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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 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
GAA Top 5 Finalists Hail from Baton Rouge, New Orleans & Dallas, Texas; GAA Gala at Oz July 11
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t's an exciting time for the readership of Ambush Mag as their on-line votes decide the Top 5 Finalists in the 22nd annual Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA). 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. Congratulations to the Top 5 Finalists in each category. The award category winners, those receiving the most on-line votes, will not be announced until the 22nd Gay Appreciation Awards Gala at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, New Orleans. It is the first time the GAA Gala will be held on Bourbon Street. The gala is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 beginning at 8pm sharp. Door admission of $10 will begin at 7pm. All proceeds from the event benefits 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. On-line voting categories include: Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Gay Easter Parade, Halloween, One Mighty Weekend/Orlando, Red Party/Lafitte's, Southern Decadence; Hair Salon of the Year: Beauty Lounge, Bobby Blue, Headquarters, Mickey Nolan Salon, Salon D'Malta; Gay Carnival Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon; Neighborhood Bar of the Year: 700 Club, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, The Friendly Bar, JohnPaul's, Tubby's Golden Lantern; Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award: HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two)/Baton Rouge, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, NO/AIDS Task Force, Michael "Fish" Hickerson; Bitch of the Year: Aletha Bryant, Paul Chiriaco, Ken Grandpre, Brittney O’Bryan, Princesse Stephaney; Show Bar of the Year: Big Daddy's, George's Place/Baton Rouge, JohnPaul's, Oz, Parade; Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award (named by the GAA Board of Directors in honor of the late Donald "Donnie Jay" James this year): Glitz, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Running With Scissors, The Glass Menagerie, The Roughnecks/ Baton Rouge; Restaurant/Deli of the Year: Bywater Restaurant-Deli-BBQ, Clover Grill, La Peniche, Mona Lisa, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Dance Bar of the Year: JohnPaul's, Oz, Parade, Rubyfruit Jungle, Splash/Ba-
inside
ton Rouge; Bartender of the Year: Eric Evans/ Rawhide 2010, Paul Harris/700 Club, Joe Macedonia, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Lance Pippin/Tubby's Golden Lantern, DJ of the Year: DJ Myke/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Johnny Love/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Mary Pappas/Rubyfruit Jungle, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Richie Rich/JohnPaul's Leather Bar of the Year: Dallas Eagle/ Dallas, Hound Dogs/Baton Rouge, JohnPaul's, Phoenix, Rawhide 2010; GLBT Business of the Year: Alternatives, French Quarter Suites, Queen Fashions, Rab Dab, Sir Speedy Printing; Leather Person of the Year: Michael Albracht, Toby Lefort, Bruce Orgeron, Gary Vandeventer, Matt Worner; Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Dee Cooley, Jasmine SX, Rusty LaRoux, Marcy Marcell; Lesbian of the Year: Marty Curtin, Chansley Dykes/Baton Rouge, Mae Falgout, Winnie Green, Red Hanson; Gay Man of the Year: Mike Cookmeyer, Richard Dykes/Baton Rouge, Ken Grandpre, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio; and Entertainer of the Year: Elizabeth Bouvier, Lauren Brown, Coca, Ama Rosa, The Roughnecks/Baton Rouge. In addition to the various public online voting awards, the GAA Board of Directors 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 the late Ms. Fly. The Marsha
GAA Gala Edition due out Tuesday, July 7 DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 30
in the spotlight krewe calendar ambush paparazzi/hawaii, nola under the gaydar trodding the boards the pink pastor everybody's a critic celebrazzi snap paparazzi/nola, metairie hot tails of red stick/baton rouge drag 101
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one mighty wknd paparazzi red stick paparazzi/baton rouge classifieds alexandria, olympus style alexandria paparazzi allons acadiana/lafayette mobile paparazzi acadiana paparazzi/lafayette lake charles paparazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 info@ambushmag.com
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Delain Award of Excellence (the Drag Ambassador Award) will be presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. 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.
Gar Williams Returns To Tape New Episodes of The Gar Williams Show
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ar Williams, star of The Gar Williams Show, has recovered from a serious automobile accident. His hip was crushed, and he also suffered both a broken leg and ankle, and underwent three surgeries.
history of these arts by seeing them through a queer lens.” J. M. Redmann has written five novels, all featuring New Orleans private detective Michele “Micky” Knight. Recently released Death of A Dying Man brings us back to the scene with the plight of the death of a dying gay man looking for a child he might have fathered amid the twists of lesbian romance and of fate known as Hurricane Katrina. Lost Daughters and Intersection of Law and Order, two previous Micky Knight mysteries recently republished by Bold Strokes Books will be available for signing. Greg Herren will be signing Murder in the Rue Ursulines which chronicles the griping reality of Hurricane Katrina as Chanse MacLeod becomes involved with a high-profile Hollywood couple committed to helping New Orleans recover and [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
The Gar Williams Show, which gives a touch of Hollywood nostalgia, continues with new episodes at public access Channel 78 starring Gar Williams. The show airs every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30am and 8:30pm.
Guerilla LGBTQ Pride Saturday, June 27 in New Orleans
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ew Orleans is marking the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with Guerrilla LGBTQ Pride 2009 organized by The Community Coalition (TCC), Forum for Equality, NO/AIDS Task Force, FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books and the LGBT Community Center. FAB invites Guerrilla LGBTQ Pride 2009 participants, neighbors and friends to open house and LGBTQ reading/signing events on Saturday, June 27 from Noon till 5pm at 600 Frenchmen Street. The FAB Pride book event features New Orleans Lambda Award winning authors J. M. Redmann and Greg Herren signing their most recent and previous novels. They will be joined by Claude J. Summers editor of the three volume set of Queer Encyclopedias - Visual Arts Music, Dance and Musical Theater Film and Television. “Celebrating the richness and variety of queer contributions to the popular arts, these books present that achievement as an invaluable cultural legacy to be celebrated and treasured. Alphabetically organizing hundreds of articles and essays they offer a revisionist
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, Cieanne & John, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2009, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
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the "official" dish ...from 4 has to catch a diabolical killer before the body count continues. Murder in the Rue Chartres, Murder in the Rue St. Ann, and Mardi Gras Mambo will be available for signing. Celebrate Guerrilla LGBTQ Pride 2009 with a Sidewalk Pride Celebration and Resource Fair on Saturday, June 27. The LGBT Community Center at 2114 Decatur and FAB Books at 600 Frenchmen will be the anchors, with tables and information available in front of participating organizations. The event will span Frenchmen between Chartres and Decatur and around the corner unto Decatur itself. The event is open to participation by any LGBTQ friendly organization or business. So far PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Big Easy MCC (Metropolitan Community Church), ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), NOW (National Organization for Women), TCC, NO/AIDS Task Force, New Life Community Church, the LGBT Community Center, Forum For Equality, Gulf Gender Alliance, HRC (Human Rights Campaign) and
re:Vision are confirmed to participate. Tables will be provided and will be set up in front of NO/AIDS CAN office, the Community Center and FAB. Chairs may be in short supply, so please bring your own. It’s a great way to find out what’s going on in the LGBT community, get an autographed book, be tested for HIV, meet new people and hang out in the Gay Triangle near a variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. A special event already scheduled for the day includes National HIV Testing Day, with CAN (Community Awareness Network) at 507 Frenchmen having special testing hours from 1 to 5pm. If you want to know more or would like to participate, please e-mail Mary marygriggs@forumforequality.com or Jean at jeanr@noaidstf.org.
Satyricon to Present Opening Night of Cabaret Sensation Karen Akers
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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will present the opening night of Souvenirs, a new cabaret show by internationally-acclaimed caba-
ret chanteuse, Karen Akers, at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., on Thursday, July 9, 8pm. All tickets to this performance only are $30 and may be obtained by calling 504.525.4498. For all other shows call Le Chat Noir at 504.581.5812.
BECOMING AUDIBLE: ART AS INTERVENTION benefit for NO/AIDS Task Force Saturday, July 18
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ECOMING AUDIBLE: ART AS INTERVENTION, begin ning at 8pm on Saturday, July 18 at Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, is a fund-raising concert for the NO/ AIDS Task Force Revision Project. Tickets will be available at the door for a donation
of $10, and larger donations are encouraged. Featuring the work of composer and NO/AIDS employee Tanner Menard, BECOMING AUDIBLE: ART AS INTERVENTION is a musical exploration into the lives of people living with HIV in Louisiana. Louisiana currently has two cities ranking 2nd and 3rd per capita in AIDS cases and is 6th in the United States for people living with HIV. Becoming Audible is Menard’s attempt to shed light on the lives and stories of those most intimately affected by the pandemic, those living with the virus. Sponsored by the Louisiana Community AIDS Partnership, Menard asked people living with HIV from throughout
6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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in the spotlight
sweaty. But everyone seemed to have a good time, and who doesn’t like a sweaty man once in awhile??
Las Vegas Turns 70 by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com
Leather, Rubber & 70, “Oh My” Mr. Phoenix New Orleans Leather 2009
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riday June 12th, at the Phoenix on Elysian Fields, was the place for the Mr. Phoenix New Orleans Leather 2009 Contest. Beginning at 10pm in the main bar, and before a packed audience, four contestants vied for the opportunity to become MPNOL 2009. And let me tell you that they all brought their own individual talents to the stage, which made for an interesting night, to say the least. The setting for the contest was designed by Eric, local bartender at the Phoenix and was quite appropriate for the contest. Eric is now the master set designer for whatever comes up for the Phoenix. Good job! The contest was under the direction of Clint, the manager of the Phoenix, and with the help of MC Gary Vandeventer, president of Lords of Leather, it ran very smoothly and quickly. (You know that’s what I like.) And with the able bodied judges: KayCee, Danny LeCompte and George Hester, everything seemed to just float along without a hitch. The contestants for the evening were: #1 - Buzzcut Ernest, #2 - Diamond Gemini, #3 - Gray and #4 - Servi, and all were set to win, no matter what it took to get that title. MC Gary started out with their first category Bar Wear, then came Jock Strap, and finally Fetish. As each contestant would come forward in each category, they had bits of information revealed about them and would be asked questions, such as “What famous person would you like to go to bed with and why?” “What has been your ultimate fetish dream come true?” (You get the idea.) I must say that none of them held back and told several revealing things, but no names. Hmmmmmm!!!!! After an hour and a half of the contestants showing what they had and parading and prancing, the judges came to a conclusion. Second Runner-up: Servi
(Medal / $10 Phoenix bar tab), First Runner-up: Buzzcut Ernest (Medal / $20 Phoenix bar tab), and Mr. Phoenix New Orleans Leather 2009: Gray (Medal / $30 Phoenix bar tab, entry to Mr. Louisiana Leather). Before and during the contest the Lords of Leather had a Beer Bust and a 50/ 50 Raffle. The winner of the Raffle was announced at the end of the contest. The winner of $150 was Noel Prell. An excellent job was done by all and congrats to Clint and his staff, Chris, Brian B. and Eric.
Beer Bust for the Rubber Corps
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he Lords of Leather hosted a $5 Beer/Burger Bust to welcome the Lone Star Rubber Corps to New Orleans on Saturday, June 13th from 4 to 7pm at the Phoenix. With the Lords and several of the Rubber Corps in attendance on the back patio in the sweltering heat of the day; eating, drinking, and camaraderie was the order of the day. Needless to say I don’t think they realized that the heat and humidity would take such an effect on them as they all were quite
E
va Las Vegas that is!!! And to celebrate the occasion, the Starlight had a birthday party for the old girl, with food and lots of friends. It seemed that everyone was there including some “girls” that have not made any appearances from several decades back. It was a sea of “Who’s Who” and “Do you remember when?” And how could you put this many “queens” together and not have
a drag show, which seemed to go on and on. And most of them even remembered their words, after all this time. Good Show!!!!!! Of course not only was Eva blessed with having all of her “old” and “dear” friends come to help her celebrate, but they also blessed her with being generous to a fault with many gifts and a 50/50 raffle to help her in her time of need. God Bless everyone for coming to the aid of their “sister.” And God Bless Eva Las Vegas for making another year on this big “drag stage.” See you next year, girl !!!
the "official" dish ...from 6 Louisiana to tell their stories and recorded their words. The stories of these individuals will be presented during the event while Menard performs original ambient solo piano compositions. Creating a tapestry of words and music, Becoming Visible is a form of grassroots musical activism which Menard hopes will spread awareness of HIV. The idea is to create an event for sustained quiet listening which opens doors into the worlds of those residents of Louisiana living with HIV. In a sense, they will be: Becoming Audible. Menard is rapidly gaining international attention for his collaborative installations and ambient sound works. Many of his projects have social activism or personal transformation at their core. Menard plans to release all of the recordings freely on his website, http://tannermenard.archaichorizon.com under a Creative Commons 3.0 license. His hope is that people from around the world will access these recordings and use them for their own musical projects and advocacy. The only stipulation to their use will be that any profits made must be used to benefit an HIV/AIDS related cause.moreAll proceeds from BECOMING AUDIBLE: ART AS INTERVENTION on July 18 will benefit the NO/AIDS Task Force Revision Project, a community building project for young gay and bisexual men in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Through community building, Revision is able to impart an HIV prevention message to young men who have sexsleep with men in the New Orleans area. By joining the concert on July 18 at 8pm, your contributions will help curb the spread of HIV in Louisiana. Tanner Menard was born on September 20, 1978, the same month that Brian Eno published his essay titled Ambient Music. At the age of 11, Menard composed his first works for piano. For nearly 20 years he has composed experimental sound works and curated installations for both electronic media and orchestral ensembles. In 2002, his world was permanently altered by his experience working with Naut Humon, the wellknown curator and founder of Recombinant Media Labs in San Francisco. There, Menard discovered the aesthetic world of ambient, experimental, and minimal electronica. Tanner Menard’s music is released on Install Records, Archaic Horizon Net Label, Friendly Virus Net Label, Kafua Records and will soon be released on Experimedia and Slow Flow Rec. His orchestral music has been published by Loose Filter Music. Menard’s music has also appeared on the radio, on tv, in plays, at art galleries, and in major concert halls across the world. In 2005 Menard served as an artist in residence at Arizona State University where he collaborated with Jeph Jerman, Gary Hill, and Daniel Bernard Romain for his installation, Envyronie. Menard is rapidly becoming known for his work as an internet artist and publisher, combining blogging, music creation, conceptual art, installation, remix and international collaboration. NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, dignity and care to men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS for over 26 years. Founded in 1983, NO/AIDS is one of the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organizations in the Gulf South. The Task Force provides a continuum of care to those affected by HIV/AIDS in New Orleans and the surrounding 12-parish area. From five locations in New Orleans and Houma/Thibodeaux, provides vital services through and HIV Medical Clinic, case management, housing, mental health, substance abuse treatment, peer support, and other supportive services. NO/AIDS Task Force also reaches thousands each year through HIV prevention education services which include community and internet based outreach, HIV antibody counseling and testing and re:Vision, a program for young gay and bi men. NO/AIDS Task Force has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for excellence in HIV care, services and prevention. For more information, visit www.noaidstaskforce.org.
8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 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. Saturday, June 27th... ~8-10pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Prom Night, Prom King & Queen chosen by audience participation, $15 donation at door, 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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under the gaydar
ambush
paparazzi
Coca, Jeff, Mike, Tim, David, Bill & David vacation @ legendary Waikiki gay bar Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand
Honolulu Gay Pride Parade ~ Hawaii
Bill Fitch, David Shurentine, Mike McDonald, Tim Goodwin & Coca aboard the Hula’s Float getting ready to roll
Bill, David, Mike, Tim & Coca...Big David from Hattisburg, MS standing with gay flag in back
Along the parade route
ambush
paparazzi
Along the parade route
H
osting a great party is not an easy task, and trust me I get invited to many fetes in our fair city and around the globe. One thing to strive for when throwing a party, is to make it equally as exciting and fun for the guests as well as you, but that thought seems to never cross some host’s mind. But that is not true of Halloween New Orleans, one of the largest events in the Crescent City, not to mention one of the largest circuit parties in the United States. Now it may seem a little early to start talking about an event in October, but Halloween is beginning their host parties now, having had one already in April during French Quarter Festival and one just recently in June. I believe for a person looking to invest their money in a group that raises funds for a worthy cause, and is a great social networking experience, than this is the organization. Boasting over 376 hosts in 2008, Halloween 25 raised over $100,000 for Project Lazarus which brings the total raised for the organization to approximately four million. The hosts range from a wide variety of the community both gay and straight to help underwrite all the events over the Halloween weekend as well as maintaining the organization year round. What surprised me was that nearly 40% of the hosts for this event are from out of town. The minimum donation for being a host this year is $400, but there are varying levels of sponsorship. So what exactly does a host receive for his or her sponsorship. For this minimal amount of money, hosts or patrons obtain complimentary admission to all Halloween events and all the numerous host parties during the year. These parties throughout the year are excellent ways to meet new people and network with others in the community beyond the bar scene. Since most of these gatherings are held in people’s homes they are a more intimate setting. And, if you are voyeuristic like me, I love an opportunity to see inside someone’s house. Consider it like a gay home tour that is spread out over the entire year instead of a few hours. There are also additional perks such as access to the Host/VIP Lounge at the Friday and Saturday parties plus complimentary tee shirts, recognition on the website and in print, and most importantly most of this donation is tax deductible as allowed by law. Halloween 26 this year is from October 29 through November 1. The theme is Twisted Seasons. Imagine the costumes or lack thereof that you can creatively come up with. I can already see the Boys of Summer in their speedos and Halloween masks or the Ice Drag Queens. Picture the creativity of the costumes representing hurricane season. The events of Halloween are actually some of my favorite annual events each year. I became a host this year at their first event and have enjoyed all their events to date. In these tough economic times, all groups need your support and you get more bang for your buck with this circuit
party than most others. If you have been to other similar parties around the country, you know you pay a fee to enter the party and then you have a cash bar. Not in New Orleans, once you enter the event, all your cocktails are included in the price. And most of you know for many New Orleanians drinking is a sport, so this makes the cost for admission even more desirable. So check out Halloween New Orleans at www.halloweenneworleans.com and become a host today. Keep in mind, that no other place in the world has the most Twisted Seasons than the Big Easy.
Birthday Celebrant’s Eddie & Countess C. Alice
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peaking of fun parties, I recently went to my friend Daryl Dunaway’s birthday party he threw along with his gal pal Eddie. In case you do not recognize the name, you may be more acquainted with his alter ego, Countess C. Alice. The celebration was held at the Mardi Gras Museum located in Kenner’s Rivertown. Yes, I hauled my cookies all the way out to “Kenya” as affectionately called by locals. I was greeted by the birthday boy himself dressed in a vintage flapper outfit. The event was a costume party which fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the museum. I love the fact in this city, we will come up with any excuse to don a costume, who needs a holiday. Most of the people here have a separate closet earmarked just for their costumes. You never know when the occasion may rise when some friend decides to spontaneously throw a themed costume party on a random Tuesday. Any party that is interactive for the guests usually is more memorable. The event was crowded with well wishers for the birthday celebrants and not only did I attend a fun party, but got to see a museum I had never been to before. When planning a party, keep in mind, there are so many unique venues in this great city and it is always a fun memory for your guests when you allow them a chance to experience something new. Guests got to play on their own float as they strolled through a history lesson of the city’s most famous holiday. The costumes were exceptional especially Richie Rich as Captain Jack Sparrow and Mona Fay and Ray as Disco Divas.
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nd for locals who like barbecue, come check out one of the favorite hangouts of the gay community in the Bywater, The Joint. Located at 801 Poland Avenue, the Joint was named one of the top 10 new barbecue restaurants in the nation in Bon Apetit magazine’s July issue. The eatery is a funky little hole in the wall with incredible food. Being gay, I love this place for two reasons, the food of course is wonderful, but it is also located next to a Navy base, need I say more. Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.
Costumer’s Mona Fay, Ray & GAA Top 5 DJ of the Year Finalist Richie Rich
Gizelle Bouvier & Tami Tarmac atop a float
Party host David Aranda
Keny & Kenny having fun with the Countess
12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Eddie & Countess C. Alice’s B-Day at Rivertown Mardi Gras Museum ~ Kenner, Louisiana ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Sweetest Sounds: The Music of Richard Rodgers at Le Chat Noir
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ow often does a high school musical production transfer for a commercial run at another venue? Ever? New Orleans can thus be supremely proud of NOCCA’s Musical Theater Department for remounting The Sweetest Sounds: The Music of Richard Rodgers at Le Chat Noir and indebted to Le Chat for giving a home to this lustrous show. No need to praise The Sweetest Sounds simply because of the young age of its performers, however; its level of professionalism was so high that, except when their youthful enthusiasm occasionally burst through, it was easy to forget that mere teenagers were on stage. As before, Jefferson Turner masterfully adapted and arranged nearly 40 Richard Rodgers songs, from lesser known ones with Lorenz Hart’s lyrics to the more famous Oscar Hammerstein numbers along with a few from Rodgers’ later musicals No Strings, Do I Hear a Waltz?, and Rex. With only eight singer/dancers, Director/Choreographer Blake Coheley breathtakingly filled Le Chat’s small stage to the same wondrous effect as when he had a cast of thirty at his command. Reconstituted for the smaller group, Coheley made the Act One finale, in which the DoRe-Mi syllables became the new lyrics for Oklahoma!, even more frolicsome than before. Only towards the end of Act Two did Coheley’s stage images seem a bit static. Opening with the goose bump-inducing beauty of The Sound of Music/The Sweetest Sounds medley onward, the cast had an uncanny ability to make decadesold songs sound new again. Chrissy Bowen was a first-rate Laurie in People Will Say We’re in Love, sassy yet a bit unsure of herself; she also delivered a lovely, no frills Cock-Eyed Optimist. Ethan Anderson and Sarah Jackson made I Wish I Were in Love Again a comic highlight while Jackson’s Falling in Love with Love was even cooler and snazzier than it was in the fall. Michael Moore brought a virile presence and a voice that, in its lower ranges, sounded like a cello to Carousel’s If I Loved You proving he shall some day, soon, make for a compelling Billy Bigelow. He was well-matched by Meghan Wagner who sang with a haunting catch in her throat. Jonathan Stevens and the women were even more focused than in November in Ship Without a Sail/Bali Ha’i, one of the dramatic highlights. Stevens, another virile actor, seems ready to take up the leading man roles now that Moore is graduating. Anderson, looking like Liza, and Moore, looking like, um, I’m not sure what, did a fabulous drag turn for Stepsister’s Lament/I Enjoy Being a Girl, even if Kyle Adam and Daniel Rigamer at NOCCA got
parody something that already verges on self-parody. Though well-paced, Dolls dragged along through many scene changes, like a funny Carol Burnett sketch that went on too long. Whatever. Running With Scissors is such a successful brand now, attracting Agays, Uptown ladies, married folks from the ‘burbs, and everyone in between that packed and appreciative houses follow the announcement of their newest extravaganza. Power to them.
New Orleans Ballet Theatre at NOCCA/Riverfront Lupin Hall
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Michael Moore in The Sweetest Sounds: The Music of Richard Rodgers
slightly bigger laughs by playing it straighter. As before, the second act might have benefitted from the addition of a similarly comic turn. Rounding out the cast was Sarah Talbot, delightful in Many a New Day among other numbers, and the talented Brian Falgoust, a 2007 NOCCA graduate, though he did have a tendency to belt. For sheer aural beauty the ensemble’s work in the I Have Dreamed/ Where or When section equals anything I’ve heard, here or in New York. Rock of Ages? Harrumph! Maybe The Sweetest Sounds’ next transfer should be to Broadway.
Valley of the Dolls at Le Chat Noir
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alley of the Dolls, Running With Scissors’ latest send-up of pop culture, has lots of fun
things in it. Like Varla Jean in-jokes and “helter skelter” references for Sharon Tate. Like the comic business those ol’ pros Brian Peterson and Jack Long dish out so smoothly. Like Dorian Rush who has dimmed her multi-wattage personality to create a delicious portrait of an airhead druggie. Like Lisa Picone who captures both the screechy and the sweet sides of Neely O’Hara with equal flair. Like a naughty “art” film sequence that borders on soft core porn. Like Dwayne Sepcich who displays impressive range as the dippy Mel Anderson and suave Tony Polar. And like the superlative Bob Edes, Jr., brilliant as the battle-axe musical comedy star Helen Lawson, a combination of Ethel Merman and Lauren Bacall. Yet, unlike such previous RWS efforts as Die! Mommy! Die! and A Place in the Sun, Dolls just isn’t as organically funny as they are, perhaps because it’s tough to
ew Orleans Ballet Theatre started off their annual engagement with Peter Anastos’ Yes Virginia, Another Piano Ballet in which outstanding dancing served to satirize a Mad Magazine’s worth of absurdities such as dancers colliding, cleaning the onstage piano, bumping the pianist off her bench, getting lost in the scenery, hogging the stage, etc. etc. to tongue-incheek comic delight. Using such technical brilliance to gain laughs is not surprising when one discovers that Anastos was the founding Director/Choreographer of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. NOBT dancers Kristine Necessary, Aubrey Morgan, and especially Jennifer Kronenberg, Christian Clark and Renato Penteado executed this sophisticated slapstick with commanding aplomb proving ballet dancers can have a sense of humor too. Pianist Yui Asano performed Chopin’s music beautifully and took part in the merriment as well. One wishes the second number, Thick as Thieves, had opened the program, however. As it was, the audience seemed taken aback by Virginia’s daffy Lucy & Ethel logic as though wondering what happened to the “Ballet” they had come to see. Worse, when two dancers collapsed/ fell/crumpled to the stage after a particular movement went awry in Thieves, it was strange to see the daffiness of Virginia transformed into a shocking reality. On its own terms, Thick as Thieves, with choreography by Douglas Gawriljuk and Tracy Mozingo to music adapted from U2 songs, was a pleasant if insubstantial ballet/modern dance hybrid, heartfelt but lacking something. The program concluded with Marjorie Hardwick Schramel and Gregory Schramel’s Where Were You When They Dropped the Pill which I found enjoyably provocative when seen four years ago.
Boston Buffet
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oston offers so much to do that it’s impossible to cover it all in one visit, especially if you’re merely stopping there en route to Provincetown or some bucolic New England spot for a nuptial celebration. Better to check out a few things each time you’re in Beantown. While you won’t be able to check out the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s new American wing until it opens in the fall, should you be in the general vicinity before August 16, DO NOT MISS the current special exhibit Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice, the first major exhibition dedicated to the competition among these renowned masters
and the emergence of their signature styles. For those, like myself, who knew these were “important” painters but didn’t know much else about them, Titian was Venice’s pre-eminent artist in the early 1500s. Tintoretto, 30 years younger, came along and by the mid-16th century had challenged Titian’s standing. Titian continued to thrive, in part, by blocking Tintoretto from getting certain prestigious commissions. Rather, Titian was more supportive of Veronese, 10 years younger than Tintoretto but who came onto the scene around the same time. Featuring wheeling-dealing in the art world and cardinals & kings as supporting players, one can’t help but think that this narrative would make a wonderful HBO mini-series. With 56 works from the Metropolitan Museum, the Louvre, El Prado, Queen Elizabeth II and many other of the world’s greatest collections, particularly Italy’s, every painting in Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese represents these artists at the top of their forms. In Pope Paul III, Titian displays his ability to capture not only the feel of velvet but the difference between new and worn patches of the fabric. In Venus and Adonis, the look on her face seen in 3/4 profile as she tries to keep Adonis from leaving, is heart-stopping. Many of Titian’s works seem as though the image was captured with photographic precision. With Tintoretto, described as “a peppercorn who overpowered other flavors,” one senses that the action is about to spill off the canvas. His St. Augustine Healing the Lame is a tour de force of perspective. The incredible play of light in Susannah and the Elders is noticeable from across the room. And don’t miss a painting of his installed in the ceiling as it had been originally. Veronese can be seen as synthesizing Titian’s and Tintoretto’s styles but he is very much his own man as when he makes Saint Menna quite the hottie in his gleaming armor and substantial codpiece. The exhibit is divided into several sections including “Sacred Themes,” “Portraiture” and “Mythology and the Female Nude” featuring lots of voluptuous flesh, the Playboy photos of their time with Venus and Danaë substituting for Anna Nicole Smith. Excellent wall plaques explain the artists’ rivalries and compare one painting to another. There is an occasional misfire; on one Titian canvas, a rabbit held by St. Catherine looks like a cardboard cut-out. But such things are rare. Rather than looking for them, don’t fail to notice the incredible carved wooden frames that surround these cultural gems. To be sure, after August 16 you may see these paintings again individually. But an exhibit like Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice is unlikely to come along again in our lifetime. Not far from the MFA is the birthplace of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, whose mother Rose used to take him and her other children to the museum. Now operated by the National Park Service (NPS), this modest three story home was built in 1909 near Coolidge Corner in Boston’s Brookline section. The Kennedy’s bought it in 1914 when they were just starting out, and the future president was born there in 1917. [continued on 16]
14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, 504.214.4340 E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com www.thebigeasymccblog.blogspot.com
Our Independence
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s articles go, this one is fairly self indulgent. I am not going to comment on current affairs, I am going to celebrate an event in my own life, and in the life of my church – our church. The majority of people I come across in New Orleans still think that MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) is either closed, does not exist or has faded to a remnant! Well, it often takes a year or two for perception to catch up with events, and this Sunday (June 28th) an event is happening that firmly proclaims our life, our health and our bright future as a church here in New Orleans. MCC as a movement started way back in the late 1960’s, and has spread to become the largest LGBT majority organization impacting the lives of LGBT people across the world. We have churches in some 28 countries (we have added a few in the last year!) with approaching 45,000 members. We have churches that proclaim the full humanity of LGBT people in countries as diverse as Britain, Brazil,
trodding the boards ...from 14 Though the Kennedy’s sold the home in 1920 to move to more spacious quarters nearby, the family repurchased it after Kennedy’s assassination. Rose Kennedy spent the next several years restoring it to its 1917 appearance, and the home finally re-opened as a National Historic Site on May 29, 1969, what would’ve been JFK’s 52nd birthday. Knowledgeable NPS rangers take you on a guided tour of the home where you can see the living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kids’ rooms and kitchen, all nicely apportioned. 18% of the furnishings are original to the home, including the frame of the actual bed in which the president was born and his bassinet. Self-guided tours are also available using recordings that Mrs. Kennedy made in 1969 that feature poignant observations as well as fascinating insights. In the basement reception area, a video narrated by Ted Kennedy includes moving sections about the family’s involvement with the Special Olympics and other programs that help the mentally challenged; the Kennedy’s have always been active in this field as a tribute to their sister Rosemary. Not unlike the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthplace in Atlanta, a visit to the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site reminds one that exceptional men can come from humble beginnings. ”Humble” is not a word that comes to mind in any connection with Jerry Springer - The Opera. “Brilliant,” “challenging,” “audacious,” certainly, but not “humble”. A production of this modern masterpiece recently ended its extended run at the SpeakEasy Stage Company in Boston’s South End and they are to be admired for presenting such a daring
Jamaica, Singapore, Germany and Uganda. We have built churches with 1000+ members, as well as churches in small towns – Lancaster Pennsylvania has TWO MCC churches! In Louisiana, we have a thriving, growing church in Baton Rouge, that owns it’s own building (and will probably grow out of it soon!) and is currently sponsoring and building up PrideFest in that city. Here in New Orleans our church has gone from a post-Katrina low of eleven members (faithful members) to seventy in church last Sunday in just a year and a half. We have three classes running currently, an HIV ministry with Belle Reve, a VERY healthy building fund and an on-line ministry that has reached 120,000 people. The event on June 28th is the formal rebirth of The New Orleans Church as The Big Easy MCC – as a fully independent member of our denomination; we are holding a congregational meeting to vote to affirm the changes made since I came as pastor, including our first board, our new bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures, and a new start! work. If it wasn’t on as grand a scale as when it played in London’s West End, SpeakEasy’s bristling interpretation demonstrated that oodles of money are not necessarily needed when you have talent and imagination. With a dazzling score by Richard Thomas and a provocative libretto by Thomas and Stewart Lee, Act One of Jerry Springer sets to music a typical episode of this trash TV show. Act Two finds Jerry on trial in Hell with appearances by God and Satan. You have to see it to believe it. Under the superb musical direction of Dan Rodriguez, SpeakEasy’s Jerry featured gorgeous voices and choral work not only from all nine leads but from the entire chorus whose excellent diction allowed one to hear not only all the pottymouthed lyrics but the more transcendent ones (“Your dreams take place in Manhattan/Ours take place in Minnesota”) as well. Director Paul Daigneault did a fine job overall, particularly in the second act where there is more room for creative license, though by allowing a certain level of campiness, especially in the portrayals of God and the transsexual Tremont, the work’s aching humanity was undercut somewhat. Among the leads, Brian Richard Robinson was especially topnotch, bringing both glee and seriousness to the diaper-wearing Montel and endowing Jesus with the proper level of persnicketiness. Michael Fennimore was an accomplished Jerry Springer though his comic timing was generally a beat or two off. A special shout-out goes to Eva Marieges-Moore’s wig and hair design. SpeakEasy has a great season coming up. Highlights include [title of show] starting in January and Add1ng Machine: A Musical beginning in March. Either one just might be reason enough to head up north in winter!
When I look around our church, the thing that gives me the most joy is not just the enthusiasm and passion of the congregation – the church family, it is the diversity. We look like New Orleans, we are not segregated but multi colored and multi gendered with male, female, White, Black, Asian, Mixed, Transgender, Straight, Gay, Bisexual and Lesbian members, as well as weird foreigners like me! I am sharing this with you because I am absolutely convinced that The MCC here in New Orleans is a powerful engine of change, renewal and transformation in our community, full of energy and ideas – and an unshakeable Christian Faith underpinning it all. I believe passionately that you do not have to dilute or diminish the Good News in order to include and celebrate LGBT people – you need to strengthen it! I believe that MCC is a place of celebration and non judgment that calls people to growth and transformation instead of pushing them, but most of all I
believe we are a community of love and honesty, bound by clear rules of fair dealing and non judgmentalism by our membership covenants and communications policy to ensure that MCC is a safe place for everyone to come. I am writing this unashamed plug out of enthusiasm for the church, and to celebrate the birth of a major institution serving our community here in New Orleans – one that will only become more and more relevant and involved as the years go by, and inviting you all to come and be a part of it. 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 online sermons, go to w w w.BigEasyMcc.COM. Tel: 504.214.4340 to speak to the pastor or email at revcrawshaw@yahoo.com.
everybody's a critic by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com
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lright here we go!!! Are you ready??? As I wrote in the last column, on Saturday, June 27th from 12noon-5pm in the 500 block of Frenchmen Street there will be a function called “Guerilla Pride.” Since we do not have a Gay Pride committee as such, these people made up of : The Community Coalition, Forum for Equality,NO/AIDS Task Force, the LGBT Community Center and FAB have organized a low key sidewalk celebration. Several businesses and organizations have already committed to be there, and since the last article, several more have said they were coming also. It would be very much in the interest of the gay community that you come out and make an appearance and help support your “brothers and sisters,” and come together to show that you want New Orleans to know that, you are who you are, and you support each other. See you there! I keep hearing tidbits of information about things that are coming up in the months ahead. Supposedly there are going to be several contests, which will make the “pageant girls” happy. And I also hear that several surprises will be in store for the upcoming Southern Decadence weekend, shows, porn stars and contests. Oh my! What is this I hear about a certain “Prom Queen” that has become a “Lord,” and on top of that is looking to be the next “Entertainer of the Year” and also has her sights on “Miss Leatherette.”. This “diva” is really wishing on a star!!! They love “titles” don’t they!?! Is it Chas or Charles? The news was released this week that Chastity Bono has started her quest to transgender from female to male. I can’t say that myself or probably anyone is surprised. She has always been more manly and probably will make the change over quite nicely. Good luck to her as everyone should have the final decision as what they can do with their own body. I’m sure that this is some-
thing that she has spent a long time thinking over. And I’m sure that her mom is one of her top supporters. So I say, “Go for it girl.” Make plans ahead of time for Southern Decadence weekend as I hear that Glitz will be back in town at Harrah's Casino. Let’s hope they don’t get “hurricaned” out like in the past. I have never seen this show, but will this time as I hear that it is something not to be missed. (And you know I’m a sucker for a good impersonator show.) Just received news from my friends in Chicago that a good friend of mine will be the Grand Marshal of this year's Gay Pride Parade. Her name is Alexandra Billings, and I have known her since in early 80s, when she was a go-go boy at one of the clubs in Newtown, her name was Alex. She made the decision to become a female impersonator, and was so successful that she won several national titles: Miss Chicago, Miss Illinois, Miss Wisconsin, Miss Florida, and was 1st Runner-up to Miss Continental (3X), (she became known as "The Eternal First Runner-up"). Her name at the time was Shante’. She finally decided to have a sex change and became Alexandra Billings, and married her childhood sweetheart Chrissiane. (Yes, she married a girl)! Since that time she has gone on to become a stage actress in her own right, and has appeared many times on TV, and has made several pilots for up and coming television shows. Besides that she also teaches stage/ acting during the summer at the Steppenwolf and Bailiwick Theaters in Chicago. How nice it is to see someone that has broadened their horizons and has become a living example for the gay youth as to what you CAN do, and has become an example for all transgenders that you CAN go on and live a full life as the person you want to be. Congratulations Alex, Shante, Alexandra - to all of you becoming the person you are! It’s too hot to even go out, but have used up my whole box of popsicles trying to keep cool. (You know lick one and sit on one.) So guess I will have to go out and bear the heat, and this time I'll get several boxes. They go fast when you use two at a time. Ha-ha!!! Maybe I should just keep my underwear in the freezer, how cool would that be? Keep cool out there!
16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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y Whitney and partner Johnny Chisholm join mega star Kelly Rowland, and Director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation Scott Campbell at One Mighty Party, the giant party for award winning One Mighty Weekend in Orlando, Florida. For the third year the Elton John AIDS Foundation was the official beneficiary of One Mighty Weekend, and thanks to OMW patrons, Chisholm Properties has donated over $200,000 to the foundation in support of its mission. One Mighty Weekend was also just voted GAA Top 5 Circuit Party of the Year Finalist.
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snapshot of the latest acquisitions for Ambush headquarters includes an eclectic cross created by renowned artist Kelly Israel from the June Artist of the Month Exhibition at Cutter’s, a Paph. Hsinying Alien orchid purchased at the annual Orchid Show at Lakeside Mall, and a nostalgic light-up framed Jesus and a pup from a giant aloe vera plant, both special gifts from Chuc LaVenture and Kevin Limberg. On the right, view a close-up of the Paph. Hsinying Alien orchid complete with “growing warts and protruding hairs.”
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oby Lefort hosted his annual American Drag Survivor contest on the patio at 4 Seasons in Metairie. The event brought in $3,600 for Toby’s NO/AIDS Walk Fund with four contestants vying for the title won by Mimi for raising the most stage tips, $979. Toby’s goal is $25,000 this year and has already raised $2,160 at his Crawfish Boil with Bayou Chad and $4,820 for his birthday party. Toby was just voted GAA Top 5 Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award Finalist and GAA Top 5 Leather Person and Man of the Year Finalist.
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va, the Diva, Las Vegas was feted with her 70th birthday celebration at Starlight By The Park in New Orleans complete with cake and a special dedication show. (Photo by CW Stambaugh: front - Keno Kane Broadway, back - GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Marcy Marcell, Eva Las Vegas, GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Regina Adams and Paula Lane)
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on Dubay and Rusty Downing celebrated their first wedding anniversary along with Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney who were all wed in PTown last year on June 14. The party was hosted at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans who just was voted GAA Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist. Friends joined the couples to view their wedding photos and enjoy Caesar salad and Miss Bobbie’s famous chicken and dumplings which the couples served in PTown to guests there.
18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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usty Downing accepts a special birthday gift from fellow birthday celebrant Elizabeth Bouvier (Miss LSGRA) at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The presentation occurred in Elizabeth’s birthday show at the club which was just voted GAA Dance Bar, Leather Bar, Neighborhood Bar and Show Bar of the Year Finalists. Elizabeth was also just voted GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist.
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19
GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Elizabeth Bouvier kicks off her b-day show at GAA Top 5 Dance Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s
Newcomer Barbara Ella does a duet with Elizabeth at JohnPaul’s for Elizabeth’s b-day show
4 Seasons’ Bill joins doorman Danny & GAA Top 5 Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award Finalist Toby for Toby’s American Drag Survivor raising $3,600 for NO/AIDS Walk on the patio at 4 Seasons in Metairie
Drag Survivor contestant #4 Loretta Larouge raising $$$ for NO/AIDS Walk
Anthony & Marcy celebrate Boom Boom’s b-day along with GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Regina at Starlight
JohnPaul’s John & Mwindo’s Larry celebrate Eva Las Vegas’ 70th at Starlight
Queen Amon Ra Rhonda Roget joins Elizabeth’s b-day show at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s
Toby & MC Electra City do the honors at Toby’s American Drag Survivor blowout at 4 Seasons
Lucille explaining herself to Starlight’s Javier at Eva’s 70th b-day blowout Chrys Anthemum entertaining for Toby’s American Drag Survivor
GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Lauren Brown on stage at GAA Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s for Elizabeth’s b-day show
snap paparazzi
Guest Josie Mae Cotton in Elizabeth’s b-day show at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s
Amanda Straddle on stage for Elizabeth’s b-day show at JohnPaul’s
American Drag Survivor contestant #1 & winner Mimi raising $979
GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Marcy Marcell & GAA Top 5 Bitch of the Year Finalist Princesse Stephaney headline the 10pm shows Fridays at Starlight
Drag Survivor contestant #2 Formica Dinette raising $$$ for NO/AIDS Walk
4 Seasons bartender Chuck pops in for a show at Starlight
CB Enterprises’ John, Lafitte’s Aletha & GAA Top 5 Bitch of the Year Finalist Paul of JohnPaul's celebrate Eva’s 70th
Jack & Winston join Eva’s 70th b-day blowout at Starlight
20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Birthdays, Fund-raisers, Birthdays ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, CW Stambaugh/Starlight By The Park, Chris Ward/Pride Specialty
Drag Survivor contestant #3 Sister Mary Glenn raising $$$ for NO/AIDS Walk
drag 101
hot tails of red stick
by Ida Slapter E-mail: ida_slapter00@yahoo.com
by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com
A Good Blow Up Your Hoopskirts Now & Then
MCC
ell, my little drags and dragsters, how nice it is to be back once again. First, I would like to thank that Mr. Glitter for the nice welcome he gave to us newcomers in the last issue. How sweet was that! And also for the distinct pleasure of being named one of the “hurricanes” for the coming season. Now that is so very southern hospitality of you all, and I promise that I will do my best to live up to the responsibility of being a gracious “hurricane” and not “blow” too hard up your skirts!!!!! Even though I know some of you like a good blow up your hoopskirts now and then. Aunty Ida has been getting around and seeing what there is to see and believe me she has seen quite a few things that make her a little steamed. And talk about steamed, what about this weather?? I thought that steam was supposed to take the wrinkles out, well, let me tell you that it doesn’t help when you’ve had as many face lifts as I’ve had. And judging from some of the “older” divas, we're going to have to go around looking like a bunch of raisins. Stay out of the sun girls, and that means you young things too, or you will end up looking like us when you’re only thirty. Or 130, like myself. Ha-ha! So you know what that means, “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize” to keep yourself nice and smoooooth. And don't forget the sunscreen, SPF 30. So when it comes time to do your make-up you will be flawless. And don’t forget to contour and blend, Aunty Ida doesn’t like to see that “paint-by-numbers” look, you know what I’m talking about. Make it real, not scary, no visible lines - - blend. The idea is to look like a real woman, not a Van Gogh painting. Last time we talked a little about hair, which seems to be a down fall of many. Just like make-up, hair is also to look real, not like a wig. Every time you wear a wig you should take out and brush and comb it, just like you would your own hair. It’s supposed to look bouncy and life like. Some of you girls look like you just reached in a bag and pulled it out and plopped it on your head without even trying to put a comb or brush through it. Of course one of the things you need to do is to invest in a good wig, which doesn’t need to be expensive, as they make such real looking wigs these days. (Not like when I had to wear powdered wigs with Marie Antoinette, but, that was another life time ago.) Happened by Fifi Mahoney’s on Royal Stree and they have some gorgeous stuff in there and not bad prices, go and check them out. They will even help you style your wig to your face or to the character you are doing. (I got me a long purple Veronica Lake style, it covers half my wrinkled face. That way I only have to do one eye. Ha!) I know that I talked about being half naked on stage, and I know that this is the weather to do that, however, I must tell you that if you don’t have the body, don’t do it. Only those divas that have had work done so they look like a female should even attempt to try and wear skimpy things. Trust me when I say that if you have a man’s body and you are trying to wear a Jennifer Lopez see through dress, you just look like a man in a see through dress no matter how pretty your make-up or hair. It just ruins the “illusion.” There are so many things that you can do to give yourself that nude look and still come off looking fabulous. That’s what they make body suits for, so you can do the padding that you need and put the body suit over the top and then use your see through dress or whatever. Then you have given the “illusion” and still had the look that you wanted to achieve. What do you think Marlene Dietrich, and Cher do ??? The showgirls in Vegas do this all the time. Not only that, but, most of the outfits they wear have all the padding and everything built into the garments. Don’t forget “girls,” you are a male and to give yourself the curves that you need, you have to learn the tricks of the trade to give the “illusion” of having that fabulous hour glass figure, and sometimes you have to use extreme measures to achieve what you want. (Corsets, waist cincher, hip pads, butt pads, padded bras.) And the list goes on and on. Well your Old Aunty Ida is going out to check on you all and to see what you have learned. Will be back next month for some more tips for all you drags and dragsters. And contrary to what you read elsewhere in this paper, I did not go to school with Moses. Well, yes I did, I was his teacher. He was a frisky little devil. Damn that Gary Glitter telling my secrets. Just saw on the news about Chasty Bono started to make the change over to become a man. Bet Cher is twirling, but hey, look how many incarnations she has gone through. But you know if I was her momma what I would do...Ida Slapter !!
had a very nice visit last week with the Reverend Keith Mozingo of the Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge. He gave me a personal tour of their church located at 7747 Tom Drive, and I have to say that it is quite nice with that very important touch of peacefulness in each part of the facility. The sanctuary was being used at the time for a couple of the members who were practicing songs for Sunday’s service. I was made to feel most welcome here, and I was impressed with my surroundings. Pastor Keith came to Baton Rouge from Los Angeles and prior to this was in Chattanooga, where he was pastor of The Rock MCC and a teacher in the public school system. He is a native North Carolinian and the son of a Church of God preacher. He graduated from Lee University, a Church of God school, with a B.A. degree in English/Spanish/Bible and has done M.A. work in English. He’s even taught English and Spanish for several years. It was after discovering and reading a copy of the Reverend Elder Troy Perry’s book, The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay, that he officially discovered MCC. He became a member of MCC in 1989 and has served in many capacities over the years. He was ordained in 2000. He has accomplished many good things along the way. While at The Rock MCC, he helped to form small-group ministries in the church, including an outreach/follow-up team, music team, children’s church, and hospitality. In the community, he formed an alliance with other gay-friendly churches, wrote articles and was interviewed for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, spoke at Gay Pride and World AIDS Day events, and conducted a public vigil around the death of Matthew Shepherd. Pastor Keith’s passion is helping people understand who they are in Christ and who Christ is in them. He especially enjoys helping believers become better disciples of Christ. In addition to serving as pastor of MCCBR, he continues to serve on the Advisory Board of the Reverend Dr. Armando Sanchez, Elder of Region 2. MCCBR is a Christian Church that is open for all to worship as they are, Gay, Straight, Transgendered, Lesbian, Bi and others. Pastor Keith can be reached at MCCBR by telephone at 225.248.0404 or by e-mail at RevKeith@mccbr.org.
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TTT
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ur local Tombear(r) is a celebrity of sorts, but he still maintains that splendid job at the municipal building where he puts out those nice newsletters for mayors and other city officials around the state. In addition to that, he does some real estate on the side. This guy stays rather busy. It’s been a while since we had dinner together. In fact, several “group” members met recently at El Rio Grande, but I couldn’t make it and had to take a rain check. I did
Pastor Keith in the MCC reception area
get some reports back, and it would seem that everyone had a great time. That always happens when we are together, something that started a long time ago, back when we car pooled to New Orleans for the Lords of Leather meetings. Those were fun times, sometimes tiring because of the late hours and having to drive back to Baton Rouge, but they were memorable times. After all, mooning TTT on the way back got to be a nice trend for togetherness. Of course, I’ll never forget the first time it happened. Poor TTT was alone in his care, and as we passed him, our beloved BCBoy dropped his pants and hung it out the window. I thought TTT was going to wreck, and I thought we were going to have to pull over for fear of wrecking with all the laughter going on. Those times are no more. Maybe it’s because we have moved on with our lives. It seems now that we can’t even get together to attend Mardi Gras balls or find time to meet at the local bars. I think the only thing needed here is a complete “group reunion.” It might be even nicer if we planned another fabulous night in New Orleans doing our group maneuvers at the Phoenix and JohnPaul’s. I guess it’s time to plan the festivities. I feel some good times are coming on.
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can’t resist telling you again about some of our wildly wonderful women here in old Red Stick. After all, you have to know you are in good company when you are with any of them. First off, I’ll start with Joy. This sweetheart is just the life of the party – or the life of things at Hound Dogs. She is always all smiles, and she knows how to put a smile on your face too. Her personality is just one of the best you are going to find anywhere. That personality just has to rub off on you. By the time you have had a drink or two, you find yourself feeling much better just being in her presence. She has that kind of good feeling about herself that is definitely catching. I think I first met this sweetie at the old Thirsty Tiger, and we got it on from there to now. And speaking of the Thirsty Tiger, now that was the place to be, especially if you worked at the newspaper across the street and wanted to close the bar down. It was even better if you had a studio apartment in an old building where you also operated the beginnings of Baton [continued on 24]
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21
22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Johnny Chisholm’s 16th One Mighty Weekend (GAA Top 5 Circuit Party of the Year Finalist) ~ Orlando, Florida ~ Photos by James Amerson
Arabian Nights Eddie Baez from the first party Jump Start at the House of Blues
orlando
paparazzi
Performers from Deep Blue World
Reunion Pool Party and Host Hotel Buena Vista Palace
Kelly Rowland live at One Mighty Party
Hot guys from the Reunion Pool Party
Pensacola’s Lauren Mitchell at Beach Ball Luau
More One Mighty Party with Kelly Rowland Performer from Deep Blue World Reunion Pool Party
Performer at Beach Ball Luau Reunion Pool Party
Performer from Deep Blue World Promoter Johnny Chisholm and Circuit Great Eddie Baez
Reunion Pool Party
Performer from Deep Blue World
Eddie Baez at House of Blues
Deep Blue World
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hot tails of red stick ...from 21 Rouge’s only gay bookstore. Along with the motel behind these places, you had the setting for some wild times. You’d be surprised what you could see going on at that motel. I dare not tell. Now that part of downtown is a thing of the past. You still have the historic home
dating to about 1849, but the old Thirsty Tiger is no more. Instead, I think it is a wine bar connected to the Italian restaurant upstairs. Oh, to have the old Java Connection back, even the old Tiger glory days, and yes, Hibiscus Bookstore. There was so much history there – the first bank in Baton Rouge with the vault going down into the Tiger, the back exit leading to the stairs and the street, the bookstore where you had the trapdoor (covered by concrete) leading to the secret room where the liquor was hidden during the Depression, and the coal chutes that you could see under the motel - all gone now in the name
of progress. It makes you want to smack those who destroy history in the name of progressive structures much like the fight that is going on in Spanish Town now to stop the giant apartment complex that would destroy the very heart of this old section of Baton Rouge. Well, Joy can recall all this past history. She was a part of it, and she still stands tall among all the newness and the madness and all the goodness that comes from living and working and loving the downtown area. Thank goodness that wonderful personality is there to make us smile. It is much needed and greatly appreciated. Keep it up, sweetie. You are absolutely a gem among the masses. Another gem can be found at George’s. I speak of Chansley here who does so much to keep things going here. She is one of the hardest workers I know, and it is always a pleasure to see her lesbian limo parked there because I know I’ll be in for a charming good time. She is always smiling, and she knows how to mix a mean drink too. Regardless of what side of the bar she is on, the good vibes are always there. I find her to be one of the best things to ever happen to this establishment, and Guy, Richard, and the gang all appreciate her as they should. It is always a surprise when something like turnabout happens, and you see this gorgeous gal with full makeup, fancy hairdo, and stunning red gown, as I recall one Christmas. My goodness! It was such a switch, but she carried this off with just as much precision as she does doing those daily chores at the bar. Whether she is working or playing, this is a wonderful and charming young woman. I rather like her. I could never mention wildly wonderful women without mentioning the belle of Spanish Town. Whether she is out mowing the lawn or walking the dog, she is absolutely amazing. However, I think I like it best when I see her smoking her cigar on the balcony or passing me in her car chomping down on that stogie. Whatever the case, Claudette fills the bill as an outstanding woman in a class by herself. She is the heart and soul of what it is like to be a resident of Spanish Town. Her presence is always a welcome sight, and her knack of making people feel so good is admirable. [continued on 32]
24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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Dwayne and GAA Top 5 Man of the Year Finalist Richard Dykes Joy at Hound Dogs Chris corners a cutie
red stick paparazzi Michael and Luther Dwayne, Kelly, Scotti and Thomas GAA Top 5 Dance Bar of the Year Finalist Splash’s Devlin and friend Pastor Keith at MCC
Jeanne and Damon at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Hound Dogs
Luther and Noah
Karaoke at George’s
Luther and Jason
Richard and Casey
Ghia at George’s Enjoying a good time at GAA Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist George’s
Kathy and Julie practice for Sunday MCC Service
Scott and Jeremy
Trio of happy studs
Blair and Darrin
Michael clowning around
26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Gorgeous, Charming, Cute ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict
Gorgeous Andy and Charming Chansley (GAA Top 5 Lesbian of the Year Finalist)
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CANAL STREET
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600
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BURGUNDY
ROYAL
ST. LOUIS
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DECATUR
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BOURBON
ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
bookstores 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
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chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1309]
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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
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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
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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medical 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 [is1409]
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 [is1309]
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 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
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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
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;
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
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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 http:// kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 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, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] AVALON PLUMBING, residential & commercial repair & remodeling, call Michael 237.0888 RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
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 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
alexandria, olympus style Smoke & Mirrors
New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET
for itself. News faces continually appear. Some are out-of-towners, and others are lifelong residents of the area who haven’t been to a bar in decades. The bar’s new website is up and running at www.OlympusBar.COM. Check it out for the latest news and events. A photo page is in the works. And, don’t forget to sign the guest book. Another thing Olympus owners have expanded is the drink menu. Olympus Bar is first and foremost a bar. A little lubrication always makes a good time better. It’s the only bar in town that carries Ouzo, an anise-flavored Greek spirit, and Absinthe. Eric recently spent a whole night working up new and exciting martini recipes. (This is just between you and me, but if you show up on one of those drink experimentation nights, your chances of getting tipsy on the cheap increase drastically.) Purple Rain, Aloha and Melonballer are three vodka tinis Eric concocted. I’m keeping the recipes secret. You can find out more when you show up for the wet underwear contest next month. If you can’t wait that long to twirl your swizzle stick, come over for the Miss Gay Central Louisiana Pageant June 27. Still too long to wait? Check us out any night of the week. You’ll go home with plenty of stories. Tuesdays will get you the best bang for your buck, with $2 longnecks and well drinks from open to close. You can spend a couple of days recuperating, and then drink and drown on Friday nights. Purchase a refillable cup for five bucks, and then pay $2 for longnecks and well drinks, and a dollar off top shelf call drinks. Spend the weekend with Olympus, and then come over Sunday for Weekend Recovery Day. The coffee pot and television are on all day. It’s what you’d be doing at home, so why not do it amongst friends?
tattoos/piercings
hot tails of red stick ...from 24
by Jodi Belgard ay marriage may not be legal in the state of Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the spirit. Olympus Bar will experience plenty of marital bliss this month – some of it smoke and mirrors, some if it tried and true (un)legal matrimony. It all began with Dan and Eric’s desire to see their beloved drag divas in wedding garb. To do this, they scheduled a not-sotypical drag show for June 19 – the June Bride Extravaganza. The Bridal Extravaganza coincided with a bachelorette party for one of Dann and Eric’s best friends. Later in July, a pair of Sapphic sisters will exchange vows in Olympus Bar’s soon-to-be renovated special events room. The couple surprised the crowd at the ‘70s drag show a couple of weekends ago when one of the ladies took a knee and proposed. That’s all the gossip I’ll divulge for now. If you want to know all the dirty details of the ladies and gents at Olympus Bar, you’ll have to come see for yourself. The bar itself is still making a name
G
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] 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
That is what Claudette does best. It is something that few people can do, and she rates an A+ in this category. Right on, honey! Right on!
LLL
I
have to borrow something from the Lords of Leather for my next topic. It involves the ability to bring on lots of love and laughter. I recall how well Mark did this when he was in the finals for International Mr. Leather at IML in Chicago. He did is so well, and I admired him for presenting such a wonderful image for maleness in the state of Louisiana. He was fantastic then, and he remains fantastic to this day. Regardless of how you bring L into focus, it has to involve a young man who is such an expert with computers. His name is Jerry, and he has his own business, so if you have computer problems, you only have to call on him for his services. He can lovingly bring your equipment back to fine working condition. Goodness! That sounds so sexy! Well, he is a [continued on 34]
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
In house reporter Jodi Belgard and Kristy
Big Daddy Dan
alexandria
Weekend recovery nite!!! Miss Lucenda doing “Dark Lady”
MMMMM Beefcake Grrrrr!!! No more wire hangers!!!
Wendy checking out our divas
Felicity lets her hair down and her legs up
Miss Dominique DeLorean
Girls Nite Out
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Wire Hangers, Recovery, Beefcake @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana
paparazzi
allons acadiana
mobile
paparazzi
by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana E-mail: keebler_6984@yahoo.com
Great Summer Fun in the South
W
hot tails of red stick ...from 32 sexy young man, but his skills at work are absolutely the best. I noticed his ad in Ambush a while back, and it you missed it, I’ll be glad to share his business and number with you if you write me personally – bradhottails@hotmail.com. Let’s face it. The guy is good. He is here to help, so be sure to get his assistance. When it comes to a loving individual, I think of Sam first of all. This guy is just one of the finest and best friends anyone could ever have. He is a former executive with a major engineering firm, but he is now his own boss doing antique sales, enjoying theater plays, and taking mini vacations occasionally. He has even taken up gardening which he has finally discovered as being relaxing plus rewarding when his plants come into bloom. He is also one of those “group” members who used to enjoy all those trips to New Orleans. In fact, he goes with me a lot now. I drink. He drives. It works out fine. Here’s hoping this loving acknowledgement reaches Ernie, who should have completed his surgery by now. This guy was at one time the hardest worker and most loyal member of the Lords of Leather. Things change as we age, and also hurricanes like Katrina change lots of things. The lower level of his home was under water, but he managed to see all of his things in the upper level stay intact. He has a beautiful home, and his antiques have a story to tell too. I would love to tell you the piece that involves Lincoln, but I don’t want to get it incorrect in writing, so I’ll check it out again the next time I see Ernie. This is just one great guy, and I am so glad he came into my life. He is an inspiration for anyone wanting to look onto the brighter side of
Miss Cie & Mac @ B-Bob’s Biloxi, Mississippi’s Danielle Savage is a show stopper at B-Bob’s
Ft. Walton, Florida’s Teresa Delacroix appearing at B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s welcomes Miss Gay Alabama USofA Tiffany Racheals
life.
BBB
W
ell, it is impossible to write something like this and not close with the crème de la cream of Most Beautiful Butt Beautiful human beings. One of the past winners of this title continues to possess this most gorgeous body part (among other points of interest), and I speak of none other than the master of butt beautifuls Lance of Splash fame and a recent graduate of LSU. I am so proud of this guy. I’ve always loved him and looked on him as being a certain kind of guy who knew where he was going but also knew how to get there in fine form. I salute this youngster, and I wish him the best that life has to offer. Does this still involve Austin, sweetheart? And on this note, it is time to announce the latest to be honored with this prestigious title. You all know him well. He is absolutely gorgeous with the outstanding features that could easily put him in contention with any of the movie stars we all know today, or television actors, if you care to make the distinction. He has long been known for his work and involvement in community activities, but just knowing he is a friend is something that can be cherished by anyone within his realm of acquaintances. He is handsome. He is intelligent. He is definitely on the same level as the Brad Pitts of the world. He may not be as famous as a Tony DeNozzo, but he is outstanding in all respects. Having the finest butt in Red Stick is definitely something that garnered my attention (in more ways than one), and he can definitely be called one of the most charming individuals I have ever met. It is therefore with great pride that I can announce Joseph Possa as Mr. Butt Beautiful of 1909. Congratulations, sweetie – I love you in tight jeans (or nothing at all).
Ready for their close-up @ B-Bob’s
Big Bodacious Bitch Of The Bay Venus Shante’ Da Vis entertaining @ B-Bob’s
Knoxville, Tennessee’s Mercedes Alexander joins Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
Alton & B-Bob’s Legendary Blonde Bombshell Miss Cie
B-Bob’s brings out the girls
Matt & MidTown Pub owner James
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Nightlife ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John, Craig Powell
ell this summer is turning out to be a great summer here in the South with vacations, time spent just hanging out with friends aside pools, canoe trips, tubing trips, and many other fun and fabulous things. With the temperatures rising outside, the heat is definitely rising at Sound Factory and Crystal's. Crystal's is already in full steam spilling out fabulous drink specials and just great nights out in Lake Charles. Sound Factory is throwing the last irons in the fire and about to blast full steam ahead as well here in Lafayette. Crystal's has begun some awesome specials that is attracting many people, they just can’t get enough and keep going back for more. Starting on Monday night and going stronger and stronger through the week, ending with a bang every Friday and Saturday. So any time you feel like heading out to Lake Charles it is more than worth it. Sound Factory has been working hard on making all the necessary changes and working out all the kinks to assure that you will get the best possible experience when visiting downtown Lafayette. With one last iron just thrown on the fire, July will be the month that Sound Factory goes full steam ahead and has no plans to stop, so ladies, please have your seat belts on and ready, she is about to take off. With many surprises heading this way and many changes, you will want to make sure you come and see all that is happening. A special thanks goes out to all that went on-line and voted for the Gay Appreciation Awards, and hopefully whatever, or whoever you voted for was awarded. Be sure to look and check out who the top 5 finalists are. On the last note, Sound Factory invites everyone to join us July 4th, for a fabulous night, drink specials, jello shots, and their annual Mr. & Miss Sound Factory. This is the first year that Sound Factory will hand a title out for Mr. Sound Factory, so be sure to come check this fabulous pageant, with great performers as well. Until next time, have a blast, and be safe ladies.
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They’re just sooo CRAZY The real gentlemen of Sound Factory It’s as if they're TERRIFIED!!
acadiana
Big Gurl & Miss Scott enjoying the River
Can you tell what’s really on their mind? Just stopping to say what’s up...?
Troy gives two thumbs up while hard at work bein’ a lady
Chilli Pepper & Sharpe’
The gays on the bus go “Hey Gurl Hey!!!”
Rick & Landon Some people just never pay attention
Miss Kevin & Keebler
The bus ride full of festive ladies
Macky covers Chad as he sings “It’s Raining Men” And some are just as cozy as ever... And the Lady has washed ashore
Can you see her...yea...really!!
Caught off guard
Miss Smittie...our fabulous driver for the day
Gay Day Canoe Trip 2009
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Terrified, Cozy, Crazy ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins
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GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37
Always good times Well they tried anyway...
Smile ladies Paddi & John and their night out
lake charles
Divalicious
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What was he thinking?
What a crew of ladies....
Nikki & Robert workin’ that bar
Keisha says errrh
Robert actin’ crazy
Miss Keisha letting the crowd have it!! Aren’t they just adorable?
Ladies say hey And again...
Well there ya have it
Awww...
Group shot...
Miss Gilland & his beautiful baby
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Adorable, Fabulous, Errrh ~ Lake Charles, Louisiana ~ Photo Page by Chris Perkins
What’s up?
And a fabulous night out
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
Rusty & Don accept special gift of “forty acres and a mule” from Kevin & Mac
GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Rusty LaRoux working the Bywater Bar.B.Que booth at Vieux To Do Fest
DJ Alex (aka GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Ama Rosa) spins at Cafe Lafitte in Exile
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Orlando servin’ up Shrimp Remoulade Stuffed Tomato at Bywater Bar.B.Que’s booth at Vieux To Do Fest GAA Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist Lance from GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Steve & Rene sling cocktails for Rusty & Don and Koo & Marty’s 1st Wedding Anniversary at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist The Friendly Bar
Outgoing manager Sammy doing what he does best at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Lafitte’s
GAA Top 5 Bitch of the Year Finalist Aletha slingin’ cocktails at Lafitte’s Don, Rusty, John, Paul, Marty, Koo, (back) Kevin & Chuc & (front) Mac celebrate Rusty & Don and Koo & Marty’s 1st Wedding Anniversary at The Friendly Bar
Boom Boom celebrates his birthday with Paul at Starlight John, Wayne, Mac & Paul cocktailin’ at Rusty & Don and Koo & Marty’s 1st Wedding Anniversary at The Friendly Bar
GAA Top 5 Restaurant/Deli of the Year Finalist Bywater Bar.B.Que’s booth at the Vieux To Do Fest in the French Market Mac, Blake & Chet celebrate Rusty & Don and Koo & Marty’s 1st Wedding Anniversary at The Friendly Bar
Bobbie joins GAA Top 5 Lesbian of the Year Finalist Marty for Rusty & Don and Koo & Marty’s 1st Wedding Anniversary at The Friendly Bar
Bywater Mike testing his batch of Mudbug Pasta at Vieux To Do Fest
Lafitte’s bartender Marvin up on the bar entertaining the Tennessee boys
Marvin & the Tennessee boys live and in person at Cafe Lafitte in Exile
The baby Sassy, Marsha’s 56th b-day present, plays with Octopussy at home on Bourbon Street
Queenie & baby Sassy ready for a ride in one of their bags from Marsha
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, CW Stambaugh/Starlight By The Park
Robbie, Darrin & Travis compete in Wii Bowling Wednesdays at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist 700 Club
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41
Around the Clubs ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush
GAA Top 5 DJ of the Year Finalist DJ Myke & partner Max cocktailin’ at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Rawhide 2010
GAA Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist Jeff from GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Cafe Lafitte in Exile
GAA Top 5 Man of the Year Finalist Mike from GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist 700 Club
Lords of Leather (GAA Top 5 Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Finalist) President Gary Vandeventer (GAA Top 5 Leather Person of the Year Finalist) & Phoenix Manager Clint
2nd Runner-Up Servi
Judges Kaycee, Danny LeCompte & George Hester
Carol behind the bar at Le Roundup Mr. Phoenix New Orleans Leather Gray
Will & Mike welcome you to Double Play
Skipper, Barry Bareass & Rythum posing for the camera at The Corner Pocket Calendar Boy Contest
1st Runner-up Buzzcut Ernest Phoenix bartender Eric designed the contest backdrop
GAA Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist Paul from GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist 700 Club
GAA Top 5 Man of the Year Finalist Toby cocktailin’ at 700 Club
Contestant Diamond Gemini Blaze dancing on the bar at The Corner Pocket
Barry Bareass & Mikey at The Corner Pocket Calendar Boy Contest
Winner Gray
Lords of Leather host Lone Star Rubber Corps Beef & Burger Bust with Lord Troy Powell, Lord Tim Lott & Lord Alan Kelley peeking from behind the bar
Barry snags one of the Lone Star Rubber Corps
42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Mr. Phoenix New Orleans Leather Contest at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Gary Glitter
ambush
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44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • June 23-July 6, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM