a day of great joy and sadness in remembering those lost to AIDS. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving Day.

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one last song

by Donnie "Jager" Jay, SDGM XXXII E-mail: donniejay@hotmail.com

Turkey Day, Black Friday ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Shane, manager Candise, Justin & Tommy serve up the Thanksgiving Feast at Le Roundup

Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State Manager Doc opens up Double Play’s Thanksgiving Feast

big easy

paparazzi Bartender Al behind the bar with manager Candise at Le Roundup Stephen behind the bar at the Double Play

Mama Cookmeyer & son Mike carve up the turkey at 700 Club

Regina presents Marcy an early portrait for Marcy’s Thanksgiving b-day at Starlight

CW serves up his turkey plate at Starlight

Baby Queenie celebratin’ Turkey Day with her Octopussy at Ambush Headquarters

Bert & Laurie slingin’ cocktails on Black Friday at The Country Club

Jerce Ann, Fish, Marty & Steve light up the Friendly Bar on Black Friday

I

t should not come as a surprise to anyone who has read my writings over the last few years in this publication that I am indeed a rather die hard liberal. Although I can and sometimes do see the opposite side of the coin, and though infrequently, which I admit, at times there are things that I do agree with. The one thing I have never hidden from my friends, on either side of the aisle however was my respect and admiration of Hillary Clinton.

She was of course my first choice as the Democratic nominee for president, but that being past, I am just as glad that Obama will be there for us, as this country can not afford any more of Bush’s policies.

I must also confess that I was very upset and disappointed when the now President-elect Obama passed on Mrs. Clinton as his running mate, I personally thought she would make a good choice. That way if any thing, and I hesitate to even think of such a thing, should happen to the President-elect, my first choice would be ready to serve.

Now, many folk feel that this is not a possibility in this day and age, but being a realist, it certainly is not beyond the fringe of the American physic.

There are still unfortunately too many racists among us and if you listen closely you will hear many discouraging comments, and surprisingly coming from more folks, than not, that you would not ever suspect to hear them coming from. Are they just the mumblings from a dissatisfied minority stunned with the results of such a historic election? Or are they serious.

For those of you to young to remember, the assignation of the beloved John F. Kennedy was not all that long ago.

But I am digressing here and though I felt that I had to say those things that are running through my mind, it is not what I intended to start off writing. I am quite honored and certainly satisfied with the latest election results and revel in the fact to be still living at a time when the realization of the American Dream is still alive and available to all our citizens, Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, Oriental, Native American or whom ever.

It makes me proud to be a part of the greatest nation on earth, and though still not perfect it is getting closer every day. I still have high hopes to live long enough to see equality for all my GLBT brothers and sisters.

When the word began to leak out on Obama’s choices for his Cabinet members, much speculation circulated.

Many honorable Americans, both Republican, Democratic and Independents of both genders were mentioned, and in all honesty it began to look as if he indeed would become the great uniter.

He had stated during his whole campaign he would be bipartisan in running the government and it is looking more as if he plans on keeping his word every day. He said it was time for change in the United States and I believe he will deliver on that pledge. He is facing probably the worst financial state our country has been in since the great depression.

When the Clinton era ended, the economy was flourishing, and we had an unbelievable surplus of assets, now after just eight years of Republican rule under George Bush’s agenda we are deeper in debt than imaginable.

Return to the Clinton era? Hardly.

You can not build the future on the past, you can not restore what has been squandered, once it is gone you can not reclaim it, but what has to be done is to move forward and build greater strength for the economy, the nation and all the individual members of it’s society. Not just the top ten percent, but everyone.

I am sure you as I had a great laugh when the CEOs of our major auto makers came to a hearing on Capitol Hill in their private jets. Here were the men who allowed their companies to reach such crisis that they came asking for a bailout with billions of our tax dollars to save an industry that they have led to ruin, and they came in private jets. All but one said they would decrease their multi-million salaries to help, but the lone wolf felt he was paid what he was worth and he arrived in a private jet.

Most of us can barely afford economy class plane tickets now-a-days, but they travel in private jets? Something is very wrong with this picture.

Have we as a Nation become immune to a fair wage for a fair days work.

Press release date 11/17. The New York Times reports that Barack Obama’s advisors have begun vetting Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State – including a look at Bill Clinton’s finances and activities. Vetting is a rather intense investigation into the background of not only the person you are considering hiring, but also their family and close associates to see if there are any unknown skeletons buried in their backgrounds. Maybe the major auto companies should have used these tactics to find responsible CEOs. The examination of the former president suggests just how seriously Mr. [continued on Expose-4]

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the pink pastor

by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, 504.214.4340 E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com www.thebigeasymccblog.blogspot.com

Troy Perry, A Biography

I

am going to do a bad thing – I am going to fill this column with a biography written by someone else! I hope you can see my reasons for doing this when I say that on Sunday, Dec. 7th Rev. Troy Perry is coming to Louisiana! Troy is a major international figure, and the founder of the movement to include LGBT people in Spirituality.

He is also the founder of the struggle for marriage equality in modern times, and a major role model and inspiration in my life. He founded the denomination to which I belong – The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and is nothing less than a prophet for our community, and a beacon for everyone else. Troy speaks the truth about the universality of God’s love, and our God-created nature, and we all have a chance to hear him speak in Baton Rouge on the 7th December.

Here is a potted biography …

Troy Perry has devoted his life to helping others discover the loving and caring God to whom he has committed his life.

As founder of the predominantlygay Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), he has watched the membership grow from 12 to over 43,000 during the past 38 years and has guided MCC’s growth into one of the world’s largest LGBT organizations.

MCC was the first church to recognize the need to minister to the needs of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons throughout the world. It is through that ministry that Perry has become a leading activist for gay and lesbian rights.

Rev. Perry began his vocation in Florida at the age of 13 and was licensed as a Baptist minister at 15.

During this period, he became aware of his sexual orientation and felt — as many gays did in rural America — that he must certainly be the only one in the world who felt that way.

In 1959 he married his pastor’s daughter, and a year later he, his wife and newborn son moved to Illinois where Rev. Perry planned to attend Midwest Bible College. While studying at Midwest, Rev. Perry worked for a plastics company that transferred him to Southern California to open a new plant. Rev. Perry, with his wife and two sons, made the move in 1962.

Once in California Rev. Perry was assigned to pastor the Church of God of Prophecy in Santa Ana. It was there that Rev. Perry experienced an “uneasy” coming out and came to terms with his gayness. He and his wife separated after five years of marriage and

later were divorced.

When Rev. Perry returned to Los Angeles after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, he was set on the historical course his life was to take. ”The Lord was dealing with me. My previous church taught that you couldn’t be both Christian and gay. Then one day it was as though God said, ‘Don’t tell me what I can do. I love you, Troy, and I don’t have any stepsons or stepdaughters. Reread my Word.’ And reread God’s word I did.”

It was following a close friend’s arrest that Rev. Perry realized that “God cares,” precipitating the birth of MCC in Los Angeles, and ultimately leading to the birth of the Metropolitan Community Churches movement, which has grown to 250 congregations in 26 countries.

Rev. Perry was invited to the White House in 1977 by the administration of President Jimmy Carter to discuss gay and lesbian civil rights, and was appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton as an official delegate to White House Conference on Hate Crimes and the White House Conference on AIDS. Rev. Perry has been an international leader in the quest for marriage equality for gays and lesbians. In 1969, he performed the first public same-sex wedding in the U.S., and in 1970 he filed the first-ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages.

In 2003, he and his spouse, Philip Ray De Blieck, were married under Canadian law. In 2004, they filed suit against the State of California seeking the state’s recognition of their Canadian marriage. The California Superior Court ruled in their favor; but the new equality was overturned by ballot amendment – it is currently being appealed.

In addition to his work as a gay religious leader and human rights activist, Rev. Perry has authored an autobiography, “The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay,” and a sequel titled “Don’t Be Afraid Anymore,” published

by St. Martin’s Press. He is a contributing editor for the book “Is Gay Good?” and the subject of another book, “Our God Too.” His most recent book is “10 Spiritual Truths For Gays and Lesbians* (*and everyone else!).”

Rev. Perry has represented MCC and the LGBT rights movement on the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, Fox News, and CNBC. Virtually every major magazine and newspaper in the world has covered the story of the founding of MCC.

In 2005, Rev. Perry retired as Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. In his retirement, he maintains an active speaking schedule, lecturing on the history of the gay rights movement, HIV issues, and marriage equality. He also regularly preaches in both MCC congregations and other faith communities.

While Rev. Perry realizes the oppression still facing gays and lesbians, he stands at the vanguard of the movement, telling his flock and the rest of the world, “We’re Not Afraid Anymore.”

Our church - The Big Easy MCC will be carpooling up to Baton Rouge on the morning of the 7th, leaving our church building on the corner of S. Carrollton and Willow at 9am; anyone who would like a ride please get in touch with me by phone or email. The Baton Rouge Church (MCC of Baton Rouge) is located at 7747 Tom Drive, just off Airline Highway in Baton Rouge for those who want to travel up independently – I hope to see many of you there for an inspirational morning!

one last song ...from Ex-2

reporting that Clinton will accept Obama’s offer of the Secretary of State.

Mrs. Clinton came to her decision after additional discussions with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role and his plans for foreign policy, said one of the confidants, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation. Mr. Obama’s office told reporters Thursday that the nomination is “on track” but Clinton associates only confirmed Friday afternoon that she had made a decision.

Obama is convinced that the advantages of Clinton serving far outweigh potential downsides and that he believes that Hillary Clinton will bring instant stature and credibility to U. S. diplomatic relations.

Clinton, who still harbors hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the Secretary of State job. Clinton would be well placed to become the country’s dominate voice in foreign affairs, replacing Condoleezza Rice. Since being elected as senator for New York, she had specialized in foreign affairs and defense. Although she supported the war in Iraq, she and Obama basically agree on withdrawal of American troops.

I personally applaud Obama’s selection and her acceptance, and pray that it all works out. Eight years of Barack Obama and then eight of Hillary Clinton and maybe, just maybe George Bush’s legacy will be forgotten once and for all.

Obama is considering bringing his one time rival into his cabinet. A team of lawyers to facilitate the potential nomination spent many hours looking into Mr. Clinton’s philanthropic organization, interactions with foreign governments and ties to pharmaceutical companies.

While Mr. Clinton has used his foundation to champion efforts to fight AIDS, poverty and climate changes around the world, he has also taken millions in speaker fees and contributions from foreign businesses with interest in American government policies. The nomination would be a remarkable union the former first lady who was an early favorite to win the presidency and the first term senator who defeated her.

Such a high profile seat would be another achievement for the most accomplished first lady in U.S. history.

11/20 The Washington Post reports that, there may be another road block to Hillary Clinton’s seat: a clause in the Constitution.

It is called Article One, Section Six, also known as emoluments clause.

“Emoluments” means things like salaries. It states that no member of Congress, during the term for which he was elected, shall be named to any office “the emoluments whereof shall been increased during his term. This applies, we’re told, whether the member actually voted on the raises or not. In Clinton’s case, during her present term, which began in January 2007, cabinet salaries were increased.

Bill Clinton said he will do “anything they want” as part of the vetting process.

11/21 The New York Times is

You may contact me donniejay@hotmail.com.

at

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in the spotlight Louisiana State Museum Showcases the Best in World Photojournalism

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ORLEANS – “Visions of Excellence,” a collection of 50 extraordinary images from photojournalists around the world, opens December 5 at the Louisiana State Museum’s Arsenal Gallery at the Cabildo, Jackson Square.

The exhibit is a focal point of PhotoNOLA, a citywide celebration of photography presented each December by the nonprofit New Orleans Photo Alliance.

“This is a rare opportunity for the community to experience the best of photojournalism in the best possible way, through a collection of large, masterfully printed images displayed in one of New Orleans most historic settings,” said New Orleans Photo Alliance president Mark Sindler.

“Visions of Excellence” presents an extreme wide-angle view of the world, with photos selected from 44,000 submissions to the 65th-annual Pictures of the Year International competition. Topics range from war, politics and natural disasters to sports, the arts, science and nature. New Orleans is represented

by Times-Picayune photographer Ted Jackson’s iconic image of a Hurricane Katrina survivor draped in an American flag.

A series of special events is also planned beginning with a reception hosted by Friends of the Cabildo on Saturday, December 13 from 6 to 9pm.

On Sunday, December 14, Dr. Tony Lewis, Louisiana State Museum’s curator of visual Arts, will present an illustrated talk: “From Szathmari to Magnum: The Origins of Photojournalism,” from 1:30 to 2:30pm.

Following Dr. Lewis’ talk, Dr. Leslie Parr, associate professor at Loyola University’s School of Mass Communication, will lead a panel entitled “Promise and Peril: The Changing Face of Photojournalism.” Panelists include Doug Parker, Times-Picayune photo editor; Ted Jackson, Rick Shaw, director, Pictures of the Year International; and freelance photographer Lori Waselchuk.

The Louisiana State Museum, a complex of national landmarks housing thousands of artifacts and works of art reflecting Louisiana’s legacy of historic events and cultural diversity, is part of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, which is overseen by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. The Museum network includes five properties in New Orleans’ French Quarter: the Cabildo, Presbytere, 1850 House, Old U.S. Mint and Madame John’s Legacy. Other sites include museums in Baton Rouge, Natchitoches, and Thibodaux. For more information about the Louisiana State EW

Museum please call 800.568.6968 or visit http://lsm.crt.state.la.us.

Baton Rouge MCC Congregation Celebrating 25th Anniversary

M

etropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a variety of activities Dec. 6-7.

The weekend’s events include a concert and reception at 7pm Saturday, Dec. 6, and a worship celebration with MCC founder Rev. Elder Troy Perry at 11am. Sunday, Dec. 7. All activities will take place at the church’s building at 7747 Tom Drive in Baton Rouge.

The Saturday evening concert will mix great music with fun. It will open with a worshipful gospel concert by Fred Francis of Nashville, Tenn., and will close with a mix of gospel music and comedy by the “Roughnecks” of the Baton Rouge Refinery Arts Ensemble.

“Everyone is invited to join in our celebration,” said Rev. Keith Mozingo pastor of MCC of Baton Rouge. “We hope to see many of our old friends, as well as to make some new ones.”

Rev. Perry founded the first Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles in 1968. Since that time, the MCC movement has grown into an international denomination that welcomes and embraces gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people with the radically inclusive love of God in Jesus Christ.

He is the author of several books and a dynamic speaker and long-time civil rights leader – including being a leader in the court battles that led to legalization of same-sex marriage in California.

Francis’ voice has been described as having a healing quality – a comforting combination of strength and beauty.

Whether he’s performing traditional or contemporary Gospel music, his interpretations are genuine and heartfelt.

“Fred has a way of touching and moving his audiences,” Mozingo said.

“He truly lets God work through him with his music ministry, so that people come away feeling comforted, healed and inspired.”

The Roughnecks, as the troupe is sometimes known, feature well-known Baton Rouge performers. Their segment, dubbed “A Gaylord Family Gospel Hour,” promises some “worshippin’, revivin’, and testifyin’” by the Gaylord family —Sister Vestebeulah, Daddy, Trey, Barry and Ben Gaylord.

Starring Roughneck singers, Sharon James, Cody King, and Todd Henry, and featuring special guests, Glenn Aucoin, KD Linkous, and Brandon Steed, they will bless you with their

Rev. Elder Troy Perry

singing voices and entertain you with their comedy.

MCC of Baton Rouge officially held its first worship service on Dec. 4, 1983 – and now is about to mark 25 continuous years of serving the Baton Rouge community.

“I’m glad to call Rev. Troy Perry a friend, and we’re glad he’s going to be with us to celebrate the anniversary of our church in Baton Rouge,” Mozingo said. “Now that Troy is retired, this definitely is a special blessing, so you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to meet him and hear from him.”

For more details on the anniversary weekend – and other activities of MCC of Baton Rouge – visit www.mccbr.org.

Or for directions or other information on MCCBR, phone 225.248.0404.

Louisiana Family Recovery Corps to Provide Direct Assistance to Thousands in Acadiana

B

aton Rouge, LA – The Loui siana Family Recovery Corps will provide more than $3 million to assist hurricane-affected families and individuals in a six-parish area with rent payments and deposits, utility payments and deposits, and household furnishings via its Household Establishment Funds (HEF) program.

The Recovery Corps’ HEF program will provide up to $1,500 in benefits on behalf of families and individuals who meet certain residency and household income criteria. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The Recovery Corps began prescreening applicants for assistance beginning on November 24. Those who think they may qualify for the assistance should call 1.800.333.3104. Applicants who advance past the prescreening process will be scheduled for meetings with local case workers, who will work directly with each family and individual to provide the HEF assistance.

The phone bank will be open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday.

The HEF benefits are intended to provide one-time help for families attempting to re-establish or maintain their household as part of their recovery process from hurricanes Katrina or Rita.

The program will be offered for four months or until all available funds have been exhausted.

“This is just another way that the Recovery Corps continues to provide leadership in the recovery efforts of Louisiana families,” said Raymond Jetson, CEO of the Recovery Corps.

“We are very grateful to the state, the Legislature, and Governor Bobby Jindal for allocating these funds to our organization and we realize that programs like HEF and our housing repair programs provide direct assistance to those who are fighting every day to rebuild their lives.”

Current residents of Acadia, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Mary, St. Martin, or Vermilion parishes are eligible for the assistance. Those receiving assistance must also have an income that is no greater than 300% of the federal poverty level and must have been affected by hurricanes Katrina or Rita while residing in Acadia, Allen, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, or Washington parishes.

“The Recovery Corps is uniquely positioned to provide outstanding service to Louisiana residents recovering from disasters,” said Dr. Monteic Sizer, the Recovery Corps’ Chief of Staff. “Because of this we have been entrusted with state and federal taxpayer funds to provide much-needed programs such as HEF and we do so based on a high level of accountability. Therefore we are able to put together outcome-based and focused programs designed to help individuals and families who are seeking the opportunity to better their lives.”

The HEF program is one of the Recovery Corps’ most successful and well-received programs. To date the program has distributed nearly $9 million to assist more than 7,000 households throughout the state.

To administer and implement the HEF program in Acadiana, the Recovery Corps awarded a services contract to Volunteers of America. VOA will administer the pre-screening process and work with the Recovery Corps to help distribute the HEF benefits to qualified families and individuals.

Carnival Season 2009 Fast Approaching

C

arnival season 2009 is fast approaching. It's time to get those evening gowns and tuxedos ready for Gay Mardi Gras.

The current schedule of events includes: Saturday, January 24th ~Krewe of Queenateenas' 16th annual King Cake Queen Coronation presenting The Grandee Queen Tami Tarmac, by invitation only; [continued on Expose-8]

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by Bob Brunson ovember was a great month for our community. Mobile Alabama Pride had a very successful ‘Camp Chili Cook-Off’ and their ‘Annual Wreath Auction’ combined with AQUA’s Holiday Auction for South Alabama Cares. At both events a good time was had by all and money was raised for the 2009 Pride Festival and Parade which will be held in April.

December is packed with special holiday parties all over town right through to the New Year. All the bars will be decorated for the holidays and having event after event for your holiday enjoyment.

At B-Bob’s you won’t want to miss the incredible talents of the very sexy Colton Ford on December 20th which is the same evening as Mobile’s awesome Christmas Parade. B-Bob’s will also host numerous CD Release parties throughout the month. Look for their ad right here in Ambush and visit www.b-bobs.com for more info.

N

in the spotlight ...from Expose-6 Saturday, January 31st~Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XI, Laborers Union Hall; Sunday, February 1st~7pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque XLVIII, Laboreres Union Hall; Saturday, February 14th~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLIV, Alario Center; Sunday, February 15th~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque VII, Sugar Mill; Friday, 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; Saturday, February 21st~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLI, Alario Center, New Orleans; Sunday, February 22nd~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVI, Alario Center; MARDI GRAS (FAT TUESDAY), February 24th~12noon, 45th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm, 22nd Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, led by King Cake Queen XVI of Gay Mardi Gras Tami Tarmac, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon Street.

For more information, visit GayMardiGras.COM.

FL Trial Court Opens Way For Lesbians and Gay Men to Adopt

M

iami - A Florida circuit court struck down a Florida law that bars lesbians and gay

At Vision’s Twist Gems and Fems will kick off the month on Dec. 5th. Lisa Zanghi will perform live on Dec 7th, Draggin’ on Dauphin with Dirty Santa Bingo on the 12th, and the Turkey Bowl (where you bowl with frozen turkeys) on Dec 13th to benefit Mobile Alabama Pride. You can win a basket with everything you need for a fabulous Christmas Dinner. Vision’s will host their Christmas Party on Dec 14th with complimentary cocktails from 6pm till 8pm...WOW! Their ‘Holiday Turn-a Bout show will be on Dec 19th. Lisa Christian will be performing live on the 21st, REWIND BAND live on the 27th and last but definitely not least... International Recording Artist Cynthia Manley will be returning to Mobile for a one night only special New Years Eve show at Vision’s Twist. Don’t miss the Twisted version of Cheap &Cheesy Balloon Bingo on December 17th at 9pm. Keep up with all Vision’s upcoming events at www.visions-mobile.com. men from adopting. The court granted adoptions to a gay man, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, who has been raising two foster children since 2004.

“Our family just got a lot more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving,” said Martin Gill, a North Miami resident who is raising two brothers, four and eight, with his partner. “We are extremely relieved that the court has recognized that it is wrong to deny our boys the legal protections and security that only come with adoption.”

The court ruled that the ban violated the equal protection guarantees of the state constitution because it singles out for different treatment gay people and the children they raise for no rational reason. The court also found that the ban denies children the right to permanency provided by federal and state law under the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.

“Judge Lederman made clear today that it violates every rule of decency and fairness to threaten to tear a fouryear-old boy from the only home he has ever known, and to send him to strangers who don’t even know him simply because his beloved Papi is gay,” said Robert Rosenwald, Director of the LGBT Project of the ACLU of Florida and one of the attorneys who tried the case.

The court’s decision comes after a four-day trial in October where the court heard from experts on children’s health and development and listened to the justifications offered by the state for the ban. In reaching its decision, the court rejected the false assumptions and stereotypes about gay people presented by the state, holding that many “reports and studies find that there are no differ-

Bob, John, Vision’s Twist DJ Mel & Alexa enjoying the cook-off

mobile

paparazzi

Lez-Bears Love chili!

ences in the parenting of homosexuals or the adjustment of their children. These conclusions have been accepted, adopted and ratified by the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatry Association, the American Pediatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Child Welfare League of America and the National Association of Social Workers. As a result, based on the robust nature of the evidence available in the field, this Court is satisfied that the issue is so far beyond dispute that it would be irrational to hold otherwise; the best interests of children are not preserved by prohibiting homosexual adoption.”

The court also rejected claims by the state that children do better when raised in homes with a mother and a father and that children raised by gay parents face social stigma. The court found, “. . . the professionals and the major associations now agree there is well established and accepted consensus in the field that there is no optimal gender combination of parents.”

“While the decision will be welcome news to many lesbian and gay Floridians, the children in Florida foster care are the real winners today,” said Leslie Cooper, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project and a member of the legal team that represented Gill.

“The court put the interest of the children first, recognizing that the gay ban served no legitimate purpose and only made it more difficult for the state to find homes for the many children in foster care.”

Martin Gill and his partner of more than eight years became foster parents to the two boys on December 11, 2004.

The couple, who had been parents to seven other foster children over the years, was initially told that the placement would be temporary, but a plan to

Minglin’ at the cook-off

Judson, Jerry & Leon “work” the BBob’s booth at the cook-off

place the children with their grandmother fell through. Both boys had significant health problems when they arrived in the home. The older boy, who was four at the time, was withdrawn and didn’t speak. Today both boys are healthy, have lots of friends and are doing well in school. The older boy started out behind educationally and had to repeat the first grade, but with the couple’s help, he has progressed significantly.

The Florida law barring lesbians and gay men from adopting is the most expansive anti-gay parenting law in the country. It was passed in 1977 in response to an anti-gay crusade led by former Miss America and Florida orange juice spokesperson Anita Bryant.

In addition to Cooper and Rosenwald, Gill is represented by James Esseks, Litigation Director of the ACLU’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project and Shelbi Day, a Staff Attorney with the ACLU of Florida.

The children are represented by Hilarie Bass and Ricardo Gonzalez of Greenberg Traurig, and Charles Auslander, an attorney and former District Administrator for Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF).

For additional information about the case, including a video and podcast of Martin Gill talking about his experiences as a foster parent as well as a copy of the decision and a copy of the trial transcript, visit www.aclufl.org/ adoption/gill.cfm.

Ambush Mag Get more for your ad $$$

504.522.8049

info@ambushmag.com 828-A Bourbon St. New Orleans

EXPOSE'-8 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Pride Camp Chili Cook-off ~ Mobile, Alabama

out & about in mobile, alabama

GayBatonRouge.BIZ • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayPensacola.COM • GayAmerica.COM • December 2-15, 2008 • EXPOSE' EXPOSE'-9 of 48

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GayBatonRouge.BIZ • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayPensacola.COM • GayAmerica.COM • December 2-15, 2008 • EXPOSE' EXPOSE'-11 of 48

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

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 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 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,

Atlanta, GA [404] BLAKE'S ON THE PARK, 227 10th St., NE, 873.5921 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]

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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 GET HAPPY!, 526 S. Staples, 881.8910

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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 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 RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431, myspace.com/ RubyfruitJungleNOLA SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM VOILA, 300 Decatur St., 638.8198, myspace.com/VoilaNOLA VOODOO MYSTERE LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart St., 304.1568

RT PA M RA

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

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 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 [is2508] NEW GUY IN TOWN - Avail for full body rubdowns starting @ $50 for Fr Qutr area. All other areas add'l fee. 24 hrs out calls only.

616.334.1432 [is2508]

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

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 [is2408]

circuit/events 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 Sept. 2-7, 2008, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.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

bookstores

employment

Birmingham, AL [205] ALABAMA BOOKS, 801 Third Ave., 322.7823 BIRMINGHAM ADULT BOOKS, 7610 First Ave. North, 836.1580

New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS is accepting applications for energetic employees. Drug test/ 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.

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.,

EXPOSE'-12 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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] MARDI GRAS ZONE GROCERY, 2706 Royal St., 947.8787, MardiGrasZone.COM 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 [is2408]

lodging/accommodations Birmingham, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, GayAmerica.COM Mobile, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, GayAmerica.COM Ft. Lauderdale, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, GayAmerica.COM Ft. Walton Beach, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, GayPensacola.COM

HOTELS, CARS, HOTELS, CARS,

HOTELS, CARS, HOTELS, CARS,

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.

CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly renovated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking. Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon!

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.

MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart 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

[is2508]

museum/arts

New Orleans, LA [504] 4 HAND MASSAGE, Butch/Kevin, Nat’l Board Certified, 908.2069, License #LA 3355, #LA 4230 [is2408] 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 [is2508] PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY

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models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 6am-11pm. Playgirl, Inches & Freshmen Magazine model. Pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, 504.756.9443

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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EXPOSE'-14 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

hot tails of red stick

by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Where There is a Will

I

ndividuals who live in college towns are fortunate when it comes to having excellent theater presentations to enjoy. That is definitely the case with LSU. Their recent play “A Cry of Players” certainly illustrates this. It was staged like a reading with individual skits thrown in along the way.

All of this is thanks to Gustav that came storming through the Baton Rouge area and cancelled so many functions.

The full play was on the schedule but had to be moved over to next year’s schedule because of all the storm damage. That didn’t stop the reading. It was done in full costume, and it only makes one want to see the play as it was meant to be. It will definitely be something to look forward to in the next season.

I was rather impressed with Will Shakespeare (played by Alexandria’s Glen Aucoin). He was a very believable young man with a roving eye for the ladies. It just goes to show that sex wasn’t invented in this century, and old Will (or maybe I should say “young Will) certainly got around. I was surprised to find myself in an adult staging with some very hilarious moments throughout the play. Anne (played by Lyndsay Kimball of Lake Charles) was definitely a great choice for this character, and she really got into her part with lots of 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 TOP DRAWER ANTIQUES, 4310/18 Magazine St., TopDrawerAntiques.NET WICKED ORLEANS, 1201 Decatur, 529.4384, WickedOrleans.COM

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gusto.

The chairs were arranged in a slight arc with music stands in front of them to hold the scripts. As you may recall, “High School Musical” was delayed a week by the storm, and afterwards the stage had to be dismantled leaving no time to properly put together the stage for “A Cry of Players.” You have to also realize that there were other plays on the schedule, so, in my opinion, those in charge did the right thing by staging this one as a reading. I had never seen this done in this way before, and it was fascinating.

I think everyone leaving the play gained a lot of knowledge about this period of history, and they also saw the life of a man unfold in front of them.

Shakespeare was a great writer but lost his family in the process. By revealing him in this historical love story, one can see a 21-year-old hormonal young man with a lust for life and a way of taking characters from real life and turning them into fiction. As history tells us, he never brought his family to London with him, but he provided for them by constantly by sending them money.

This is one play you need to see in its entirety with the proper stage settings, so just remember to catch it when it comes around again next year.

And be sure to check out all the upcoming presentations that will be in all the [continued on Expose-17]

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red stick paparazzi

Sam at Charlene’s marker outside JohnPaul's

Splash owners Cory & Jeff

Gospel time Todd & Jeff

Karaoke time Craig, Ronnie & Randy

JohnPaul’s remembers Charlene

Damon & Dennis at JohnPaul’s Tim & Chad

Tailgate time Richard & Dagan

Joey & Rocky George’s new bartender Andy Gorgeous Luther at work John & Guy

George’s Richard & Hound Dogs’ Johnny

Gorgeous stud Daniel

Luther & Josh

Just having fun

EXPOSE'-16 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Fun in Baton Rouge & New Orleans ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Guy & Richard

hot tails of red stick ...from Expose-15

which was so common and an accepted practice in earlier years.

There is nothing wrong with being naked in a male environment. theaters at LSU. There is a lot of excellent talent just I also understand that many schools now do not have communal waiting to burst onto the national radar screens. showers after physical education classes. My goodness! That ought to stink up the place, especially if you have PE in the There is a Way morning, and your sweat glands had to work overtime. Just nd speaking of Wills – have you all seen our imagine the odor by the end of the day. Horrors!

As far as I’m concerned, looking does not constitute an act own Prince William’s willie? My goodness! It just takes my breath away every time I view this lovely piece of equipment. It just all goes to show that when you got to go, you really just go. Lower the pants.

Take out the willie, hold it between two fingers, and let fly!

Oh, my! Oh, my! Thank you sweet William for revealing yourself in all your glory. And thanks to that Jewish mohel who did such a fantastic job in molding that beauty for you.

And now, the world awaits the same from Prince Harry.

And speaking of ways, one has to realize that in this day and age, privacy just isn’t what it used to be. It has its good points and its bad points, but I’m all for sneaking peeks. I don’t refer to genitals here either. I for one approve of the surveillance techniques when it comes to seeking out terrorists, and I often wonder why it always seems to raise the ire of those who don’t have a clue to the severity of the situations at hand.

That is why I also approve of the screeners at airports where you literally become naked for a second or two while you are searched for weapons. I certainly don’t see anything wrong with sneaking peeks in this way if it keeps weapons off airplanes and improves security. I believe it may become something that society will accept, but people have to get over the fact that this is the least one can do to help in the overall process of screening against future acts of terrorism.

Our nation has become so prudish that urinals are now separated by dividers. Swimming pools at the YMCAs are now co-ed, so there is no longer nude swimming,

A

of sexual desire. It is merely a way that men can have a sense of camaraderie that means nothing more than being a man with similar body parts. Oh, well, I suppose those who see evil in just about everything that is a part of life will [continued on Expose-20]

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acadiana

paparazzi

John & Mark always working at Sound Factory

Brian out and about at Sound Factory

Corey visiting Sound Factory

Darius with his usual at Sound Factory Chris taking a quick break at Sound Factory

Nicholas, Chris & Jeff at Sound Factory Reed relaxing at Back Side

Brandon enjoying karaoke at Sound Factory

Mark working karaoke at Sound Factory

Rocky relaxing at Sound Factory

Spence is all smiles at Sound Factory

Steven cutting up at Sound Factory Lil’ Mark & Macky at Back Side

Louis having a cocktail at Sound Factory

Kyle (aka Barbara) at Sound Factory

Natalie ready for a wild night at Sound Factory

Travis cutting up at Sound Factory

Erin bartending at Sound Factory

Anna bartending at Sound Factory

EXPOSE'-18 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Work, Visits, Karaoke ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Patrick Clinton

Steven working the door at Sound Factory

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allons acadiana

by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com

I

t is finals week, and I know all you college students are working hard, but at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel. In less than a week, the Fall 2008 semester will be a thing of the past. By the time you return to school in January, it’ll be a new world, with a new president.

In the meantime, take a break from shopping and come relax with your friends at Sound Factor and Back Side.

Now that it’s officially the holiday season, there’ll be all kinds of celebrations, and they’ll continue well into the next administration.

Between the parties and gettogethers, don’t forget about Sound Factory and Back Side’s incredible weekly lineup. Even if its not a holiday, they always have something great going on. They are open seven days a week and are always the place to be Downtown.

Every Monday you can compete in the weekly Pool Tournament at Back Side. If you’re good with a stick, come by and show off your talent. Whether you win or lose, it’s always a great time.

Tuesdays are Karaoke Night at Sound Factory, hosted by the ever popular Chad Evans. Chad has as much personality as he does talent.

His charisma really breathes new life into the karaoke experience.

Wednesdays have Surprise Drink Specials. Every Hump-day your bartender will throughout the night offer you some of the best deals around on everything from shots to your favorite cocktails. No matter your poison, you're sure to find a great deal.

Thursday is Lady’s Night at Sound Factory, but if you’re a guy, don’t worry, the Back Side will always have some specials for you too.

Friday Nights are the ever popular Dance Party where you can get out on the floor and go wild to some of the best music around.

Then on Saturday you can be entertained by their ever popular Show Night. Each week there’ll be special entertainment to liven up the Lafayette Nightlife.

And who could forget Sundays with its twelve hours of fun and festivities? It begins at noon on Back Side with their Sunday Lunch Buffet and continues that night with the infamous Drag Races at Sound Factory. By midnight you’re ready for a good nights sleep since it all starts over again the next day.

All in all, The Sound Factory and Back Side make sure that no matter what night of the week you hit the Downtown, there’s always something

festive going on. With the economy doing badly, the holiday season is more stressful than usual. It’s nice to know Sound Factory and Back Side provide an escape from the worries of everyday life. Come by and forget about all your problems, at least for a little while.

Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you around the Downtown. hot tails of red stick ...from Ex-17 say it’s a gay thing. Believe me, sweethearts. It is not a gay thing. It is a man thing. Get over it! Or better still, let society get over it. I think the men of the world need to go back to being the strong influence in the family. It’s the right way especially when it comes to boys. Girls have their mothers. Boys have their fathers. Standards begin early in life.

And The Willing Are Many

W

illing or not, some guys become nudists out of necessity. I talked with my neighbor David recently, and he explained how being naked was no longer a problem for him. After going through a very revealing surgery on his body, he just decided “what the hell.” It became a case of “if you have seen one, you’ve seen them all” or something like that. That really isn’t the case in actuality, but it serves to illustrate my point in seeing someone’s willie. Get over it.

David certainly did, and I’m sure he brightened up the lives of several nurses in the process.

It reminds me of a friend who went in to have a recirc – to tighten things up.

Well, it certainly did the trick for him, but the comment by the doctor to his assistant while he was performing his magic was “I’m just taking the wrinkles out.” That must have been a revelation that was unexpected. But it did work, didn’t it, sweetheart. The new look is just fantastic.

I, for one, absolutely love a willing guy. Now that doesn’t mean sexual. It means being friendly, serious, thoughtful, spiritual, devilish, and all those other variations of human existence. Maybe that is why Luther comes to mind. I liked this one the first time I met him, and the glue was apparently strong enough to hold us together over the years. I have watched him grow into a man of strong beliefs and equally strong relationships. He’s a friend, and he’s a good one. It doesn’t take you long to know a good friend when you encounter one. Sometimes it’s instantaneous.

Other times, it takes a while. For me, I like instantaneous, and Luther is just

that. One meeting did it. I knew instantly that this was a guy with lasting qualities of goodness and beauty from within – oh, in other areas too.

I found that too in our beautiful lawyer Joseph. I do owe him an apology. I did a typo in my last column that stated he had a heart of goal – well, make that heart of gold. Anthony Benton mentioned the mistake to me via email, and I appreciate his doing this.

Joseph is one golden human being in my estimation, and many others share my opinion. He is sometimes too good to be true, as the old expression goes.

I find his company quite rewarding, and I can’t wait to get to his annual Christmas party in December. I don’t see him as much as I would like, but when I do, I make up for lost time. Did I say that?

There are lots of guys and gals who believe that life is an abundance of fun and games. This doesn’t mean that things of a serious nature don’t exist. It merely means that there are those among us who are well rounded individuals – some gay, some straight, some good, some evil, etc. It is life, and life is good.

It’s even good to be in the service of our country too. I have a friend, who I won’t name here, but he loves military duty and those communal showers.

After a hard day in the field and the clothes come off, it makes all that spent energy worth the effort – or so he says.

I don’t know how many of you readers are (or were) members of a fraternity, but I recall those days at my alma mater with great joy. I guess I was never that much of a willie shower when I was in high school, probably because I worked so much and didn’t go out for sports. However, with the money I had saved, I managed to enter college, paid cash for everything, and even joined a fraternity to enjoy the camaraderie of other guys. It was an eye-opening experience in more ways than one. It certainly wasn’t a situation where you remained bashful. Everyone saw everyone else in all stages of dress and undress. For some, it was a learning experience, but in the end, it was a memorable experience to be cherished forever.

College life also does wonders for you not only from an educational standpoint and a learning experience, but it makes for lasting friendships. After the years go by, you sometimes wonder what happened to your classmates. I still keep up with not only my college friends but my high school friends as well. I think the older you get, the more you appreciate these relationships. Just last week through the wonders of the Internet, I heard from my college roommate who I haven’t seen since we graduated. At the same time, I became reconnected to my fraternity through their efforts to locate all former members. All of a sudden, the past came rushing back – the all-night drives to football games, putting out campfires with a circle piss, cheering on the home teams,

getting drunk and being put to bed by frat buddies, etc.

Some of the younger generation today are so disconnected to reality that they manage to make their lives miserable. They end up doing fast food services or hard labor in the field, and many find that military service is sometimes the only way to get out of the rut they dug for themselves. It’s a shame that there are so few youngsters that are willing to learn while they have the opportunity.

That is why I am so pleased to see guys like Brad at Splash setting his goals so high. This guy is pursuing a career with mathematics as his major.

In fact, I believe he is now working on his masters. Whatever the outcome, it will be something big and important. This is a field that may take him far away from Red Stick, but it will be to his credit to seek out and find that spot that will make it all worthwhile. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than he is. I have watched him for a long period of time, and he just seems to know what he wants but the opportunity has not come forth yet. I have a feeling it’s out there and closer than he realizes. I certainly wish him the best. He deserves it.

The same applies for others. I know the guys at Splash, and most of them are either at LSU or have just graduated and awaiting job offers. With the economy the way it is, some will find it difficult, but I also know that Danny, Stephen, Wes, Lance, and others have what it takes to be successful. I already see that in Ty. Success comes sometimes unexpectedly, but when it does, it opens doors that you never dreamed were possible.

That’s why education is so important to everyone. It doesn’t mean you will end up in the field for which you trained, but you will find that getting your foot in the door with a degree is much better than trying to move up from the fast food line. As an example, I gave up my biology major and the desire to be a doctor to becoming a writer. It had its ups and downs, but what matters is that I was happy in what I did.

That is what matters. What is important is that you satisfy yourself. Doing that is strictly up to you. The decision you make is important and lasting.

With the Thanksgiving season passing and Christmas upon us, it is time once again to look to a new year which will be filled with great promise for those seeking it. I think that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Christmas still holds a nice meaning for me, but I don’t like the commercial aspects that have developed over the years. Of course, celebrating New Year’s Day means a new beginning, a chance for you to be willing to make the right choice with your life, a chance to move forward to reach your goals in life Look out. Life moves along quickly.

Make the most of your intelligence, your positive desires, and your chances to better yourself. The rewards that are ahead of you can be exactly what you are willing to do to gain them. Be willing. You will be glad you did - or were, willing, that is.

EXPOSE'-20 of 48 • December 2-15, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM