Issuu

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 1

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

10th Purple Party Saturday, April 4 at The Double Play

he Double Play presents the 10th Annual Purple Party: Official Easter Grand Marshals Reception, Buffet & Auction, at 439 Dauphine, in New Orleans on Saturday, April 4, 8-10pm. Here bar owners Chuck Turner and Bill Miller pull out all of the stops bringing out a lavish buffet, raffles, prizes and auction. Door donation is $5. Also look for the Purple Easter Basket Auction presented by GEP Board of Directors with loads of prizes, the fab Emerald Easter Egg donated by EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners, plus the Silver Comb and Hairpins (silver coated bronze replica of silver comb and hairpins of Miao Race in Guizhou Province of China) Shadowbox Auction, also donated by Conners. The party honors Easter Grand Marshals (EGMs) X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, and all past grand marshals. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGMs II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, EGMs III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, EGMs IV George Simons and Electra City, EGMs V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, EGMs VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, EGMs VII Doc Reed and Opal MasPurple Party Hosts Bill Miller ters, EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom "Rona" & Chuck Turner Conners, and EGMs IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends and is presented by Ambush Mag and Queen Fashions. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information.

10th Gay Easter Parade Rolls Through the Streets of the French Quarter April 12

resented by Ambush Mag and Queen Fashions, the 10th Gay Easter Parade will roll through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 12. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital agency of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Past parades have raised over $48,125 for charity. Led by Easter Grand Marshals X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, the 2009 route is slightly different towards the end of the parade. Line-up is on N. Rampart across the street from Pre-Parade Party and Lineup headquarters, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart. Beginning at 4:30pm, the parade turns left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left of Bourbon to Esplanade, right on Esplanade to Royal, right on Royal to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy ending at the corner of Burgundy and Orleans, right down the block for the Post-Parade Party and Buffet at 700 Club, 700 Burgundy. The time schedule for Easter Sunday is as follows: 2-4:30pm, Pre-Parade Party, Check-in (3:304pm), Line-up and Buffet, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St.; 4:30pm, 10th Gay Easter Parade, through the streets of the French Quarter; and 5:30pm til, Post-Parade Party and Buffet, 700 Club, 700 Burgundy. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade would like to sincerely thank all of the 2009 parade sponsors including:

EGMs X Marcy Marcell & Tony Leggio (Photo: Larry Graham,

French Quarter Fest/Jazz Fest due out Tues., April 14 DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 7

inside

10th gay easter parade the latest on donnie jay snap paparazzi/new orleans the pink pastor trodding the boards spring fever paparazzi/metairie chop chop: nola restaurant guide memorial weekend/pensacola ambush paparazzi/new orleans red stick paparazzi/baton rouge

5 10 10 12 14 18 23 25 26 28

classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge allons acadiana/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette mobile paparazzi out & about in mobile aqua awards paparazzi/mobile celebrazzi southern decadence ambush paparazzi

30 34 36 38 40 40 42 44 46 47

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 info@ambushmag.com Platinum ($1,000): Bobby Connell/ Phoenix, Harrah's H.E.R.O.'s (Harrah's Employees Reaching Out); Gold ($500): Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer & Lord Consort XXVI Bruce Orgeron, Krewe of Amon Ra, Jack Saucier & the late Glenn Timpe, In Memory of Steve Mettner, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/ JohnPaul's; Silver ($250): 16th King Cake Queen Coronation/Tami Tarmac, EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners & Bob Boler, Stephen Murrell & Elizabeth Bouvier, David & Rhonda Roget, Krewe of Petronius, EGM IX Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/The Corner Pocket, Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters, Nick Olivares & Roy Smith, Wood Enterprises, FourPlay, Oz; Bronze ($100): Dawn C. Leggio, Jill E. Dolese, EGM X Tony Leggio, Michelle Calachino, Mike Cookmeyer & Matt Giglio/ 700 Club, NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, HENA (Hospitality Education & Networking Association), Dwain Hertz & Al Dugas, Thomas Schoonenberg, Nicole Dubois, French Quarter Festivals, Inc; and Venue/In-Kind: 4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy’s, Double Play, JohnPaul’s, Starlight By The Park, GrahamStudioOne.COM, Mardi Gras Productions, Glazer’s Companies of Louisiana: Tito's Vodka & Barefoot Bubbly Wines. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade includes Electra City, Tom "Rona" Conners, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information.

7th Spring Fever Raises $1,674 for Easter Parade

he 7th Annual Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Gala & Auction raised a whopping $1,674 for the 10th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. Hosted and emceed by Presenting Sponsor Queen Fashions' Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, the event was staged on the beautiful patio of 4 Seasons in Metairie, Louisiana. The couple are also members of the Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade. The door raised $281, stage performance tips $335, egg raffles $160, raffles $108 and auction $790. The 2 night hotel stay brought in $125 from EGM IX Safonda Peters, drag doll $75 from EGM X Tony Leggio, Wood Enterprises liquor basket $110 from Mona, St. Louis Cathedral Slate $100 from Toby Lefort, Burgundy Easter Egg $175 from EGM X Tony Leggio, South-

ern Decadence 2008 signed poster $100 from Chris Ward and Toby's Wig $105 from 4 Seasons Chuck Turner. [continued on 6]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.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, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Texas - Austin, Dallas, Houston

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, Gary Glitter-New Orleans Bob Brunson, DJ Chromatic, David Long, 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: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. 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. ©1982-2009, 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

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 5

the "official" dish ...from 4 Entertainers donating their time and talents included King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac, Toby Lefort, Dylan Cox, Easter Grand Marshal (EGM) X Marcy Marcell, EGM IV Electra City, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Tittie Toulouse, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM VII Opal Masters, Gizelle Bouvier, Miss Ho Amanda Straddle, Starlight's Jaded Jade and Rikki Redd.

7th Marigny Bunny Hop Saturday, April 11

he 7th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop is set for Saturday, April 11 beginning at 2pm. Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain will lead the festivities as Bunny Marshals (BMs) VII. They follow in the foot steps of BM I-III the late Lewis Routh, BM IV Guadalupe, BM V Poncho, and BM VI Michael "Fish" Hickerson. Eight stops are on the route this year with ten winners in various bonnet categories. It starts off at Cutter's for the Most Glamorous Bonnet, then Big Daddy’s for the Widest Bonnet, Mimi’s for the Tallest Bonnet, Kajun's Pub for the Best Newbie Bonnet, All Ways Lounge for the Most Creative Bonnet, John-Paul’s for the Most Unusual Bonnet, Phoenix for the Butchest Bonnet, and ends at The Friendly Bar presenting Best Group, Ambush Magazine presenting Best of Best, and the new Meyer-Routh Spirit Award in memory of Marigny Bunny Hop Founder Carl Meyer and BM I-III Lewis Routh. It is presented by Stephen Murrell and Elizabeth Bouvier to the person who exemplifies or embodies the spirit of the event and Easter.

work, Odem’s sculptures emphasize the idea of an interior and exterior space. In the case of Bluebell, Myrrh, and Salt Mound, she describes the mounds as having a vessel-like, feminine quality, despite their overall phallic shape. Her freestanding curtain, Drape, similarly creates an architectural interior by partially enclosing space inside its crescent shape. A Discourse in Abstraction is organized by Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Miranda Lash. The works from the permanent collection, selected by Odem and Lash, include a new acquisition, the Yves Klein sculpture Venus Bleue (1962), as well as large-scale abstract paintings by Judy Chicago, Thomas Downing, Basilios Poulos, James Rosenquist, Pat Steir, Karl-Heinz Ströhle, Tony Stubbing and John Torreano. Odem has exhibited her work both locally and abroad. Her 2008 and 2009 exhibitions include a solo show at 511 Gallery in New York and group shows at the Winkleman Gallery in New York, the Front Gallery in New Orleans, and Tulane

University’s Newcomb Center for Women. She has drawn a great deal of inspiration from her seven artist residencies abroad in locations including Ireland, England, and Poland, as well as from her 2007 residency at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Odem is the creator of several outdoor sculptural installations, including Wheels of Fortune, sited in the salt flats of Utah for the Center for Land Use Interpretation (1998), Island, produced for the Center for Polish Sculpture in Oronsko, Poland (2004), and the St. Rose Project, a private commission in St. Rose, Louisiana. Her upcoming installation, Blue Fence, a site-specific sculpture presented in collaboration with AORTA projects, will be unveiled on Saturday, April 11, from 2 to 5pm in the Upper Ninth Ward at the intersection of Poland Avenue and North Miro. The Wednesday, April 15, 6-8pm reception for new exhibitions celebrates the openings of two special exhibitions— Women Artists in Louisiana, 1825-1965: A Place of Their Own and A Discourse in

Abstraction: Jennifer Odem and NOMA’s Permanent Collection. Co-organized by NOMA and The Historic New Orleans Collection, Women Artists in Louisiana highlights the work of female artists from the Bayou State in a variety of mediums and styles. A Discourse in Abstraction showcases new work by the emerging New Orleans-based sculptor Odem juxtaposed with 20th-century art owned by the Museum. This event is part of the Mid-Week in Mid-City series of public programs on Wednesday evenings and is open to the public. The New Orleans Museum of Art now has a permanent space devoted to video art. The screening room is part of the second-floor modern and contemporary galleries, adjacent to both the permanent collection galleries and the Frederick R. Weisman Galleries for Louisiana Art. The video art space is currently screening recent work by Houston-based artist Kara Hearn. Recreating the “head space” of [continued on 8]

NOMA Presents A Discourse in Abstraction

his spring, from now through May 24, the New Orleans Museum of Art presents A Discourse in Abstraction: Jennifer Odem and NOMA’s Permanent Collection, an exhibition of new sculpture by the New Orleans-based artist juxtaposed with modern and contemporary works from the permanent collection. A Discourse in Abstraction is the first in a series of exhibitions dedicated to highlighting Louisiana contemporary art. Situated in dialogue with abstract paintings from NOMA’s permanent collection, Odem’s works position themselves at the crossroads between monumentality and playfulness. Combining materials such as Hydrostone with flocking fiber, Odem’s sculptures walk the line between extreme contrasts. In her artist statement, Odem explains: “The idea of vulnerability as strength underlies my investigation of forms and materials. The industrialization of organic material inverts characteristics of stability and fragility. Seemingly delicate sculptures made from strong, durable materials expose a gap that exists between the permanent and impermanent, the feminine and masculine, the natural and artificial. Subverted meanings, humor, and absurdity all play a role in my portrayals of gender issues, human relationships, and our connection to the land, while the interplay between contradictory and exaggerated forms allows me to question social traditions and belief systems.” Often returning to the shape of “mounds” in her

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7

the "official" dish ...from 6 dreams and reverie, One Thing After Another (2007) takes viewers through a series of vignettes, casting Hearn in all of the character roles. An interdisciplinary video artist, Hearn makes what she describes as “quiet and absurd work about the way tragedies reside in the head; the way heroisms play out in the mind’s eye, the inside place where stories get conjured, dreamed, remembered.” Hearn’s work has been screened and exhibited nationally and internationally at such venues as DiverseWorks, Houston; White Columns, New York; the Luckman Gallery, Los Angeles; the Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley; the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; the Dallas Video Festival; Women in the Directors Chair International Film and Video Festival; and the Festival Tous Courts International Festival of Cinema. She received an MFA from the University of California, Berkeley in 2007 and is currently a Core Fellow at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Satyricon Presents First Preview Performance of Altar Boyz April 9

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will present, as a benefit, the first preview performance of the new musical revue, Altar Boyz, at Southern Repertory Theatre, 3rd Level, One Canal Place, on Thursday, April 9, 8pm. Tickets are $20 and may be obtained by calling 504.525.4498. For all other performances, call Southern Rep’s Box Office, 504.522.6545, or on-line at www.southernrep.com. Produced by FourFront Theatre in association with Southern Repertory Theatre, Altar Boyz, a musical revue about a fictitious Christian boy band performing its final gig, is co-directed by Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi, with choreography by Fouchi. It runs through April 19.

A Little Dog Laughed Opening Hosted by Petronuis April 16

he Krewe of Petronius is excited to announce that it is selling tickets to Le Petit Theatre's A Little Dog Laughed, set for Thursday, April 16. Doors open at 7pm with the play begining 8pm. A Little Dog Laughed is a play by Douglas Carter Beane. The four characters are an actor, Mitchell, his acerbic agent Diane, a hustler named Alex, and Alex’s girlfriend Ellen. When Mitchell and Alex become involved in a physical relationship, Diane is concerned that what she describes as Mitchell’s “slight recurring case of homosexuality” will derail his career before it gets started. Tickets are $30 . E-mail or call Captain Bill McCarthy at 504.430.6695 for tickets. This event not only helps this Mardi Gras Krewe, but the oldest community theatre in America. Cocktails and Crowns is the next Petronius event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 7pm. It will be hosted at the Fredrick Guess Studio, 910 Royal Street, at which time the 2010 royalty and ball theme will be announced.

Three For Free: French Quarter Festival, Vieux to Do & Satchmo SummerFest

conomy furrowing your brow? Looking for an affordable get away that’s unlike no city in the United States? Start packing for New Orleans. The town’s stowing its Mardi Gras beads and slipping into something cooler for the spring and summer festival season – a trio of festivals that celebrate the city’s glorious musical tradition and fabulous food. Best of all, the fun is free. The French Quarter Festival, Vieux to Do and Satchmo Summerfest make New Or-

lsgra roundup by J Field, LSGRA Rodeo Trustee, trustee@lsgra.org n case you missed the March meeting ... here’s a few things to note on your calendar. LSGRA is resuming the 4th Friday Beer & Soda Busts at the Phoenix from 9pm - midnight. We need some folks to come out and socialize as well as a few folks to help work the beer bust. Even an hour of your time will be greatly appreciated. If you can help, please contact Lance (504.915.3339) or J (985.413.1117). We will set up the beer bust at 8:30pm.

SGRA ANGOLA PRISON RODEO BUS TRIP - Sunday April 19. We leave from JohnPaul's promptly at 9am. Arrive at the prison by noon. Shop til you drop and lunch on concessions at the rodeo grounds. We will depart the rodeo grounds at approximately 4:45pm. We stop at the famous Roadside BBQ in Jackson, LA. Your ticket to this event includes the bus trip, entrance to the rodeo and dinner at Roadside BBQ. Cost is $60 per person. Bingo, music and raffle drawings will occupy your time on the bus. Beer and mixed drinks are available to purchase on the bus. Please note that you are not allowed to “bring your own booze” on the bus and no weapons or illegal

drugs are allowed on the bus (we are going to a PRISON ). Lance said that ticket sales are slow so please spread the word, get your friends to go and get your tickets now by contacting Lance.

SGRA Wacky Wagon Race Saturday April 18 noon - til 5pm??? Rumor has it that we have 6 teams entered thus far. We need folks to help work the various bars along the wagon trail. Teams are selling raffle tickets with the grand prize being a 32" LCD Flat Screen TV/DVD combo. Contact Lance and check out the LSGRA website for more information on this event available April 1.

n March 7, LSGRA 2009 Royalty were crowned! Congrats to Miss LSGRA 2009 Elizabeth Bouvier (Jeff Mallon) and Mr. LSGRA 2009 Denny Summors. Elizabeth's FourPlay April shows charity number will benefit LSGRA on Friday, April 10 and 24 at JohnPaul's.

eminder that the LSGRA Calendar of Events page has all the latest info on LSGRA

[continued on 10]

leans an affordable, authentic experience for everyone. Get an early start on a venerable tradition – the French Quarter Festival, held this year April 17-19, is a free wheeling and free sampling of the city’s great musical traditions. The festival is a favorite with locals, who unknot their ties and kick off their heels to indulge in world-class music and food in the historic Vieux Carre. French Quarter Fest serves up 18 stages throughout the French Quarter featuring the best in traditional and contemporary jazz, rhythm & blues, Cajun, Zydeco, funk, and swing. Revelers should also plan attending Jackson Square, the Old US Mint, Woldenberg Riverfront Park’s funky picnic – the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” with more than 60 booths dishing up food and drink from the city’s greatest restaurants. From Cajun meat pies and pork chops on sugarcane sticks, to gumbo and muffalettas, French Quarter Festival has authentic local fare right down to red beans and rice. For more information about the French Quarter Festival, call 504.522.5730 or visit FQFI.COM. Creole tomatoes, Louisiana seafood and music: on June 1314, three quintessential Louisiana ingredients come together to form a unique, only-in-New Orleans cultural gumbo called Vieux to Do – a name inspired by the French Quarter’s exotic French sobriquet, the Vieux Carré. The festival – a merger of three distinct celebrations – the Creole Tomato Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival and the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival – is a rollicking feast for ears, eyes and taste buds. Music fans can two-step to musicians from Acadiana and New Orleans such as Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots. Food lovers can choose from a groaning board of shrimp, fish, crab, oysters and crawfish dishes whipped up by celebrity chefs such as Paul Prudhomme and Susan Spicer and also witness the great chefs of Louisiana demonstrating their signature dishes including world famous tomatoes and shrimp. It’s free, in the heart of the French Quarter, in The French Market. For more information on the Creole Tomato Festival, call 504.522.2621 or visit FrenchMarket.ORG. Information on the Lousiana Seafood Festival can be found at LouisianaSeafood.COM/festival and for more on the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, call 504.558.6100 or visit JazzAndHeritage.ORG. Satchmo SummerFest honors the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Established in 2001 to honor the New Orleans trumpeter’s100th birthday on August 4, 1901, the festivities unfurl July 30-August 2, and are centered in the historic French Quarter. Satchmo SummerFest is a showcase for celebrating all facets of the city’s cultural heritage with a soundtrack supplied by the city’s greatest musicians as well as a tribute to the unique food, arts, literature and architecture of New Orleans. Over three days revelers can attend an abundant array of outdoor concerts, music history seminars, jazz exhibits, a classic second-line parade, and even a “Satchmo Strut” down Frenchmen Street taking in some of the best of the city’s live music venues. There’s plenty of affordable food and drink and enough free music in three days for a year’s worth of fantastic memories. For more info on Satchmo SummerFest, call French Quarter Festivals, Inc., at 504.522.5730 or visit FQFI.COM.

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9

The Latest on Donnie Jay

lsgra roundup ...from 8 events and others that have been sent to our calendar coordinator.

ountry Dancing Lessons with Gary and a night of country dancing have been moved to JohnPaul's. Dance lessons are every Tuesday evening and country dance nights are on select Saturday nights. Please come out and show your support. Check the LSGRA calendar of events for dates and times.

ith a change in format and name of Cowpokes, a motion was made to change our host bar. Several bars welcomed the thought of LSGRA holding their meetings and other events in their establishment. Members voted and have reached an agreement with John and Paul to have JohnPaul's as our new “home bar” with our first official function at JohnPaul's in April.

n behalf of the membership, the board would like to thank Timm Holt, owner of the Marigny Theater and All Ways (formerly

Cowpokes) for all of his support and assistance with LSGRA and our events over the past 2+ years. We hope to continue our relationship with All Ways in the future. Be sure to stop in and check out the new format / different theme nights that are going on there - different things different nights ... and don’t forget to tell Timm THANKS!

inally - we will be mailing membership renewal applications to everyone who has not paid

their dues as of this date. We hope that everyone will not only renew for 2009 but will be active in our events and fund-raisers. We also challenge every member to bring a friend to join LSGRA. Every little bit helps - an hour of work, getting a friend to come along to the Angola Rodeo, selling some raffle tickets and/or pouring beer and pop at a beer bust.

e are working on putting our bid in for a March 2010 rodeo here in New Orleans but we need your help - now if we want to make it a reality. We will need at minimum 30 volunteer workers to put on this rodeo and will be looking for some of the other clubs in the area to help us with concession sales, security, parking, etc. LSGRA board members have considered putting in a bid for the 2010 IGRA Convention - but again, we need more volunteers / active members to pull it off.

PRIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - this is our Annual Meeting. We have three officer positions for election - Vice President, Treasurer and Member-at-Large. No nominations were made at the March meeting. Nominations can be made from the floor at the April General Membership meeting and individuals can nominate themselves. This is also our awards meeting where we recognize our outstanding members, our corporate sponsors and those who have helped make LSGRA a success. Also at this meeting, we will be determining the amount of our general funds that we will be donating to our designated charities. We will have a Cowboy Roundup immediately following the General Meeting - Beer & Soda Bust and some food. Please check the website for more details. The meeting is April 25. Hope to see y'all soon and at all LSGRA events. Visit LSGRA.COM.

Keno Kane Broadway & Marcy Marcell on stage in The Golden Age Revue at JohnPaul’s Keno Kane Broadway celebratin’ his birthday during The Golden Age Revue at JohnPaul’s

snap paparazzi

The Golden Age Revue’s Regina Adams at JohnPaul’s

Easter Grand Marshal X Marcy Marcell is show director for The Golden Age Revue

Zsa Zsa d’LaHor at JohnPaul’s in The Golden Age Revue

Chris Slingin’ cocktails at the Phoenix

Mr. LSGRA Denny Summors & Easter Grand Marshal X Tony Leggio

Cocktailin’ at the Phoenix

S - don't forget that the Florida Sunshine Stampede is the first weekend of April and Diamond State (Little Rock Arkansas) is the 3rd weekend in April. May Rodeos - Palm Springs Hot Rodeo - 1st weekend and Oklahoma Rodeo is Memorial Day Weekend. All rodeo dates are listed in the calendar of events,as well as on the IGRA website.

Easter Grand Marshal V Princesse Stepaney in The Golden Age Revue at JohnPaul’s

Joining the Bear Beer Bust at the Phoenix

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

Elysian Fields Nightlife ~ New Orleans

ew Orleans legend Donnie Jay had surgery on Friday, March 27 to remove a tumor on the brain. The surgery was successful and the good news is the tumor had not grown into the brain itself. Doctors are optimistic about his chances for recovery. They will not know for a week to a month or more on Donnie's ultimate prognosis. The tumor is in pathology now so no results were available at press time. Donnie Jay is loved throughout the community for his compassion, wit and generosity. His column's in Ambush, Cookin' with Auntie Dee and One Last Song, are two of the most popular for readers.

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.

We care. We understand.

A Counseling Cooperative

504.836.0000 3001 Fifth St.

Metairie, LA 70002 David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT

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

How can we claim to be different?

1021 W. J udg e P er ez Judg udge Per ere

Chalmette, LA 70043 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service

504.279.6312 24 Hour Beeper: 504.259.8061

A proven community leader in value and customer service! • We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare Rodney Culotta, RPh

OPEN

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat..

ver since I joined Metropolitan Community Churches I have had a running debate with people about what church is, and what it should be. As we approach Easter I am reminded rather forcibly that Christ was an example that was anything but passive and accommodating, but was sufficiently radical and challenging that the religious authorities had him executed. Our concept of church is too frequently a sort of social club where people participate in ‘religious things’ within a clearly defined comfort zone. The temptation for a church like MCC, founded in the LGBT community is to ‘do church’ like everyone else, just a gay version – to buy into the temptation to build a church ‘just like the straight people’. This temptation goes hand in glove with the desire for church to be ‘respectable’, to not rock the boat or use imagery or language which is ‘too gay’. At the basis of this mindset is an unspoken desire to build one’s own Episcopal Church (or whatever) to make up for the one that excluded us. This, ladies and gentlemen, is internalized homophobia. Moreover, it is the biggest wasted opportunity in 2000 years! The old religion – the faith that Jesus came to transform had as it’s basis the law – a legalistic approach to human behavior that failed to see people as whole human beings, but as a list of acts that needed modifying. I firmly believe that this tendency infected the Christian church as it grew, and especially as it lost its sacred space on the margins of society and began to achieve ‘respectability’. In other words, the rot set in when the will of the rich and powerful came to define the ethics of the new church. Today, Roman Catholic moral theology and especially the branches known as natural law or casuistry seek to boil down human beings into ‘acts’ without reference to the intent of the heart, the past, the intellect, the soul and the body as one cohesive whole – created by God as a single astonishing being, not as a few disparate urges and unwholesome physical traits attached unwillingly

to a soul. I wrote a tagline for our church that I stand by with every ounce of my strength – ‘Be celebrated, not tolerated!’ This, for me, means that we consciously avoid being straight jacketed by concepts of what church should be, and what a church community should look like. It also means that we MUST NOT buy into the belief that anything ‘a bit gay’ or ‘a bit campy’ demeans the dignity of a church. People who are going to be put off by manifestations of LGBT culture in our advertising are going to be put off by some of our members who are (would you believe) actually gay folk!

There are transgendered people there as well, and (wait for it) Lesbians!!! And they are there not as an afterthought - not as a barely tolerated subgroup but as the rich and fertile loam of our churches primary mission. If you look like something out of a ‘50’s ideal home exhibition with husband, wife, and two point five children, and seek only respectability and a comfortable place to hear your assumptions reaffirmed then you are probably served already by dozens of churches in New Orleans and elsewhere. If however, you seek authenticity (even if you do look like a ‘50’s ideal family!), and desire to appear ‘whole and unbroken’ before God – to offer your entire

self for that transformation that comes when we begin to walk with God then maybe, just maybe we are on the same page. The church that fails to challenge the comfort zones of its members is unlikely to be reflecting any profound spiritual truth – and that includes LGBT churches. We have many of the same challenges as anyone else, and can be racist, sexist and homophobic (yes, homophobic). Life, and especially the new life represented by our spiritual journey is primarily about growth and change – in the natural world stagnation and immobility generally suggest that something is dead or fast asleep! A pastor’s role is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable! When I first suggested the name ‘The Big Easy MCC’ I had some vigorous objections, and at the heart of many of them (not all) seemed to be a suggestion that such a name was beneath our dignity, that it was flippant. Anyone who thinks I am anything other than deadly serious about building this church has obviously never met me! This is the same suggestion that has come back again and again with different aspects of our outreach here. I have been asked why we turn up in the bars most weeks, why I wear Tee shirts with slogans on and why we felt the need to turn up at Mardi Gras with a banner that read ‘God loves you, we love you, LOVE the costume!’. Many LGBT people bear deep wounds from cruel and ignorant churches – they know what church is, and what it means and it is the enemy. By reaching into the cultural world of the LGBT community and affirming it, but saying we celebrate this culture and we value it, we are not ashamed of it or what it means then we are saying to all those people who have fled from church that WE ARE DIFFERENT! We are saying in a very loud voice that we think everyone is not just born equal but remains equal, that hard studs and drag queens, professional suburban gay couples, go-go boys, street drinkers and those on the very margins of ‘respectable’ society are astonishing, shining creatures created by God and ripe for the richness of a life consciously walking with God. All goes into the spiritual pot – not just those bits we feel comfortable with, but all of us; it is God who makes things new in startling and extraordinary ways, and who uses startling and extraordinary people like us. Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the fulltime pastor of The Big Easy MCC. They meet every Sunday at 5pm, for full details of Christian Education classes, social functions and events, and also to check out on-line sermons, go to w w w.bigeasymcc.com. Tel: 504.214.4340 to speak to the pastor or email at revcrawshaw@yahoo.com.

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Member of the Wedding at Anthony Bean Community Theater

e are used to seeing regular (or semi-regular) revivals of plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, the Greeks and even Shaw, Strindberg, Arthur Miller, O’Neill and, of course, Tennessee Williams. But there are many other plays that were big hits on Broadway last century that, while they were likely done here before or after the movie version first came out, are rarely seen today. Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding falls into that category. Having read McCullers’ novel from which she adapted it back in junior high school and not encountered it since, I approached the Anthony Bean Community Theater with appreciation for mounting this play. More importantly, its satisfying production did not Thomas Hellmers as John Henry, Carol Sutton as Berenice & Greta Zehner as Frankie in The Member of the Wedding

disappoint my fond memories of McCullers’ tale. For those not familiar with it, The Member of the Wedding tells of Frankie Addams a coltish girl on the cusp of puberty in a small Southern town circa 1945. Her mother died in childbirth and her father, who owns a jewelry store, has since raised her. Or rather, Berenice Sadie Brown, the family’s black housekeeper, has raised her often in the company of her younger cousin John Henry. With her older brother Jarvis back from World War II and about to get married, Frankie, dying for attention, dramatic to a fault and, now, calling herself F. Jasmine Addams, has convinced herself that Jarvis and his bride will readily welcome her as she joins them after the wedding to live with them in their new home. The denouement is an aching lesson in how reality usually has no time for daydreams. If McCullers’ deep artistry fully reveals the vast humanism of her three main characters, it doesn’t condemn her subsidiary, more thinly drawn ones to mere stick-figurehood. Frankie’s father (Richard K. Smith) may be racist and emotionally withdrawn, but he’s done the best he could to provide well for his family despite his wife’s early death. A hot-headed, black, would-be musician (Edward Buckles), drawn to reefer and alcohol, may be a wastrel but it’s a response, in part, to a system that allows him less freedom than whites. Janet Spencer’s production allowed us to see how Member of the Wedding might have once been considered a well-made play even if now it feels a bit dated. Exposition, which in the novel could be parceled out leisurely, here is too baldly stated. While one might wish that Spencer had more finely shaped certain scenes—some of the script’s heightened moments were either wan or overplayed—she did a laudable job of giving the production the momentum of fate, especially as the script picked up steam in the second and third acts. And when Mr. Addams used the N-word, it was like a slap across the face. In a very subtle way Carol Sutton’s Berenice Sadie Brown was a stunner. While clearly fond of her charges, Sutton did not overplay the role’s maternal aspect as one can imagine Ethel Waters, who originated the part, might have. Instead, this Berenice viewed her position in the Addams’ household as a job, nothing more, nothing less. She takes care of Frankie and John Henry and cares for and about them but her heart is only fully engaged by her wouldbe suitor T.T. (Alfred Aubry), her relative Honey (Buckles) and the other members of her away-from-work community. Furthermore, Sutton played Berenice as an unquestionably smart (as well as “wise”) woman making one wonder what her life might have been like had she lived in the North...or now. If this approach deprived the production of some emotional weight, it simultaneously prevented any sentimental goo from accreting to it. Greta Zehner has been seen as part of the ensemble in many shows at ABCT and it was a pleasure to see this budding actress have the spotlight here. She fully captured Frankie’s overly romantic and dramatic urges and, with her [continued on 16]

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

trodding the boards ...from 14 blazing intelligence making her too smart for her own good in her provincial hometown, you rooted for her to go off some day to Radcliffe or Barnard, though she could probably hold her own with the boys at Harvard and Columbia even as her heart might be aflutter. But even from a 12 year old, I think we could expect greater shading than Zehner gave; too many of her line readings were pitched at the same level. If Zehner delivered Frankie’s boundless imagination yearning to burst out, she lacked the actorly gradations that such an innate Sarah Bernhardt would likely have.

As the smallest and youngest of McCullers’ main trio, Thomas Hellmers was absolutely wonderful as John Henry, perfectly layering the boy’s open-faced friendliness with admiration for Frankie (and a touch of hurt when she did not reciprocate) and a hint of his own eccentricity. In the smaller roles Smith, Buckley and Aubry all did fine jobs.

Wait Until Dark at Rivertown Repertory Theater

f a thriller thrills, one can fairly say it’s done its job as entertainment, yes? If that’s the case, then Rivertown Rep’s Wait Until Dark may not

Ambush Theater Editor Brian Sands (r) presents this year’s Ambie Awards donation of $1,700 to NOCCA Institute Director of Marketing and Ambie Award winner Richard Read and Sally Perry, Executive Director of the NOCCA Institute.

Katie Bancroft and Stacy Taliancich in Wait Until Dark

have been this work’s definitive production, but it certainly did do its job. First seen on Broadway in 1966 with Lee Remick and Robert Duvall, on the screen the following year with an Oscarnominated Audrey Hepburn, and then again on B’way (disastrously) 11 years ago with Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino, Wait Until Dark is Frederick (Dial M for Murder) Knott’s suspenser in which a young blind woman is terrorized by a trio of criminals on the hunt for a child’s doll containing a stash of heroin. If Director Roland “Butch” Caire’s staging was unable to overcome the languid exposition and set-up in Act One, by the second scene of Act Two, when the plot’s mechanics begin to pay off, he had my heart a-pounding. Sure, the whole thing with disconnected phone wires and thugs concocting an elaborate ruse to fool sightless Susy into giving up the doll seems like a throwback to the dinosaur age (what, no twittering? no torture?). But as the ruse fell apart and the lights went out and Susy appeared to be in mortal danger, my adrenaline was pumping as I happily suspended my disbelief in unreality. Caire was fortunate to have Stacy Taliancich as his Susy. With her short, pixie-ish haircut, not only did she look a bit like Hepburn but she exuded some of that same insouciant charm as well. Blinded in an accident long enough before the play’s action so that she’s comfortable with herself but recently enough so that she’s still learning how to maneuver through the world, Taliancich made it clear that, despite Susy’s sweetness and tendency to trust people, she’s no naif but a quick-witted, tough cookie. And I don’t know what kind of preparation Taliancich did for the role, but how she carried herself as a blind person seemed very convincing to me. Young Katie Bancroft as Susy’s upstairs neighbor and helper-outer was very good as a kid whose brattiness seemingly came from being overlooked and underappreciated too often as well as the challenging emotional adjustment a

child’s wearing eyeglasses for the first time often prompts. As she got caught up in the intrigue, Bancroft let her inner “good kid” come out who wishes she could have such death-defying adventures every day. Unfortunately, this production’s men fared less well. As the two felons brought in to get the goods, Gerrit Hagen and Paul Bello are not natural born actors; rather than enlivening their prosaic scenes with some—any!—stage business they just plodded through them adding little sense of rivalry or camaraderie or oneupmanship or... (Caire must share some of the blame here as well.) Hagen, in particular, too often did not pick up his lines quickly enough causing his scenes to drag unnecessarily. As Roat, the supposed brains behind the operation, C. Patrick Gendusa was simply miscast. As he went about taking on various personas as part of the scheme and diabolically threatening Susy, Gendusa did give an intelligent, thought out performance. But as a person who’s slight of frame, he simply lacked the heft needed to create the organic sense of menace that would have allowed him to make this psychotic character fully convincing. Lorena Murry’s lighting paid attention to such details as getting a sliver of light to come under the front door before it too was extinguished prior to the climatic scene. The proportions of Chris Ward & Eric Porter’s set design, however, were off; I doubt there’s any basement apartment in Greenwich Village with such high ceilings. Otherwise, their set served the play well. Prior to the show, while I could’ve made a meal of Andy Messina’s delicious shrimp & corn soup and crawfish pasta alone (they were offered as appetizers), the Catfish Alfredo, Tomato Basil Chicken and Green Bean Casserole were all yummy. And though Messina’s didn’t plan it, their desserts served well as birthday cake for me. Thanks!

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

Presenting Sponsor’s Queen Fashions’ Tittie Toulouse & Electra City emcee the star-studded show

Bronze Sponsor Gizelle Bouvier & Jay Cooper

Toby changing back before our eyes

Starlight By The Park’s Jaded Jade joins the show Mr. LSGRA Denny Summors sings live

Easter Grand Marshals X Tony Leggio & Marcy Marcell

Toby presents 4 Seasons’ Chuck with his auctioned wig which Chuck won with a $105 bid

snap paparazzi

Silver Sponsor Safonda Peters (EGM IX) & Stuart Nettles

Miss Ho Amanda Straddle with her Bobby

FourPlay’s Elizabeth Bouvier (Entertainer of the Year & Miss LSGRA)

Gizelle Bouvier on stage

Dylan Cox performs

Silver Sponsor Opal Masters (EGM VII) & Darwin Reed

EGM X Marcy Marcell closes out the show Rikki Redd in for the benefit

King Amon Ra XLIII Paul Davis & Silver Sponsor King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac

Society Page’s Orlando Aloe, Joe Truxillo & Bywater Restaurant’s Mike Murray

4 Seasons own Toby Lefort lends his talents

Bartender’s Matt & Steve

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

7th Spring Fever Raises $1,674 for 10th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends at 4 Seasons ~ Metairie, Louisiana

EGM V Princesse Stephaney on stage

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

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.Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. brunch 10am-3pm and special Lundi Gras opening 11am3pm.. 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 Coy LeBeau, 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! 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. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info. 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.

Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) at Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Eggplant Crab Benedict (fried eggplant topped with crabmeat, poached egg & hollandaise) on the weekend brunch menu at Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.

(left) Blackened Ribeye with pecan butter, corn pudding & black-eyed peas at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

(right) Roasted "Maple Farms" Duck Breast with a warm orange vinaigrette over mashed potatoes and haricots verts at Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

ambush

paparazzi

Miss Eloy & Easter Grand Marshal X Marcy behind the bar at Starlight

Easter Grand Marshal X Tony, James & Laura Allen & Joe behind the bar at Dance Club of the Year Oz

Steve & Kajun’s Pub’s Joann catch the Downtown Irish Parade at Cutter’s

Big Daddy’s Rusty LaRoux slingin’ cocktails for the Downtown Irish Parade Justin & Kyle cocktailin’ at The Double Play Cutter’s bar baron Mac working the corner of Franklin & Royal for the Downtown Irish Parade

Shirtless Sundays with bartender's Eric & Ron at Rawhide

Double Play bar baron Chuck & bartender John

Friendly Bar’s Steve ready for St. Patrick’s Day

Bartender Ben & manager Dennis of All Ways Lounge fame

Chris & Justin slingin’ cocktails Good Friends Bar

Keith & Lea celebrate St. Patty’s Day at The Friendly Bar

Blanche Debris snags one at Oz

St. Patrick’s Day revelry with Bunny Hop’s Stephen, Don, EGM VII Doc & Bunny Hop’s Jeff at The Friendly Bar

Lola joins Society Page/Easter Grand Marshal IX Orlando at Big Daddy’s for the Downtown Irish Parade

Deidre entertaining behind the bar at Kajun’s Pub

Tony catching the Downtown Irish Parade outside Big Daddy’s

Jeff, Shawn & Matt welcome you to the Bourbon Street Bailout at Lafitte’s

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

Slingin’ & Singin’ ~ New Orleans, Louisiana

Rawhide manager Joe & partner Troy

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

red stick paparazzi

Super stud & handsome Brad with Mia Richard & Karen Chansley & Michael

Hound Dogs' Johnny with friends Dynamic Divas ready for the show

Mia welcomes you to Splash Ty’s Stephen & Wes

Chad, Jerry & Richard celebrating

Hound Dogs' Joy with Shirley Temple curls Wonderful Wes is mighty sexy

Scott at Splash

Entertainer of the Year Nicole Foxx performing

Joe & Jerry visiting from Houston Having fun at George’s

Showing off the green

Mike & John dining with friends

Trio of mighty nice studs

Adorable Andy mixing a drink

Having a great time at George’s

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

Visiting, Mixing, Celebrating ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Richard with Chica La Rouge

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

ROYAL

ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

400

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300 ESPLANADE

Shreveport, LA [318] CENTRAL STATION, 1025 Marshall St., 222.2216 KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

RT PA M RA

New Orleans, LA [504] MASCULINE TOP STUD FOR AWESOME BODY RUBS & MORE 6'0, 178#, w/magic hands & hard gun. 6am-mid. Fantastic 4 hand session avail. In/Out/Hotels. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is709]

classifieds

1800 19 FR

23 ES TR R FR 2 A A 500 CH N K L 2 6 0 LIN YA 0 O R E LO IN UI PH SA U A D

EN 00 C EL H 2 YS 1 0 ME 0 N IA N F 22 IE LD 00 S

M AR IG NY

body rubs

bookstores Baton Rouge, LA [225]

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos New Orleans, LA [504] ORLEANS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP, 13000 I-10 Service Rd., Sales Mgr. Bob Miller, 207.3000

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 Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 706 E. Gregory St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] UNIQUE, 3217 Industrial St., 448.0555 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com

947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM 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 TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860

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 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 ALL WAYS LOUNGE, 2240 St. Claude, 947.0505 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 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave.,

CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494

New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107 Chartres St., 586.8006 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S OF KENNER, 96 West 26th St., 466.1870 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELLADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616

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 [is409]

circuit/events 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 Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 12-16, 2010, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.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

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

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 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 [is409]

lodging/accommodations 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. 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! 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

massage New Orleans, LA [504] 4 HAND MASSAGE, Butch/Kevin, Nat’l Board Certified, 908.2069, License #LA3355, #LA 4230 [is409] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1509]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8047, ambushonline.com, email: info@ambushonline.com

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 24/7. Body rubs and 21 y.o. model avail. Pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, 504.756.9443 [is609]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org LEWIS HUMPHREY’S FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 387.9798

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org MYSTIC KREWE OF ROYALTY, PO Box 66571, 70896; 926.1698 PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OFAPOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Or-

leans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 828.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CAVALIERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: Gay motocycle group sponsors monthly day rides and other riding events in New Orleans area. Visit www.cavaliersmc.comc or call 782.5625 or e-mail info@cavaliersmc.com. CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality@aol.com FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, Sec. Mae Falgout 484.6045, http://kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ

LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.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 PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 TAU HOUSE MINISTRIES, 1029 Governor Nicholls, 70116, roddyssnd@aol.com, 529.3569. Mass on Sunday 4:15pm; Vespers on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm. Everyone is welcome! TO DO PRODUCTIONS, 948.9608, www.todoproductions.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com

FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] AVALON PLUMBING, residential & commercial repair & remodeling, call Michael 237.0888

printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GREEN FIELDS REAL ESTATE, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, 598.1700 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Cathy Espenan, Cell: 344.2116, Office: 861.7575

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, 899.2911, MagazinePerks.COM Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, 948.7401, MarignyPerks.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746

Petunias, A Restaurant, Cajun, Creole, Crepes, Cocktails, 817 St. Louis, 70112; 522.6440 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., 945.9997

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com ESTATE TREASURES CONSIGNMENT SHOP, 2014 Magazine, 679.6600 THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS.COM, queenfashions.com, exoticfashionmall.com 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

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Adorable Andy

ome people probably think that it doesn’t take much for me to really fall all over myself writing about someone. Well, think again. I just happen to be a keen observer of people and have had enough psychology in my early college days to know what to look for in individual personalities. You really don’t have to know someone intimately to understand where they are going or, for that matter, where they have been. Therefore, I’ve come to on the brief occasions when I’ve been around Andy to understand a little about him. Have I really talked with him? That is both a yes and a no. We haven’t “hung out together” or even been to any functions together, but I have a way of telling what makes him tick. His personality alone ought to tell you something. It’s vibrant and full of life, maybe a little mischief showing through, but strip this away and the adorable aspect comes shining through. You don’t have to literally strip away the clothing to understand the vibes coming from an individual. There is this feeling that you know this guy, and you know he is no angel, but this doesn’t phase or color your opinion of him if you really want to know the inner structure of the guy. I watched him last week when I deliv-

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tattoos/piercings New Orleans, LA [504] AARTACCENT TATTOO & PIERCING, 1041 N. Rampart in French Quarter, 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MARIGNY THEATRE, 1030 Marigny St., 947.0505

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM

ered Ambush to George’s. He had no time to chat because he was quite busy getting things ready for the night ahead. In fact, it seems that everyone was there including my most magnetic friend, beautiful Luther – magnetic as in let me hug you and don’t let me go. At first, Andy was unaware I was even in the area. He was busy doing what he is paid to do – work. He has done this every time I have been to George’s, and he has done the job with a sparkling wit and keen observance of customer needs. That is what a good bartender does, and Andy does it as well as anyone I’ve ever observed. His smile is just downright gorgeous as are his beautiful eyes. I doubt if he would ever be called a candidate for a top model category, but yet there is something about him that latches onto your attention and holds you in a kind of suspended state. I watched him for a while in the adjoining area before I ever said anything to him. When I did speak to him, he immediately responded with that adorable smile and returned my greeting with exceptional grace and kindness. I don’t know about you, but if a bartender is nice and friendly, I kind of seek them out on return visits. It works with Luther and all those outstanding studs at Splash as well as Johnny and Joy at Hound Dogs, and I can assure you that Andy is a plus for me when it comes to George’s. He just tickles the cockles of my heart, whatever that is, and other points too. Adorable Andy is just that – and he is in a class of guys I consider to be outstanding in every way. I can’t say anything about his personal life, but this doesn’t matter. To me, he is just simply one of the good guys, and I enjoy being in his company.

Acadiana Kenny

hat would the Lafayette Royal Order of Unicorn be without the sexy stud that always has the best costumes of all at every bal masque and every year too. There is something about him that makes you sit up and take notice. I can’t even recall the number of years that I’ve known this gorgeous man, and I never tire of being with him or corresponding with him. There is something personal and precious about our relationship. It is a kind of kindred understanding of who, what, where, and when. I didn’t get to join him with other half Garland at The Country Club in New Orleans over the past weekend because I had other plans, but they had a great time. It was a beautiful day, and I can assure you that if he was out there showing off the wares, there would have been plenty of onlookers who were absolutely astounded at the physical beauty of this one – from head to toe and all points in between. Maybe the next time I can join them. Kenny is the captain of next years’ ROU ball, so you better believe I will be right up there taking pictures for Ambush and for my private collection. I don’t even know the theme, but I can just picture it

now in all its greatness. Year after year, I have watched him grow in stature and importance. And yes, I’ve dined with him, and I’ve spent the night in his home, so I think I know this one quite well. However, I had determined the person he was, and is, long before I got to know him on a personal basis. I usually run into him at the Spanish Town Parade here in Red Stick, but somehow I missed him this year. I wasn’t feeling that great and returned home sooner than what I wanted, but I’ll be going to Lafayette soon to reconnect with him. I’ll learn more about the ball then and see what else he and Garland have been up to. Garland is one of Acadiana top hair stylists, and he is such a perfect match for Kenny. When you know someone who is on the dating scene, it is difficult to steer someone in the right direction when it comes to a companion, but thank goodness he came to know Garland. I think with this relationship that he finally reached the maturity he was seeking. Many guys look forever and never find that elusive partner for life, but once the discovery is made, it is hard to believe that it hasn’t been that way all the time. As Kenny continues on in his pursuit of happiness and accomplishments, I’ll be following him closely. He is my friend, and he has been from the moment I first saw him. I knew then that it was a permanent friendship. I am thankful that he came into my life, and if you have him for a friend, just know that you have someone very special in your life. Kenny is the man.

Colorful Claudette

love Claudette. She is a ring-tailed tooter – and that is the ultimate compliment. Whether it is her work ethic or just being your friend, human beings just don’t come any better than this dynamic female goddess. Let me explain. Claudette never looks for praise, but it definitely comes her way. She is one of those laid-back types who never appear to be upset or unhappy. Her personality is wonderful, and her wit can be dry and sharp and biting, but it is her trademark. I don’t think you ought to get her riled up, but when it comes to participating in the company of an intelligent woman, you only have to look to her for fleeting moments of enjoyment. She has a great personality, and she makes me smile. She tells it like it is – nothing held back. I like that in an individual. One of my favorite cousins from my youth had this type of outgoing personality, and you knew if she said something, she really meant it exactly the way she said it. Claudette is that way, but you have to love and respect this. If you think of her in terms of a big city with big lights, she would be one of the brightest of the great, white way - and rightly so. She is definitely a gem of humanity. Whether she is out working in her yard or kicking back on her front porch or balcony smoking her cigar, she is simply one of the finest and fairest of them all. I’m fortunate to have made her acquaintance, and I’m especially pleased to be able to call her a splendid and wonderful neighbor.

Marvelous Mark

guess you would have to consider Mark a prize of enormous magni tude. I don’t get to see him as often

as I would like, but we keep up with each other. He travels so much with his job that it takes accurate planning to meet him when he is home. I believe he just returned from one of these training sessions, but we haven’t been able to hook up. Now that I’m about to take a little vacation, I’ll have to do some special scheduling for April so as to be in New Orleans at the same time. If nothing else, I’ll just hang out at JohnPaul’s and keep his other half John happy. Mark and I have had so many great times together, and I have to credit him with my interest in leather. Even though I was a member of the Lords of Leather at the time, it was Mark who brought out the attachment to the max. He was the third candidate I sponsored for the title of Mr. Louisiana Leather, and he won the title in 2003. (I had previously sponsored two other winners, Todd Cole and Danny Alford.) Since Mark was the third winner I sponsored, I thought I would quit while I was ahead. Besides, it was hectic but rewarding keeping up with Mark, and I’ll never forget those trips. One of the best things I did for Mark was to create a special calendar just for him. I photographed him in some 15 or so poses and did a 2003 calendar which I shared with all the other IML candidates and many friends along the way. It made a big impression on everyone who saw it, and I still look back and think of all the fun we had doing this. One of these days, I might do something like that again, but right now I’ll just say that no one else has impressed me the way Mark did. I have to say that again I have been blessed by meeting and obtained such a friend to share the rest of my life with even though on only brief moments in time. I may not be with him physically all the time, but he is and always will be with me in my thoughts.

Really Richard

ichard has been my friend for so many years I find it difficult to even think back that far. Whether I run into him at George’s or visit with him at his home, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this man. He too is an excellent example of a great and loving human being. I fell in lust over him when he was that young and vibrant young stud buzzing in and out of the bar. He was so full of energy that it was difficult for anyone to keep up with him. In later years as we became close friends, I came to understand that enthusiasm. He has – and still does – have that lust for life that can only come from someone who gives so much of himself in return. If you have him as a friend, he is the best. The last time he was in my home, he was full of energy and loving his visit with me. I loved all this in return. What a nice time we had that day. As we grew to know each other better, we formed a special bond that still remains with us to this day. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and I’m just thankful that something brought Richard into my life. We struggle though lots of obstacles as we continue life’s journeys, but when it comes to friends, they are the ones who stand by you regardless. The minute we see each other, we [continued on 36]

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

hot tails of red stick ...from 34 smile. There is that inner feeling of togetherness that was developed a long time ago. We clicked, and that is such a good thing. In our case, it was one of a bonding of love and respect that some people never obtain. We had it then, and we have it still.

Miscellanea

ome things change, but that is only natural as we go through life. However, when you visit Red Stick, some things don’t really change that much. You have to experience these places in order to really appreciate their importance. You can dance the night away at the best entertainment emporium in the Deep South - Splash, or you can catch some fabulous karaoke sessions at George’s. If these are not of your choosing, you have to do Hound Dogs. This one has a lot of hidden character and has become one of the best neighborhood bars you could possibly find anywhere. These are just three places that you have to experience. No amount of words can express the importance of these facilities for the gay and lesbian community here in Red Stick. The city has lots of restaurants for you to enjoy too, but sometimes you have to look really hard to find them. You can ask and find these places, but few will come forth and actually advertise for fear of losing the business of straight customers. I think it is the openness of business owners in San Francisco and Las Vegas that has impressed me the most. Las Vegas especially has a nice magazine, and when you visit there, you know exactly where the gay people hang out, and I don’t mean just the bars. To an extent, Key West and Provincetown are this way too, but unless you find the publications that devote space to the community as a whole, it is not an easy task to locate where to go and what to do. Bookstores at one time were the unwritten ties to better understanding the

communities of most major cities. The Internet has changed the face of the world. Now many of these book outlets have disappeared with only a few holding on for dear life. New Orleans, along with the Deep South in general, is fortunate to have a publication like Ambush to tell the story of gay life for locals and visitors. It is a publication with a purpose – to serve the community and to promote it thoroughly in all phases of its existence. Have a great Easter! And I’ll talk with you again soon.

Krewe of Apollo Brings Shirley Q. Liquor to Baton Rouge Little Theater

he Krewe of Apollo will host a fund raiser featuring a very special appearance by the Queen of Comedy, Shirley Q. Liquor, on April 18th at the Baton Rouge Little Theater. The show will be highlighted with appearances by Shirley Q. Liquor and Betty Butterfield. Chuck Knipp is a drag comedian best known for his controversial alter egos, the black-face character “Shirley Q. Liquor” and “Betty Butterfield.” Liquor, a is cariacature of a black southern woman. Knipp performs the character — an Ebonics speaking, welfare-collecting mother of 19 children. In addition to live performances, Knipp has produced several spoken-word CDs. Knipp’s “Daily Ignunce” morning radio routine, usually 90 seconds long, is syndicated and heard on radio stations throughout the United States. Most recently, the character of Shirley Q. Liquor made an appearance in cartoon form on the pilot episode of Laugh Out, the first interactive, gay-themed comedy show. Shirley often addresses people by saying, “How you durrin’?” In addition, audiences will be entertained with the Gaylord Family Gospel Hour, a musical presentation featuring the talents of Baton Rougeans Sharon James and Cody King. Come join the travelin’, gospel singin’ Gaylord family—Sister Vestabeulah, Daddy, Trey, Barry and Ben Gaylord—for a night of worshippin’, revivin’, and testifyin’ in the Roughneck Cabaret, “A Gaylord Family Gospel Hour.” The fund raiser will be used to support Apollo’s annual Mardi Gras ball slated for Saturday, January 16th at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. This year’s ball theme is “HORROR.” Tickets for the April 18th fund raiser may be purchased starting March 27th through the Baton Rouge Little Theater box office at 225.924-6496. For additional information on “A Night of Ignunce,” visit website at www.apollobatonrouge.com. The Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 primarily to produce an annual Mardi Gras ball. Through this grand charity event Krewe members gather throughout the year to raise funds and awareness to support HIV/AIDS education and assistance. The Krewe of Apollo AIDS/Crisis fund, established in 1994, provides emergency assistance to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS who are unable to meet basic obligations for the necessities of life, such as medications, medical treatment, housing assistance and transportation. Most recently, the Krewe has partnered with the local organization HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc. (H.A.A.R.T.) by providing grants to the organization.

allons acadiana by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com

aster is upon us, which means two things; Lent is finally com-ing to and end, and Spring Break is here. And Sound Factory’s new look makes it the perfect place to celebrate. The Sound Factory and Back Side are Acadiana’s best place to be a part of the gay nightlife. They are number one in providing fun and entertainment to our varied and unique community. Besides hosting some of the most memorable events in Lafayette, they have weekly line-ups that are second to none. With their daily Happy Hour specials, they always make sure that every night of the week is its own special party. And since they are open seven days a week, they always have something incredible planned. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink after work or a wild night on the town, their separate weekly line-ups make even the most uneventful night fresh and new. From Show Night every Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday to their unforgettable dance parties every Friday and Saturday, when you plan a night out at Sound Factory and Back Side, you know it’s going to be an adventure. And with ever changing drink specials, you’re sure to get a great deal. What more can you ask for? It’s two bars in one, and it won’t break you’re pocket book. The weather is already getting warmer; before you know it the temperatures will have three digits. Luckily Acadiana has the Sound Factory and Back Side to relax and cool off with great friends and a refreshing beverage. Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you downtown.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

acadiana

paparazzi

Brian out & about at Sound Factory

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

Nicholas, Chris & Jeff at Sound Factory John & Mark always working at Sound Factory

Corey visiting Sound Factory Reed relaxing at Back Side

Steven cutting up at Sound Factory Brandon enjoying karaoke at Sound Factory

Spence is all smiles at Sound Factory

Lil’ Mark & Macky at Back Side

Louis having a cocktail at Sound Factory

Kyle (aka Barbara) at Sound Factory

Mark working karaoke at Sound Factory Natalie ready for a wild night at Sound Factory

Rocky relaxing at Sound Factory

Travis cutting up at Sound Factory

Erin bartending at Sound Factory

Khory toasting at Sound Factory

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

Karaoke, Cocktails, Smiles ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Patrick Clinton

Steven working the door at Sound Factory

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

mobile

out & about in mobile

paparazzi

by Bob Brunson n spite of economy, this year the 2009 Mobile Alabama Pride Festival and Parade looks to be one of the most exciting LGBT festivals to be held in Mobile, Alabama. The weekend will kick-off on Friday, April 24th, with a fabulous opening party at the beautiful Skyview Lounge atop the Holiday Inn in Historic downtown Mobile featuring a lavish cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres and incredible entertainment by the one and only Tony Award nominee, Sharon McNight. Looking out over the entire city of Mobile

Bar Baron Jerry joins Amuka live at B-Bob’s Emcee Darwin Singleton & guest speaker Wilson Cruz cut up on stage at the AQUA Community Awards

years and only returning to my hometown here in Mobile 3 years ago, it never ceases to amaze me what the LGBT community of my beautiful hometown can pull off. You have to see it to believe it! What most people assume is small-town, USA is so much more and has so much to offer. Just a few weeks ago Mobile held its Community Unity Awards Banquet. The event was hosted by AQUA and proved once again to be one of the most beautiful events of the year. Over 15 LGBT organizations came together to award exemplary individuals in the community and the

Aqua Community Awards, Nightlife ~ Mobile, Alabama

Cody having fun

Mr. Louisiana Leather John Cauley presents B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen with the Southern Renegades award

Pensacola’s Lauren Mitchell appearing at B-Bob’s

Vision’s Twist owner Sonja Sandal & Wilson Cruz show off his drink huggie Jennifer Holliday

Some of the girls at B-Bob’s

Mr. Louisiana Leather John Cauley presents Midtown Pub owner Darrel Foret with the Southern Renegades award

Cocktailin’ at B-Bob’s

Miss Cie loves her fans

and Mobile bay, you will experience a one of a kind show from one of broadway's all time greats. The following day, on Saturday, April 25th, at noon, the 2009 Pride Festival in the park will begin with vendors from across the country and entertainment all day long from noon until 6pm, right in downtown Mobile’s beautiful and historic Bienville Square. The entertainment line-up is exquisite and is opened by the Port City Men’s Chorus and includes some of Mobile’s very own talents such as Lisa Christian. Josh Zuckerman will bring you his awesome talents all the way from New York City and the afternoon will be headlined by the incredibly fabulous Tony Award winner and Two Time Grammy Award winner, the original Dreamgirl herself, Jennifer Holliday!!! You can’t beat this spectacular entertainment at even the largest of pride festivals in the country. On Sunday, April 26th, the Pride Festival in Bienville Square will continue with many vendors and the always awesome volleyball tournament. Many teams will compete and the fun is endless. After living in San Francisco for 25

event went off without a hitch. The emcee from WPMI, Darwin Singleton, with his innate style and wit, did an awesome job to ensure that the night rolled along very smoothly. The guest speaker, Wilson Cruise, had the entire crowds’ attention and the seemed to hang on his every word. Congratulations to all the award recipients and to AQUA for putting on such a great event. Go to www.aquahelps.org for a list of award recipients. Mobile is not holding back at all when in comes to making a change in the south and especially when it comes to the rights of the LGBT community. Come out, get involved and be a part of making a difference. It’s up to you to support these groups with their efforts as they work so hard to support our community. Your Rights, Our Rights, Human Rights!, is the theme of this year's Pride Festival and this theme says it all. I challenge you to take part even if just for a day. Who knows, you may even enjoy it. See you there. Pride will be April 24, 25 and 26 and you can go to www.mobilealabamapride.com to get the schedule and all the information on Pride Events.

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

mobile

paparazzi

University of South Alabama Medical School Gay Straight Alliance & friends

Guest Speak Wilson Cruz holds everyone’s attention with his inspiring remarks

Wilson Cruz shows off door prizes as only he can

Time To Eat receives the first annual AQUA Business of the Year Award accepted by Alfredo Hernandez

Mobile’s new Rainbow Connection ready to celebrate Unity Dr. Moria Amado presents BAI’s Inspiration Award to Gae Coats

Emcee Darwin Singleton, Producer Stefan & Wilson Cruz The AQUA Committee comes to the stage to honor one of it’s own

All smiles from Fusion

Cornerstone MCC’s “Living Stones Award” 2009 was presented to Ms. Sara Sills & Kent Dueitt by Rev. Lee Carlton

The Southern Renegades ready for the program to begin

Carl Eccles accepts the AQUA Community Unity Award from Peter Daar

Mobile Alabama Pride & The Mystic Woymn of Color CARES Board Chair Jeff Morrow presents their Appreciation Award to Mobile Arts Council Integrity of the Gulf Coast members on hand for the annual event

PFLAG ready to present their annual award

The Port City Men’s Chorus opens with the National Anthem

Mobile Alabama Pride’s Community Support Award is presented to Carl Eccles by Bob Brunson

Dr. Harold Dodge presents the AQUA J. Allen Pope Reaching Out Award to Rev. Jim Flowers & Rev. Mary Robert of All Saints Episcopal Church

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

3rd Annual AQUA Community Unity Awards ~ Mobile, Alabama

Guests arrive for the 3rd Annual AQUA Community Unity Awards

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

ay Easter Parade Board of Director Tittie Toulouse, 4 Seasons owner Chuck Turner, GEP Board of Director Electra City and Easter Grand Marshal V Princesse Stephaney celebrate at the conclusion of the 7th annual Spring Fever: A Star-Studded Show & Live Auction which raised $1,674 for the 10th Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends. The event, which was emceed by Presenting Sponsor’s Queen Fashions Tittie Toulouse and Electra City, was hosted on the beautiful patio at 4 Seasons in Metairie, Louisiana.

arcy Marcell and Tony Leggio will lead the 10th Gay Easter Parade through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 12 at 4:30pm. As Easter Grand Marshals X, the couple has reigned over all of the fundraisers and events in association with the parade. Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM.

hese performers were just some of the stars of the evening raising $1,674 for the 10th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends at 4 Seasons in Metairie. (Photo: front row-King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac, Toby Lefort, Dylan Cox; second row-Easter Grand Marshals (EGM) X Marcy Marcell and Tony Leggio, EGM IV Electra City, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Tittie Toulouse; back row-EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM VII Opal Masters, Gizelle Bouvier and Miss Ho Amanda Straddle)

orner Pocket bar baron Michael Elias, 700 Club bar baron Cookie St. Ann-St. Peter (Mike Cookmeyer) and Society Page bar baron Orlando Aloe celebrate at the 1969 Senior Prom hosted by 700 Club bar baron Matt Giglio to celebrate partner Cookie St. Ann-St. Peter’s 40th birthday in New Orleans raising $600 for Food For Friends.

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45

ambush

paparazzi

Selece welcomes you to Le Roundup

Prom King Herman & Artist of the Month Todd Purley celebrate at Mike’s 40th B-day Prom Night hosted at 700 Club

Days & Nights in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Louisiana

Jimmy behind the bar at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Hector, Ben & bartender Paul join Mike’s 40th Birthday Senior Prom Night blowout at 700 Club

Stephen welcomes you to The Double Play Bartender Nathan welcomes you to The Country Club

Wood Enterprises’ Ken joins 4 Seasons’ Toby for Trash Disco at Lafitte’s

Good Friends manager Neel & Rawhide manager Joe pop into Lafitte’s

It’s spring time at The Country Club with bartender Bert

Don servin’ up his goodies at Society Page

Bartender Mitchell host a children’s food drive the 3rd Thursday of the month in the Queen’s Head Pub

Bunny Marshal VI Fish samples one of Don’s goodies at Society Page

Miss Ambush, Ashlee slingin’ cocktails at The Corner Pocket

Vaughn behind the bar at Society Page

700 Club’s own Matt host 1969 Senior Prom for partner Cookie St. Ann-St. Peter’s (Mike) birthday blowout

Bar baron’s Javier & CW hail from Starlight By The Park Darrin, aka “Big Mama” & “Little Debbie” festive at 700 Club for Mike’s B-day blowout

Ray, Mona & DJ of the Year Rich cocktailin’ at Lafitte’s

Corner Pocket bar baron Michael Elias donates a bar tab & bottle of Finlandia Vodka for Gay Easter Parade’s Drag Extravaganza

Sammy & Mike grabbin’ a cold one at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM