Ambush magazine volume 27 issue 22

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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Get In On the Action

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he big Halloween edition of Ambush is chock full of events, parties and costume contests. There's nightlife, dining, shopping, hair salons, spas, and everything one needs to sustain themselves during this festive time of year. As you will discover, there is absolutely something for everyone. All of the advertisers make this publication possible, so please patronize these businesses and organizations first and foremost in support of the vitality of the GLBT community.

Halloween 26 in New Orleans: Twisted Seasons Oct. 29-Nov. 1 Benefiting Project Lazarus

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alloween 26: Twisted Sea-sons runs Thursday, October 29 through Sunday, November 1. The mega circuit event will bring thousands of revelers to the city joining thousands of locals benefiting Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS. Join in four days of exciting parties in the Big Easy all for charity! 2009 will celebrate Halloween’s in New Orleans 26th year of parties and fund-raising. Total donations to Project Lazarus surpassed $4 million last year.

This year’s theme of Twisted Seasons will give each night of the event a different seasonal backdrop, each with a little twist of Halloween New Orleans!

Thursday, October 29 (7:30pm10:30pm; auction preview for hosts at 7pm) brings An Autumn Indulgence. Party inside the Shops at Canal Place with Premium open bar, entertainment and silent auction. Price: $50 at the door or included for Paton, Host or 4 Day Weekend Pass. Event Chair: Nick Nevares; Silent Auction Chair: Tyler Douglas. Dress to impress.

On Friday, October 30 (9pm - 3am) it's Wicked Winter Wonderland at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. At this popular dance club in the Warehouse district, DJ Seth Cooper will warm you up with his hot smile and tunes, but get ready to dance through a blizzard! Hot wintery go go boys and girls. Select open bar available for all guests and an exclusive frost bitten VIP Lounge with extra special treats for Patrons and Hosts. Price: $50 at the door or included for Paton, Host and all passes. Event Chair: Ryan Wentworth; with Nicholas Landry, decoration/design; Brent Meche, decoration/ design; Travis St. Pierre, DJ/entertainment.

Saturday, October 31 (10pm-4am) is the big night with A Midsummer Night’s SCREAM at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. This brand new location on the East Bank of the Mississippi next to the Convention Center promises to be a night to remember.

Halloween rarely falls on a Saturday, so it is bound to be full of Halloween treats (and tricks)! Select open bar, costume mandatory dance extravaganza, dance to DJ Roland Belmares and lighting by Bryan Holcombe. The Official Halloween New Orleans Costume Contest returns from 11pm - 12am on stage, Midnight show, and expanded VIP Host Lounge. Enter through Mardi Gras World and see the amazing floats of Mardi Gras. Price: $70 advance/$80 at the door or included for Paton, Host and all weekend passes. Saturday Event Chairs: Jacob Villere and Nick Nesbit.

The finale on Sunday, November 1 (2-4:30pm) is Spring Rejuvenation on the

Natchez Riverboat, Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River. Chartered river cruise and brunch with open bar aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The perfect way to end the weekend and revitalize your body and soul. Restore with the beauty and romance of New Orleans and the Mighty Mississippi River. Refresh with local vocalist Anais St. John and the Harry Mayronne Trio in the dining room. Renew with DJ Mary Pappas at tea dance on the top deck.Price: $50 or included for Paton, Host, and all weekend passes. Sunday Event Chairs: Don Paul Landry and Craig Trentecosta.

This is sure to be one of the biggest Halloweens yet! This year, Halloween weekend is also host to a huge convention and the VooDoo Music Experience so book early to secure your spot!

The mission of the Hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised.

For passes, tickets or information, visit HalloweenNewOrleans.COM/Ambush.

Ambush Mag (AmbushMag.COM) and Oz (OzNewOrleans.COM) are proud sponsors of the weekend.

Bourbon Street Homes, Courtyards Tour Nov. 1

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hree doors away from the hubbub of Bourbon Street, artist Peter Yokum and Polly Anderson live in a Spanish colonial townhouse built in the 1790s. The home is a gem of Creole architecture but unlike most of its neighbors that have been transformed into garish nightspots, the structure remains a residence. Yokum’s home at 723 Toulouse Street will be one of five private homes in the Bourbon Street corridor that will open to the public for the annual “Treasures of Bourbon Street” house tour on Sunday, November 1, from 1 to 5pm.

Sponsored by the non-profit Historic Bourbon Street Foundation, the tour highlights the fact that Bourbon Street, despite its late-night party reputation, also is a place where people live in some of New Orleans’ most stylish and historic homes.

Next Edition due out Tuesday, November 10

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“Casa Hinard,” a Spanish colonial townhouse on “Treasures of Bourbon Street” house tour Nov. 1

Tickets for the tour are $15 and will be sold on the day of the tour at 723 Toulouse Street and 706 Barracks Street. Ticket sales will stop at 3:30pm.

Yokum and Anderson’s home, known as Casa Hinard for an early owner, Don Geronimo Hinard, is a classic Creole townhouse featuring a wide porte cochere leading from the street to a loggia and lush courtyard. The house is noted for its ancient iron hardware — ram’s head and strap hinges on shutrters and French doors, wrought iron balcony railings and huge iron gates at the carriage way entrance. Other noted architectural features include hand-carved cypress moldings, a copy of a Christopher Wren stairway and a fireplace mantle hand carved in the Napoleanic “Honeycomb and Bee” pattern which the Smithsonian Institute has [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] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 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 Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Nathan Brooks, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, 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 cited as the most outstanding example in existence. The house is filled with antiques, including a bed and armoire by the master craftsmen Francois Seignouret and Prudent Mallard, a sofa that was a gift from King Louis Phillippe of France and a chandelier that came from the old Quadroon Ball Room.

Other homes to be open for the “Treasures of Bourbon Street” tour include: 729 Dumaine St. - David and Bobbie Widdon live in this Victorian shotgun cottage in the middle of the French Quarter. An engineer and maritime architect, David Widdon works in Mobile but commutes to New Orleans because he and his wife love the vitality of the French Quarter. Their home is furnished with contemporary pieces and many “fun” accessories, including several unusual lamps decorated

by Bobbie Widdon, who is an artist.

728 St. Philip St. - This Creole cottage and its slave quarters were a group of condominiums when real estate broker Leslie Perrin and building contractor Charles Ransdell purchased the property several years ago and returned it to being a single family residence. The original exterior kitchen structure is still used as a kitchen to service courtyard events.

706 Barracks St. - Built around 1820, this classic Creole cottage was once used as a studio by the famed artist and naturalist John James Audubon. The structure has just been renovated and furnished by Houston-based interior designer Jon Green.

816 Gov. Nichols St.- Dating from 1830, this stucco-covered brick cottage

and its manicured courtyard garden is the home of Michael and Ruth Burke who acquired the property about three years ago after selling their plantation home, Richland, near Natchez. The Burkes work with museums and owners of historic homes to license lines of historic home furnishings for manufacturers to reproduce. The Burke residence is furnished with a stylish mix of antiques and contemporary pieces along with art, including a collection of 18th century Italian architectural engravings.

For more information about the “Treasures of Bourbon Street” home tour, call 504.524.3621.

BBC To Film Local Vibe at 700 Club Oct. 28

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BC will be filming at 700 Club, 700 Burgundy at St. Peter, New Orleans, on Wednesday, October 28 from 7-9pm. The company is looking for the local vibe in New Orleans to use in a documentary. If you want to be part of this experience, you will be treated to $2 well drinks and domestic beer from 5-9 pm, a special from 700 Club bar barons Matt Giglio and Mike Cookmeyer.

Lords of Leather Beer Bust Oct. 30, Halloween Costume Contest Oct. 31

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he Lords of Leather are hosting the 5th Friday beer bust at the Phoenix, 940 Elysian Fields, on October the 30th. Due to numerous requests from those who missed it the first time, the Lords will repeat the

popular “Bathhouse Beer Bust” theme. In keeping with the season, though, the Lords have titled this event “THE BATHHOUSE OF HORRORS”. There are sure to be ghouls, goblins, freaks, and, of course, trolls. And that’s besides the regular patrons! Just kidding; but masks befitting the theme are encouraged.

Anyone wearing only a towel will receive a free shot at the patio bar and there will be a special prize for the person in costume voted “Who/What I Wouldn’t Want to See When the Lights Come Up”.

The price is $5 for all the beer or soda you can drink from 9pm to 1am. Towels will be available, so put on your best(?) face or monster mask, take off your clothes, and party with the Lords of Leather.

On Halloween night the Lords will be sponsoring a costume contest at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. The party begins at 8pm and the winners will be named promptly at 10pm. The winner of Best Costume will receive 50% of the 50/ 50 raffle, so if you think you’ve got a great costume, bring your friends and have them purchase raffle tickets! The other 50% will go to the holder of the winning ticket.

There is no cover charge and there is no entrance fee for the contest.

The Mirliton Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

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009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Bywater Neighborhood Association’s Mirliton Festival which will be held Saturday, November 7 from 11am until 7pm at Markey Park (corner of Piety and Royal streets). Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for BNA

members. Kids 5 years of age and under are free.

This year’s event promises to be the best yet. The diverse and talented musical lineup includes The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, DJ Jubilee, Happy Talk Band, R. Scully Rough 7, Guitar Lightning Lee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Panorama Jazz Band, King Louie One Man Band and Ratty Scurvics.

The festival will also showcase food from some of the neighborhood’s best eateries. Returning this year are The Country Club, Jack Dempsey’s, The Joint, Markey’s Bar, Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods and Karma Kitchen as well as Bacchanal with a great selection of wines.

Newcomers include Satsuma Cafe, Café Roux and Frady’s. For those with a sweet

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the "official" dish ...from 6 tooth, look for gelato from Sucré and gourmet popsicles from Meltdown. As in years past, Abita and Coca-Cola products will also be available.

The festival will also feature an eclectic mix of artists, a children’s activity area, and some great new merchandise including t-shirts, bumper stickers, and temporary Mirliton tattoos. Dr. Bob has designed this year’s limited edition 20th anniversary Mirliton Festival shirt, so be sure to pick one up.

For more information, visit www.bywater.org.

Rally For Equality Nov. 7 at New Orleans City Hall

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he steps of New Orleans City Hall will be the site of a Rally for Equality, to be held on November 7 from noon to 1pm. This rally will signal support for equality and justice for all, and highlight the problems that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender indi-

viduals face in Louisiana and across the nation.

Organized by the ACLU of Louisiana, Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church, Forum For Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, NO/AIDS Task Force, the National Organization for Women, PFLAG, TCC and other allies of the LGBT community, the event will feature the speakers, entertainment and provide information on services available to the LGBT community in the New Orleans area.

“This rally will provide information about issues affecting the LGBT community, such as the right to keep a job, family and adoption rights, and the need for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that affects those in military service,” said Marjorie R. Esman, Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana. In addition, there will be information about AIDS awareness, help for those interested in “coming out,” and other supportive advice.

Mary Griggs, Managing Director of

Forum For Equality, said: “It’s been a year since our last LGBT rally in New Orleans, held in the aftermath of California’s Proposition 8 election. It will be one month since the successful National Equality March held in Washington, D.C. It’s important for the local community to show support and to gain a sense of pride and dignity while working to establish a society free from discrimination.”

For more information about the event, go to www.laaclu.org or www.forumforequality.com.

Hate Crimes Bill on the Way to the President's Desk

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he Matthew Shepard Act (officially the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act), is a bill that the United States Congress passed on October 22, that would expand the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived

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the "official" dish ...from 8 gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

The bill would also: *remove the current prerequisite that the victim be engaging in a federally-protected activity, like voting or going to school; *give federal authorities greater ability to engage in hate crimes investigations that local authorities choose not to pursue; *provide $10 million in funding for 2008 and 2009 to help state and local agencies pay for investigating and prosecuting hate crimes; *require the · Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track statistics on hate crimes against · transgender people (statistics for the other groups are already tracked).

Eleven years after two men lost their lives to brutal hate crimes, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Act is finally on its way to the President’s desk.

Without the constant voice of Judy and Dennis Shepard, and the commitment of the family of James Byrd, Jr. – whose name was added to the bill recently – this victory would not have been possible.

The Shepards pushed through the pain of losing their son, through hatemongers picketing his funeral, through countless political setbacks. And after the brutal racially-motivated murder of James Byrd, Jr., his family became fierce advocates for stronger and more inclusive hate crimes legislation.

President Obama has vowed to sign it by the end of this month. The victory marks a truly pivotal moment in the fight for LGBT equality. It happened because of the dedication of many people like you and the families of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., for whom the bill is named.

3rd New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival Slated

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housands of New Orleanians will celebrate the city’s most famous sandwich—on November 22 as they head for Oak Street for the third annual New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival. The Festival will be held from 11am to 6pm that Sunday in a 7-block section of Oak Street between Carrollton Avenue and Eagle Street with the Carrollton and Oak intersection being accessible by streetcar.

This festival was founded as a celebration of the storied sandwich and the role it has played in New Orleans’ culinary culture. The festival also highlights the ongoing revitalization of the Oak Street business corridor, which was designated a National Main Street in 2006 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a Louisiana Main Street by the Department of Historic Preservation, which authorizes the program.

Proceeds from the festival go toward the Oak Street Association’s work to promote, preserve, and revitalize Carrollton’s historic Oak Street neighborhood and commercial corridor. A portion of proceeds will be used to fund grants for neighborhood organizations in the Carrollton area.

This year will feature a “newly renovated Oak Street” reminiscent of an upscale pedestrian plaza. This $6-plus million project included entire street paving, new curbs, sidewalks, benches, and bike racks. Granite cobblestones from the original Oak Street streetcar foundation were reused in each intersection. And Oak Street infrastructure improvements include new sewer and water lines, storm drains, and fire hydrants.

The first two New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festivals were held in 2007 and 2008 and featured po-boy offerings

from some of the city’s most famous restaurants. Festival judges, including Tom Fitzmorris of The Food Show, presented the “Golden Loaf Awards” for the best tasting po-boys. This free public street festival had more than 15,000 attendees in 2008 and covered five commercial street blocks of Oak Street. This year, the festival has grown with the addition of two more blocks on Oak Street and an artists’ village on Leonidas Street. As with last year there will be two stages with live music, arts and crafts, a children’s section with games and prizes, panel discussions covering the history of the po-boy and, of course, the best tasting po-boys in New Orleans.

For more information, visit poboyfest.com.

4th Annual PhotoNOLA December 1-13

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hotoNOLA is an annual celebration of photography in New Orleans, coordinated by the New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) in partnership with galleries, museums and photographers citywide. December 2009 marks the fourth annual festival. Scheduled events will take place from December 1-13, with broad ranging photography exhibitions on display throughout the month of December.

“With more than 30 exhibitions and an increased educational line-up we are looking forward to the best PhotoNOLA yet. We hope photography enthusiasts from near and far will take advantage of this year’s excellent and accessible programming to join us in celebrating the photographic arts,” said NOPA President Mark Sindler.

PhotoNOLA festivities will begin with a series of French Quarter openings from December 1- 3. It is thrilled to be hosting its first Slideluck Potshow on Friday, De-

cember 4 at Studio 527. Saturday, December 5 will include a wet-plate photography demonstration at Homespace Gallery, a multi-artist book signing event at the New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery, evening art openings and an after party at The Big Top. Sunday, December 6 brings afternoon lectures with Linda Troeller and Casey Kelbaugh.

The PhotoGALA Benefit Party & Auction on Thursday, December 10 at the New Orleans Museum of Art is not to be missed.

An Education Day on December 11 will feature a Blurb Self-Publishing seminar followed by a Mary Virginia Swanson lecture, and will wrap with a slideshow presentation by Lauren Greenfield, sponsored by Canon. Portfolio Reviews with a national cast of curators, editors and gallerists will take place December 12 & 13. The Saturday evening PhotoWALK featuring review participants will offer the public a peek at 60 rising photographers from across the nation. Lower Garden District and St. Claude Arts District openings will follow.

Exhibitions will feature work by Susan Burnstine, Debbie Fleming Caffery, William Greiner, David Halliday, Louviere + Vanessa, Robert Polidori, Jonathan Traviesa, Alvaro Villela, POYi’s Visions of Excellence, Lori Waselchuk, Sarah Wilson and many others. Gallery talks, additional book signings and lectures and a Six Shooters panel discussion are also included in the lineup. Most events are free and open to the public.

For more information visit photonola.org.

The New Orleans Photo Alliance (neworleansphotoalliance.org) is comprised of a diverse group of photographers who joined forces in 2006 to create unity and opportunity for photographers in the Gulf South.

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under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Halloween

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alloween is once again upon us, and since it is one of my favorite holidays, I thought it would be fun to give you a little history lesson about the holiday with a little help of my good friends at Wikipedia. Halloween has origins in the ancient Gaelic festival known as Samhain, which is derived from Old Irish and means roughly “summer’s end.” The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half,” and is sometimes regarded as the “Celtic New Year.”

It could be seen as a festival of the dead. The ancient Gaels believed that the border between this world and the other world became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both good and evil) to pass through.

The family’s ancestors were honored and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as an evil spirit and thus avoid harm. In Scotland the spirits were impersonated by young men dressed in white with masked, veiled or blackened faces. That actually sounds kind of sexy.

That is why I think the gay community embraces this holiday, because there is something rather erotic and mysterious about the idea of masking. So that is why Halloween New Orleans is such a wonderful four day event because it blends good scares with an endless array of sexy people. And with a theme like Twisted Seasons, you know it will be off the charts.

Halloween 26 weekend starts on Thursday, October 29, with An Autumn Indulgence at The Shops at Canal Place.

This kickoff “dressy” event features a taste of New Orleans food from restaurants around the city, silent auction and a performance by America’s Got Talent‘s Amy and Freddy.

On Friday, October 30, get chilled by Wicked Winter Wonderland at Generations Hall. At this popular dance club in the Warehouse district, DJ Seth Cooper will warm you up with his hot smile and tunes, but get ready to dance through a blizzard of hot wintery go go boys and girls. There will also be a host lounge for hosts and patrons.

Saturday, October 31, is the night. Get ready for a A Midsummer Night’s SCREAM at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. This brand new location on the East Bank of the Mississippi will promise to be a night to remember. Halloween rarely falls on a Saturday, so this costume extravaganza and DJ Roland Belmaresled dance party is bound to be full of Halloween treats (and tricks!) The official Halloween New Orleans Costume Contest will take place at 11pm and the midnight show is sure to thrill! There will be an amazing host lounge and the theme of Saturday implies Shakespeare. But remember it’s Halloween, feel free to dress in whatever costume your ghoulish little

heart desires.

Then finally on Sunday, November 1, we recover with a little Spring Rejuvenation on the Natchez Riverboat. This is a perfect way to end the weekend for visitors and residents alike by experiencing the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline on the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ, New Orleans’ only authentic Steamboat. For more information on these events or for tickets, go to www.halloweenneworleans.com/ambush.

But all the festivities aside, I would be digress in not mentioning the main purpose for this event. The mission of the hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide health care and support services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised. This is probably the most important reason every host, volunteer and attendee is part of these events and for me what this weekend is all about.

Founded in 1983, Project Lazarus is the oldest and largest residential facility providing assisted living to people with AIDS in the Gulf Coast region. Project Lazarus, initially called and still sometimes known as Lazarus House, was founded by a group of clergy and lay people who were asked to help a person with AIDS who was being discharged from the hospital, but had nowhere to live. T h e Archdiocese of New Orleans responded to this need by offering the upstairs of an old convent for the purpose of housing homeless people with AIDS, thus creating the first “residence house.” In 1985, a second “house” was added. Initially the program was staffed entirely by volunteers. Lazarus quickly became known as a place where people could come to live when friends and family could no longer care for them. The program and staff have continued to grow and meet the increasing needs of the community.

Project Lazarus has increased its capacity to four houses. Each floor in the two buildings is considered a residence house, and each house accommodates six residents in small group-home settings. Lazarus now maintains a paid staff of over 20 people, and more than 150 volunteers who provide 24 hour-a-day care to its residents. Lazarus provides both transitional and permanent housing. The four houses are created to foster a home like atmosphere, each with private bedrooms, uniquely furnished and decorated.

Additionally, the houses have common living areas and bathrooms as well as family style kitchens that never close.

Project Lazarus encourages maximum independence, but provides minimum to total care based on individual need.

Men and women come to Project Lazarus in various stages of health, and care is individualized according to each person’s needs. To date, more than 600 men and women with a terminal diagno-

sis of AIDS have called Lazarus their home, and many have died at Lazarus. The stigma and fear continues as many of them have been shunned by family and friends, and find at Lazarus; companionship, love, and care that they so desperately need. All staff members work interchangeably within the four houses, creating a bond between them and the residents.

On a personal note, one of my fondest memories of Halloween, was several years back when my friend Larkin Holmes was in his last stages of the disease. With all the strength he could muster, he attended the Saturday night event in one of his glamorous hand made costumes, like he had done In the years past. I was surprised to even see him at the event, knowing how bad his illness had been lately. We sat together for what seemed like forever visiting, laughing about past years, fun costumes and the numerous boys we encountered. That was my last time to see Larkin alive, he passed away in early January. I like to believe that every year he is looking down on us from above and enjoying the festivities. So to my dear friend Larkin, Happy Halloween. For more information on Project Lazarus, go to www.projectlazarus.net.

Tennessee Williams Literary Fest March 24-28

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peaking of festivals, it is never too early to get excited about upcoming events. Here is a sneak peek at the 24th Annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival happening March 24 - 28, 2010. Being a big fan of the show True Blood, I was thrilled to hear that Lois Smith, the twotime Tony Awards nominee and who appeared in the original Broadway production of Orpheus Descending, will be in attendance.

She played Sookie Stackhouse’s grandmother in the first season of the hit HBO vampire series.

Along with Smith, other noteworthy guests include best selling author Winston Groom (Forest Gump), emmy-award winning journalist Cokie Roberts, bestselling author Michael Lewis, bestselling author Jill Connor Browne (Sweet Potato Queen books), and playwright and television producer of The Wire and Treme, Eric Overmyer.

Also joining the festival this year is Dave Eggers who is a co-writer on the films Away We Go and Where the Wild Things Are. He is also the author of the celebrated A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, What is the What, as well as the founder of McSweeney’s. In addition to the all those accomplishments, he is a hottie. Okay, so condemn me if I am shallow, but good looks definitely can’t hurt book sales. Another looker at the festival this year is Joseph Boyden, winner of the prestigious Giller Prize for his new novel, Through Black Spruce. Boasting over 70 programs, feature award winning writers from every genre, terrific theatre performances and great music and food events, this year’s festival is not to be missed. For more information on the Tennessee Williams Festival, go to www.tennesseewilliams.net.

Shows, Shows, Shows

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ow that fall is here, the theatrical offerings in the city are beginning to pick up. And the gay carnival community is taking advan-

tage of some of the great shows hitting the New Orleans stages. Both the krewe of Armeinius and Satyricon have presented opening night performances of some of the hottest shows in town. Recently, the Krewe of Armeinius sponsored the opening night performance of Damn Yankees at Le Petit. And now the Krewe of Satyricon is sponsoring three opening nights in the months of November and December. First up, Satyricon presents the opening of the Tony Award winning show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, on Thursday, November 5 at 8pm. This ForeFront production will be staged in the Muriel Cabaret at Le Petit Theatre. Tickets are $25.

Then on December 2nd, Satyricon is hosting the opening night of the holiday classic White Christmas on the main stage at Le Petit Theatre. The show starts at 8pm.

Then on December 4th, get ready for a zany holiday production by Running With Scissors of The Silent Night of the Lambs.

Satyricon will host the opening night at Le Chat Noir at 8pm. For tickets to any of these performances, call 504.525.4498.

October, My Birthday Month

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ctober is my birthday month and I celebrated my birthday in true New Orleans fashion, with good food, lots of liquor and campy drag queens. What more can a person ask for. I want to take the time to thank several people for my surprise birthday show at JohnPaul’s on Sunday, October 11. First and foremost, I want to thank my dear friend Princesse Stephaney, who organized the entire event unbeknownst to me. Princesse, you are the best and I could not have asked for a better evening.

It is hard to keep a secret in this town. You are truly the Ethel to my Lucy.

And what an incredible night of fun performers. Elizabeth Bouvier, Zsa Zsa De La Hor, Eva Las Vegas, Cathy Fox, and Marcy Marcell made the night a memorable occasion, so I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I would also like to thank one of my favorite bars, JohnPaul’s and everyone who works here. You truly are one of the brightest new fixtures in the New Orleans gay community. You should be commended for giving anyone and everyone who walks through your door the feeling of belonging.

And one other thing I realized that evening, when I met this nice young man, who helped me celebrate the end of the evening. I have officially entered cougar country. Damn when did that happen?

A Dinner Party

I

wanted to share one of the most incredible evenings I had recently with a group of friends. Always looking for new party ideas, my friends Nick Nevares and Tyler Douglass hosted a dinner party at their condominium in the Historic Cottonmills and it was probably one of the most memorable nights I have had in a long time.

They hosted the normal dinner party, but they got the guests involved. It was four gay couples, actually three gay couples and me. We each chose a course and had to pare that dish with a specialty drink. At first, I thought it sounded like a lot of work, but we all got into it and ended up having a blast coming up with the dish and the

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sappho psalm

by Toni J.P. Pizanie Email: psalmwrite@att.net

Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 – Toby Lefort

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hile most are readying themselves for Halloween as I am, I still have on my mind the Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest. The weekend was outstanding. It started in the patio of the Phoenix where judges were afforded the opportunity to meet with five hopeful contestants. We moved upstairs where we could talk more privately with each of the Leather men vying for the honor of wearing this year’s sash.

The five in order of the number selected are: Contestant #1 Gray Gibson, Mr. Phoenix and member of the Radical Faeries Movement. Gray was an excited novice who loves wearing leather and

under the gaydar ...from 12 libation.

Our hosts took care of all the details, flatware, dishware, stemware and serving utensils. We just had to tell them in advance what was needed. So I was up first doing the first course which was a lump crabmeat and portabello mushroom soup topped with parmesan cheese and chives. I pared this dish with a drink fitting for the holiday, A Headless Horseman, which is a vodka based drink. I made shot glasses out of ice and filled them with vodka to chill. Then each guest had a glass of ginger ale placed in front of them.

They took the vodka shot and dropped it in the glass making it fizz and also the shot glass provided the ice for the drink. I then added some orange bitters to finish it off.

It was an amazing combination that worked perfectly together.

Next James and Scott had the salad course, which was a smoked apple wood bacon and broccoli salad with a Creole tomato dressing. They pared this dish with a champagne drink called the Lava Lamp. This is a glass of champagne with blue jello made with vodka dropped into it.

The jello floats up and down the glass creating a lava lamp effect. What fun, I had two.

Our hosts, Nick and Tyler did the entrée which was an absolutely delectable shrimp and saffron rissoto. They pared this with a Scotch drink called the Bottom Line. I do not know all the ingredients, but suffice it to say, it was made with Scotch and a honey jagermeister. Wow, I do not like jagermeister, but this was magnificent.

And ending the dinner was Marvin and Robbie who made a raspberry crème brulee for dessert. Their drink was a Blacula, a chocolate-raspberry martini.

Great finish to an incredible meal.

The reason why I shared this evening with you is because I think this is a great way for friends to get together and have an enjoyable evening. The group was intimate giving me time to visit with everyone and actually getting a chance to speak with them outside a bar or a crowded

wants to learn more about S&M and bondage. Gray holds the distinction of raising the most money in the history of the Rawhide slave auction. As a judge, I gave him points for the best butt. Sponsored by the Phoenix. #2 Brad Williams, is an educator with an interest in toys “because boys should have toys.” Brad takes part in church, volunteers in the soup kitchen, tutors and helps with cleanup activities in Bay St. Louis where he is currently living while looking for a new home in New Orleans.

Sponsored by Rawhide. #3 Doug Duke, has a special interest in Leather history and enjoys light bondage and roller coasters. Doug is a supporter of community fundraisers. He con[continued on 16]

event. And what was so good about this event, was it got all the guests active in the night, each person taking center stage at some point during the evening to present their course. We had so much fun, that we are making this a regular event.

Lesbians, Ahoy!

I

t is still not too late to book your cruise for Sweet Travel’s seven day fun-filled cruise in the Western Caribbean, November 8-15, 2009. Sweet will take over the entire Norwegian Spirit.

Their journey starts here in our own beloved New Orleans, and ports of call include Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. With four of the hottest DJs, parties by the legendary Club Skirts (makers of The Dinah Shore Weekend) and fantastic theme parties, it’s going to be an unbelievable week of music and dancing.

There is an unbelievable array of fabulous Lesbian entertainers and special guests stars. But in addition to the entertainment and the ports of call, this cruise offers much more. They have networking and empowerment seminars, sweet sweat boot camps with celebrity fitness guru Shawnee Harkins from Dr. Phil’s Weight Loss Race, and wedding packages for those who want to get hitched at sea. The Norwegian Spirit cruise ship is literally a floating island with first-class amenities. She offers Freestyle Cruising with the flexibility of 11 restaurants, seven bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, a sports deck, casino, spa and a variety of spacious public rooms.

But also, on November 7, Sweet is hosting an amazing bon voyage party with all the ladies coming in town for the cruise.

So for more information on the cruise or this going away party, go to http:// discoversweet.com or call 877.793.3830.

H

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

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honesty and novice naiveté. He and his partner love to party with other Gay Leather men. He volunteers with NO/AIDS Task Force and helps friends and neighbors rebuild after our several hurricanes. He believes being a Leather man is both a lifestyle and a discipline. No sponsor.

This year the contest was held at Oz to a full house. I’m glad I was a judge with a good seat or it would have been standing room only. The crowd was supportive of all five contestants. However, they screamed Toby’s name when the judges took time to cast their final votes for the winners.

We will never know if it was a joke or honest mistake but Toby was first announced as 2nd runner up (3rd place). He was very gracious but the crowd went nuts. Order was quickly returned when it was announced that this was an error, and Doug Duke was awarded the trophy and check for 2nd runner up looking very surprised. 1st runner up (2nd place) was taken by a happily shocked Jose Gonzalez. And the sash, trophy and check for Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 went to Toby Lefort.

I love this job – the job of judge for the Leather contest.

It is educational and a lot of fun. The Lords of Leather do great work in promoting respect and acceptance. They do two things that I really like. First they honor our wonderful country by singing The National Anthem before the event. Second they honor the men who have held this title in past years.

The event ended with brunch at JohnPaul’s on Sunday and a lively group of Saints fans watching the win on TV. We had enjoyed lunch there on Saturday supplied by Mike’s Bywater Bar.B.Que. If you have not attended this excellent three day event, you need to mark your calendar for next year.

Angola Rodeo

I

queen on the scene

by Nathan Brooks Email: Nathan@nathanbrooksentertainment.com

Bareass and his Gong

T

ommy Elias has shown the force that is New Orleans by bringing back The Gong Show for the first time since Katrina! An old New Orleans favorite The Gong Show is hosted by the witty and comical Barry Bareass.

Barry has been hosting shows at the Corner Pocket since “the storm” (as we call it now), and loved the new opportunity to come to an old stomping ground where he used to host many excellent shows. It is good to see him back in his sequined jackets, glasses, and of course, pumps.

Monday, October 12 began Barry’s new reign of the Monday night show where contestants compete for $100.69.

Whether you can juggle, sing, dance, strip, do a puppet show, or whatever you call talent that is legal you can compete to win the CASH prize.

Now there is a small catch sitting on the stage in the form of a Chinese gong given to Oz by the ancients and sworn to silence any horrible talent as seen fit by an audience member. Yes folks, audience participation! So if you sing and you sound like two cats doing the horizontal boogie then you are soon to displease the Gods who will send some hateful person with no heart to ring the sacred gong and send you both into the pits of humiliation and crying; however, if you are great or good then you have a chance of being a gong idol or something. Either way it is all fun and games!

Oz has brought back the “talent show” of long ago. If you have never seen Barry you’re in for a treat. If you have never been to Oz you're in for a surprise and if you have

anything bad to say about someone and feel like it is hateful… I will be at the show buy me a cocktail and come take a seat by me. I am sure we will have one hell of a time!

Saturdays Have a NEW Face!

P

ersana Shoulders is now bringing a new ideal to Saturdays as his boy counterpart. It’s not gay but still Fabulous! In the warehouse district on Julia Street there is a very large venue that has been used by the gay community for fashion shows, wine tasting, and upscale entertainment. The venue is a reminder of the old 735 with very large staging, amazing artwork and a chandelier that I would kill for! Or maybe just make into a nice broach! The venue is Republic and for all of us older folks it is also known as the old Howling Wolf. With a very new concept not seen anywhere in “gay” New Orleans called a VIP area, (I know exciting huh) the venue takes life about 1am with colorful people and personalities. Although the crowd is mostly straight people it does have a nice mix around 1:45am. The VIP areas allow customers to lounge in a private area with their own mixers and alcohol for one price for the night.

Saturdays the party starts about 11ish and goes on till the wee hours of the morning. If you need an escape from the old bump and grind and want to go hear what else is out there cruise on out to Republic and have a drink, a look and maybe, just maybe Persona will buy you a cocktail! [continued on 18]

believe that I told you that I’d be attending the Angola Rodeo with members of the Louisiana State Gay Rodeo Association (LSGRA). I did and it was an experience. I thought I’d enjoy the day and I did but I was not prepared for seeing humans being flipped into the air by angry bulls while the crowd cheered. I have a lot a value for human life and this was difficult for me to understand.

I’ve watched rodeos on TV for years and never got the full meaning of the danger involved. Some men were thrown from the bulls as they came out of the shoots. Some rode the bulls into the center of the arena and managed to hold on until the buzzer sounded. It was all exciting to watch but a little frightening at the same time. I have a renewed respect for the strength and talent it takes to be a rodeo rider.

But the rodeo was only a small part of a great day. Seven hours on a bus seems less that great but we had so much fun thanks to Lance Pippin that the time passed very quickly.

Pre-mixed drinks were served non-stop to and from Angola making us a happy and silly group. We had started with breakfast at JohnPaul’s so by the time we reached Baton Rouge on the way back, we were ready for our dinner stop. We ate at a buffet and I’m pretty sure we put a big dent in the restaurant’s profits for the day due to our huge appetites.

I’m sure there was food at the rodeo but I never had time to find out. By the time Ray, Todd and I started our walk back to the bus; we were concerned about the time and forgot about our hunger.

As luck would have it, someone is always late. Lance had promised us that we would leave at 4pm sharp and anyone not there would have to find another way home. His heart is too big and too kind to leave anyone so we waited until 5:30 when the three tardy riders returned.

During the drive up there were several drawings for prizes and a 50-50. I was the lucky winner of the 50-50 drawing which paid me back for my place on the bus plus some to spare. It was the first time I’ve ever won a raffle in the many years of buying ticket and I was very pleased.

Crones Unite sappho psalm ...from 14

ducts himself in a “manner that shows publicly and privately that Leather individuals value a person rather than his/her appearance.” Sponsored by Panda Bear. #4 Toby Lefort, was the crowd favorite because of his fundraising efforts for the NO/AIDS Walk. In 13 years, he has raised $150,000.

He is a member of Lords of Leather and is Mr. Southern Renegade 2009 in Mobile, AL. Rather than a cub, Toby would be considered an otter in the Bear world which makes him exciting to look at in a sock. Sponsored by B-Bob’s and Southern Renegades. #5 Jose Gonzalez, stole the hearts of the judges with his

A

group of about 20 women who identify as Crones came to-gether recently to celebrate being older women of experience. The meeting went very well and we decided to meet once a month to share and support.

As time goes on, we will make a decision about what we want to do for our community and what the purpose of our group is. We joked about parading with one or more of the walking parades in the future and having socials. But I think this group of wise women has something special in store for the larger community. I look forward to continued growth and activism. I’ll keep you up to date with our activities.

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the pink pastor

by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com

Gathering Crumbs

I

t is becoming increasingly apparent that the LGBT community is not going to be visited by a knight on a white charger bringing equality and liberation. This should come as no surprise – though many of us thought Barack Obama was that knight, even a willing knight needs weapons and armor, and a passive, disinterested LGBT community gives no tools to the president to act on our behalf with anything like energy or resolve.

When wider public opinion is not motivated, there has to be a highly motivated constituency to force change. Just like the enormous groundswell of the civil rights movement forced the federal government’s hand, we will need something a little more than the ad hoc expressions of discontent that our community has so far mustered.

queen on the scene ...from 16

NEW Store Brings a NEW Style to the City

I

f you are in need of jeans that fit that special area of your body just right or maybe its just time for a new wardrobe I would travel down Dauphine for some hot new styles for winter!

If you wander down to the end of Dauphine by Canal Street and look beside Dressed to Kill you will see a new face in town, A-okay men’s wear! This is not your run of the mill store, and they have a new and hot product called Ruff Skin Blue Jeans! If you need your ass to look good HER-NEY!! These are the jeans! Just cut low for you lovely queens with a tramp stomp or if you want to wear that thong over Mardi Gras or Halloween, but want someone to see it in a hot new way, these are the jeans!

I was honored to wear a pair of these for club wear at Mr. USofA and I never in my life got so many comments on my jeans, or my ass for that matter. The store also sells hot new underwear, thongs, t-shirts, and loads of caps and fedoras for your buying pleasure and for you kinky people they have the best price on handcuffs I have seen! So head on down and tell them Nathan sent you! And if you have a second there are these hot jeans I tried on last week get them for me will ya!

We need to ask ourselves whether it really matters to us, whether those of us who have carved out a pleasant life in modern America really care that people are going through the same living hell many of us went through in high school.

We need to ask of ourselves whether it matters to us enough to disturb our comfort that people are still being beaten to death, maimed and shot for who they are.

Do we care that in our midst gay teens are still being rejected by their families and bullied at school and ‘exorcised’ by their churches because of the way God made them? Do we really mind that our society and state considers us and our families less than fully human – less than equal with even the most dysfunctional heterosexual family?

We do horrible violence to ourselves and our society when we tolerate injustice

www.surveymonkey.com/LAMSMNA. If you have any questions about the purpose of the survey, please contact Kyle Morse, MS, Project Coordinator for the MSM Needs Assessment Project at kylem@noaidstf.org. Thank you for your help!

Laugh your Ass Off!

S

o I have been doing research on a few people the past few weeks and the person you need to watch for is comedian Jen Kober!

The comedian is from Lake Charles, LA and is making HUGE strides in the gay community.

She has been nationally noticed for her appearances on Last Comic Standing and recently has started talks with Comedy Central. She has videos all over youtube.com and is hilarious! Check her out at her website JenKobert.com and buy her cd Bringin’ Hefty Back. Hopefully we will see this lovely big girl in a night club soon so we can first hand witness her witty and comical antics as she tells her tales of being a big girl in a small world.

Additionally, if you are looking for some HOT local gay comedy head on down to Decatur Street and see the Dykes of Hazard Comedy Troup on October 30th at Rubyfruit Jungle. Kristen Becker from New York returns for a night of laughs and O-MG’s! So head on down and check it out! http://dykesofhazardcomedy.com.

NO/AIDS Task Force Needs YOU!

NEW Miss Gay Louisiana America Crowned

O/AIDS Task Force, a nonprofit HIV/AIDS service organization in the New Orleans area, is conducting a statewide needs assessment for the Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) community. This survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Eligible participants (MSM, 18 years or older who live in Louisiana) who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win one of five iPod Touch devices. The survey can be accessed at

ctober 17, 2009 – Dominique DeLorean has made it official! Bambi Bextor was crowned last night as the new Miss Louisiana America and Miss Gia was given the honor of 1st Alternate. Tiffany Alexander and Raquel Chevallier both provided help with the crowning ceremony and all videos will soon be posted on my website so stay tuned! The crowning comes after the resignation of Cassidy St. James as Miss Gay Louisiana America.

N

and inequality; we find ourselves taking on board many of the prejudices around us in order to avoid confronting them. We become victims of our own internalized homophobia when we seek toleration and not celebration. When we seek to ‘pass’ we subconsciously acknowledge our status as second class citizens. When we allow ignorance and prejudice amongst our leaders and politicians to go unchallenged we trap them and us into destructive and immoral patterns of living for another generation.

The closet – like some yawning grave - swallows up thousands of lives in dark and destructive forms of denial and deception; lies breed more lies in order to cover themselves. The DL phenomena amongst all races traps men into risky and dishonest behaviors, and their spouses become unwilling partners to all their sexual exploits. All this catalogue of misery and dysfunction stems from basic inequality and the lack of respect for our personhood as LGBT people. Suicide, alcoholism and sex addiction are symptoms of this dysfunction that is forced upon us by a dysfunctional society – and we are the only ones in full possession of the facts needed to combat this ignorance and prejudice.

Our outrage (what a wonderful word) is needed in order to give President Obama the weapons and armor he will need to fight our cause. Our protest at every opportunity and our righteous anger is vital to give permission to our supporters in Congress and the Senate to act swiftly and definitively on our behalf. How would civil rights have proceeded without

marches and protest, or without the leadership and rightful indignation of Dr King?

How would African Americans have ever claimed any sort of legal equality if half of them had ‘passed’ at every opportunity and treated their blackness as something shameful to be hidden from those around them? Sexuality is an unalterable fact – in itself it has no moral consequences; we are on a level playing field with our heterosexual brethren. It is violent and deceitful acts that carry moral consequences – asymmetrical relationships where all the power and control is held on one side, not the loving outworking of a God-given orientation, or the compassionate expression of mutual sexual attraction.

On November 7th there is a rally being planned for outside city hall here in New Orleans, to mark the vote in Maine on marriage equality, and mark our protest at our status here in Louisiana, our status as second class citizens, paying the same taxes as everyone else but not receiving the same respect or protection in law.

These are pivotal times for our community, and if we cannot speak out here in New Orleans then we will be silent throughout the state. If here, amid our strength we cannot make our voice heard, then where?

Are we going to be content to gather the crumbs that fall from the table of our masters? Or are we going to demand our place at the table?

Please check out the church website for updates, and as soon as I know the timing of the rally I will post details on www.bigeasymcc.com.

O

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chop chop

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain www.ripandmarsha.com Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

New Orleans Restaurant/Deli Guide

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ith Halloween here, you will want to try some of the best food in the world at the great eateries the city has to offer. You can find out more on what each has to offer below. Also, make sure and peruse their ads in this edition for even more information.

Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Open 9am-9pm Mon.-Tues., 8am-10pm Thurs.-Sun., closed Wed. MasterCard/Visa accepted.

Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Serving lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. brunch 10am-3pm. Call 412.8965 for reservations or additional information.

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information.

The Embers Original Bourbon House, 700 Bourbon, 523.1485. You can still enjoy the charm and ambience of Old New Orleans while dining on fresh Louisiana seafood, great steaks, po-boys, and authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine and some Italian to make it interesting, all served on the largest balcony on Bourbon Street. Only two blocks from the corner of Bourton and St. Ann Streets, and the heart of Decadence. Lunch Thursday-Sunday 11am-3pm, dinner nightly 4pm-midnight, Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur Street, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo’s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 7 days a week Monday-Saturday 6pm til, Sunday 3pm till, call 504.586.8883 or visit MaximosGrill.COM for reservations and information.

Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info.

Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautifully renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with over 350 selections and delicious food including prime steaks, lobster tails, and rack of lamb. Serving dinner 5-11pm daily.

The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM. With its tasteful but comfortable ambience, The Pelican Club serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine specializing in seafood. The restaurant is conveniently located in the French Quarter on historic Exchange Alley, an easy walk from most downtown hotels.

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery.

Tiramisu 55 Restaurant & Bar, 123 Carondelet, 581.3288, serves Southern, Italian and seafood specialties. Get breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Open 24 hours, take out and delivery is also available for the French Quarter and CBD.

Blackened Ribeye at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

Eggplant Parmesan at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

Seafood Martini Ravigote: Maine Lobster, Gulf Shrimp and Jumbo Lump Crabmeat with Yukon Gold Potato Salad at The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley

Eggplant & Crab Benedict Sunday Brunch at Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.

Fish of the Day at Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St.

Custom Breakfast at Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal

Muffuletta at Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place

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Contestant #1 Gray Gibson sponsored by the Phoenix

Judges: International Mr. Leather 1995 Larry Everett from Orlando & Mr. Louisiana Leather 2008 Michael Albracht

Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox raises $142 for Food For Friends

NO/AIDS Task Force’s Noel Twilbeck & Food For Friends Glen Kahrman

Contestant #2 Brad Williams sponsored by Rawhide Judges: Ms. Gulf South Olympus 2004 Toni Pizanie & Rawhide manager Joe Trotta

Former Ms. Gulf South Olympus Toni Pizanie & Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox

snap paparazzi

Lords of Leather president Gary Vandeventer & 2nd runner-up James Doug Duke

Contestant #3 James Doug Duke sponsored by Panda Bear Judge: Phoenix bar baron Bobby Connell

Contestant #4 & Mr. Southern Renegade Toby Lefort sponsored by BBob’s & Southern Renegades in Mobile

David & Paul enjoy the contest

1st runner-up Jose Gonzalez & Lords of Leather captain David Boyd

MC Darwin Singleton & Mr. Louisiana Leather 2009 John Cauley, both from Mobile

Contestant #5 Jose Gonzalez

Mr. Louisiana Leather’s 2009 John Cauley, 2008 Michael Albracht, 2007 Mark Steinbauer, 2004 Tim Lott & 2001 Todd Cole

King Cake Queen Tami Tarmac in for the contest

Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 Toby Lefort & Mr. Louisiana Leather 2009 John Cauley

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The Contestants

Lords of Leather’s 20th Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest @ Dance Club of the Year Oz ~ Photos by Ambush

Former Mr. Louisiana Leathers join Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 Toby Lefort sponsored by B-Bob’s in Mobile

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M

om Dawn Leggio celebrates son Tony Leggio’s b-day event and show hosted at Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. Tony is reigning Easter Grand Marshal X and a former King Satyricon.

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

T

he hit group Expose’ join bar baron Jerry Ehlen following their live concert celebrating B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary in Mobile, Alabama. The group did several songs including their hits Point Of No Return, Come Go With Me, Let Me Be The One, Exposed To Love and Seasons Change. For more on the popular club, visit B-Bobs.COM.

S

econd runner-up James Doug Duke, Mr. Louisiana Leather 2009 John Cauley, new Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 Toby Lefort, and first runner-up Jose Gonzalez join Lords of Leather captain David Boyd for the presentation of the winners in the 20th annual Mr. Louisiana Leather competition held at Oz in New Orleans. Toby will now go on to represent Louisiana in the International Mr. Leather contest over Memorial Day Weekend, 2010 in Chicago. For more on the contest and the krewe, visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

T

odd and Inge Scurto join Koo Gaffney, Joann Chenelle Guidos and Lisa Michelle Thomas, along with Marty Curtin and Steve Tregre to celebrate A Wedding Shower honoring Joann and Lisa at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans. The couple will celebrate their union on October 30. In lieu of gifts Joann and Lisa asked that guests make a donation to the William Fanning Foundation, aka Buzzy’s Boys & Girls. Those pictured with the couple are members of the board of directors of the foundation. For more, visit BuzzysBoysAndGirls.ORG.

C

utie bartender Frankie Wingerter celebrates Fund For Diversity’s Jerry Scavo’s birthday as Jerry cuts his cake at Neighborhood Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile (Lafittes.COM) in New Orleans.

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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pageant news

by Nathan Brooks Email: Nathan@nathanbrooksentertainment.com

I

created this article because I think that there should be a spot just for this information! With so much NEWS in the Gulf States area about these types of things and even more that we aren’t informed about, where else would you look but here! Any upcoming pageants can be emailed to me and I will do my best to report on them.

ing some of the new L’Oreal family members and a few locals to support her on her long travel! Mercedes told the crowd, “Things don’t always happen as we would like them to; however I am leaving New Orleans as a winner, and when I return I will return a winner.”

LOCAL NEWS:

kay follow me on this. October 15th ended up being a big day for news in the Miss Gay Louisiana America system and I am going to make this as simple as can be.

Ambrosia McNeil has been banned so now Miss Gia is the new Miss Splash.

Tori Taylor has been banned so now

Mercedes Ellis L’Oreal Heads to Miss Black Universe

M

iss New Orleans Black Universe Mercedes Ellis L’Oreal will be heading to Atlanta to compete Halloween weekend for Miss Black Universe. She had a benefit featur-

Miss Gay Louisiana America Turns UPSIDE DOWN!

O

in the spotlight All Kinds of Theatre & Southern Rep Present AwardWinning Broadway Smash I Am My Own Wife

S

outhern Rep, the region’s premiere professional theatre, joins with the acclaimed All Kinds of Theatre (AKT) to produce the regional premiere of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright, which runs November 4–December 6 at Canal Place. Previews are November 4–6 at 8pm, $21. Opening Night is Saturday, November 7 at 8pm with a post-performance reception, $35. Performances continue Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm, except Thanksgiving week (no performances November 26–29).

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at 504.522.6545 or www.southernrep.com. $10 Student Rush tickets are available 15 minutes before curtain on a cash-only basis, with student ID. The play is the hauntingly complex true tale of the quietly dignified Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite who not only outwitted the Nazis and Communists, but could also spot a priceless antique at 100 yards. Playwright Doug Wright spent ten years interviewing Charlotte and developing this play. For years, Charlotte collected antiques from abandoned or bombed houses, enough to turn her East Berlin home into a museum, and transform the basement into a salon and haven for gay artists and intellectuals struggling to survive under the repressive regime. She received the Medal of Honor from the reunified German government for preserving antiques and culture. But before her life was over, all of her life story would be called into question. Yet this is not a story about being gay, not a story about being a cross-dresser and not a story about cold war politics. It is a story about survival and one astounding person. And, by the way, it’s funny, too.

The press has been effusive in its praise, calling the play a “rich, riveting and thrilling mystery” (Newsday) and “astonishing and extraordinary” (NY Daily News).

The Washington Post warned “Don’t even think of missing it” while The New York Times named I Am My Own Wife “the most exquisite offering on Broadway.”

This play requires a skilled director and an equally talented actor giving a tour de force performance. Both jobs are expertly covered with Carl Walker directing and Bob Edes, Jr. starring as Charlotte and 34 other characters.

Bob Edes as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife

Carl Walker, the celebrated director, playwright, and Artistic Director of AKT, helmed the most recent collaboration between Southern Rep and AKT, the award-winning production of DOUBT, which was called “flawless” (Al Shea) and “powerful, polished, thoroughly professional theater that fairly demands to be seen” (Times Picayune). Among his myriad successes are The Last Madam, Where The Girls Were, Three Tall Women, Native Tongues 1 – 4 and Class Of 70something. Carl has directed 50something shows in the Gulf South.

Chica LaRouge is Miss Northwest Louisiana.

Cassidy St. James has resigned so Bambi Bextor is now Miss Gay Louisiana America.

2nd Alternate, Marsheya St. Clair is unable to attend Miss America so Miss Gia is now 1st alternate and will be going to Miss Gay America.

On top of that locally, a situation has occurred out of state which will allow Tami Tarmac to also be heading to Miss Gay America representing Miss Tri-States America.

Mr. Louisiana Leather Crowned

T

he Lords of Leather presented the annual Mr. Louisiana Leather, a prelim to International Mr. Leather Memorial Day Weekend, 2010. Oz night club was the scene of this year’s pageant and after a faux pas which upset the crowd, the winners were announced. Your Mr. Louisiana Leather is Toby Lafort, 1st runner-up Jose’ Gonzales, and 2nd runner-up James Duke. For pictures, see page 24 and 26. For more information please visit His productions consistently garner Big Easy and Storer Boone Theatre Awards.

Walker calls I Am My Own Wife a “one-woman play performed by an actor,” which encapsulates the paradox and mystery of the story. “How did this intriguing character emerge and survive against all odds? A large part of the play is about the ultimate truth of her life. The audience is asked to consider her life in the whole from start to finish.”

Audiences have enjoyed Bob Edes, Jr. in Southern Rep’s Sick, The Clean House and The Breach, and will see him again this season in SRT’s production of Opus. His work with AKT includes Dirty Blonde (Big Easy Award), Native Tongues 4 and Short Takes. At Le Chat Noir, Bob appeared in My-O-My, written and directed by Carl Walker. Bob has brought down the house in Running with Scissors shows including Die! Mommy! Die! and Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas, while also gracing stages across the region in varied pieces such as Cabaret, Annie, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Doug Wright was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award, the GLAAD Media Award, the Drama League Award, and the Lucille Lortel Award for I Am My Own Wife . He also received Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his book for the hit Broadway musical Grey Gardens (to be co-produced by SRT and Le Petit Theatre later this season).

Among many other plays, Wright penned the Obie Award-winning Quills which he adapted for film, earning three Academy Awards.

The I Am My Own Wife all-local design team includes scenic designer David Raphel, lighting designer Marty Sachs, costume designer Elizabeth Parent, and sound designer Jeffrey Talbot.

The production stage manager is Sarah Z. Singleton.

Southern Rep is conveniently located on the 3rd floor of the Shops at Canal Place, on the edge of the French Quarter. Validated parking is available. For more information call 504.522.6545, or visit www.southernrep.com.

www.lordsofleather.com.

Miss Tubby's Golden Lantern

T

ubby's Golden Lantern will be hosting the Miss Tubby's Golden Lantern 2010 contest, on November 14th, at 9pm sharp. The contest will be kept to a maximum of 6 contestants with a $25 entry fee. Applications are available at the bar, and contestants will be required to be at the bar no later than 8pm.

The categories to be judged include: Presentation, Question & Answer, and Talent. Rikki Redd will be the contest coordinator. Reigning Miss Tubby's Golden Lantern Miss D will crown the new winner.

Any one interested please see one of the bartenders for an entry application.

Upcoming Event: Miss & Mr. Krewe of Divas, 11/14/09, Splash, www.kreweofdivas.com.

NATIONAL: USofA Announces MISS NEWCOMER USofA!

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eff Reeves has announced a NEW pageant system in the country which will take over the young entertainer division of the United States!

On October 19th, USofA pageantry announced in 2010 MISS NEWCOMER USofA will begin. This first year you will not have to win a prelim in order to compete at the national level. The rules are posted but the qualifications are unlike any newcomer pageant making it the only TRUE newcomer pageant in the country.

This is a quote from Scott with USofA: "For those that are wondering, here is the official definition of Newcomer: May not have won a state or regional pageant in any of the following systems: Miss Gay USofA, Miss Gay USofA at Large, Miss Gay USofA Classic, Miss Continental, Miss Continental Plus, Miss Continental Elite, Miss Gay America, National Entertainer of the Year, Miss Black America, MBU Pageant.

May not have been a Finalist in any of the above systems. May not compete after 3 years in the Newcomer system."

Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Carl Walker, All Kinds of Theatre is the oldest professional producing group in New Orleans. Operating with the highest artistic standards, AKT is committed to both the production of important contemporary plays and musicals, and the development of new works by New Orleans writers. AKT’s celebrated productions have embraced a wide spectrum of awardwinning works.

With this new Season, Southern Rep celebrates 23 years of excellence, developing and producing new plays which provide audiences with professional theatre of the highest artistic quality and achievement and establishing a creative working environment that nurtures theatre professionals. As New Orleans’ premiere professional theatre, Southern Rep strives to use the artistry of theatre to enlighten, educate, and entertain audiences, and aims to extend that service through educational and outreach programs.

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e-mail/letters Subject: Cassidy St. James Letter of Resignation as Miss Gay Louisiana America 10.15.09

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ith deep regret, and after much soul-searching and contemplation, I have decided to step down as Miss Gay Louisiana America 2009.

And while the rumors have already surfaced, and will continue to swirl, I’d like to just give some insight into my point of view, and how I came to this momentous decision.

I realize I am the first Miss Louisiana to resign from this position, but MY happiness and peace of mind is more important to me than any crown or title could ever be, and I can NOT compromise who I am and what I stand for, just to remain your Symbol of Excellence.

I have loved this system for years, and I fought long and hard to capture this title. I, along with my entire supporting cast, gave it our all - 100% and then some, to ensure I walk away from the pageant with the crown on my head. And we succeeded in making my dream a reality.

But since that night, quite honestly, more times than not, that dream seemed to metamorphosis into a nightmare. I thought I could help make the system better, and help bridge chasms that time and actions had created between pageant promoters, both past and present, and the former titleholders. Sadly, that wasn’t to be.

This system should never be about the promoters, but always about the formers, as well as those gentlemen competing each year to be the current reigning symbol of excellence for the state of Louisiana. I pretended not to see a lot of things, and blindly competed, thinking I could help improve the system.

But the stars were not aligned, or karma had not made its full circle, because I realize now that I can not help make the system be what it should be. There is too much animosity between formers and promoters that should not be there, and from my point of view, neither side is willing (or ready) to back down.

I know I competed for this crown, and I should be the bigger person and be willing to weather any storms this reign brings for the sake of the America system. But again, I can NOT, and WILL NOT compromise my dignity, my feeling of self-worth or my honesty to promote a system that as it is now, is in serious trouble.

I will not bash this system or its promoters, but neither can I represent something I no longer believe in.

If I have disappointed any of my supporters or fans, I apologize from the bottom of my heart, as that was never my intentions. But more important to me than continuing as your Symbol of Excellence, I had to be able to look myself in the mirror every day, and love and respect who I am.

To my sister, Bambi Bextor, best of luck in your reign! We have been friends for many years now, and I will always love and support you. But you already know that. What has happened here will not change any of that.

To my true friends, please accept that this is what I HAD to do to keep my sanity, and be happy for, and with me. To those of you who only want to gossip and try to figure out every reason why I gave up the crown - you are part of the reason why it wasn’t worth it anyway.

Cassidy St. James will no longer exist except in your memories and photographs, but Doug Landrum can go to bed at night knowing he did the right thing.

Thank you!

Subject: Letters/Vacation Pictures

I

t amazes me how short peoples memories are. If I remember correctly Rip and Marsha raised THOUSANDS of Dollars for the AIDS Walk with their Magnolia Cotillion for many years.

They have given free or discounted advertising to practically every non profit in New Orleans.

Let's try to remember some of the good and not be so damn quick to criticize them.

Sincerely, --Phyllis Denmark

trodding the boards

by Patrick Shannon, III Email: nedcat@earthlink.net

Aida

T

he recent production of Sir Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida as Le Petit’s first offering of its 94th season had its moments. After one got beyond the screeching high notes of the performers, the scenery that looked like cardboard sprayed with cheap gold paint, and the tackiness of the costumes, it was not too hard to accept this downgraded MTV bubble gum mind set musical reinterpretation of Verdi’s great timeless opera, the real and original Aida. The plot can be simplified by describing it as a story about two princesses who love the same man with tragic effect. And speaking of effects, once again the magical lighting of Jonathan Foucheax burned away the high school visual sense of this production and turned it all into golden eye candy with jeweled highlights which also helped to distract from the mediocrity of the musical score. In this sense this production was like the NYC show...mostly eye candy and a romp for teenage angst.

The wooden acting of Keith Claverie as Radames was embarrassing when contrasted by the fine and elegant performance of Adella Johnson as Aida his love interest. If someone were to give an award for Miscasting of the Year....but enough about the two leads. Second to the work of Della Johnson was Leslie Lemberg who often sang well and created a golden tart of a character in her role as Amneris adding to the anachronistic quality of this creation by wearing high heels and a blond wig as the somewhat wigged out Egyptian princess.

I’ve seen much better performances and singing by the rest of the cast which included Troy R. Poplous as Amonasro, Christopher Bentivegna as Zoser, and Michael Sullivan as Pharaoh.

James St. Juniors as Mereb and Charlotte Lang as Nehbeka were effective in their minor roles.

Donald Byrd did the best he could directing this sort of show and it did flow from scene to scene. His Afro centric choreography was animated and entertaining. James Kelley as Musical Director did what he does well and I think the cheap look of Christopher Ford’s scenery was a direct result of budget restrictions. The same could be said about Joan Long’s costumes. The body mics were out of balance and too loud, but as I mentioned, there were moments that worked.

By the end of the show it appeared that the full house became an audience of teary eyed admirers and few of them were teenagers types being middle aged and elderly. You go figure. Maybe it was the nobility of effort.

Opus

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pus was on stage at our town’s excellent Southern Rep Theatre and it was another winner! Opus is playwright Michael Hollinger’s incisive examination about five classical musicians and how their personal lives influence their professional lives as members of a world class chamber music ensemble. With taunt direction

by Mark Routhier, the plot unfolds in several vignettes that flow one into the other seamlessly with dialogue that seems to capture and express the very essence of the sounds of a chamber music quartet as each actor speaks his lines like the stringed instrument being played, one voice opening with another coming into the dialogue and another folding up and over and under the main speakers voice, with pauses and climatic explosions of emotion.

And with the stunning performances of this all star cast of professionals, the play becomes a highly emotional experience for the audience. Bob Edes, Jr., plays Eliot, the bitchy bossy leader of the group with a sharp and compelling brilliance.

Vatican Lokey, as his lover Dorian, has never been better than in this role of a schizoid musician who (probably a genius) needs lithium and other drugs to keep from becoming too batty. Each of his scenes is a moving tribute to his fine talent as one of our best local actors. Especially his scene with the amazing Mr. Edes (Eliot) when he is told by him that their affair is over. Memorable and touching indeed.

The musicians, led by Eliot, vote him out

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hot tails of red stick

by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Holy Hot Cakes!

W

hen it comes to making out in the kitchen, no one does it better than Master Chef Darin. This is one guy who can whip up the best and dish it out in fine fashion. He is just one of the most talented cooks I know.

Darin has been around the block a few times and has set quite a few tables in motion with his creative moves. He is helping create and serve some fabulous dishes now over at Mestizo Restaurant on South Acadian at Interstate 10. Jim Uridales is the restaurant owner, and he has one of the best gay-owned and friendly eateries in the entire city. Along with Darin and sexy young waiters like Davin, it is such a great place to spend some leisure time in the afternoon. At least this is the time I like to go there.

As you know, I’m not the night owl I used to be, so I utilize my daylight hours differently.

I seek out those restaurants that are open, not crowded during the 2 to 5 period of time, and I find the atmosphere much more to my way of peaceful dining. It also gives me time to talk with people – waiters, owners, friends – when there aren’t so many distractions. That is why I like to visit the bars during the happy hour periods. I get to see those guys and gals just getting off from work and stopping in for drinks before going home for the day. It works out beautifully for me, and my friendships have flourished and grown so much by operating in this way.

Even a chef like Darin can come out and talk. Of course, I see Darin out at the bars too, but you have a different atmosphere under each situation. This week when I dined at Mestizo, it was at the right time when we could sit down and chat for a few minutes.

Jim was unloading his van with fresh veggies and other restaurant items when I arrived, but he declined my help and encouraged me to go ahead and enjoy my meal. It was like “old home week” with me and Darin, and when that adorable Davin served up a delicious margarita, I was good to go. I placed my order, and Darin went back to create my lovely dish – really elegantly displayed, not like other Mexican restaurants where everything looks the same and tastes the same. This was fabulous – absolutely fabulous.

After finishing my meal, I just sipped my margarita and observed things going on in the restaurant. There were quite a few people here at this time of the day, but they were all so orderly and refined. I like that in a restaurant’s clientele. It was like private business discussions – a good mixture of business and pleasure in this beautifully arranged and decorated restaurant.

For those of you who may not know it, Mestizo is a Spanish and Portuguese term usually applied to Latin people of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry. It most specifically applies to a mixture of European and American Indians, but the term is also used in other cultures. Whatever the origin, Jim has managed to merge Mexican with Louisianian cuisine to come up with a unique menu, and, of course, with a knowledgeable chef like Darin, the food is just about the best you will find in the entire city. Red Stick is so lucky to have this one here, and Darin told me of another new location for Mestizo down the old Airline Highway in the Prairieville vicinity. That shows you what a successful business operation this one is.

Let’s get back to Davin for a moment. I know lots about Darin but nothing about Davin, so I suppose that means having a drink with Darin soon to check up on this cutie.

Those dark eyes really impressed me, and when he smiled, I kind of felt a weakness, or maybe hidden lust. Who knows? At any rate, I observed him while there and noticed a young man who knew how to keep everyone happy with his service expertise. He really is a nice looking guy, and his body was really something to watch too. It is difficult to explain a body that is covered with clothing, but you can certainly watch body movements and ascertain a lot from just observing. Okay, Darin – we need to talk!

So if you are out and about, make Mestizo a stop on your list of things to do. You don’t have to shop until you drop, but if you do, make sure the drop is at this fine place for dining – unique restaurant serving some very unique “mixed dishes.”

Red Stick Dramarama!

B

aton Rouge has turned into another Hollywood, maybe even a Hollywood South. I believe there are three movies being filmed here now. I talked with Cory at Splash, and they were cleaning up after one of the movies was filmed there. I believe this one has Hillary Duff’s sister in it. I don’t know anything about it, but all this has to be good for the economy here in our capital city.

I try not to get around any of these filming areas. I guess I’m not a gawker, and I certainly don’t care to get in the way. The last time I was in a movie was as an extra in one called Murder at the Mardi Gras. I didn’t have a work assignment at the time, and I thought it would be fun, so I signed on and really did have a good time, but I was also amazed at how things came together in the finished product. There was a dance sequence in the movie, and the suit I was wearing that day just happened to be the same color as this stripper’s dress. We were paired off in the dance sequence, but the funny part was watching this woman trying her best to impress the movie people. She wanted to be a star in the worst way, and I just found it to be extremely hilarious. It certainly wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was a nice way to spend some spare time with pay.

This same attitude for acceptance was apparently true here at the home located on the next street over from where I live. It was difficult maneuvering around, but I understand how this is, and I just went a block or two out of the way to get to where I was going. Even in the distance, I could see people lurking everywhere. It was bright lights for a big city, and lots of people wanted to see what was going on. I think Cuba Gooding Jr. is in this one, so I suppose everyone wanted to sneak a peek at him.

Something funny was told to me, and I am still smiling when I think about it. It seems that the same was true for a Red Sticker that was true for that Bourbon Street stripper.

The limelight was so close yet so far away, and so were the imaginary pussy cats. Here kitty, kitty! Spanish Town may never be the same, but Hollywood moved on to points all over the city, even so far as to close down the Bet-R for a couple of days. Oh, well – Albertson’s and Wally World enjoyed the extra business.

Even our new Acme Oyster Bar enjoyed a spike in business. The old Wally World parking lot was filled with trucks and vans. Someone really did a good job in selling these Baton Rouge locations. The old Wally World Store, before it was torn down, served as the inside setting for Hillary Swank’s movie that came out a couple of years ago. I will have to say that I really appreciated her support of this area after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She did it in a non-publicity way, not like some of those buttwipes who rushed into New Orleans to claim fame by acting like fools. Oh, how I wish for the days when Hollywood stars could be looked up to for their patriotic efforts and nonpolitical agendas instead of having foolish publicity stunts crammed down our throat.

And speaking of dramas, I saw Agnes of God at the BRLT’s Second Stage last week, and I really enjoyed it. I did not see the movie because of one of the star’s unpatriotic actions way back when she should have known better. I may be just one person and one vote, but I’m too old fashioned to put up with these superior attitudes from less than inferior human endeavors. I believe in artists and in their accomplishments, but I also ignore those who need to be ignored. That is why I mention this play because the three women did such a fantastic job here in our capital city, and I’m sure the movie was good. It just didn’t deserve my support.

I just got my events notice for the Mahalia Jackson Theatre in New Orleans. I look forward to getting back to some New Orleans events, but I am still hoping that someone will re-do the Saenger and bring it back to its glory.

This may be happening now, but I haven’t heard about it if it is in the works.

Baton Rouge has an excellent magazine in 225. They are doing what no other city magazine has done in quite some time. They are not hung up on “old is better” when it comes to style. They are very innovative in their layouts, and they spotlight people in ways that are certainly complimentary. So many newspapers are too opinionated for my approval, but 225 is definitely doing a great job and is an asset to historic old Red Stick – fine writers, lots of news items, a host of people profiles, and an advertising base that can rival any newspaper or other magazine. This is such a good publication for Baton Rouge. They rock!

Happy Halloweenie!

E

ven though this is not my favorite holiday, it is still a time for a number of things. I especially like to see the gay communities coming forth with [continued on 34]

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Super Studs, Cutie Pies ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Master Chef Darin at cookout

Magnificent Mikey and Splash stud Lance

Edward and James

Michael and Chansley

red stick paparazzi Hound Dogs bartender Johnny

Andy in LSU attire

Having fun at George’s

Super studs Jared and Luther

Daniel and Alan at Italian Fiesta

Ready for the big game

Richard and Dwayne

Don and Tom

Bartender Johnny and Chef Darin

Billy, Phil and John

Mark and Richard

Sweet cutie pie Philip

Guy with Thomas

Karaoke time at George’s

Chica LaRouge

John, Scotti and Phil

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hot tails of red stick ...from 32

allons acadiana

by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: keebler_6984@yahoo.com

J

ust days away from Halloween, and hopefully everyone is ready!

With costume contests and givea-ways, crazy outfits, scary outfits and just about anything you can think of all in one night. So if you have not gotten your stuff together then you better get with it. The bars will be packed and the night will be festive. Let’s also remember that time changes that night as well, so we get an extra hour to play technically.

Sound Factory's Big Night

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ound Factory is gearing up for an unforgettable night, as they not only celebrate Halloween, but they also celebrate fourteen years of operation on October 31. So Sound Factory turns 14 and invites everyone to celebrate an amazing night! The theme of their party is Beautiful Nightmare, come dressed in whatever costume you want to, because of the theme, it opens the door to anything, beautiful or scary! A costume contest with prize give-a-ways, and so much more that you will just have to be here to see for yourself.

There are also new and exciting things heading your way for it’s fourteen years of hard work, and only working harder each and every month to keep you coming back for more.

Mark your calendar’s for November with the Sunday Funday from Nola November 8, with some names that Lafayette has not had the honor of seeing yet, these Ladies are coming prepared to show us how they cut up in New Orleans. They will be here early, so get here early yourself and enjoy one Sunday Sound Factory is

trodding the boards ...from 30 of the group. The other performers are without fault and as such they do become just like the chamber music musicians they are portraying. The reality of their performances of the moment echos the roles they are pretending to be.

Playwright Hollinger has written the script like a chamber music composition.

Drew Battles as Alan and John Neisler as Carl give sharp touching performances and Shauna Rappold playing Grace who replaces the schizoid Dorian when he “crosses the line” is every bit as wonderful.

The amazing and beautiful sound work, so essential to the success of this play, was created by Mike Singleton and the effective and unobtrusive set was by James K. Faerron with similar lighting by Diane Bass. This is an extraordinary drama done with an extraordinary cast.

Only ninety minuets with no intermission it is a shocking, moving and unforgettable production.

Oscar & Felix, A New Take On The Odd Couple

N

eil Simon’s 1965 Broadway hit, The Odd Couple took on a new life in the Timberlane

surely not to forget!

Later in November, Laurel returns to put on a show like never before, so mark that down as well, November 20th. Keep up with Sound Factory on Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, so you can be up to speed on all that is happening each and everyday.

Make It A Weekend at Jules

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ou can get your groove on the entire weekend for Halloween at Jules Downtown. It starts on Friday, October 30 with another great drag show hosted by Valarie Sugarbaker. But if that's not enough, look for those hot male strippers on the bar. Saturday is the big night with DJ Jayskee spinning for the Halloween Party. Everyone with costumes gets in free! Here you can win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes for their Costume Contest. And yes, those hot male strippers will be back on the bar on Halloween.

Jules is kicking off November on Friday, the 6th with another drag show featuring Valarie Sugarbaker. Valarie's followed on Saturday, the 7th with DJ Kyle. Y'all won't want to miss this blowout.

The bar is open Wednesday through Saturday with $2 Wells and Domestics till 9pm.

fundraisers and spotlighting the needs of the area with these activities and parties - and all the generous efforts on the part of many individuals who care to give their very best. That is so great, and I think the gay communities have done this with style and class. It’s no longer just trick or treating and private parties, but major gatherings with sincere purposes that benefit so many people.

Even smaller groups are getting away from the taking and leaning toward the giving. The atmosphere is different, and that is a good thing. When you put your heart into a purpose, then success follows. This doesn’t take away from the little ones with their quest for goodies, and these night excursions are still popular and should be. It’s a fun holiday, and the pranks and pranksters are getting the shaft.

Baton Rouge has the fabulous 13th

Gate, a business that operates only one month a year, but it is one of the most successful haunted endeavors that has ever taken place on this holiday here in Baton Rouge. It stands out nationally as one of the finest of its kind.

On another note, the big annual fundraiser at Gerry Lane Enterprises in cooperation with Dow Federal Credit Union also is something to be greatly admired. This annual ball raises money for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, such a great and needed cause.

Everyone involved is to be commended for their work and tireless efforts in support of this wonderful cause.

Whatever your take is on this holiday, just have fun and be safe. Be considerate and definitely keep away from destructive elements. It is a time to be thankful and sharing. This is a time to be happy.

Have a great holiday wherever you are.

S

o until next time Lafayette, you all be safe, have fun, and enjoy the scariness. Hopefully everyone enjoys their Halloween, and scare as many people as you can. Keep that game face on though, never know when I may be lurking around the corner with my camera. Smile!!

Country Club & Sandi Roads Production that I recently enjoyed on a sturdy stage at the Timberlane Country Club in Gretna.

I’ve seen many a production of this show which is so popular with the HotFlashes generation at community dinner theaters some good, some bad. But this production is quite simply one of the best and most hysterically funny I am yet to witness. Theater goers, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Sandy Bravender once again proves her seasoned theatrical abilities directing this off beat comedy with manic pacing and a huge dose of spicy humor. With an all star cast such as this one, we can expect to get a mini-Broadway version in our own hometown. And we do!

On a very workable set (uncredited) that lends itself well to the look of a pig sty or a nice clean 1960s NYC apartment, Dane Rhodes gives us a performance as Oscar the sports writer slob who has been recently divorced from his wife that this reviewer will never forget. He plays the role with such hot antic intensity that he seems to leave burn marks all over the set. Wow, what a knock out character he makes of this role! He had the audience riveted as they both moaned about his sloppiness and lazy attitude and went bonkers over his athletic galloping role interpretation. He lives like a slob but has

a good heart when he invites his long time friend, the neurotic, suicidal, hypochondriac neat-freak Felix to share his apartment when his wife kicks him out. Jerry Lee Leighton plays the role of Felix with a winning and memorable technique. You gotta love ‘im, even through all his crying fits, his neatness nuttiness and his prim conservative view of everything. Together, these two stars of the local theater keep an audience enthralled.

Even the minor roles were convincingly and charmingly played by other recognized top notch actors of the local theater: Bob Scully played Speed, Lenny Minutillo played Murray and Rudy Rasmussen played Vinnie - Oscar’s

poker playing buddies. Every one of these guys is a natural scene stealer proving that a good performer can carry his own spotlight and magnetic appeal on the stage no matter the size of the role.

But the brightest scene stealers of all were the incredible, beautiful, and well known Karen Hebert as Ynes and the bodacious and curvatious Mary Burns as Hollya. Gaudy and nutty they play two sisters living in the same apartment building as the horney Oscar and the conscience-stricken Felix. They come onto the scene like two sex starved tropical birds and the stage explodes with even

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 43]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

Rick always with a smile @ Jules Downtown DJ Tyler & DJ Kyle D @ Jules Downtown These ladies tearin’ up the dance floor @ Sound Factory

acadiana

paparazzi

Mitch for Moulin Rouge Party @ Jules Downtown And the dance floor @ Jules Downtown

John n his SBB @ Sound Factory They just wanted to say what's up... @ Sound Factory

Your bartending pleasures...

Stephen @ Jules Downtown

Ms. Beverly and Coby @ Jules Downtown

The boys all look on with anticipation @ Sound Factory

Sisters come together for the paparazzi @ Sound Factory

Sam working it out @ Jules Downtown Steven n Drew @ Jules Downtown

The Fab Five still alive @ Sound Factory

Turn-About’s winner n runner-up, and your SF managers...lol @ Sound Factory

The pimps of the night @ Sound Factory

We won’t say who all these are, they can tell you themselves @ Sound Factory

Aren’t these ladies fish @ Jules Downtown

Justin sexy as always... @ Jules Downtown

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Anticipation, Pleasures, Sexy ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins

Ladies looking lovely @ Sound Factory

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

Dominique and Dan

Dominique looking fabulous

Bonnie Bitch - “you are getting sleepy”

Sable’s return to our stage

Jay, Rikki G, John David and DJ P

Pix, Cletus Von Sushi and Brian

Olympus’s hottest new bartender Bounce Justin and bartender CJ

Marsheya goes Disco

Olympus’s Hottest Lesbians

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Clubbin’ at Olympus ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

alexandria

paparazzi

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

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autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] OLYMPUS BAR, 4003 MacArthur Dr., 442.6735, OlympusBar.COM Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430

LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, PhoenixNewOrleans.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431, NOLAJungle.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860 Shreveport, LA [318] CENTRAL STATION, 1025 Marshall St., 222.2216 KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE PHARE, 523 Gravier St.

bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 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

bush & SouthernDecadence.COM

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

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964

erotica SYKCOR EROTICA, 225.933.0686, SykcorErotica.COM, sykcorerotica@aol.com

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

for rent New Orleans, LA [504] FOR RENT: 1 bdrm apartment on Esplanade Ave, furn kitchen, upper, balcony $850/ mo+dep; 1 bdrm luxury apt on Canal Blvd, furn kitch, w/d, ctrl air, $995/mo+dep; 2 bdrm ½ shotgun double near Delgado furn kit, w/d hookups, $1,000/mo +dep. 220.2736 or 250.6452 [is2209]

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

cable shows

guides

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

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

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2209]

circuit/events Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 12-16, 2010, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored

by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 3-6, 2010, One Mighty Weekend,. Orlando, Florida, sponsored by Ambush, OneMightyWeekend.COM Sept. 1-6, 2010, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Am-

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 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

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

OFADEAN SALONSPA & WELLNESS CENTER, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318, ofadeansalonspa.com SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555, salondmalta.com

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 available, 24/7, 504.756.9443 [is2209]

household/domestic help New Orleans, LA MALE AVAILABLE for house cleaning, cooking, senior sitting, companion, aide, etc. Ten years experience as certified nursing assistant. References available. 616.334.1432 [is2209]

museum/arts

laundries New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274 WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is2009]

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double.

Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool).

Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area.

Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0810] CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New

Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly renovated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking. Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon!

[1109] MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/ cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking.

[0110] SUPER 8, 6322 Chef Menteur Hwy., 504.241.5650, 800.800.8000. Minutes from the French Quarter, the hotel offers free continental breakfast, covered parking, high speed wireless internet, local calls, guest laundry, smoking and non smoking rooms, outdoor pool, mini fridge, microwave on request, and independent shuttle company.

BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bour-

bon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2/2010]

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

Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 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

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 OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 828.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com

FRIDAYNIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net 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/ambush 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 per-

sons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation.

IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695 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 agents New Orleans, LA [504] JUDY FISHER, INC. REALTORS, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, marylind2020@gmail.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com

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 Embers Original Bourbon House, 700 Bourbon, 523.1485 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tiramisu 55 Restaurant & Bar, 123 Carondelet, 581.3288

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

out & about Greetings from Mobile Alabama Pride!

W

e have had a few updates that we would like to share.

There has been a mid-season change in Board of Directors. The 1st VP position is now being filled by Burl Radcliff. A long time Mobilian. Burl brings years of experience and a new perspective! The Board welcomes Burl and looks forward to the year together.

PRIDE DRAWDOWN: Has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 14 at 7pm at Visions Twist, 266 Dauphin St. Tickets are still available from any board member and during Pride events. Your

trodding the boards ...from 34 more high faluting funny comedy. Playing these sisters as somewhat looney but lovable good hearted Latino women was a great idea especially the way these two fantastic actresses do their roles. Talk about pulling out all the stops as the audience roars.

Vic Woodward did lights and sounds, the Cast did the costumes, and Tootsie

chance to win $1,000 is still available!!

PARTY WITH PRIDE: Mobile Pride Beer Bust! $10 at the door with $5 proceed going to Pride! and special prices for non beer drinkers! Entertainment provided as well. Sunday, October 18 from 4 to 8pm Visions Twist. Come on down and meet the new board! We look forward to seeing you there!

Also Pride Beer Bust on November 15 with Red Beans and Rice, entertainment from 4 to 8pm as well!

If you have any questions, please email info@mobilealabamapride.com or visit www.mobilealabamapride.com.

Mobile Alabama Pride, Inc., PO Box 227, Mobile, AL 36601.

Gautreaux did the props. Ms. Trudy, as the real life GM of the Timberlane Country Club made sure the audience had plenty of the fine food and beverages . People staggered out of the Club rubbing their stomachs and holding their sides. As I said, with a cast like this I expected a great and entertaining show and I got it. My head is still reeling and my side still hurts from all the comedy.

Don't be left out of the next

Ambush (Nov. 10-23) Deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 3

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

retail/shopping

tours

Baton Rouge, LA [225] JAMES & KYLE ANTIQUES, 3875 Government St. 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 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS, QueenFashions.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158

New Orleans, LA [504] SOUTHERN COMFORT TOURS, 400.9270, southerncomforttours@yahoo.com STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ, Toulouse Street Dock, 568.1401, SteamboatNatchez.COM

spas New Orleans, LA [504] B.BETTER DAY SPA & SALON, 5601 Tchoupitoulas St., 895.2760, bbetter.org 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

Reach the Market Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARRE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM

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

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

mobile

paparazzi

Expose’ live on stage for B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary blowout

Venus Shante’ Da Viss is a show stopper @ B-Bob’s

Bartender David is one of the “Fallen Angels” @ Gabriel’s

More of Expose’ @ B-Bob’s

B-Bob’s bar baron Jerry joins Maury for B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary

Gabriel’s bar baron Carl & bartender David take in Expose’ for B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary

Byron & Josh pop into Gabriel’s

Madam makes an appearance at B-Bob’s to open for The Bonnie Bitch Show

Bartenders Jason & Jerry man the dance floor bar for B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary The Bonnie Bitch Show @ B-Bob’s Nashville, TN’s Miss Regine Phillips @ B-Bob’s

Ambush’s Marsha & B-Bob’s manager Bob Brunson @ B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary

Bartender Leon, bar baron Jerry & doorman Terry @ B-Bob’s

B-Bob’s manager Bob & the Ladies at the Elaine Petty show

Bartender Jayme welcomes you to B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary Joseph, Jason & Brett @ B-Bob’s College Night

Pamela & Cheryl cocktailin’ @ Gabriel’s

Justin, James & Jasyn out for the party @ B-Bob’s

Kevin & Corey @ B-Bob’s

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Hot, Hot, Hot! ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Ambush, Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John

Elaine Petty live @ B-Bob’s 17th Anniversary on Sunday afternoon

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45

ambush

paparazzi

Lisa & Joann are joined by Kajun’s Pub’s bartender Glenn for their wedding shower @ The Friendly Bar

Bartender John @ The Double Play Bartender Shawn, manager Jerry with bartenders Ian & Josh @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Chris & Donna out for Happy Hour @ The Double Play

(Front) Tami & Richie; (Back) Paul, Gizelle, Mike & Jay @ Lafitte’s 1st place DJ Myke & manager Jerry at Lafitte’s Cake Decorating Contest on Natl. Cake Decorating Day

Princesse Stephaney & Eva Las Vegas at Tony Leggio's b-day event Bartenders Blake & Spencer do Oktoberfest @ Good Friends Bar 2nd place in Lafitte’s Cake Decorating Contest on Natl. Cake Decorating Day in The Balcony Bar

Bar baron Mike serves up free shots for every Saints touchdown @ 700 Club

3rd place in Lafitte’s Cake Decorating Contest done by Scott on Natl. Cake Decorating Day in The Balcony Bar

Troy, Kent & Danny join Oktoberfest @ Rawhide Tailgating @ 700 Club complete with free Saints touchdown shots & Mike’s Frito Pie

FourPlay hostess & Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier joins Tony Leggio’s b-day event & show @ JohnPaul’s

Kajun’s Pub’s Joann & Lisa celebrate their wedding shower hosted @ The Friendly Bar

Double Play & 4 Seasons bartender Eddie & Danny cocktailin’ @ The Double Play

Greg & Nate bartend for Rawhide’s Oktoberfest

Bartender Chris in Oktoberfest mode @ Cutter’s

46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

All Right Now! ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Joe from Rawhide does a stint in The Balcony Bar for Lafitte’s Cake Decorating Contest on Natl. Cake Decorating Day

Lisa, 700 Club bar baron Mike & Joann @ The Friendly Bar for Lisa & Joann’s wedding shower

ambush

paparazzi

The Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Nathan Brooks, Tony Leggio

Gary Glitter joins bar baron Rick Goulet @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Host Barry Bareass & DJ Joey at The Corner Pocket’s Calendar Boy Contest

Persana (c) with Halloween’s Tony & Jerry @ Oz Nathan & Sarah @ Good Friends

Dancer Leo on the bar at The Corner Pocket Corner Pocket MC Lisa Beaumann & bar baron Michael Elias More excitement pours onto Bourbon Street from Dance Club of the Year Oz

Chris has a fab martini menu Thursdays @ Leather Bar of the Year Phoenix

Nick & James @ Nick & Tyler’s dinner party Southern Comfort Tours’ own Noel Prell & James Henry @ the Phoenix

Dancer Carlos on the bar at The Corner Pocket

Margarita Bergen & Laura Tennyson at Tony Leggio’s b-day event hosted @ Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s

Nathan, Malissa & Ryan @ 700 Club Tom Conners in from Plantation with Tony & Opal @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Dancer Cody on the bar at The Corner Pocket

Marvin & Robbie @ Nick & Tyler’s dinner party Darwin & Chris at Tony Leggio’s birthday event @ JohnPaul’s

The boys of Oz get ready for Halloween

Princesse, Carolina, Sammy & Laura at Tony Leggio’s b-day event @ JohnPaul’s

Tyler with Claus @ Nick & Tyler’s dinner party

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 47

48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 27-November 9, 2009 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM