Issuu

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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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

Ambush Readers Will Choose Their Favorites in 22nd Gay Appreciation Awards, Voting Ballot On-Line June 9-15

t’s time for the Gulf South readership of Ambush Mag to once again choose their favorites in the 22nd annual Gay Appreciation Awards. Public voting is done online in an effort to get the most accurate results. Only one ballot will be accepted from each person. Filters are in place to delete duplicate ballots. Voting runs Tuesday, June 9 through Monday, June 15 at AmbushMag.COM/GAA (click on Voting Ballot). The awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community who are many times not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. The top 5 finalists in each category will appear in Ambush Issue 13 due out on June 23. GAA Board members are not eligible for awards. The award category winners, those receiving the most public votes, will be announced at the 22nd Gay Appreciation Awards Gala at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Saturday, July 11. Beginning at 8pm sharp, door admission $10 will begin at 7pm. All proceeds from the event will benefit the William Fanning Foundation, better known as Buzzy’s Boys & Girls. VIP tables with four seats run $125 and seating is limited. Please contact Rip Naquin-Delain at 504.522.8049 for table reservations. Public award voting categories include: Circuit Party/Event of the Year, Hair Salon of the Year, Gay Carnival Ball of the Year, Neighborhood Bar of the Year, Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award, Bitch of the Year, Show Bar of the Year, Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award, Restaurant/Deli of the Year, Dance Bar of the Year, Bartender of the Year, DJ of the Year, Leather Bar of the Year, GLBT Business of the Year, Leather Person of the Year, Transgender of the Year, Lesbian of the Year, Gay Man of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. In addition to the various public voting awards, the Board will present the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Cheridon Comedy Award in memory of the late Sonny C. Cleveland, and the Fly Fashion Glamour Award in memory of Ms. Fly. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence (the Drag Ambassador Award) will be presented by Marsha NaquinDelain. The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain and Toni J.P. Pizanie. Ambush is proud to sponsor the Gay Appreciation Awards each year. For more info, visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA.

International Pop Music Icon Kristine W Releases Her Fourth Full-Length Album, The Power of Music June 16

ew York - Kristine W’s highly anticipated fourth full-length studio album, The Power of Music, will be available on i-Tunes, Masterbeat.com and in retail stores nationwide on June 16. The CD has already proven its power on the dance scene with its first four single releases - Walk Away, The Boss, Never, and Love is the Look - landing the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play List. Be Alright, Kristine’s next single from the album, was released commercially and to terrestrial, satellite and internet mainstream radio. “Making The Power of Music was truly a labor of love,” explained Kristine W from her home in Las Vegas. She describes the album as a journey through a kaleidoscope of musical styles - dance, pop, R&B and rock – that capture the rollercoaster of emotions people are feeling during this turbulent time in history. “With the financial crisis hitting every country and political instability reaching all time highs, I wanted to write and sing songs that expressed how people are feeling and encouraged optimism.” In Be Alright, Kristine sings: “When hard times bring us to our knees, we stand in the shadow of blind faith and we say ‘Hey, it’s going to be alright.’” The message is of hope triumphing over difficulty, a theme she also explores in We Will Meet Again and the album’s title track, The Power of Music.

4th of July, GAA Top 5 Edition due out Tuesday, June 23 DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 16

inside

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Never preaches inner strength and joy while Groove’s Inside explains how a person’s attitude dictates how they view life and ultimately, how they live it. Kristine sings, “This is your life, get up and live it, you know the clock won’t wait, leave your cares behind, because the groove’s inside your mind.” The 16-track album features some of the music industry’s most influential players including Grammy-nominated producers Love To Infinity UK (Madonna, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Will Smith), Grammy Award winning producer Hex Hector (Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Shakira), guitar legend George Lynch (of Dokken and Lynch Mob), and a performance by the world renown rapper, Big Daddy Kane, who lends his talents to the album’s title track. Hailing from Washington State, Kristine W is a fourth generation musician. She has sold over 300,000 albums and singles in the USA and her songs have been licensed to over 150 compilation CDs. In the late 1990s, Kristine W hit the top of the national dance music charts for the first with the now classic Feel What You Want. Her most recent single, Love is the Look, released this January, is her thirteenth #1. With it, Kristine edged out Whitney Houston to claim fifth place among artists with multiple #1s on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play List. Madonna tops the chart with 39 #1s, followed by Janet Jackson with 18. Donna Summer is third with 15, followed by Mariah Carey with 14, and then Kristine W with 13. Houston now ranks in 6th place, behind Kristine W, with 12 #1s. Kristine W is consistently touring to promote her latest projects. Her upcoming tour will take her to New York, St. Louis, Orlando, San Diego, Seattle, Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Salt Lake City. You can pre-order The Power of Music in New Orleans at Skully'z Recordz, 907 Bourbon Street.

Satyricon Presents Opening Night of Valley of the Dolls

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will present, as a benefit for the krewe, the opening night of Running With Scissors’ newest comedy, Valley of the Dolls, at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., on Friday, June 12, at 8pm. Tickets for this performance only are $25, and may be obtained by calling 504.525.4498. For all other performances, please call Le Chat Noir at 504.581.5812. Valley of the Dolls is written by the company, loosely based on the movie of the same name, and directed by Richard Read. It features Brian Peterson, Dorian Rush, Lisa Picone, Bob Edes, Jr., Brad Caldwell, Jack Long and Dwayne Sepcich. The show continues its run Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 5.

Vieux to Do, Three Festivals in One, June 13-14

reole tomatoes, Louisiana seafood and music: on June 13-14, 11am-7pm, three quintessential Louisiana ingredients come together to form a unique, only-inNew 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 Mike Murray 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 [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 Chris Perkins-Lafayette, LA Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Gary Glitter, Tony Leggio-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieann & John, DJ Chromatic, David Long, Craig Powell, Leon WeekleyMobile, 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

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the "official" dish ...from 4 information on the Creole Tomato Festival, call 504.522.2621 or visit FrenchMarket.ORG. Information on the Louisiana 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.

NOMA Gets By With a Little Help from Our Friends

ew Orleans - This summer, the New Orleans Museum of Art presents With a Little Help from Our Friends: Recent Accessions in the Decorative Arts, an exhibition of more than 50 diverse works that significantly enhance the Museum’s already re-

nowned Decorative Arts collection, from Museum is FREE to Louisiana residents June 20 to October 18. through the generosity of The Helis FounThe pieces come to the New Orleans dation. Museum of Art as the result of several Related Public Programs Wednesgenerous gifts by private collectors. “That day, July 15, 6pm-Tour: With a Little Help federal, state and local funding for the arts from Our Friends Exhibition organizer continues to shrink is well known and John W. Keefe, The RosaMary Foundation documented,” says John W. Keefe, the Curator of the Decorative Arts, leads visiRosaMary Foundation Curator for Deco- tors on an informal tour of With a Little rative Arts. “Less well known is the result- Help from Our Friends: Recent Accesant fact that museums are therefore in- sions in the Decorative Arts. This new creasingly dependent upon the generos- exhibition gratefully acknowledges the ity of their friends and patrons for the generosity of the Museum’s patrons and continued growth of their collections. This friends who have helped enhance the has definitely been true of the Decorative Museum’s already renowned Decorative Arts Department at the New Orleans Mu- Arts collection with gifts in ceramics, glass, seum of Art in these post-Katrina years. metalwork, small sculpture and Fabergé The magnanimous support from the objects. Museum’s friends is celebrated by this The New Orleans Museum of Art, exhibition.” founded in 1910 by Isaac Delgado, houses The exhibition showcases a variety of more than 30,000 art objects encompassglass from the collection of Jack M. Saw- ing 4,000 years of world art. Works from yer; eight important additions to the glass the permanent collection, along with concollection from John W. Lolley; a collection tinuously changing temporary exhibitions, of American pressed-glass presented by are on view in the Museum’s 46 galleries Florence Jastremski, in memory of her Wednesdays from noon to 8pm and Thursparents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanwood Duval days to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Jastremski; multiple Lalique glass pieces, Admission to the Museum is free to some from Caroline Louisiana residents Querbes Nelson and through the generosity of others from Dr. The Helis Foundation. Siddarth Bhansali; Admission to the adParis porcelains from jacent Sydney and Walda David Stone, AmeriBesthoff Sculpture Garcan Society of Interior den, featuring work by 59 Designers, and The artists, including several H. Speed Lamkin of the 20th century’s great Fund, created by master sculptors, is alfriends of Mr. Lamkin ways free during regular on the occasion of his Museum hours. The New 80th birthday; and Orleans Museum of Art and Belleek porcelain the Besthoff Sculpture from Dr. William B. Garden are fully accesDouble-handled Presentation Zeiler, presented in sible to handicapped visimemory of Geraldine Bowl, 1902-1904; Sterling silver, tors and wheelchairs are silver-gilt, USA: Tiffany and Colby Zeiler. Also feaavailable from the front Company, New York, Ht. 16 tured are several desk. For more informainches, Gift of Walda and small sculptures, intion, call 504.658.4100 or Sydney Besthoff III, 2007.85 cluding gifts from Dr. visit www.noma.org. and Mrs. Travis J. Harrison, Jetta Molter and George Roland. The areas of Ameri- Guerrilla LGBTQ Pride can and European silver have also been Saturday, June 27 notably strengthened through accessions on display in the exhibition, including those in New Orleans given by Sydney and Walda Besthoff and he Community Coalition Dr. Daniel L. Hodges. (TCC), Forum For Equality, NO/ More information With a Little Help AIDS Task Force, the LGBT from Our Friends: Recent Accessions Community Center and Faubourg Marigny in the Decorative Arts will be on view in Art & Books (FAB) are organizing a low-key the Cameo Gallery in The Lupin Founda- LGBTQ Pride Sidewalk Celebration on tion Center for The Decorative Arts on the Saturday, June 27 to mark the 40th anniMuseum’s second floor. Admission to the versary of the Stonewall riots 12noon-

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9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. 5pm. The LGBT Community Center at 2114 Decatur and FAB Books at 600 Frenchmen will be the anchors at each end of the Triangle (Frenchman from Decatur St. to Chartres St.) The event is open to participation by any interested organization or business. As of June 1st, PFLAG, ACLU, NOW, NO/ AIDS Task Force, Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, The LGBT Community Center, Forum For Equality, The Community Coalition, The Big Easy MCC, New Life Community Church, Gulf Gender Alliance and re:Vision are confirmed to participate. Tables will be provided and will be set up in front of CAN, the Community Center and FAB. Special events already scheduled for the day include National HIV Testing Day,

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information about participating in the evening call Stacy Lentz at 646.242.7372 or to purchase tickets go to www.hmi.org. For information about The Hetrick-Martin Institute please contact Esther Alix at 212.674.2600 ext. 257. The Hetrick-Martin Institute is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization to fostering the healthy development of at risk young people, especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth aged 12-21. HMI offers a wide range of supportive programs and services, and has become a globally recognized safe haven where young people can be who they are without fear of being ridiculed or treated differently. The Stonewall Inn is the historic Christopher St. landmark of Gay liberation, the birthplace of the famous Stonewall Riots. OURsceneTV.com is the one internet television channel that provides the LGBT community with local cultural and lifestyle programming. OURsceneTV is the gay insider’s guide, taking viewers into the action and entertainment of our community.

7th Annual Satchmo Art Show Call for Artists!

the "official" dish ...from 6 with CAN (Community Awareness Network) at 507 Frenchmen having special testing hours from 1 to 5pm and FAB will be having author readings and signings with authors J. M. Redmann, Greg Herren, Claude Summers and many more. If you want to know more or would like to participate, please e-mail Mary at marygriggs@forumforequality.com or Jean at jeanr@noaidstf.org.

Stonewall Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Gay Rights Movement

ew York - On the evening of June 15, join your friends at the historic Stonewall Inn to

celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hetrick-Martin Institute, the home of the Harvey Milk High School. The Stonewall Inn, on Christopher Street, is hosting the event for The Hetrick-Martin Institute as part of a series of fund-raisers in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, after the gay and lesbian community refused to fold anymore to long-standing police harassment. Who will be there? The event will feature celebrities like Alan Cumming, Grammy Award winner Julie Gold, Heather Matarazzo, Gretchen Bonaduce, Sabine Singh, Jenny Shimizu and the cast of Naked Boys Singing. Proceeds from the evening and auction will benefit the non-profit Hetrick-Martin Institute, which founded and now hosts the Harvey Milk High School and has been providing services to at-risk young people since 1979. At the event, OURsceneTV.com will also launch Stonewall 2.0, a dedicated broadband page designed to support and foster social action within the LGBT Community. Stonewall 2.0 was created in partnership with the Stonewall Inn with support of the Hetrick-Martin Institute. Stonewall 2.0 will show highlights of its new series, Stonewall: Profiles of Courage, throughout the evening. For more

ew Orleans - French Quarter Festivals, Inc.’s ‘Satchmo Art Show’ will take place at Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur Street) during the month of August 2009. This is a juried show that offers prizes to the top three artists. All work is exhibited throughout August and will be for sale to the public. An invitation-only Artists Reception will take place at the Crescent City Brewhouse July 29, 2009 from 5-7pm. Artists are invited to create ‘Satchmo inspired’ works, capturing the spirit of the artist and his lasting impact on New Orleans and the world. Submissions must be posted or e-mailed by July 17. Works that have been completed in the past 18 months and have not been entered in any other local shows will be admitted. Work must be ready to hang (wire/hooks). Artwork must measure 16"x20" unframed or larger. Entries in all media except photography will be considered. All work must be for sale, and is subject to committee approval. All work must be picked up at close of show on September 1 from Crescent City Brewhouse. Any unclaimed work becomes property of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. An entry fee of $20 will be charged on each work accepted. Fees are due upon delivery. Artists will be notified of acceptance via e-mail. Prizes will include an ‘Artist’s Escape package’, courtesy of the Madewood Plantation House and Dixie Art Supplies and will be awarded at the invitation-only Artists Reception, which will take place on July 29 from 5pm - 7pm at Crescent City Brewhouse. All artists are asked to attend the reception and bring your friends and family. Refreshments will be served. Last year more than 40 artists displayed their Armstronginspired works in pen and ink, textiles and fabric, and oil, acrylic, and sculpture. The exhibition, produced this year by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. returned as an event of the festival in 2008, after its hiatus following Hurricane Katrina. Executive Director Marci Schramm noted “The New Orleans arts community is alive and thriving. I think that all of our submissions would make Louis Armstrong proud, as we work to keep his legacy alive.” For more information and other show questions, please e-mail info@fqfi.org or call 504.522.5730.

Ambush Welcomes Olympus Bar

mbush would like to take this opportunity to welcome it's newest client, the Olympus Bar in Alexandria, Louisiana, Located at 4003 MacArthur, the club's owners Dan Eudy and Eric Butrenchuk are bringing the spotlight back to Central Louisiana with a star studded list of entertainment, pageants and special events. There is something happening here every day of the week. The club is open Monday-Saturday 4pm-3am and Sunday 2pm-3am. Catch the column on page 42, and photos and ad on page 43 for more on Olympus Bar.

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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krewe calendar Ambush Mag is providing its Carnival/Krewe Calendar to assist Gay Mardi Gras Krewes with their fund-raisers, functions and balls to support and help preserve the cultural fabric of the GLBT community. To submit your carnival/krewe function, e-mail info@gaymardigras.com. Friday, June 12th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents Running With Scissors’ Valley of the Dolls, $25, Le Chat Noir ~10pm, Lords of Leather Mr. Phoenix Leather Contest & Beer Bust, Phoenix Saturday, June 13th... ~4-7pm, Lords of Leather Lone Star Rubber Corps Cookout, Phoenix Saturday, June 20th... ~9pm, Lords of Leather Where’s My Daddy? Contest & Beer Bust, Phoenix Saturday, June 27th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Prom Night,

JohnPaul’s Sunday, June 28th... ~Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Cocktail Party, In the Garden of Good and Evil, TBA Wednesday, July 8th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents Karen Akers in Concert, $30, Le Chat Noir Sunday, July 12th... ~8pm, Krewe of Mwindo presents 1st Annual Mwindo Honors, JohnPaul’s Sunday, July 19th... ~3-7pm, Lords of Leather Luau, Lion’s Inn ~4-6pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Sister “Sundae” Social (home-made ice cream served along with ice-cream drinks), AllWays Lounge Saturday, July 25th... ~Lords of Leather Vegas Game Night, JohnPaul’s Saturday, August 8th...

~9-11pm, Lords of Leather Ms. Louisiana Leatherette Contest, JohnPaul’s Sunday, August 9th... ~4-6pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Miss Turn-About, All-Ways Lounge Thursday, August 13th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents My First Time, $25, Le Chat Noir Friday, September 4th... ~10pm, Lords of Leather Decadence Block Party, Phoenix Saturday, September 5th... ~Krewe of Amon Ra Playboy Bunny/ Chippendale Rejects (time and location TBA) Thursday, September 10th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents Amy Alvarez with Jefferson Turner, $25, Le Chat Noir Thursday, October 1st... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents Andrea Marcovicci sings Songs from the Movies, $30, Le Chat Noir Sunday, October 4th... ~Lords of Leather Halloween Haunted House & Decoration Auction,

JohnPaul’s Friday-Sunday, October 16th-18th ~Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Weekend, Various Locations Saturday October 24th... ~Krewe of Amon Ra Halloween Party (time and location TBA) Friday, October 30th... ~9pm, Lords of Leather Fifth Friday Beer Bust, Phoenix Saturday, November 21st... ~ 7-11pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Thanksgiving Buffet and Silent Auction with entertainer Lisa Lynn, $10 all-youcan-eat, JohnPaul’s Saturday, November 28th... ~9pm, Lords of Leather American Bandstand, TBA Sunday, November 29th... ~Krewe of Amon Ra “Pot Luck” function (time and location TBA) Sunday, December 6th... ~Lords of Leather Art Gallery Event & Auction, JohnPaul’s Saturday, December 12th... ~1-5pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Annual Christmas Buffet and Auction, $10 all-you-can-eat, Friendly Bar Annex Sunday, December 13th... ~Krewe of Amon Ra presents AmonRa Rockettes (time and location TBA) 2010 EVENTS Saturday, January 2nd... ~7-11pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon 8th Annual 12th Night Ball, $20 Admission, Country Club Saturday, January 9th... ~8pm, doors open 7:30pm, 12th Annual Krewe of Mwindo Ball, Best Western Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie Sunday, January 10th... ~Lords of Leather Royalty Appreciation Party & Mardi Gras Wreath Auction, JohnPaul’s Saturday, January 23rd... ~8pm, Krewe of Queenateenas’ 17th King Cake Queen Coronation presenting the 2010 King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras, by invitation only Sunday, January 24th... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque XLIX, site TBA Saturday, February 6th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLV, Alario Center, Westwego Sunday, February 7th... ~7pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque VIII, $20 General Admission, Sugar Mill, 1101 Convention Center Blvd. Friday, February 12th... ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather & Phoenix present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart Saturday, February 13th... ~12noon, Annual Spanish Town Parade, 5th & Spanish Town Road, Baton Rouge ~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLII, Alario Center Sunday, February 14th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVII, Alario Center MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 16th... ~12noon, 46th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 23rd Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, led by King Cake Queen XVII, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

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Winner Miss MASCARa Joe racing for Oz

700 Club racer Darrin in for Lap 6 at Oz Good Friends racer Chris in for Lap 6

Racers fuel up & kick off the race with a scalding hot order of chili cheese fries from Clover Grill Winner Most Money Raised ($1,670) Cha Cha racing for Rawhide

Budweiser racer Randy in for Lap 6 at Oz

snap

Quartermaster racer Jason & his Pit Crew

paparazzi

Oz racer Joe in for Lap 6 at Oz to get his evening gown Mike joins Winner Best Drag Darrin racing for 700 Club

Clover Grill racer Calvin in for Lap 6 at Oz

Winner Fastest Time Karbin representing Ninth Circle

Winner of Ken Grandpre’s Award for Worst Drag Mark racing for Glazer Companies

Lafitte’s racer Alex in for Lap 6 at Oz

Glazer’s racer Mark in for Lap 6 at Oz

The end of the race outside Clover Grill

Good Friends racer Jake in for Lap 6 at Oz

Budweiser racer Randy & his Pit Crew

Rawhide racer Cha Cha in for Lap 6 at Oz

Good Friends racer Chis & his Pit Crew

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

10th Annual MASCARa Race Raises $8,628.62 for The NOCCA Institute ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Larry Graham

Wood Enterprises Ken Grandpre & sponsor Budweiser's Jerry Peters

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reel to real by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Outrage

utrage is a “film about politicians who live in the closet, those who have escaped it and the people who work to end its tyranny.” Thus with those words on the screen the movie Outrage comes to life and from that moment on kept me engaged. When Rip asked me to review this movie, I jumped at the chance having thoroughly enjoyed documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick’s previous Academy Award nominated film This Film Not Yet Rated. I view most films as mindless entertainment pleasure pure and simple, but very few elicit strong feelings in me like this one did. The film’s title encapsulated my reactions. From the moment the film begins with the taped police interview with Senator Larry Craig after his infamous arrest in the airport means’ restroom, this movie grabs your attention and takes you on a journey through the political hypocrisy of closeted politicians. I have never found myself a very strong activist before, but after seeing this film one cannot help but be stirred into reaction. These closeted representatives not only have appalling gay rights voting records, but actively campaign against the LGBT community.

The film is also very revealing. I never knew Ed Koch, former mayor of New York was gay. Good for him, you go girl! Representative Ed Shrock from Virginia and Representative David Dreier from California are spotlighted. But this film also examines the media’s complicity in keeping some of these politician’s secrets. Even gay reporters are targeted such as Fox reporter Shepard Smith and everyone’s favorite gay on the news Anderson Cooper. The film goes back to notable closeted gay figures such as Roy Cohn, who targeted gay people and communists, because that goes hand in hand. No gay person in their right mind would willingly live in a communist country, it just isn’t fashionable. The former vice president’s daughter, Mary Cheney does not fare well in the film. She made a living on the political machine that has continually tried to take away LGBT rights. Writing a book about her life in the White House is much of too little, too late. Why did she not do anything while she had the chance. Disgraced former Governor James McGreevey of New Jersey is featured a lot in the film. I am not a McGreevey fan because he too played the game the rest

Larry Craig’s mugshot in OUTRAGE, a Magnolia Pictures release. (Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)

No one is spared in this film, even Louisiana’s own Representative Jim McCrery is featured. He used his college fraternity as his very own gay dating scene. I knew I should have pledged. Because of the individuals, harm has been inflicted on millions of people in the gay and lesbian community through lack of support for hate crime measures, lack of public awareness and funding for AIDS, and last but not least gay marriage rights. Because of their lack of support through their votes and their own personal actions, people have died. And people continue to die everyday from hate crimes and AIDS, and yet these representatives do not feel that they have to protect all of their constituents. Equality is everyone’s right, and does not come with stipulations. It is an absolute and this film brings that point home.

of these politicians did, and only when he was confronted by a lawsuit by a former lover did he come out of the closet. The audacity of these politicians that they are above the law, just amazes me. McGreevey put his boyfriend who had lacked experience and qualifications as homeland security advisor. He could not even get a security clearance because he was Israeli. Are you kidding me? I feel many things for this man, but sympathy is not one of them. Activism is about anger and that is what this film focuses on and does so pointedly. It features people who fight to out these closeted gay politicians who are harming the gay community. Among those leading the fight is Michael Rogers who is the driving force behind blogActive. You need to check out this website, very infor-

mative and funny. Go to blogactive.com. One of the more interesting subjects of the film was Florida Governor Charlie Crist. How could anyone not realize this man is gay. I mean check out his tan. But all joking aside, this man has been an opponent to the gay community in his own state the entire time he is in office. How can he look himself in the mirror. And he is slated to be a presidential hopeful for the Republican Party in 2012. Isn’t that when the world is supposed to end anyway, oh that is another movie. But this movie does not just show the bad side of politics, but prominent gay politicians like Congressman Barney Frank and Representative Tammy

Baldwin. This movie succeeds on many levels and is a must see whether you are in the gay community or not. It is thought provoking, powerful and well balanced. It shows all sides of the controversy, and is honest and well crafted in its delivery. For more information on the movie you can go to outragethemovie.com or neworleansfilmfest.com. But if you want to see this movie sooner, the NOFF is sponsoring the premiere of the movie at the Prytania Theatre, 5339 Prytania Street, on Tuesday, June 23 at 8pm. Tickets are $8 for the general public or $6 for NOFF members. Definitely do not miss this movie.

c'est bon by The Susan Lucci's E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Hamsters, Ravioli & Crawfish, OH MY!

his past Memorial Day Weekend was our first in The Big Easy in some 20 years. Traditionally, we’ve always headed to Pensacola, but Ambush deadline week fell at the same time this year, so we celebrated the holiday in the city. Friday rolled around and it was our first experience at the 10th Annual Hamster Derby hosted at Good Friends Bar as part of MASCARa 2009, a weekend benefiting the NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) Institute. Past MASCARa’s have raised some $52,000 for the riverfront creative arts academy. The cages started arriving with all the cute babies inside for the race. Four racing cars fitted with hamster wheels were lined up with their owners behind them. Ama Rosa was the lovely hostess for this event. And the first race was off. Some of the cars moved forward, then the hamsters turned around in the wheels going back from where they started instead of to the finish line. We didn’t think there would ever be a winner but finally Lafitte’s manager Sammy’s entry Minnie Me representing Cafe Lafitte in Exile won reaching the finish line first. The second race was won by Ken Grandpre’s Son of Fat Bastard representing Wood Enterprises. The third race was won by Minnie Me. More races were held until Clover Grill manager CJ's entry Hubcap came out on top of the heap. On Saturday, it was up to the Balcony Bar above Cafe Lafitte in Exile for, are y’all ready for this, Ravioli Wrestling. We arrived about 45 minutes ahead of the matches to make sure we were far enough from the pit not to get splattered. The pool, set up where the pool table usually was, had the ravioli in it. It was smellin’ pretty cheesy already. The pool room was covered in plastic to protect the walls, floors and pool table. Ama Rosa was all dolled up in a completely different ensemble from the Hamster Derby with red hair tonight. Eight brave contestants lined up for the matches. As each duet wrestled, the ravioli heated up and disintegrated, getting smellier by the minute. We made it through the first four matches. At that point Rip was gettin’ a little queasy covering his nose and mouth with a napkin.

That didn’t help, so we were out of there before he barfed on bartender Frankie and everyone near us. On Sunday, Troy boiled up his famous crawfish at Rawhide which was on sale for $5 a plate, all-you-can-eat, all benefiting MASCARa. It was a long boil all the way from 1pm to past 5:30pm. And there was crawfish, crawfish, and more crawfish. You did a great job Troy. They were delicious.

Drag & Burgers

n Memorial Day it was time for the 10th annual MASCARa Race boasting eleven contestants this year. And they were lovely including Mark representing Glazer Companies, Jason representing Quartermaster, Randy representing Budweiser, Calvin representing Clover Grill, Joe representing Oz, Alex representing Lafitte's, Jake and Chris each representing Good Friends, Cha Cha representing Rawhide, Darrin representing 700 Club, and Karbin representing Ninth Circle. It was a bundle of fun. Make sure and see Snap Paparazzi on page 12 for the highlights, and Celebrazzi on page 22 for the results. Following the race, we popped into 700 Club where bar baron Cookie, aka Mike Cookmeyer, was grilling up a passel of burgers. It was packed with Memorial Day revelers enjoying those great burgers and all the fixins. This is one neighborhood bar that always has out the welcome mat.

Raking It In June 12 for the NO/AIDS Walk

es, Toby Lefort is at it again, and all for the benefit of the annual NO/AIDS Walk. He has been raising money for the last eleven years for this worthwhile cause, two years after his friend Travis died. The first few years were very slow leading up to where he has gotten today. Toby has held two events so far this year including his crawfish boil with Bayou Chad raising $2,160 and his birthday party raising $4,820. His next fund-raiser is a big one, his annual American Drag Survivor Show at 4

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sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: psalmwrite@att.net

Project Lazarus

“

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.” This is the loving statement from Project Lazarus for its 3rd Annual Bon Appétit to be held on Saturday, June 13. Volunteers are invited to support the Lazarus Mission by attending or hosting a party on that evening. Forgotten how Bon Appétit works? Or you are not sure what Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus is? Parties are hosted by supporters of Lazarus House in a location of their choosing. The theme is up to the host, previous parties have run the gamut from formal dinners to pool side soirees; Hosts request a donation from their guests for Project Lazarus; Finally, the dinner parties end at 9:30pm so that everyone can gather at the “Dessert and Champagne After Party” where hosts, guests, and volunteers meet to celebrate the success of the evening. In the first two years, Bon Appétit contributed more than $44,000 to the care and treatment of Lazarus residents. The 2009 goal is 20 parties. 2009 sponsors should contact Jezelle Hebert at 504.949.3609 ext. 505 or Sarah Wick at 504.949.3609 ext. 507. Event Co-Chairs are Warren Backer,

e-mail/letters Subject: Are you a gay dad? Would you be willing to answer some confidential questions about your life and about your family? The purpose of this study is to examine the many ways families headed by gay fathers have been created, explore how families function, and learn about the relationship between partners. The study consists of an online survey and will take approximately 25 - 35 minutes of your time. To qualify for the study you have to identify as male, a father, and gay, bisexual or homosexual and have a least one child of any age; this child can be biological, adopted, foster, step, or

c'est bon ...from 14 Seasons in Metairie on June 12 at 9pm. There's a $5 donation at the door and four contestants will compete for the title of American Drag Survivor. Each contestant will come out on stage and do a drag number of their choice and they will be tipped by the audience. Each tip will be a donation to the NO/AIDS Walk and also a vote. The contestant with the least amount of tips will be eliminated off, then the three remaining contestants will come back up and do another number, and the one with the least amount of tips will be eliminated off until there is one American Drag Survivor. So the object here is to tip the contestant you want to win the most money. So make sure and come out and support Toby. Toby's goal is to raise a total of $25,000 this year. As of last year, he has raised a

Jr., Dr. Mark Carbon, Wayne Christenberry, and Dr. Troy Scroggins, Jr. The residents, Board of Directors, staff and event CoChairs thank you for your ongoing support. Please make plans to make Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus 2009 the most successful year yet. On a personal note: I’ve enjoyed the dinners I attended the first two years. They were vastly different from one another, and each was great fun where I met some new supports while eating and drinking to my hearts delight. The first year was a pool side dinner at Judge and Mrs. Christenberry’s home, parents of Wayne Christenberry, who was one of the hosts. Randy Trahan, Rusty Harris, and David and Milena Duplantier were also hosts for this south seas fest. So you see you can team up with friends to give a party. Whenever Randy is involved with a party, there is always a signature beverage. This party was no exception and after two drinks, it was difficult not to fall into the pool or some other inappropriate place. We were suddenly shocked back into reality by the entertainment — a belly dancer who twirled fire batons. That was enough to send us stumbling and giggling to our cars craving the tasty treats we knew would be at the next stop. other child. You do not need to be the child’s legal parent to participate. This study has been approved by the University of Virginia IRB #2008-0407-00, and I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson who is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. If you and/or your partner are interested in participating or want further information please contact Samantha L. Tornello (Principal Investigator) via e-mail GayDadsStudy@gmail.com. She will send you a web link that you can use to access the study. Thank you for your interest and I hope to hear about your family soon! Sincerely, --Samantha Tornello, Graduate Student, University of Virginia, GayDadsStudy@gmail.com.

total of $128,405. You GO TOBY!

Eva Las Vegas' 70th

ou can join the festivities on Sunday, June 14 at 7pm when Marcy Marcell host a party and show celebrating Eva Las Vegas' 70th birthday. The big show will bring in entertainers from across the city to Starlight, all donating their stage tips to benefit Eva.

Have-A-Heart at it Again

t's time again for the Wood Enterprises Have-A-Heart Fund to host it's second annual garage sale. It will be held at all four Wood establishments including Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends Bar, Rawhide 2010, and the World famous Clover Grill. The sale is Saturday, June 20 from 1-4pm. All monies raised go

From Lakeview we went Uptown to the best dessert party I’ve ever attended. It was located at the beautiful home of Jim Mounger. Jim’s art collection is exciting and I was pleased to be able to enjoy it again. As for the desserts, bite size chocolates covered each flat surface on doily covered trays, in the dining area there was a huge cake and trays of cookies, and a sundae bar was set up in the kitchen with a dozen toppings available. A diabetics’ dream. The second year I joined Julie Thompson and several of her co-workers from Delgado at a party hosted by David and Milena Duplantier where the theme was Chinese delights. I ate shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Yum, yum. Here the entertainment was watching the other guests. I truly hope I was not as drunk or silly or strange as the rest of the guests. It was a good party and I enjoyed meeting a variety of new people. Many of whom did not (could not) make it to the after party. I have found over the years that some of the best parties develop when you gather what seemed like more than a hundred people into a small space. The after party wasn’t as impressive as the first year. Where was the chocolate? The treats were delicious but not as plentiful like year one and certainly not a diabetics’ delight. But even with the lack of chocolate, the party was fun and a huge success. What made it more fun was watching the inappropriate behavior of the hetero guests who thought it perfectly acceptable to make out in one of Jim’s closets. I thought I was back in the 1960s where free

love was the norm and no one cared what was going on behind closed doors. Unlike the first year, it was easier to get into the down stairs bathroom when needed. Someone must have told the guys not to go three at a time into the bathroom, lock the door and enjoy the privacy for twenty to thirty minutes. Amazing what booze will allow us to think we can do in someone else’s home. When it starts flowing freely at 6 o’clock in the evening, by 10pm there are no rules. So what does year three have in store? Since my body is presently on loan from Ochsner, I may not be able to attend. I have surgery facing me again as soon as the doctors think my heart is strong enough, and until then I have a drain coming out of my gall bladder which isn’t something that is comfortable going out in public with. Still I will pay my entry fee to the first dinner party that I am invited to. The amounts run from $35 to $45. I think that is what I paid the first two years, and since all the money goes to a great cause, Project Lazarus, it is a worthy donation whether you are there in person or spirit. If you don’t know who is giving a party, call Project Lazarus for more information. There is always room for a few more supporters, and there is always a need. 504.949.3609 is the phone number for additional information. On the bright side, when you awaken on Sunday morning icky from too much food and drink, you still have a week to get a card off to your dad for Father’s Day. Now that would be a good personal fund-raiser if I could bring a large bundle of Father’s Day cards to the after party to sell. Ya think I could get away with that?

directly to the fund set up and run by employees to benefit those employees who are in need or crisis. The sale last year raised well over $600, and this year promises to be even better. If you have items you wish to donate for the sale, drop them off at any of the Wood establishments, or contact DJ Myke at 504.525.6724 or 504.522.8397 for larger items. Your help and support would be appreciated.

beginning at 8pm. And we know Michael and Jay will have loads of food, fun, refreshments, and of course, the Corner Pocket Boys. The party will be followed by Sunday's Calendar Boy Contest hosted by the hilarious Barry Bareass. And It's your chance to cast your ballot for the winner of $100 cash.

Where's My Daddy?

ance Club of the Year Oz is gearing up for Labor Day Weekend's giant 38th annual Southern Decadence celebration with it's mega circuit DJ line-up September 4-7. The club brings circuit great Joe Gauthreaux on Friday, Phil B. on Saturday and David Knapp on Sunday. The hot Men of Manwatch will perform the entire weekend on the bar. You can also look for the resident talents of DJ Tim Pflueger and Jason Lanoux with lights by Johnny Eubanks and Parker. For more information on Oz, visit OzNewOrleans.COM. For more on Southern Decadence, visit SouthernDecadence.COM including events and hotels.

ooking for that special Daddy to help celebrate Father’s Day? The Lords of Leather is holding their annual Where’s My Daddy? contest on June 20 at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields. The winner of the contest will take home a $100 cash prize and maybe pick up a few dates in the process. The evening will feature a $5 Beer and Soda Bust, 50/ 50 Raffle, and prizes. In addition, Lord Ed may offer some of his “special shots” and there are sure to be some educational videos. Those wishing to show they’ve got what it takes to be a hot daddy should be at the Phoenix by 10pm. The contest will start at 10:30pm; the beer bust will begin at 9pm and end at midnight. For more information visit the Lords of Leather website at www.lordsofleather.com or contact Gary at 703.608.6857.

Sugar Daddy Sunday

he Corner Pocket, where boys dance nightly on the bar, is celebrating it's 27th anniversary with Sugar Daddy Sunday, June 21,

Oz Brings Circuit Greats to Decadence Line-Up

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trodding the boards by Patrick Shannon, III E-mail: nedcat@earthlink.net

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

reaking Up Is Hard To Do recently presented at The Rivertown Repertory Theatre joyfully and splendidly directed and choreographed by Patrick M. Mendelson was one of the best shows I have seen at this venue. With a simple plot about two young women who have “man” problems and decide to spend a long Summer weekend in 1960 at Esther’s Paradise Resort in the Catskills of New York hoping to forget their broken hearts and find a new and better guy at the resort. They go and they do and everyone ends up happy as they should in such a sweet,jukebox theatrical confection that is scripted around 19 great songs written circa 1960 and 1970 by the legendary composer Neil Sedaka, with his lyrics and the lyrics of Howard Greenfield and Cody Philip. This formula works, but it works even better if the actors can pull it off. Well, these actors were so good I will not soon forget the cast of seven of the most talented people to ever grace this venue. Let’s give them all a mention. Singing and emoting and dancing under the fine direction (as mentioned earlier) of Patrick M. Mendelson were Alexis Bruza as Lois Warner; Bryan Wagar as Del Delmonico; Roland “Butch” Caire as Harvey Felman; Courtney Anderson-Boe as Marge Gelman; Dwayne Sepcich as Gabe Green; Rikki Gee as Esther Seamus; and Adam Carl Patton, Andrew Otts, and Matt Armato as the Del-Monotones. I was amazed at the vocal beauty of each performer. I was especially moved by the lyrical tenor tones of Dwayne Sepcich to cite one among so many exquisite voices. I mean these kids really gave us a very professional show - an evening of smooth high quality musical theater. Chris Ward and Eric Porter created a strong attractive set - with thoughtful lighting by Scott Sauber - that permitted us to view the show from a backstage perspective looking out at the audience; Kate Jenson created a strong palette of beautiful 1960s costumes; Jonne Dendinger aka Dr. Jonne, directed the small band with a smooth profession Broadway sound and Jaune Buisson Hebert did some marvelous choreography with Brian Schrader as Production stage manager. What a fortuitous gathering of gypsies, what a wonderful show!

King Lear

s part of The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University, King Lear was recently done in the Lupin Theater directed with insight and good taste by Dr. Jim Fitzmorris, PhD. Dr. Fitzmorris chose to set this version of the William Shakespeare’s play in New Orleans circa 1950, with suggestions of a Mafia influence (fedoras, full suits, and round table meetings with glasses of whiskey and cigarettes in abundance and lots of gun toting and shooting). All of this worked well, but even though David

Raphel’s set pieces and stage dressings were evocative, it was distracting to see them rolled on and offstage during blackouts so many times. Dr. Fitzmorris’ perceptive direction would have worked even if the actors had done the show in black outfits without set distractions, allowing the language to speak for itself and illuminating the acting skills of those performers who excelled. Among those performers who excelled were Ron Gural as the elderly and unhinged King Lear and his three daughters, Goneril (Rebecca Frank), Regan (Trina Beck) and Cordelia (Ashley Ricord), although (and I blame this on first night jitters) the very important speeches of the three daughters was somewhat garbled in the opening scene - Vocal Coaching by Joanna Battles. Trina Beck gave us a Margaret Thatcher interpretation of the evil Regan (from impregnable hairdo, beautiful 1950s outfits, and iron maiden heartlessness) which was slimy and snarly enough to be awesome. She brought to mind that “beware the snake under the lilies” idea. Rebecca Frank’s Goneril was depicted as a spoiled brat type who had to scream and shout her lines a lot, but which effectively made the audience hate her. Cordelia as done by Ashley Ricord was a very common sense character who was curiously above the evil of her two sisters as it should be. Hers was a very eerie but wryly innocent interpretation I liked. Other very effective performers were Dave Davis as the elegant King of France, Samuel William Repshas as Burgundy and the Good Servant, Martin Covert as the Duke of Cornwall, George J. Sanchez as Gloucester (whose eyes - in Grand Guignol staging - are gouged out - a scene not recommended to the faint of heart or impressionable children), Michael Aaron Santos as the evil Edmund, Jackson Townsend as Albany Matthew Mickal as Kent, Drew Battles as Edgar, and Harold X. Evans as the Fool (who, in clever touch is Lear’s chauffeur). A. J. Allegra played Oswald with a death scene that bordered on over-wrought, scene-chewing comedy. Otherwise he did a decent job in a pivotal role. Cecile Casey Covert was in charge of Costume Design and the acquisition and use of fragile vintage clothing. Martin L. Sachs created the necessary lighting. A “sound track” of period songs commenting on Lear’s state of mind was an asset to the play. For a college production, this King Lear was more than acceptable, but I don’t think I could sit through it again. With Shakespeare it’s the language and it is difficult to find aspiring and newborn Actors’ Equity members and college student who can do it justice.

HAND Over FIST

AND Over FIST winner of the recent Saints & Sinners play writing contest was recently produced on stage at the Marigny Theatre

behind Always Lounge, formerly Cowpokes. Although even New Orleans natives are getting tired of the “literary” outpouring of Post Hurricane Katrina writings, and even though I was very apprehensive about this play, I happily state that Michelle Embree’s HAND Over FIST is one of the best scripts I have seen on this subject. The epic horror of the destruction of New Orleans was suggested as compared to becoming an overwhelming subject and in Ms. Embree’s wonderful script, Katrina was more an offstage symbol of the mental states of the four characters. The force of Mother Nature, as it were, was kept in check as the audience delighted in the humor of the actors’ lines and the playwright’s ability to show the simple dignity of four gay characters who survived with their sense of humor intact even though their hearts were wounded. Of course the setting of this play in the Marigny neighborhood near the French Quarter allowed for a minimum of terror and horror because this area was barely damaged by that old bitch Miss K, as perhaps were the characters created by the author, but it was still a joy to see a play about the big K that was a dark comedy full of laughter and human dignity. And how convincing and marvelous a cast!! Marie Lovejoy did the role of Clou the lipstick dyke, Brad Caldwell that of Raven, her good friend and gay neighbor, Miss Led played Taylor, the butch world weary lover of Clou, and Paul Cowgill played Kyle the boyfriend of Raven, who must come to terms with his homo-self, and Tari Hohn played the alcoholic Marigny resident Chawna Nieman who has a passion for burning stuff. It’s not often that this reviewer gets to see such seamless and convincing actors in such a lovely well written play. These characters were well conceived and the audience immediately identified with each of them. Very well directed by Frederick Meade, the workable sets were by Dennis Monn, Tony Coleman and Woo Paul; and the excellent lighting was created by Zalia Beville. Hand Over Fist was a dark comedy with deep and sensitive moments. Great praise to everyone involved!

Shotgun

ohn Biguenet’s second play, Shotgun,in his trilogy (Rising Water was the first play and Mold will be the concluding play) about post Katrina New Orleans has been ex-

tended through June 14, 2009, on the stage of our Southern Rep Theater, and it was excellent. Mr. Biguenet is one of our more literate playwrights and his scripts capture the rhythm and vocal peculiarities of our town with outstanding accuracy. He creates characters with which we can all identify resulting in audience sympathy and empathy. All of this, and more, was brought out with subtlety and sensitivity with excellent pacing by Director Valerie Curtis-Newton. This play opens in December 2005, in New Orleans about four months after the devastation of the hurricane and the resultant flooding due to the collapse of Federal levees. An African American woman has a “shotgun” double home that has survived across the Mississippi River in Algiers, an area of New Orleans unflooded. She lives there on one side with her father. A white man and his teen age son find out one empty side is for rent; and they desperately need a place to live. The drama that ensures concerns itself with romance between the two races, loneliness, love, racial problems, and the ability of all of us to regenerate a reason to continue living after such an epic time of destruction. The acting was so totally professional that I was once again amazed at how much talent we in our town can access. Playing the young African American woman, Mattie Godchaux, was the beautiful actress Donna Duplantier. Her father, Dexter Godchaux, was done by Lance E. Nichols. Kenneth Brown, Jr., played her former boy friend Clarence (Willie) Williams. Russ Blackwell was the young white man, Beau Harlen, who rents one side of the shotgun house and Alex Lemonier played his son, Eugene Harlan. These actors gave seamless performances which were mesmerizing. The clever set design of a stoop such as most New Orleans homes have (or did before the hurricane) was very suggestive of the shotgun home that it led into and it also allowed for the actors to sit. A simple Formica toped kitchen table and chairs provided another playing area. This simple but evocative set was created by Geoffrey Hall. Patti West was the Lighting Designer and Eric Shimelonis did the sound. We can again applaud this theater for bringing us another highly effective evening of au courant theater with this fine production of John Biguenet’s well written and touching script of Shotgun.

in the spotlight by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

ust returned from the Windy City, and it surely was, with temperatures of 55 degrees, windy and rainy. Needless to say I was not prepared for that, as when I left here last Thursday it was 85 degrees. The ride up on the train was very pleasant and relaxing. The view from the train was extremely pretty as we were going through the swamps. Everything was green and every once in a while you would see some wild flowers along the way, and your occasional egret or seagull.

I’m always amazed at how pretty the swamp area is, even though some people think it is just waste land. Guess some people can’t see the beauty as it was meant to be. I always imagine someone going out there and doing a photo shoot of evening gowns or wedding dresses. What a beautiful setting!!! As I said earlier, when I left here it was 85 and upon my arrival into Chicago, it was 55, and you know that I was not prepared,

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in the spotlight ...from 18

under the gaydar by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

his Memorial Day, the 10th Annual MASCARa Race was conducted through the streets of the French Quarter more commonly known as the Fruit Loop. Now I have lived in New Orleans my entire life and never have seen this race, nevertheless participated in it. But this year a friend of mine, Chris Arthur asked me if I would be a part of his “pit crew.” Not one to miss an opportunity to do something new, I said yes readily. What transpired for those almost two hours on Memorial Day was nothing short of a laugh riot. Forget parking yourself on the couch and watching television, this race was enough entertainment to last the day. Picture a little Amazing Race, with a dash of Project Runway and a healthy sprinkle of RuPaul’s Drag Race and you have the MASCARa Run. As part of the pit crew, I had to run from bar to bar putting on articles of drag on my friend Chris, who I have to say by the end of the race looked a little peakish. I guess running several blocks in three inch heels after eating a large helping of Clover Grill’s Chili Cheese Fries will do the trick. But the fries were not the only thing he had to down, at each stop, their was a cocktail of some sort waiting for him. This is not a race for the faint of stomach. There were eleven contestants this year who were judged on Best Drag, Fastest Time, Most Money Raised and Best Of Show (Miss Mascara 2009). All the monies raised went to NOCCA, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. So how did my friend do this year, well lets just say, I will not be quitting my day job to join a NASCAR pit crew, but I defy any one of those manly men to try to apply press-on nails on someone in less than three minutes. SNAP! So next year, plan on attending this annual event, or better yet, get a group of your friends together and participate. I can promise you it is one of those experiences in life you will never forget.

Lets follow the streetcar Uptown, shall we. Did you know on Fridays at Phillips, one of the most popular college bars in the city, their happy hour is like a really hot episode of Queer As Folk or the L Word. Phillips, which is located at 733 Cherokee Street, right off of Maple, offers three dollar martinis from 5pm to 8pm. If you are looking to experience a different scene with lots of new faces, this is the place. Read between the lines, this is where you will meet actual, hot, gay college guys with real student id’s and not some card they had four years ago when they attended one semester at community college. I am sorry but some of these guys who attend these college nights at gay bars think that by wearing an Abercrombie and Fitch shirt that makes them a collegiate. Phillips boasts a great jukebox, fabulous lounge atmosphere and the most beautiful female bartenders I have ever seen in this city. I do not understand why lesbians are not all over this place. They also offer bottle service, and delectable food. For more information on the place, go to www.phillipsbar.com. Another gay-owned establishment that I like to patronize is Louisiana Pizza Kitchen at 615 South Carrollton Avenue. On Wednesdays, it is their “friends and family” night which is a great chance to gather your cohorts together and go have dinner in a fun and festive atmosphere. They also offer two for one drinks that night which does not hurt. In this economy, everyone is looking for a good deal. And, their big night will be coming up very soon on July 16 which is the NO/AIDS Task

rossing the great divide in the Crescent City means a lot of things to many people. For some it is going to the Westbank or the Northshore, but to the gay community it is going to anything on the other side of the Canal Street. Last time I checked there was not some gay force field that borders the French Quarter. But when you talk to some people about going to an event Uptown it is considered sacrilege. A person in one of the gay carnival clubs told me that gay people just don’t cross Canal Street. Wow, who knew? Can you imagine if there was a roadblock set up on the border of the French Quarter checking people’s sexual preference. But this force field seems to only run in one direction, because the gay community can maneuver the Bywater and Marigny fairly easily. Now please keep in mind, these neighborhoods are still the hub for gay restaurants and watering holes, but I thought you might like to know that there is gay life outside the Vieux Carre.

Force’s Dining Out For Life. Rob Gerhardt, the owner says that they theme it out every year and make it a major party. This year’s theme is a play on the Asian fusion style of dining, called Asian Confusion. The servers and the patrons dress in costume and it becomes one giant social gathering. Make your reservations now, because they book up quick that night. I might also add that Rob has received the NO/AIDS Task Force 2009 Humanitas Award for all his involvement in the gay community by donating to Art Against Aids, Dining Out For Life and the NO/AIDS Walk just to name a few. For more information on LPK go to their website at www.louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com.

ant to show thanks to your favorite gay owned business, bartender or hair

as I had talked to friends there and they had assured me that it had been in the 70s all the past week. So had to scoot to my hotel, and then go and get something warm to wear. I will say that I couldn’t have had a nicer place to stay, than at the Hotel Cass, which is a Holiday Inn Express. They have done a marvelous job at renovating the place. (I had stayed there right after Katrina, and it was just a mediocre place). It now resembles a fine European boutique hotel, small rooms that were just right for one person, and all done in white, green, and taupe. The staff was very accommodating, and I couldn’t have gotten a better rate than through www.hotwire.com which was almost 1/2 the normal rate, the only problem is that when you go through them, you pick the area, they tell you there are three hotels available, but you don’t find out which one you get until you make the reservation. But for the price, beggars can’t be choosers. Mine was $68 versus $125. Met up with Monty, aka Trixxie Delite, for pizza at my favorite spot, Ranaldi’s at Clark and Diversey and it was wonderful, yum! Also got to see some of the friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. Went to lunch and shopping with my sisters on Saturday. We all love to shop. Saturday night was off to Man’s Country on the northside of Chicago, up at Andersonville, to see the midnight show of naked male strippers with Giovanni, who is a Brad Pitt look alike with 11 inches, be still my heart. Wanted to take some pictures, but of course that was a no no...damn it !! Sunday was the big day for the IML (International Mr. Leather) Market at the Hilton Hotel where the contest would be held later that day. So I made my way to the hotel to check out what was happening at the Market Place, along with Monty and his new friend Frank. Of course I got there ahead of them and waited at the entrance of the Market, and in the 45 minutes that I stood there, they must have put through several hundred people at $4 per head. It was open to the general public, and when we walked in there were thousands of people there, so much so that it was hard to maneuver around the exhibition area, which was in two separate ballrooms. Every kind of leather, fetish, and kink vendor was there, and of course many of the salon. Vote in Ambush’s Gay Appreciation Awards coming out in this issue online at AmbushMag.COM/GAA from June 9-15. There are many categories to vote on such as Gay Carnival Ball of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Man of the Year and Lesbian of the Year (I secretly want to win that one) just to name a few. Being nominated in any of the categories is an honor. So vote for your favorites in each category and let them know how much they are valued by the gay community. Vote today!

W H

hose your daddy? Well whoever it is, honor him right and have a great

booths had live demonstrations going on. Also, the Gay Porn awards were in town and also had many booths with some of the “hottest” porn stars there. Got to meet several and take pictures. Some of them expressed interest of coming to Southern Decadence if they could find a bar that would be interested in having them come and perform. (Are you listening out there?) I have their e-mails, so e-mail me if you are interested. Also, a group called Interactive Male is doing a promotion called Big Gay Kiss Contest, and they are also interested in attending. Where else could you find gay boys that would be willing to kiss and be photographed to support gay equality and help overturn Proposition 8. They just want to come and set up somewhere along the parade and let everyone - KISS. Needless to say I have not had such a good time seeing so much skin, and meeting so many extremely nice people, both clothed, 1/2 clothed and naked (the naked ones were the best). The best thing was there were no hang-ups about anything that was going on, and everyone including the “general public” acted as if it was an everyday occurrence, which made everyone at ease and relaxed. A good time was definitely had by all, not to mention all of the freebies they gave away ( I had a big bag full). After leaving and going back to the hotel to change and then grabbing a quick bite to eat, I was off to see all my friends at the Baton Show Lounge for the 8:30p show. Of course they were all glad to see me and even got to see my old friend Maya Douglas, such a gorgeous girl. All the regulars, Chili, Ginger, Sheri, Monica, and Mimi were in top form, and they had a new girl, Sasha from Minneapolis, very exotic. Then it was time to go off to bed, after a full day of gorgeous leathermen, porn stars and beautiful girls just couldn’t keep awake any longer. Besides had to check out of the hotel the next morning. The next day, Memorial Day, after checking out of the hotel, went to Halsted St. to have lunch at Nookies and wandered around to see all the guys. Of course it started to rain, which put a damper on things. Went to some of the shops and got some “goodies” to bring back. ( Yes, girls I got jewelry at the wholesale houses). But of course the rain decided to pour and had to make a quick exit for the train station to come back to the warmth of New Orleans. Saw some of my friends at the train station and got on the train early so I could get a room. Went right to the room and locked myself in and went to sleep. Don’t remember anything until the next day at 11a when we pulled into Jackson, Mississippi. And of course got to see the swamps again on the way back. Wish I could have taken some pictures, but, we were going too fast. The next thing I knew we were here, and what a relief to be back in the warmth of the south. Had a very nice trip, and am preparing for another in August, more about that later.

Reach the Market

Father’s Day.

ave an event or have some thing of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

Ambush

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

ood Enterprises GM Ken Grandpre presents $8,628.62 to NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) Institute’s Richard Read, the proceeds from the four day 10th annual MASCARa Weekend held over the Memorial Day holiday. The weekend included the 10th annual Hamster Derby at Good Friends Bar, Ravioli Wrestling at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Crawfish Boil at Rawhide and the 10th MASCARa Race on Memorial Day with 11 competitors this year. Since it’s third year, MASCARa has benefited The NOCCA Institute and with this year’s proceeds has raised over $60,000 for the riverfront facility in New Orleans.

he 10th annual MASCARa Race brought out 11 competitors, the largest number since it’s inception, on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans. The race began at Clover Grill, then proceeded to Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Rawhide, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, and Oz, ending at Clover Grill. Winners were presented at Rawhide and included Most Money Raised Cha Cha ($1,670) representing Rawhide, Miss Mascara Joe representing Oz, Fastest Time Karbin representing Ninth Circle, Best Drag Darrin representing 700 Club, and Ken Grandpre Award for Worst Drag Mark representing Glazer Companies.

he traveling Albanians with tour guide Cindy Eldridge (who works for the State Department in Albania), stopped in for a taste of New Orleans hospitality at The Friendly Bar where they were served gumbo, potato salad, deviled eggs, bread pudding and more, all courtesy of the staff and patrons.

emorial Day Weekend brought RuPaul’s Real Fruit Tour to Oz in New Orleans. The event featured the talents of Chicago’s premiere DJ Mark Picchiotti and America’s Next Drag Superstar Bebe Zahara Benet to the stage. The capacity crowd joined the success of previous stops in New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. (Photo: back row - Oz’s Mercedes Ellis Loreal and Coca, Bebe Zahara Benet, and Oz’s Sable Nicole Starr and Tyra Van Ryan; front row - 700 Club’s Cody, Oz Emcee Persona Shoulders and Nathan Brooks)

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10th Hamster Derby MC Ama Rosa & the parade of prizes at Good Friends

Jake signals Race 2 in the Hamster Derby at Good Friends

Catch bartender John for Happy Hour at Oz Mondays thru Thursdays

snap paparazzi

The first race kicks off at the 10th Hamster Derby at Good Friends

Bartender Frankie inspects the pool for Ravioli Wrestling in the Balcony Bar at Lafitte’s

Troy boils up another batch for the Crawfish Boil at Rawhide Amon Ra president Ron & captain Timm at Amon Ra’s Scavenger Hunt at Lafitte’s

Rawhide’s entry in the Hamster Derby

Competitors line up for Ravioli Wrestling in the Balcony Bar

Allen, Roy & King Amon Ra XLIV Nick at Amon Ra’s Scavenger Hunt Emanuel behind the bar at Rawhide for the Crawfish Boil

Lafitte’s manager Sammy & Minnie Me, winner of Race 1 in the Hamster Derby

MC Ama Rosa signals the start of Round 1 of Ravioli Wrestling Manager Joe & partner Troy pour out another batch of crawfish at Rawhide

Wood Enterprises’ Ken & Son of Fat Bastard, winner of Race 2 in the Hamster Derby

And the rounds go on & on in Ravioli Wrestling at Lafitte’s

Clover Grill manager CJ & JohnPaul’s Paul

Lord King XXVI Gary & Queen Amon Ra XLIV Ronnie (aka Rhonda) at Amon Ra’s Scavenger Hunt

Queen Amon Ra XL Ricky & Bruce at the Scavenger Hunt at Lafitte's

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Hamster Derby, Ravioli Wrestling, Crawfish Boil, Amon Ra ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Bartender Frankie & Crawfish Boil MC Ama Rosa sample the goods on a run from Rawhide to Lafitte’s

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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

1100

Baton Rouge, LA [225] CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494 New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107 Chartres St., 586.8006 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 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

1200 BARRACKS

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classifieds

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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 2 0 0 0 C 2 1 HM E 00 N

FI EL D S RT PA M RA

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cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78

casinos

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

bars

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 [is1209]

bookstores

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RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431, NOLAJungle.COM 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 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

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, 218.5778 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., 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

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 [is1309]

circuit/events 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 Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 3-6, 2010, One Mighty Weekend,. Orlando, Florida, sponsored by Am-

bush, OneMightyWeekend.COM

computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US

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] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410

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

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

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE 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 [is1109]

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lodging/accommodations

AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8047, ambushonline.com, email: info@ambushonline.com

New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0809] 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! [1109] 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. [0110] 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

medical

massage New Orleans, LA [504] PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY By Patrick LMT - Outcall or Uptown Studio. Safe neighborhood, comfortable studio. Towels available for draping, Non-Sexual, 717.2577, w w w. n e w o r l e a n s . a m a z i n g h a n d s . u s , Discounts for: Friends of Dorothy, Students, Artists, Service Industry, License #LA4005 [is1109] 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

Marrero, LA [504] PRIORITY HEALTH CARE CENTER Tloloc S. Alferez, MD, APMC Infectious Disease/Internal Medicine 4700 Wichers Dr., Suite 304/305 Marrero, LA 70072 (504) 644-4787

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-hot, cute muscle stud, pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, friendly & discreet. In/Out/Hotels. Body rubs & 4 hands avail. 7 days, 6am-11pm. 504.756.9443 [is1109]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTSAND 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 • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org 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 METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org 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]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax:

888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org 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 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.,

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

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, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com 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! 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 New Orleans, LA [504] 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

the pink pastor

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

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

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 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416

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

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 &

Why Marriage?

have been asked several times why it is that Gay Marriage has become such an important issue for our community. Firstly I would think there is an obvious response – marriage is an important issue for the straight community too, it’s just that they can and we can’t! But looking a bit deeper, I think it goes to the heart of the equality debate; it is primarily responsibilities that people are seeking, not just rights. The religious right has stereotyped the entire LGBT community as feckless and immoral for decades, but has denied us the route to stability and faithfulness that has proved most effective in the wider community. The only authentic response to loving another is through self giving, and the institution of marriage – at its best – embodies self giving and mutuality in its foundation and its rituals. From a religious point of view - theologically speaking, a lot of the debate around gay marriage is very ill informed, and comes from churches that should really know better! A minister does not ‘marry’ two people in the theological sense. It has been traditionally held, especially in SALON, 740 Gravier SpaAtlantis.NET

St.,

566.8088,

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

Catholic circles, that the couple seeking marriage are the ‘agents of the sacrament’ not the priest or the minister. All the church does is give a blessing - in the same way as it seems keen to bless everything from armies to automobiles, but not apparently the love between two people. It has always been accepted that it is God who does the joining at the behest of the couple – there is no magic that the church performs that suddenly makes them married – all it is doing is recognizing their relationship and blessing it. Everything else is a civil agreement endorsed by the state, and strictly speaking a marriage performed by a judge should have no religious connotations at all - that is not the realm of government. Furthermore, until Oliver Cromwell in England started the practice, government had no role in marriage – only the notables who actually got married in church were registered in the church books, but there was no central registry. For most ordinary people, marriage was by common declaration – which was then accepted and celebrated by their friends and family; indeed, by the whole community – but unless they were important or well off there was no religious or civil ceremony involved. This is the origin of ‘common law’ marriage which was carried over from England to America. So, having examined all that, there seems no sensible reason why the civil authorities should not extend civil marriage to all as a matter of urgency and right, and no reason why I, as a Christian minister registered to perform heterosexual marriages in both Jefferson and Orleans parishes should not also be allowed to exercise MY moral conscience and perform same sex marriages legally as well! Alas I suspect such reasoning will not cut much ice outside of New Orleans; we are probably going to end up relying on the federal government or more specifically some future Supreme Court decision to rescue us from the ignorance and poor choices of Baton Rouge law makers, pandering to the sensibilities of their electors. We want, and ultimately must demand, the right to be responsible; the right to care for, and provide for those we love, and the right to basic human dignity beneath the law in the equitable provision of tax and social policy. When the Supreme Court ruled that mixed marriage was le-

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[continued on 34]

ambush

paparazzi

James & bartender Brian at the Phoenix Dennis pops in from Palm Springs for cocktails with bartender Jimmy at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Bartender Monica welcomes you to Rubyfruit Jungle

Nightlife in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Larry Graham

RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner Bebe Zahara Benet on stage at Oz

Lantern regular Kevin cocktailin’ at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Bartender’s Will & John sling cocktails at The Double Play

The Albanians & Cindy Eldridge welcomed by The Friendly Bar’s Steve

Jacob on the bar for Calendar Boy Contest Sunday’s at The Corner Pocket

Nashville’s Dave & Keith flank Golden Lantern bartender Jimmy at the Lantern

Mike “Cookie” Cookmeyer grillin’ up burgers for Memorial Day at 700 Club Dancer Ray gives bar baron Michael a birthday hug at The Corner Pocket

Marigny Manor House’s John & Phoenix bartender Brian

Lady Charles joins Marsha at Good Friends while visiting from Miami

Mike, Tony, Chris & Ronnie cocktailin’ at Good Friends

Paul servin’ up those vodkas for the Ambush girls at 700 Club

Lance dancing at The Corner Pocket

Angle Frame’s Tim shooting a game of pool at the Phoenix

Calendar Boy host Barry Bareass joins b-day boy Michael & Oz’s Tommy at The Corner Pocket

Brett, Becky Allen & Michael Sullivan grabin’ a cold one at The Friendly Bar

Oz’s Tommy & Glenn with the club’s newest bartender Adrian behind the bar Memorial Day at Oz

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

hot tails of red stick

everybody's a critic

by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com

by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

Joe and Jerry

ometimes we take things for granted, and then something happens, and the void is noticed. Such is the case with Joe and Jerry. Dining with them at El Rio Grande Restaurant was just one of the routine things we all did. Then all of a sudden, Jerry gets transferred to Houston, and now those dinners are few and far between. Joe called me yesterday to update me on Jerry’s condition. It seems that after moving to Houston, Jerry became ill and had to be treated at a local hospital. According to Joe, he has improved considerably and is back at work. His medication of ten years has been updated, and his new doctors seem to be taking care of his problems, and his health improvement shows this. These guys have a beautiful home in Houston, but they still retain their home here in Baton Rouge as a rental. In fact, they were here recently to check up on things, and we met at El Rio for dinner. It was after returning to Houston that Jerry’s health situation went from bad to worse. Thank goodness it seems to have been corrected. This is a nice couple, but they have had their problems with both illness and storm damage to their property here. It appears that Ike treated them fairly well when it went through the Houston area last year, but Gustav wasn’t so nice here in the capital city. I’m looking forward to another dinner with them soon even if I have to go to Houston to accomplish this. I would like to visit them and see their new home, but my schedule will not allow me a vacation at this point. Perhaps, I can work it in during the late summer or early fall. I hope so.

Spring Breaks

ith the temperatures rising, it is only a short time until summer will be here, but that is a plus when it comes to guy watching – or babe watching, whichever might be the case. The hotter it is, the more the clothes come off, especially during special events like those beach trips or Southern Decadence. It is such a marvelous time of the year. This brings on a question that I have wondered about which involves modern society and/or proper etiquette, for lack of a better description of the subject. Why is it that women can wear those teeny tiny coverings, and guys are covered to the knees? Has society dictated that men are less attractive than women and have to cover all the bare essentials? Goodness! It’s a human body, and the styles just don’t do justice to the male variety. I’m not saying that guys need to wear skimpy bikinis (although this is definitely the preferred style for most European beaches), but it just seems that Americans are more prone to covering up to the extreme. And why would anyone want to wear baggy pants that barely stay on the body? What’s wrong with a nice form-fitting pair of Wranglers? Some sources in numerous psycho-

logical studies seem to indicate this as being something brought on by a stronger female influence in families with males failing to take on their parental responsibility in raising children, especially the males. In many cases, divorces or jobs have put the woman in charge, but whether this is true or not I would think another influence is at hand. Things just aren’t seen in the same light as they were in the past. A look at the way things are done now will immediately show you what I mean. Look at the designs of bathrooms now especially in schools and public places. Male bathrooms are constantly being designed for more privacy somewhat similar to the female bathrooms. Even many schools no longer require communal baths after strenuous workouts in physical education classes. Growing up is different now, and I really believe that this is a probable case of shielding others from a possible homosexual encounter. There is a fear factor among men who are afraid of their image or it could be the female factor involving male upbringing. It is definitely a society factor involved here in general with some straights being sure to teach their offspring to be careful of “those homosexuals and perverts out there.” What a crock! A healthy upbringing never hurt anyone. Families just aren’t as family oriented as they were in years past. All you have to do is look around you to see this. It is more evident to those older individuals than it is to the younger generations. Discipline is a thing of the past. Look what is classified as abuse now. It can be words or deeds. There are limits, of course, but guidance toward understanding is the answer. In the process, it would be nice to see a better understanding of how to exist together in harmony. It starts with learning skills at an early age. Don’t even get me started on politics! When little boys are taught to hide their pee-pee, he grows up hiding his peepee. Girls apparently don’t have the same strict guidance, or perhaps they do. However, just check uniforms at basketball games or swimwear – female vs male outfits. It’s right there in front of you. Well, let me tell you right now. The past endeavors at proper upbringings were far better than it is now. Being sent to the principal’s office was a scary proposition, and when you got home it was going to be even worse. Now, it’s just a treat to get out of class. See what I mean? It is in the upbringing of a child. Who is at fault - the man, the woman, or society in general? Oh, well, now you have my gripe of the day, but I give you a challenge especially you guys out there in happy land. Get you some International Male shorts or equivalent styles and go freeballing around the neighborhood or simply freeball in jeans. It’s invigorating. Let it all hang out. Haven’t you ever wondered if women had on panties or not? I think they like to air it out as much as guys – and many do. Hmmm. That must be my thought or question of the day. Maybe I’ll ask Joy or

s you read elsewhere in the Ambush, have returned from a glorious journey to the Windy City Chicago, where it was cool, damp, and overrun with gorgeous half naked men. Now what could you ask for when you're on vacation??? Naked men when you're not on vacation!!! I might be getting old, but I will never tire of a good naked body to look at, can I hear an Amen!!! Would like to welcome the “newcomers” on the staff, Ida Slapter, Tony Leggio, and Chris Perkins, (that cute thing, just wanna lick him all over). The more adversity we have the better reading for y'all. I know that Tony will bring you all the news of the day and the world around us, and as for that Ida, she’s been around for a while, (she went to school with Moses), well she’s been draggin' and one of the first sex changes ever, so she knows her business. Watch it girls! Am trying to figure out why such a convention city as New Orleans is, why we don’t have a show lounge, like Chicago, San Francisco, New York, San Antonio, and all the rest of the metropolitan cities do? You would think that with all the conventions, and visitors that we have it would almost be a benefit to our local economy to have such a venue. Many years ago, there was the My-Oh-My Club that thrived for years, and gave New Orleans a reputation of being one of the first cities to step ahead with having female impersonators. And not only did they bring a great reputation to the city and to themselves for being who and what they were, the performers were the best in the nation and could not be surpassed by anyone, anywhere. Unfortunately, when that era of time passed it just went by the wayside. It’s too bad that this could not be revived, just like they are reviving burlesque. There are several places that would be perfect for this kind of entertainment, and they are right here in the Quarter/Marigny, and they are empty and ready for some life. Someone out there that really wants to make some serious money is going to look around and see that this could be the opportunity of a life time. You want to know where, and how to set this up? Let me know, I’ll be glad to help. Claudette to enlighten me. This reminds me of the time when I was at the weekly stock car races in Fort Worth, Texas. The stands were not completely full on this particular occasion, so you had room to kinda spread out. I turned around to sit my drink on the row behind me, but my eyes caught a sight which is still with me to this day. There, a couple of rows back, a woman was propped up on the seat in front of her enjoying the races and talking with her male companion, and I can assure you she didn’t have to worry about perspiration in that part of her body that was exposed. It was a most intriguing sight that I had to share with my friend sitting next to me. I think she was putting on a show for [continued on 42]

Have a suggestion for the Club New Orleans, have you tried doing a strip show on Friday and Saturday nights at midnight? Went to Man's Country in Chicago and they have a marvelous midnight show on Friday and Saturday, you pay the regular price of admission for a locker ($10) to see the show and you can stay afterwards to play. They have some of the hunkiest dancers, and they strip totally nude. (They can do that since they don’t have a liquor license). They have three or four different dancers each night and they really pack them in. There again, we have all these things coming up that would put some bucks in your pocket! Need some help, let me know. What is with this Guerrilla Gay Pride? I’m not knocking it, I’m glad that someone is going to get out there and have something this year. And I hope that some of you organizations are going to get out there and make a showing to help put “Pride” back on it’s feet. My congrat’s to the people

that have taken on this project, and am hoping that all the “gay community” comes out and shows that “we're still heeeeeere!” This is the kind of project that takes a lot of people working “together” to make it happen. Unfortunately in the past the Pride committees have been plagued with wanting to put on too much, and now it’s time to get back to being practical. But, we all need to get out there and show that we can overcome a bad thing and make it better than it ever was. Hoping to see everyone there to show their “Pride” and show that we care on June 27! Well, I can tell that I am back in the land of the “humid”, as I sit here trying to write this in my little apartment, I am “moist” all over and have to end this before I slide off this leather chair. Ha-ha!!! So with that said, I close another column, and wish all of you stay cool, and if you have any popsicles, lick one and sit on one. Ooooooh!!!

the pink pastor ...from 32 gal, nearly 80% of American opposed it, indeed, it did not achieve majority support until 1979! Sometimes it falls to leaders to actually LEAD and not just follow the illconceived prejudices of Mr. and Mrs. Average. 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.

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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Gary Glitter & Robt. Van Damm of RVD Films Some of the IML Men

The City of Love ~ San Francisco, California

Feel my box

Miss Ashlee behind bars for solicitation

Gary Glitter (center) with the guys of UltimateJock.COM

Bruno Bond & Steve Cruz from StockRoom.COM

What to do with one lost sock!

Jody celebrates Arthur’s birthday with caviar at Fisherman’s Wharf

The boys of SpunkVideo.COM

Gary Glitter & the Steamworks hotty! Miss Ashlee catches up with Mumbo Slick it up Leather Man

Miss Ashlee leaves Alcatraz by "fairy"

Dean Flynn of TitanMen.COM

S&M torture display

Dean Flynn & Gary Glitter

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International Mr. Leather Market at the Hilton Hotel ~ Chicago, Illinois ~ Photos by Gary Glitter

Miss Ashlee entering Alcatraz

out & about in mobile

oted for dancing, cocktails, cruising and good conversation, B-Bob's Downtown is bringing renowned performing artist Abigail live to their stage Saturday, June 20. The star will be performing her latest release Forever Young. Many of you will know her talent from smash hits Let The Joy Rise, If It Don't Fit (Don't Force It), Constant Craving, You Set Me Free, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Losing My Religion and Lay Down. The popular dance

club will surely be packed for this performance bringing in fans from across the Gulf Coast. On a regular basis, B-Bob's features some of the finest illusionist along the Gulf Coast as it's show cast and guests. Under the direction of legendary blonde bombshell Miss Cie, you can catch performances Thursdays at 1am, Fridays at 12midnight and 1am, Saturdays at midnight, and Sundays at 8pm. The big bodacious bitch of the bay Venus Shante’ Da Vis and the Southern Belle from hell Robyn Michaels rounds out the cast. Regular special guests include Anna Rexia and Penny Holiday from Pensacola, and Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois and Tony D from Biloxi. On Tuesdays at 9:30 and 11pm, you can catch Gay Bar Bingo featuring 5 games per sent along with great prizes. Sunday evenings brings you Tea Dance with one cent draft beer and well drinks, plus free soda and juices. There's an $8 cover for those over 21 and a $10 cover for those 19 and 20. What ever night you choose, it's sure to be a winner. B-Bob's is located at 213 Conti in Mobile. For more information, visit B-Bobs.COM.

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allons acadiana by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana E-mail: keebler_6984@yahoo.com

s we get into the sizzling heat of the summer, John is getting things heated up at two of the hottest spots to go, Sound Factory in Lafayette and Crystal's in Lake Charles. He has many things up his sleeves from new line-ups to new hot drink specials and a whole lot of other crazy things. So if you haven’t been paying attention, I will try to catch you up on some of the stuff he is telling me. Along with all of these fabulous things to come we also need to make time out of our busy schedules to vote in the Gay Appreciation Awards that are being held from June 9 to June 15 and easily done online at AmbushMag.COM/GAA. Last and of course definitely not least is Father's Day, which is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Let’s take a trip to Crystal’s Downtown Lake Charles, where John has turned up the heat at an already steaming hot spot. Crystal’s will have really hot things this summer from greatly priced drink specials to wonderful night’s out, from great Karaoke to just a really awesome Sizzlin' Dance Party, you name it and you can get it all in one spot. Crystal’s sister bar, Sound Factory, is also turning the heat up this summer, but John is still holding it back for just a slight bit longer, and the anticipation is killing everyone. He knows exactly what he is doing though, because he is working all the details out on what all he wants to do to make sure that when he unveils his ideas for the Lafayette crowd, they will get everything that they are expecting and

much, much more. Where ever the night takes you, be it to Lake Charles or just a good night out in Lafayette, you are sure to have an amazing time at either place, and things will only get better as he polishes up his ideas and turns them over, they will surely turn out like always, fabulous. Of course, we cannot forget to mention that both of these hot dance clubs have awesome bartenders and great happy hours already in affect, so regardless, both of them are very well worth checking out, and visiting over and over again. This month is also a hot time of year as in a couple of weeks we will find out where you think the hottest dance clubs are, and show bars, and bartenders. Check on-line (AmbushMag.COM/GAA) to see all the categories that you are able to vote in and make sure you vote accordingly. Sound Factory was honored with the title of being one of the Top Dance Clubs, thanks to their great customers that did vote, and this year they want everyone to get on-line and vote again. Make sure that you keep up with the latest going on at your two hottest night clubs and of course I will try to keep you up to speed like always. Remember to get on-line and vote for your favorites as there are many categories to vote, and surely you will invite everyone to do the same with you (AmbushMag.COM/GAA). Also remember to wish your fathers a Happy Father's Day and I wish all the same as well, until next time, be safe, have fun, and will see you all downtown.

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Lights, Camera, Action @ B-Bob’s ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieann & John, Leon Weekley

B-Bob's Brings Abigail Live June 20 to Mobile

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

How many can we fit on this couch...lol

John is always a lady of luxury

Paul & Macky

The gurls welcome back their sister for the weekend There’s always one that spots the camera

Everybody lean in for a shot And there you have it...

Well at least they tried

And that really was the look people gave Troy...lol

A chance to be a star...???

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Courtland say’s...REALLY!?!?!?

Well, well, well...errh, err, errh And their faces tell it all

Don’t hate me cuz I’m beautiful

Scooby says hey the only way she knows how...

The two hottest Karaoke guys we got...

You tell us...

And there you have it

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Aren’t they just lovely...

Beautiful, Luxury, Lovely ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins

Yes, the glasses did start a fight...QUEENS!!!

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John and his crew

Nikki singing a little tune for Karaoke

Well what do you think...?

lake charles paparazzi

Dancing didn’t stop these two from stopping for the camera

Everybody get together for a photo opp

Aww...Preciousness Cody always bein' the center of attention

These guys were really just pretending to dance...lol John always surrounded by lovely people

Diva is the female version of a hustler

Stop...Look...Pose!!!

Chad always trying to look like he really knows what he is doing

These ladies just wanted to say hey

Keisha always looking fabulous

Aren’t these two just adorable

How ‘bout these two studs...?

What’s Up??

And the Divas

Smile Ladies Smile

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Stop, Look, Pose ~ Lake Charles, Louisiana

Just chillin’ at the door... watchin’ come in...

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

alexandria, olympus style Alexandria, Never Been Mistaken for a Gay Mecca by Jodi Belgard entral Louisiana, Alexandria specifically, has never been mistaken for a gay Mecca. That doesn’t mean we gays are hiding in nooks and crannies. And it doesn’t mean we’re not a relatively large portion of the population. We simply haven’t had much of a social life for many years. Eric Butrenchuk and Dan Eudy have opened a new avenue for homosexual hijinks – Olympus Bar. The invitation-only soft opening on May 7 saw a packed house, and the bar’s grand opening on May 25 had a comparable crowd. There’s really no rhyme or reason as to why people choose to frequent one location over another, but Butrenchuk and Eudy have gone out of their way to set the bar high at Olympus’ Bar. The 4,000-square-foot hot spot features two separate bar areas – a swank section for the after-work crowd, and a dance club for the night-timers. The former features two pool tables, a juke-box and a fully-stocked bar where patrons can cure their workday headaches. The latter also features a fully stocked bar, as well as a large seating area and a dance floor. Largescreen plasma TVs are mounted on both sides, and patrons can watch a ball game, the Logo channel or sit back and relax

hot tails of red stick ...from 34 us, but who knows? She probably just didn’t give a mighty damn. Maybe she couldn’t afford panties. I’ll never know.

Summer Calling

s I mentioned, the hot days of summer are upon us, and in addition to the joy of less clothing, there is always the joy of outdoor activities. George’s patio is often filled with happy people at crawfish boils or other cookouts. Whatever the occasion, it is always a joy to see such great camaraderie among friends. My favorite one last year was the one where that gorgeous little stud showed off his Prince Albert. My goodness! That was such a nice addition to this excellent cookout. Jeff says that they are about to expand their open nights again. He was putting the polishing touches to the bars at Splash when I dropped off Ambush last week. I also got to talk to David again about the injuries he sustained and how the court system was working out. As with most legal crap, things going through the process are always stretched out or delayed. It certainly doesn’t help any individual involved, but David is holding up. If he can weather an outstanding military assignment in a foreign land, he can certainly hold his head high in this situation. I caught Johnny (finally) relaxing at Hound Dogs last week. Joy was her happy self, mainly because Katie got another job after losing the previous one, but also because that is just the way she is. She was laughing at the fact that Johnny was always getting his picture taken when he was at George’s but never at Hound Dogs where he is a bartender. Well, I went to the

each Thursday for dinner and a movie. The dinner and a movie concept is one of many events already a hit at Olympus Bar. And, that’s part of the bar’s beauty. While it’s undeniably a gay bar, it’s absolutely inclusive. Don’t expect to see rainbow flags or naked dancers. It’s just not that kind of place. The logic behind that is simple: we don’t have to have explicit “gayness” to know who we are. One look around will surely put any concerns to rest. Drag divas mingle with lesbians; gay men play pool with their straight brothers; and all shades of a sunlit prism laugh, talk, drink and dance. For folks looking for a place to have a good time, Olympus Bar is a no-brainer. Upcoming events include “Salute to the ‘70s with ABBA” on June 6, the June Bride Extravaganza – a wedding-themed drag show – on June 19, and the Miss Gay Central Louisiana America Pageant on June 27. Mix in Wednesday night karaoke, Thursday night dinner and a movie and an overall great place to be every day of the week, and the product is a full-on – and sometimes full-frontal – good time. If you’ve never before had a reason to visit Alexandria, now is the time. Olympus Bar is located at 4003 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria and is open seven days a week. Contact Olympus Bar at www.myspace.com/olympus_bar or olympus_bar@yahoo.com. car, got my camera, and came back for a picture. Now Kyle can see that Johnny is glad to be photographed where ever he is. I’m certainly happy to set the record straight on that. I also noticed that the Spanish Town porch studs have a sign that reads something like a krewe has been formed here. I’ll have to write down the proper name and pass it on to you. It’s always a happy place here. Sometimes they gather across the street next to the store, but mostly it is adjacent to Josie’s place. Now that sweetheart is a very hard worker and definitely a pride for Spanish Town. Her porch is closed in, but occasionally you see her there especially during holidays when she decorates for the occasion. Robert and Brandon have been taking advantage of their swimming pool. I told you summer was nearly here. Happy chatter from around that pool is proof that the hot days are here, and those hot, hot boys are enjoying themselves. Workout enthusiast David keeps working away - re-designing, painting, and doing general fix-up things at his new abode. It is going to be a little masterpiece when he is finished. He gave me the royal tour last week, and I’m very impressed. He has remarkable talents when it comes to interior and exterior decorating, and his expertise is definitely on display here as well as at his other property on Bungalow Lane. John, Phil, Billy and Ronnie are heading to Orlando for gay days there. John keeps me updated on things in his neck of the woods, and they seem to be coming along just fine. My BCBoy also keeps me updated, and I’ll learn even more when we dine together tomorrow. I’ll have to tell you about it later.

baton rouge spotlight Varla Jean Merman Headlines HAART Benefit June 14 in Baton Rouge with N.O. Gay Men's Chorus

AART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc.) host The Very Worst of Varla Jean Merman as a benefit in connection with Avita Drugs on Sunday, June 14 at Juban's Restaurant, 3739 Perkins Rd. in Baton Rouge. As seen on Bravo's Project Runway, the event is from 12 noon till 3pm. Varla will be joined by Performing Arts Award winner, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus. Celebrity emcees include Whitney Vann and Leonard Augustus. Brunch and bottomless Mimosas is included in the price of $75 and tables are available. Theatre seating for the show is limited, so make your reservations now. For tickets and more information please contact: Kim Hood 225.235.1252, kim@haartinc.org or Heather Day 225.281.7733, heather@theredcake.com or visit haartinc.org. For more on Varla visit varlaonline.com.

3rd Baton Rouge Pride Fest set for June 19-21; George’s Owner Richard Dykes Honored as ‘Grand Marshal’

lans are shaping up for a great weekend of Pride celebrations June 19-21 in Baton Rouge, as well as other events stretching into the following weekend. The activities mark the third year Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge and a variety of partner organizations have banded together to coordinate GLBT Pride events in the Capitol City. One of the focal points of this year’s celebrations will be the recognition of longtime Baton Rouge businessman and community member/supporter Richard Dykes as the honorary grand marshal of the Baton Rouge Pride Fest. Dykes and partner Guy Schmeider are the owners and operators of George’s Place, the city’s oldest GLBT-targeted establishment. The major activity in the weekend of events will be a Pride Picnic and Community Resource Fair from 10:30am until Richard Dykes & Guy Schmeider 2:30pm Saturday, June 20, at BREC’s Magnolia Mound Park on Nicholson Drive (between LSU and downtown) in Baton Rouge. That’s where the award to Dykes will be presented at mid-day amid several hours of events aimed to help Baton Rouge’s GLBT community and its friends celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, meet their neighbors in the community, get to know about community businesses and organizations and, in general, have a good time with free food, games and loads of entertainment. “It’s our honor to recognize Richard Dykes for the pivotal role he’s played in our community for so many years,” said Tom Merrill, chair of the Baton Rouge Pride Fest team. “He’s been so much more than just a long-standing member of the community. He’s supported so many causes, helped to put on so many things, and, in general, been a friend to everyone in our community. Selecting him as the first recipient of this honor was an easy decision to make!” [continued on 45]

Danny and Dwayne are two happy campers too. In fact, I can’t ever recall Danny being so happy. It just goes to show what a great relationship can do for you. Of course, Dwayne is someone that you just can’t resist loving. He is just a wonderful example of human goodness. I hear Ernie is ailing again, so I need to get back down to the Crescent City to check in on him. This is another fantastic human being. To know him is to love him. I wish him the very best with his upcoming surgery. I suppose this means that I’ll have to talk Sam into joining me in an all-day visit to New Orleans for visits, drinks, and meeting with friends, especially Ernie and the guys at JohnPaul’s. Even though I don’t visit the city as much as I used to do, I still crave a fix of southern hospitality and great seafood as only can be found in the city. The Crescent City is expanding again into Baton Rouge. In addition to all the new residents and businesses after Katrina, there is still expanding taking place. I just learned that another New Orleans-area

restaurant operator has plans to open on Third Street by June 15th. It’s Wags on the Levee, and it will be the local version of Wags Food & Culture, a 16-year-old Marrero eatery. Wags will specialize in southern classic dishes like gumbo, fried seafood, crawfish cornbread, and stuffed bell peppers. I can hardly wait. Yes, the old capital city is growing. It looks as if the future has finally caught up with the past here. The empty buildings are filled with new businesses, and downtown is certainly getting to be a lively place. It’s still relatively quiet on weekends, but just knowing all this is taking place brings joy to everyone. Baton Rouge is becoming more than just a government town. It is now a modern city which seems to be on the brink of something really great. What is good now will be even better in the future. It is great to see this happening. It is great to be able to share this enthusiasm with you. Until next time, keep the happy thoughts coming and the negative thoughts in hiding. Life is great. Enjoy it. We are all blessed in so many ways.

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Miss Felicity Kristianson @ Olympus

Central Louisiana Nightlife, Olympus Bar Style ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

Miss Olympus Kristen Taylor & Felicity Kristianson

Kofi @ Olympus

Olympus owner Dan Eudy & bartender Jared Guillory

Olympus owners Dan Eudy & Eric Butrenchuk starting the show

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Jared Guillory (How may I serve YOU!!!)

Kofi @ Olympus

Dominique DeLorean @ Olympus

The fabulous Miss CJ, Dominique DeLorean, Felicity Kristianson, Kristen Taylor & Fabian DeLorean

Miss CJ working the crowd

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Richard with Stephen Guy corners some sexy studs Miss Effie (right) poses with Richard

red stick paparazzi Sexy trio of super studs

George’s hot, super sexy doorman Michael and Luther

Luther with another sexy stud

Ronnie corners a cute one Nicole Foxx

Happy-go-lucky duo at George’s Andy poses with a nice customer

Johnny actually at Hound Dogs Andy and Chris

Eric, Devlin and Chad at Splash

Sexy studs out on the town

Cute couple at George’s

Happy couple at George’s

Victoria Valentine at Splash

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Richard and Guy

Hot, Happy, Sexy ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Johnny and Joe

baton rouge spotlight ...from 42 Other activities during the day include a blessing of relationships that will celebrate the victories made in marriage equality during the past year, as well as ever-sobriefly bemoan the setbacks. “We feel strongly about honoring the commitments made by people to one another, and we believe those relationships are a gift from God to be celebrated,” said Rev. Keith Mozingo, pastor of MCC of Baton Rouge, who will conduct the relationship blessing. “Same-sex marriage may not be legal here in Louisiana, but that doesn’t have to stop people from celebrating their relationships or us from honoring and blessing those relationships. We’ve seen many states giving us cause for a celebration over the past year, but we feel there’s always a reason to celebrate the love members of our community share.” So far, approximately 20 community organizations and businesses also have signed up to “table” at the Saturday events – with representatives who will do everything from signing up voters to HIV and STD counseling and testing. “We’ve got a robust group for the community resource fair again this year, and the participants keep growing every day,” Merrill said. Among the community groups expected to participate in the resource fair are Avallon Salon and Day Spa; Avita Drugs; Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church (New Orleans); Blanche’s Beads; Bonnie Jones, Realtor; Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge; Forum for Equality; Freedom of Choice AA; Gamma Alpha Psi; Greg Bell AIDS Foundation; HAART / The Caring Clinic; Human Rights Campaign; Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge; Krewe of Divas; Mark Akchin, Realtor; Metro Health; Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge; PFLAG Acadiana; Shear Illusions Hair Salon; Starbucks; Stonewall Democrats; and Tiger Truck Stop. And new groups are signing up daily as the deadline nears. There’s also a full-day of entertainment planned that includes singers, comedians and a chance for the public to be a star with Coco’s karaoke. One of the highlights will

be a return to the stage of Daphne MuShatt, formerly of the Born Divas, SHE the Band and N2N. She’s scheduled to perform along with Ester Gorsha, Andrea Papa and Rae Morris. But they won’t be alone on the stage – with other portions of the day including singers/musicians Ray Acardo, Mister Wilson, Michael Sandlin, Erika Schneider and Andi Johnson; comedians Landon, Patricia Hamilton and Cami Miller; and performances by the Krewe of Divas and Miss Capitol City Pride Amanda Rose Andrew. The picnic and resource fair will be conducted rain or shine in the

area at the back of the Magnolia Mound park property – around LaGrange and the Hart House. Admission is free and open to the public. While the picnic is expected to be the largest event of the weekend, the celebrations don’t stop there. Other events to be [continued on 46]

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baton rouge spotlight ...from 45 conducted during the weekend include: –“Drag Bingo” from 8pm until 10pm Friday, June 19, at MCC of Baton Rouge (7747 Tom Drive). Participants can compete for prizes while they enjoy fun, fellowship and snacks, and admission is free. –The New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus Concert, at 8pm, Saturday, June 20, at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge (8470 Goodwood Boulevard). Tickets for the concert by the chorus, are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. (Tickets generally are available at the picnic and resource fair Saturday at Magnolia Mound.) –A special Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Turnabout Show at 10:30pm Saturday, June 20, George’s Place (830 St. Louis). –A special Pride Worship Service, at 11am Sunday, June 22, at MCCBR (7747 Tom Drive). Of course, admission is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy and uplifting and affirming worship celebration. –Pride Afternoon at the Movies from 12:30pm until 5:30pm Sunday, June 21, also at MCCBR (7747 Tom Drive). There is no admission charge to enjoy your choices of four inspiring productions for and about the GLBT community. Selections include Academy Award-winning “Milk” and “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom” at 12:45pm and “Coffee Date” and “Rock Haven” at 3:15pm. In addition to those, the Krewe of Divas will hold its annual Pride Ball the following weekend at the Union Hall on Government Street in Baton Rouge. That’s Saturday, June 27, at 8pm.

“We want this weekend to be a time when the whole Baton Rouge community comes together to have fun and fellowship,” Mozingo said. “There are a lot of organizations and individuals doing great work in the community, but many of them never cross paths.” Donations to help defray costs of the picnic are welcome, but no one will be turned away from the picnic, game night or afternoon of movies thanks to the generous sponsorship of MCC of Baton Rouge, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge’s AIDS Crisis Fund, Avita Drugs, Dalton’s Downtown, Valero Country Store and many others. The events are being produced by a planning council involving members and leaders from MCCBR, the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge, the Krewe of Divas, Forum for Equality, Gamma Alpha Psi and other groups and individuals. If your group or organization would like to participate by having a table in the community resource fair, send an e-mail to BRPride@bellsouth.net. Additional sponsors (either groups or individuals) also are welcome and can obtain details by e-mailing that address or phoning 225.907.5251. Volunteers also are welcome to help with set up, food preparation and other details. If interested, e-mail BRPride@bellsouth.net or phone 225.907.5251. For more details on the events, visit www.BRPrideFest.com. “We know this is going to be a great weekend for everyone to show their pride and have a good time,” Mozingo said. “We hope to see you there!”

46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 9-22, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM