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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • 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

Ambush Moves Into 28th Year in the Gulf South

oving into its 28th year, Ambush Mag continues to serve the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community throughout the Gulf South in 2010. Beginning in 1982 in Baton Rouge, the publication moved to New Orleans in 1985 setting up shop on World famous Bourbon Street. It has been an exciting opportunity to watch the communities it serves grow and prosper over the past 27 years. Even though 2009 has seen the closure of many GLBT publications across the country, and those in the straight communities as well, Ambush has been extremely lucky in the support it receives from its community. It is the oldest surviving regional GLBT publication in the Gulf South featuring coverage in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Metairie, New Orleans and Slidell Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; and Pensacola, Florida. Perhaps part of the reason for its success was the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Yes, the devastating storm had a positive effect on this publication. Since the storm, there are only two people in the office, versus four. Ambush has cut as many expenses as it can to insure that it is on a solid financial footing. Even though this means much more work for the two of us, it is worth it to see our venture succeed. So because of Katrina, we were already practicing financial restraint when tough economic times hit many publications in the last year or two across the nation. Ambush owes an eternal debt of gratitude to all of its advertisers, both large and small, its entire staff of writers and photographers, and of course, its loyal readership, both in print and online. Without all of you, Ambush would be unable to help in supporting the community, its organizations, and its deserving charities. Happy New Year to all!

27th Mardi Gras Classic Jan. 16 & 17

ardi Gras Classic XXVII Volleyball Tournament is set for January 16 and 17. The Classic is a NAGVA (North American Gay Volleyball Association) sanctioned tournament. Under the theme of True Blood, Volleyball New Orleans wants you to "Come and sink your FANGS into what our city has to offer." Tournament play will take place at Tulane University’s Reily Student Recreation Center, New Orleans Riverside Hilton Athletic Club, and University of New Orleans Human Performance Center. For information on the tournament and all events visit VolleyballNewOrleans.COM. Established in the early 1980s, Volleyball New Orleans strives to promote and develop the sport of volleyball, to foster and conduct local, national and international amateur competition, to promote sportsmanlike conduct, and to foster positive social activities in the gay/lesbian/

bisexual/transgender community.

Apollo Baton Rouge Bringing National Celebrity Elvira to Emcee Bal Masque XXIX, Tales from the Dark

aton Rouge: The Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge will stage its annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, January 16 at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena with this year’s theme being Tales from the Dark.

a final fund raising activity for the year. Tickets for the ball are $50 per person and only available online at ApolloBatonRouge.COM. A special “Meet & Greet” with Elvira is being held an hour before the ball begins. Tickets for the “Meet & Greet” are also available on the Apollo website. Since 1989, the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge and its members have been actively serving the Greater Baton Rouge area through its AIDS/Crisis Fund. Culminating each year with its grand charity event, a bal masque presented for the past twenty-eight years during Mardi Gras season. Krewe members gather throughout the year to raise funds and awareness to support HIV/AIDS education and assistance. Through its AIDS/Crisis Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit and 509(a)(2) public charity established in 1994, Apollo provides emergency financial assistance to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS who are unable to meet basic obligations for the necessities of life, such as medications, medical treatment, housing assistance and transportation.

Cassandra Peterson as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark has

The title of Apollo’s 29th ball is Apollo’s Horror. Elaborate costumes depicting horror movies, tales and characters will be led by Ball Captains Corey Tullier and John Deshotel. The Ball Captains will present the krewe’s returning royalty and conclude with the presentation of the new incoming royalty. Krewe members have spent many month’s preparing building ornate costumes and backpieces with rhinestones, sequins and feathers. This spooktacular event will be emceed by Halloween icon and quintessential symbol of all things spooky. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. As synonymous with Halloween as Santa Claus is with Christmas, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark has carved out a niche in popular American culture that is sure to endure for decades to come. Elvira was created and is portrayed by actress-writer Cassandra Peterson. In their continuing effort to increase AIDS/HIV awareness in the community, each ball guest will be given a flashing red AIDS ribbon. Guests will be asked for donations to Apollo’s AIDS/Crisis Fund in

Jason & deMarco Will Entertain at 49th Petronius Bal Masque

ason and deMarco of Showtimes We’re all Angels will entertain at the 49th annual Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque entitled The Out of Frame and off the Wall Ball. The Ball will be held Sunday, January 24 at 7pm at the Laborers Union Hall. Limited tickets are available at KreweOfPetronius.ORG. Jason & deMarco are independent artists and songwriters who have spent the last seven years touring the U.S. and abroad performing over 100 concerts per year. Their music focuses on every day challenges, relationships, and the kind of struggles that we all identify with; yet they have the courage to write from a personal place, unapologetic and proud of whom they are, without compromising their principals. Jason & deMarco and their band have created their own signature sound combining their haunting melo-

King Cake Queen Coronation Ambush out Jan. 19 DEADLINE: Tuesday, Jan. 12

inside

sappho psalm c'est bon celebrazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans chop chop/nola restaurant guide under the gaydar king cake queen coronation mobile paparazzi classifieds 7th ambie awards hot tails of red stick/baton rouge trodding the boards

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alexandria paparazzi red stick paparazzi/baton rouge acadiana paparazzi/lafayette allons acadiana/lafayette ambush paparazzi/new orleans the pink pastor ambush paparazzi/new orleans

31 32 34 35 36 37 39

Gay Mardi Gras GayMardiGras.COM

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

dies and breathtaking harmonies with strummy guitar acoustic pop/folk arrangements of covers as well as their original hit songs. Together, Jason & deMarco’s vocal harmonies are mesmerizing, unified by transcendent and uplifting lyrics making their appeal multi-generational, touching most everyone who hears them. Their autobiographical and controversial, documentary-film, We’re All Angels, from director Robert Nunez, currently airing on the SHOWTIME NETWORK and coming to MTV’s LOGO Television in April 2010, is now available on DVD at major retailers, and invites fans to take a behind-the-scenes look at the public and private lives of these rising pop stars, who are gay, spiritual, and in love. The film chronicles the lives of the two singers as they perform all over the country in dance [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 Texas - Austin

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, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, DJ Chromatic, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: 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 clubs, at pride events, and even in churches. The movie takes a look at how their openness about their sexuality often pits them against evangelical Christianity, while their faith at times meets with resistance from the gay community. As Jason & deMarco prepare to release a new album to appeal to a wider mainstream audience, We’re All Angels turns the spotlight on how they integrate their sexuality and spirituality within their relationship and professional careers. Jason & deMarco have had the opportunity to perform at

numerous high profile events including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Awards in Los Angeles, the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s annual gala in Denver, and the 2006 Human Rights Campaign Gala at the Waldorf Astoria New York. They have also been a part of the Human Rights Campaign star-studded benefit two-pack CD album celebrating marriage equality, Love Rocks, alongside artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, and The Dixie Chicks.

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Has Awarded More Than $115,000 to Charities

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riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) has awarded more than $115,000 to local HIV/AIDS charities over the past 10 years. This year’s recipients of FNBMG’s annual grants were the NO/AIDS Task Force Food for Friends and Care Van projects, and AIDSLaw of Louisiana. The NO/AIDS Task Force projects received $8,300 and AIDSLaw of Louisiana received $1,500. Organized and incorporated 11 years ago as a very unique 501(c)(3) charitable organization, FNBMG is dedicated solely to raising funds for HIV/AIDS charities and service organizations. Funding for the annual charitable gifts are derived from donations and the proceeds from one single fund-raising event held on the Friday nights just before Mardi Gras. These events are often referred to as FNBMG Extravaganzas. Recipients of funds derived from Extravaganza XI this year are AIDSLaw of Louisiana, Belle Reve of New Orleans,

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Buzzy’s Boys and Girls, Forum for Equality Foundation, NO/AIDS Task Force Food for Friends Project, and Project Lazarus. This year’s FNBMG circus-themed Extravaganza XI will be at the Audubon Tea Room on February 12 from 9pm until midnight. All participants are encouraged to arrive in costumes or drag. Otherwise, formal wear is required. These parties, open to public have been dubbed, “The Mardi Gras Ball Where Everyone Is The Tableau”. Extravaganzas always included an open bar, a wonderful buffet, live entertainment, music, dancing, complimentary professional photographs, a silent auction and great prizes for the best costumes. The organizers expect that Extravaganza XI will be a sold-out event this year. All those interested in attending should make their purchases as early as possible. Individual tickets and Host, Contributor, Benefactor and Angel packages are all available at this time. [continued on 8]

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the "official" dish ...from 6 To increase awareness of FNBMG and Extravaganza XI, FNBMG is hosting two socials this. On Sunday, January 10, a social is being held at JohnPaul’s Bar beginning at 5pm. A social especially for the women in the community will be held on Wednesday, January 6. More details about both of these events are available on the FNBMG web site. Both events are open to the public. Please visit FNBMG’s official website (fridaynightbeforemardigras.com) to learn more about FNBMG and Extravaganza XI. All visitors are encouraged to sign up on the web site for email updates (as always, your personal information will be kept private).

Gay Games Seeks Contributions for Scholarship Athletes

an Francisco, CA - Thirty four (34) lesbian & gay athletes from countries as diverse as South Africa, China, Chile and The Philippines have even greater reason to celebrate the New Year. The international Federation of Gay Games has awarded scholarships to these 34 sports & cultural participants so they can attend and participate in the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, from July 31 to August 7, 2010. Ten (10) additional deserving applicants from Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have been approved, but won’t be able to go to Germany unless $20,000 in additional scholarship funds are raised. (Games Cologne is separately funding some athletes from Eastern Europe.) Contributions can be made online at http://www.gaygames.com/ en/donate/. “Many of these athletes face challenges that most of us will never experience,” said Paul Oostenbrug, co-chair of the FGG Scholarship

Committee. “Where being openly gay or lesbian can risk life or limb, participating in the Gay Games may seem like a luxury. But the experience is extremely moving for them, and offers our scholarship athletes a chance to learn how the LGBT sports movement can be a vehicle for change in their own community. Without a full scholarship, participation would be impossible.” Gay Games scholarships include travel, room and board, and waived registration fees, plus special leadership and organizational development programs designed to help participants build local capacity for LGBT sports & cultural programs. The FGG’s Scholarship Fund works in cooperation with the host city scholarship program. For the 2010 Gay Games, Games Cologne is separately funding as many as 200 participants from Eastern Europe. There were more than 100 scholarship recipients at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. [See Photo Below] Approved and funded scholarship athletes are from countries like South Africa, Argentina, Chile, China, Jamaica, Kenya, Philippines, Taiwan, and Brazil, and include the Chosen FEW, the South African women’s soccer team that won people’s hearts - and a bronze medal - at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. The 10 athletes on the waiting list are from countries as diverse as Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The ten (10) “waiting list” applicants have been notified that their applications were approved but that the FGG lacks the funding to be able to bring them to Germany. The FGG has redoubled its efforts to secure the funding and is asking individuals and companies to make a donation to the FGG Scholarship Fund so that the final group of athletes on the waiting list can be fully funded. If more than $20,000 is donated, additional scholarships may be awarded, or the FGG will use the funds to support Games Cologne’s efforts in Eastern Europe. As a nonprofit tax-exempt 501c organization, donations to the Federation of Gay Games can be included as an income tax deduction in the United States of America, subject to certain limitations. Check with your attorney or accountant for full details.

Lords of Leather Royalty Appreciation Party set for Jan. 10

he Lords of Leather honor the reigning royalty of the local gay Mardi Gras krewes at their annual Royalty Appreciation Party, A Royal Leather Tea, on Sunday, January 10. Feted will be the royalty from Amon Ra, Armeinius, Mwindo, Petronius, Queenateenas and Satyricon. Lord King XXVI and Lord Consort XXVI will be the special guests of honor. The gala afternoon event is scheduled for 1 to 4pm in the Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. As part of the festivities, the krewe will also be holding its annual

Lord Consort & King XXVI Bruce Orgeron & Gary Vandeventer, Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget, King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac & Queen Amon Ra XLIII and King Cake Queen XVII-Elect Opal Masters

Mardi Gras Wreath auction. Attendees can bid on fabulous Mardi Gras decorations created or donated by the members of the krewe. Tickets are $10 donation at the door and include hors d’ oeuvres and wine tasting. Formal leather or cocktail attire is requested. For more information visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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

Hello 2010, Farewell 2009

s I wrote on FaceBook, all I feel like doing is watching a movie, smoking a cigarette and drinking coffee. Now that’s depressing and I know the reason. Ever had someone in your life that you thought was a good friend turn on you? That happened to me a few months ago and this day I am mourning the loss... I see this person once a week at church whether I want to or not, and his knife in my back hasn’t bothered me until now. What I’d like to be writing is a letter to “old chicken queen” asking what made him so mean-spirited. Sometimes at the end of a year, I find

it helps me to start the New Year fresh if I can confront any problems that linger in the old year. Even with all the health problems that plagued me the first eight months of ’09, I am very thankful for and happy with 2009. I’m really lucky to have only one jackass to complain about; and so many friends to be thankful for. Christmas was good. Spent it with the Thompson's again this year where I knew there would be great food, thoughtful gifts and interesting people. Christmas Eve Dr. Amy and Bud took me to Luke’s for a wonderful lunch. I received calls and letters from out of town friends so I know that I am loved and thought of. That’s nice. The day after Christmas Julie and I

did our annual lunch and a movie. I do not recommend Up in the Air as there was no story even though the acting was exceptionally good. The movie received four stars, Julie told me so I was willing to give it a try. Julie and I were both disappointed. In a few days from now we have a date to see another movie and try a new restaurant. I get to pick the next movie which always frightens Julie because I like action, adventure films and she isn’t too keen on them. She is a really good sport about my movie choices so I’m not going to make her suffer this time. I’ve picked Nine which I think she’ll enjoy. (P.S. – Nine was great but you have to like 1962 Italian style art films.) As I write this, Dr. Amy is in surgery for a broken arm sustained while playing football on Christmas afternoon. My question is, Why Wasn’t A Foul Called? Her dad Charlie is still reviewing the play that took place on his front lawn. I don’t know why the great minds at Ochsner had to wait five days to do the repairs but I am praying that they do a better job on her than they did on

me more than once. It is time to look forward, and there is a lot to look forward to in 2010. I’ve promised myself that I would spend less time on Facebook games and more time going out. After the festivities of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, I’ll be looking forward to 12th Night, and attending the Forum for Equality’s 12th Night Party. 2011 is a big celebration for Petronius, the 50th Anniversary, and I am rejoining since past kings and queens will be taking part in the 2011 Ball. 2010 is the build up and it should be fun. So many friends have left other krewes to join Petronius that I know I’ll feel right at home again. Preparing for Mardi Gras is exciting. I haven’t a clue how active I’ll be this coming year but a little something is better than nothing. I’m hoping to be back up on the Ambush balcony. There are political reasons for feeling optimistic about the new year. We are closer to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell than in years past. We are closer to marriage equality for same sex couples. Transgenders are being included in legislation. And ENDA seems to be going ahead to protect Gays in the work place. There are Gay men and women working on Capitol Hill in the offices of conservative congressmen. They are educating those who once feared and hated our community. Although these workers are conservative themselves, they are Gay and accepted as valued members of the staff. We also have change facing us at home with the election of a new mayor and city council. I was dismayed to see/hear the latest Georges ad that slams our friend Mitch. Mudslinging should not surprise or upset me but it does. This is one reason I’ve stopped watching local TV. I’m tired of screaming at the TV screen, and reserve that energy for Saints games. Saints! In my head are visions of a Super Bowl where Drew Brees vs. Payton Manning. Don’t laugh. It could and may happen. The two losses we suffered in the last two games is the real reason for any depression I might be feeling. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t a Saints fan so being this close to a winning season is a thrill mixed with the fear that they are falling apart from the pressure and injuries. Like all true fans, I believe. That is what the Who Dat Nation keeps writing over and over on Facebook. I’m trying not to plan much beyond Mardi Gras because there is so much coming up that I want to keep my schedule open. But one important date to save is the Saturday evening before Mother’s Day when PFLAG will be holding its 25th Scholarship Reception. Get your tickets early. Chairman Randy Trahan promised this will be the best event of its kind that PFLAG has hosted. On a sad note, I send my love and best wishes to Stewart Butler who is very much under the weather. It started, I understand, from a simple insect bite which saw him hospitalized. Then there was a reaction to the drugs. I can relate to that. Stewart has a strong group of friends that are taking very good care of him. Ron assures us that Stewart will be fine in no time. Please remember him in your prayers. It was my intentions to write about the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras organization. This is an old established group that has met for dinner, dancing and partying each year before Mardi Gras. The history and information will be my next story if I can get together with Ed sometime soon. My best wishes for a Happy New Year!

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c'est bon by The Susan Lucci's Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Le Roundup Givin’ The Season Some Joy

ven though it was late after finishing up the last edition of Ambush, we managed to make it out to Le Roundup. It was the bar’s annual Christmas blowout and was it packed wall to wall. We were greeted at the door by the ever vivacious Felina Colby Shane, definitely in the spirit of the season. You can imagine our surprise when she pointed out George Simons in the house. We haven’t seen him in ages. He rarely comes to the Quarter since he retired from bar life. George managed Le Roundup for years and was Easter Grand Marshal IV along with Electra City. He looked great and we were so glad to have a chance to chat with him. Making our way towards the back of the bar while hobnobing with the festive crowd, we spotted Carol, one of our fav bartenders here. She was off for the night and enjoying a little party time with the rest of the gang. A sparkling tiara caught the corner of our eye when we realized it was Deanna Ninneman. She was dazzling in her sexy holiday attire. We had to let her know about Cotton Boy. Our newest ferret owes his life to Deanna, since she rescued him from a couple who had been evicted and were about to put him on the street. She had him about a week when she heard that we had ferrets and wanted to know if we might take him in. It is not the first time we have taken in a rescue ferret, but Cotton Boy was quite squeamish and very, very thin when Deanna brought him to us on September 10th. At first he wouldn’t eat and did

Cotton Boy

not want to be touched or played with. We were really worried that he might die because he was so thin. But after a couple of days with our oldest baby Queenie and her younger sister Sassy, he started to come around. Once he started eating and taking his vitamins from Mom Marsha, we both knew he was going to make it. We told Deanna, she would not even recognize him today. He has grown very long, and strong. He looks like a baby polar bear. The vitamins made his fur thick and luscious. He’s all white with a small black streak on his lower back and the tip of his tail is black. Now he plays like crazy with all of us, and is cuddly and cute. Next we caught up with Le Roundup GM Candise Holman, and owners Mark and Colette Ambrose. All three were in a jolly mood, which made the evening even more enjoyable. It was interesting to learn

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

about Mark’s new past time, cultivating his own orchard of grapes in Mississippi. And he is doing this all by himself. He promises us a tour in the Spring to observe the progress of this endeavor. Collette is busy as ever keeping up with Little Mark who is now in kindergarten. And Candise is always running like crazy managing all three of the couple’s clubs: Le Roundup, Divas and The Harem. Special thanks to Candise, Mark and Collette for inviting us to enjoy the camaraderie of the season at one of our first hangouts when we moved to New Orleans in 1985 from Baton Rouge, Le Roundup. We closed out the evening with a couple of nightcaps at The Double Play where we found Trevor behind the bar. He was playing all the Christmas favorites and singing right along with them. This boy has an incredible repertoire of songs that he can sing with any holiday. The Double Play is one of those famous clubs on the St. Louis Street Strip and touts itself as “The happiest bar in the French Quarter."

Monday Blues, Naw...Monday Fun

es, we all grew up with it. The old adage around was Monday Blues. Well, it’s never blue on Monday for us with so much fun around and readily available. At the beginning of practically every week, we start out our venture at Starlight By The Park to catch up with our dear sister, Marcy Marcell. It’s always the best time to catch up with the latest gossip since Marcy is showgirl extraordinaire in more shows than any other girl in The Big Easy can ever claim fame to. She’s always got tales of her latest escapades or those of other delightful divas. Sometimes it’s pretty, and of course, other times, it’s NOT pretty. So if y’all want to start the week off with a laugh, get over and catch up with Miss Marcy Marcell. And before we left, two reps from the fire department arrived and picked up a truck load of toys brought in by the Toys For Tots fundraiser hosted by Starlight. A short walk down Dumaine brings us back to Neighborhood Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Did y’all know it is still Movie Night on Mondays? Yes, and it all begins at 8pm. But, if you get there earlier you might even get some hot popped theater style buttered pop corn from Bartender of the Year Jeff. The videos here are always festive and the bar still features its Bourbon Street Bailout with $2.50 well drinks 24 hours a day from 1pm Mondays to 9pm Fridays, and 4-9pm Saturdays and Sundays. What a deal!

Tuesday Delivery Day & Countdown to Cocktail Hour

very other Tuesday is delivery day for Ambush and this Tuesday was no exception. After [continued on 12]

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c'est bon ...from 10 finishing up around 5pm, we headed over to catch up with Marty at The Friendly Bar in the Marigny. It was after all, cocktail hour. She still offers her and Rene’s 3 for $5 well drinks or well beer from 4 till 9pm. And do yourself a favor. If you like margaritas, Marty fixes one of the very best we have ever had in New Orleans, so order one. You will find quite an eclectic crowd here from the surrounding neighborhood, and many of them will give you a laugh or two. Next stop was back in the Quarter at the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby’s Golden Lantern. You will catch the Lantern’s newest bartender David serving up your favorite cocktail, wine or brew on Tuesdays. And you’re sure to find legendary Winston holding court on the front left corner of the bar. Now Winston can tell you a story or two, or three, or, you get the idea. He’s always witty, and quite clever as you will soon find out once you get to know him. This day was a special one for us since we not only ran into Winston, but both Wilhemina and Marleeka were the other two in this fun trio of laughs this afternoon. Honey, once you get them a going, there’s no stopping them! While delivering earlier, we spotted Miss Cowvicky in town at The Corner Pocket, so, of course we had to get there to catch up with her. Many of you youngsters Miss Cowvicky will only know him as Ted Mahaffy from Chicago, but those of us in the know, have seen the real deal, Miss Cowvicky. Hope we can dig up that old, old picture Ted loves so much of him in his cow suit to accompany this column. Now this queen can tell you the dirt on many of the old timers. And that is not a derogatory term. Even now, we believe we qualify to be some of those very old timers since we’re a little past that golden age of 50. But getting back to Cowvicky, she used to work over at the Golden Lantern many moons ago and emceed the annual Christmas and Southern Decadence galas and shows at this historic New Orleans bar. And for those of us who can remember, wasn’t she a “vision of loveliness”? You had to be there. After torturing her for quite some time, we had to call it a night and head back home to Bourbon Street.

Hump Day Wednesdays

n unexpected Christmas present was scheduled to arrive between 3 and 5pm. About a week earlier, we experienced a small flood in the kitchen and part of the bedroom on the third floor, traveling down to the parlour on the second floor. Yes, our 17 year old washing machine, simply would not quit filling, overtopping onto the floor. Of course, we did know this was happening until Sassy hopped up on the bed soaking wet. By then, we had quite a

flood. What a lovely start to that day...mopping the floors and blow drying the fur on the ferrets. All of this before we could even get downstairs to the office for work. So we had to buy a new Kenmore just in time for Christmas and were awaiting its delivery. About 4:45 Opal and Darwin arrived to join us for cocktail hour, but still no washer. At. 4:59 the phone rang. It was the Sears delivery team. They were only 5 minutes away. Yea, right. We figured this just might be a case of drag time. Much to our surprise the buzzer rang at 5:07 and it was Sears. That sure was better than 30 minutes or 1 hour late. Amazingly, these guys knew what they were doing. The washer had to go to the third floor and the old one brought down to be taken away by them. They had this new gadget which they strapped under the washer with one side around the neck of the guy on the higher step and strapped to the guy’s waist on the lower step. Lickity split, they were up in about 4 minutes, another 5 minutes installing attachments and about 4 minutes down the stairs and out of the building with the old one. We were on our way to cocktail hour by 5:25. 700 Club was our first destination. After a short walk there we ordered our first drinks from bartender Matt. It gave us a chance to talk about the holidays, and the 17th King Cake Queen Coronation. Y’all know Opal will reign as The Parisian Queen. Earlier at the office, Opal had given us her list of invitees to add to our guest list for the coronation. It is by invitation only and admit cards are provided with each invitation. Opal also gave us the list for her ten invited guest to the 23rd Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss which she will lead February 16th. We are only able to accommodate 50 guest each year which makes it possible for each guest to have time on the balcony, so we invite the last 40. That’s why we are unable to admit anyone not invited personally by us. For the first time this year, admit cards will be required for entry to the bead toss. But getting back to 700 Club, co-owner Mike came out of the office so we got a chance to catch up with him on the latest. The hard work of he and partner Matt have made 700 Club the huge success it has become. They both work every day of the week and always have something going on, so be sure and stop in and grab a cold one. Next stop brought us to Good Friends Bar. There was a lively crowd here getting in the Christmas Spirit. Opal and Darwin had us laughing with some of the antics going on around town. It is so much fun to relax and enjoy the season with good friends. After several rounds we moved on to our final destination. Close to home, we stopped in at Oz where we found Adrian behind the bar. He’s always a lot of fun and has a wry sense of humor. As Dance Club of the Year, you can always find the best in dance and circuit sounds. It’s also home to DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger and Entertainer of the Year Coca. This is another hot spot for nightly entertainment with something happening every evening of the week. For those into shows, catch the ones here on Wednesdays and Sundays featuring the Oz Cast under the direction of GM Tommy Elias.

It’s Christmas Eve

ike most everyone else, we had to make a few things for our Christmas Day dinner on Christmas Eve. We made a batch of deviled eggs, our Down the Bayou Potato Salad, Artichoke Casserole, and a glaze for our picnic ham to be baked in the morning. Additionally, we tried our hands at our first homemade sugar free jellied cranberry sauce. We have been trying for a couple of years to get our cranberry sauce to taste like the delicious one from Ocean Spray. It was made with fresh cranberries, Splenda, water and unflavored gelatin. We placed it in our pyramid mode and hoped for the best. By the time we finished, we were exhausted and went upstairs for a nap. At 4pm we headed back downstairs and out the door for the short drive over to the Marigny. We stopped in to see Juanita at Big Daddy’s first. While having a cocktail, Kathy from Little Disseys came in after an exhausting day of cooking on the job, and then at home. Cooking at home is hard enough but on the job and at home, we told her we knew she must be exhausted. After chatting about menus for a few minutes, Kathy left. Shortly she returned, and to our surprise opened a bag and brought out three flavored butters she had prepared - honey butter, Italian butter and blue cheese butter which she gave to us. We thanked her and said we’d put all three to good use. The honey butter we’d use on our brown and serve rolls for Christmas, the blue cheese butter on some prime rib or filets, and the Italian butter on broiled seafood or french bread. What a nice Christmas present! Cutter’s next door was our stop for the bar’s annual Christmas Dinner with dishes prepared by the Cutter’s boys and many of the customers. The spread here is always incredible, and if there were an award for bar food, Cutter’s would surely be ranked right at the top. Since Chris was in New York for Christmas, Mac himself was behind the bar. Dudley and Jimmy were at the front and as we made our way through the crowd, we saw a seat at the end of the bar. There was only one bar stool, so Brett was kind enough to move on the other side of Pat so we’d both have a seat. Everyone was in a very jolly mood, and some definitely had been sipping the Christmas cheer. Pat and Brett had us laughing, and then Kevin came down and said he should have brought the jade plant he and Chuck had growing for us. Lester came in shortly thereafter and he was getting a little frisky with Mac until Mac showed him his Christmas surprise. We thought Lester was going to swoon. More and more people kept piling on in, so there was barely a space left in the place. After partying well over an hour, we decided to get moving since we were also supposed to make it to Le Roundup for their dinner as well. On the way out we got to talk with Chuck and Lea, and snap a few shots before leaving. Heading back towards Big Daddy’s, we saw Wayne go in so decided to stop back in for another visit. Juanita was still behind the bar, and Wayne was due to come on later. The new boss David was also in so we chatted and got a pic of he, Juanita and Wayne. After ordering another drink, Marty and Koo came in. It must have been our night! They gave us each a jar of their famous upside down pickles with instructions to turn the jar over each morn-

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ing for two weeks before they’d be ready. Butter and pickles, all in one stop! What else could we ask for. So we ended up staying here way longer than we’d anticipated, so when we finally headed back to the Quarter, we realized we were already houched and better go straight home and not to the Roundup. Sorry we missed the party Candise.

Christmas Day

hristmas morning finally arrived. It is one of our favorite of all holidays. With the house all decked out for the holiday, we were in the spirit. Waking up late was a nice start to the day. After playing with the babies and giving them their new Christmas present, a krinkly tunnel, we got them back to bed in their armoire and headed down to the second floor. Here we checked on our ham which we had cooked overnight in our crock pot. It was tender and falling off the bone so we turned it off. We had to get our oyster cornbread dressing and artichoke casserole in the oven. Then we opened the china cabinet and got out Granny’s china and crystal to set the table. We placed it on one end side by side so we could see the Christmas tree and the train running on it’s tracks near the top of the tree. Now we had time to open our presents. Santa brought Marsha a beautiful gold cuff bracelet, Rip a snuggie, and both of us the Julie & Julia DVD, The P&J Cookbook, and Mastering the Art of French Cooking book by Julia Child. Also under the tree were seven other gifts. Tom Conners gave Marsha a beautiful initial jeweled necklace and an antique owl necklace. He also gave us a beautiful royal blue jeweled Easter Egg with a spinning angel inside which plays Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Opal and Darwin gave us a Waterford Christmas globe which lights up for the Christmas tree and a huge bottle of Riesling. David and Rhonda Roget gave us a lovely fleur de lis wall hanging. Tony Leggio gave us a beautiful ornate red Venetian style bowl from Italy. John and Paul from JohnPaul’s gave us a box of those wonderful See’s Famous Old Time candies. And don’t forget, we got that new washing machine also. Once we were finished unwrapping gifts, we headed downstairs to do a few chores before heading back up for Christmas dinner. Once the oyster dressing and artichoke casserole were out of the oven, we put in the White Trash rolls (brown and serve rolls). After slicing the ham which just fell apart, unmolding the jellied cranberry sauce, and getting out the potato salad, the rolls came out of the oven, and we opened them and added a slice of Kathy’s honey butter. To say we had a marvelous meal is an understatement. Everything was just fab, and yes, we finally made a fresh sugar free cranberry sauce which tasted just like Ocean Spray. After lunch, we went upstairs and watched Julie & Julia. The move was just wonderful. What a nice Christmas present from Santa. It’s now about time for everyone to be finished with their home and family outings, and time to hit the bars to relax and enjoy Christmas evening. Since Starlight was hosting its Christmas Party and Dinner, we walked down Dumaine to get to our destination on N. Rampart. A festive group was already getting into holiday [continued on 14]

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c'est bon ...from 12 mode. The smells of culinary delights permeated the air, and the big screen TV had a roaring fire really setting the atmosphere for this chilly Christmas evening. Paul was telling us about his new golden shoes for Paula Lane. Yes, it had been a good Christmas for everyone we spoke with. Heading down N. Rampart to St. Ann, our first stop was Rawhide. Here Nate was behind the bar and some of the fellas were in an active game of pool. Did y’all know that now every Sunday, it’s Strip Pool at 9:30pm? The winner gets a whopping $60 in door chips. That’s like getting a $60 gift certificate to Rawhide! A little further down St. Ann brought us to Good Friends Bar. Spencer and Richie were serving up Christmas cheer behind the bar here. And guess who was in the house? None other than Richie’s mother Tammy. She is quite a looker so check out she and Richie’s pic in this edition. Isn’t it great when your mother is so accepting that she'd visit you at work on Christmas Day? Then on to Bourbon Street and a stop at Oz. It was Dingo and Princesse Stephaney, in her own version of a sexy Ms. Claus, was headlining the event. Yes, even though it was Christmas, you could still win prizes at Oz for the Friday Dingo Games. Last stop was to see Frankie who was behind the bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. He’s one of those bar celebs that is always upbeat and ready to party, so you can see why he had such a happy group of holiday revelers.

Post Christmas Saturday

es, we were some of the crazy’s out shopping the day after Christmas. We had planned to have lunch at China Doll across the river, but are you ready? They were closed through Monday for the Christmas holiday. Anyway they’re right next to Burlington Coat Factory. We stopped here to look for a heavier Winter coat for Rip. Previously, we’d looked at Dillard’s and the coats there started at $250 up to $1,200. Can you believe a $1,200 coat for a man? That was not in our budget. Burlington Coat Factory proved to be a good choice since we found a $225 suede faux fur lined coat for only $89. After having lunch at Piccadilly, we went shopping for evening gowns. Y’all know Carnival season is right around the corner. But today was not to be a successful one. There was nothing that really caught our eyes that would be suitable for ball season. Next stop was Breaux Mart to pick up a few things for the week and New Year’s Day lunch. We always have corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips and black-eye peas to give us some luck and dollars in the New Year. After crossing the bridge and unloading our goodies at home we discovered it was cocktail hour. After all that shopping we were ready to relax. We glided into JohnPaul’s to catch Barry behind the bar. The bar had just opened so we were Barry’s first customers. It gave us a chance to visit. We found out that he and Cathy (as in Cathy Fox) were moving right down the street from the club. That reminded us that we had a check for St. Anna’s Food Pantry for a couple of auction items we had secured at

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Cathy’s Divas Among Us fundraiser. As Miss Louisiana Leatherette, Cathy hosted the show and auction in cooperation with the Lords of Leather at JohnPaul’s raising over $1,500 for the food pantry. Congrats on a job well done. Right across the street we stopped in at Leather Bar of the Year, the Phoenix. Wayne was tending bar here, so we had a couple of drinks with him. He’s always a lot of fun and was showing us his new camera he’d received from his sister for Christmas. It was the tinniest camera we’d ever seen. Wayne said he’ll be able to help us now in getting pics of the action at the Phoenix for Ambush. Since there is only two of us, it is really a big help when so many of our friends and the clubs send in photos for the paper. The pics have always been Ambush’s #1 selling point.

Saints Sunday

o start off this day, we went to the Marigny for brunch at Feeling’s Cafe where we had a gift certificate. It was quite busy so we started with a couple of mimosas, and would end up with a couple of more rounds. Our waiter told us about the appetizers, soup and entree specials. One of the appetizers, soft shell crawfish on a bed of avocado butter caught our attention. In addition to that appetizer, we had the chicken liver pate one as well. The soft shell crawfish was delicious, fried crisp and that avocado butter was to die for with a hint of lemon, capers and green onions. The pate, as always was good. For entrees Marsha chose Veal D’Aunoy and Rip chose Steak and Eggs. Both were excellent, the tender veal grilled with mushrooms and topped with hollandaise, and the fillet a perfect rare with runny poached eggs and cheese grits. A short walk down Franklin brought us to Cutter’s for the Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. It was in the first half of the game and the Saints were already ahead. Right after our arrival, the Saints scored their second touchdown, so the roaring crowd was ready as Mac and Lola went around offering everyone a free shot of schnapps. After visiting with the crowd we headed out for our next stop. It would be at the Phoenix as the sports queers here were as enthusiastic as the ones over at Cutter’s. Wayne was serving up the cocktails, so we grabbed a couple from him. We had to catch up with some of our friends so we took a short walk across the street. JohnPaul’s was rocking as well. Here we caught up with Opal, Darwin, David, Rhonda and Tony. They all wanted to know if we’d seen the Sunday paper. No, we hadn’t. They told us the Gay Easter Parade Thank You Party had made The Big Easy page by Steven Forster. Steven is always so good to the gay community...thanks Steven! Only planning to stay here a short while, the second half of the game enticed us into staying to what would be the bitter end. We just knew the Saints were going to win today, but it was not in the cards. We still love you boys, but, God please let’s win the next game! Heading back to the Quarter we caught the beginning of Trash Disco at Lafitte’s. It was already crowded, but we managed to get a couple of stools by the bar. DJ Johnny Love had us mesmerized with his fab videos, as the whole gang here got into just about every one that he played.

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) President Billy Henry presents checks totaling $9,800 to Noel Twilbeck, CEO of NO/AIDS Task Force, and Stacy LaFleur, Executive Director of AIDS Law of Louisiana, profits from last year's FNBMG Extravaganza X. The affair is dubbed, “The Mardi Gras ball where everyone is the tableau.”

ar Baron Mike Cookmeyer celebrates Momma Cookmeyer’s birthday on New Year’s Day at 700 Club in New Orleans. Momma Cookmeyer is always in for the events here supporting her son and Matt Giglio’s endeavor, 700 Club, “The New Center of Gay Nightlife in the Quarter.”

ar Baron Javier Sandoval in the midst of loads of gifts Starlight By The Park brought in for its annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive in New Orleans. The New Orleans Fire Department distributed the truck load of toys to area children.

aton Rouge’s own Gia was crowned Miss Ice Queen following competition hosted at Central Louisiana’s newest club, Olympus Bar in Alexandria. She is joined by Marsheya St. Clair, one of the dazzling Ladies of Olympus cast.

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M Candise Holman joins club owners Mark and Collette Ambrose for Le Roundup’s annual Christmas Party in New Orleans. The by invitation only affair brought many of St. Louis Street’s legends in for complimentary drinks and a holiday buffet.

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snap Ringing in the New Year with bartender Wayne @ the Phoenix Guest bartender Ted in from Chicago for New Year’s Eve @ The Corner Pocket

Countess C Alice performs @ Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social Bartender Nate rings in the Leather New Year @ Rawhide 2010

Bartenders Spencer & Blake ring in the New Year @ Good Friends Bar

Amon Ra’s Mr. America Cody & Malissa join Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social Troy & Jerry gearing up for New Year’s Eve @ The Corner Pocket

Bartenders Allen & Blake behind the bar @ Oz New Year’s Day

C&B Enterprises’ GM John & bartender Trevor ring in the New Year @ The Double Play Lori, bar baron Mike & Rick celebrating New Year’s Eve @ 700 Club

Melissa Marquis & Mother Moses celebrate New Year’s Eve @ The Double Play

Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella & Madame Elysian Fields (& Queen Amon Ra XLIV) Rhonda Roget perform for Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social @ JohnPaul’s

Until It Is Over’s Don & Queen Mwindo IV Rene ring in the New Year @ 700 Club

President Safonda Peters makes some extra holiday money holding up signs on Elysian Fields for Amon Ra

Krystal’s DB & Caroline in for New Year’s Eve @ The Corner Pocket

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac on Stage for Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social

Eric & Travis in for New Year’s Eve @ 700 Club

Gary, Robert & JohnPaul’s John join Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social @ JohnPaul’s

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Anais strikes a pose at she & Marco’s party for the holidays

Mike & Jeanne @ Anais & Marco’s holiday party

New Year’s, Christmas in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio ~ New Orleans17th Red Party @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Lafitte’s raises

paparazzi

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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain www.ripandmarsha.com Email: info@ambushmag.com

New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, has just opened and is now serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm till Wed.-Sun. Visit 700ClubNewOrleans.COM. 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. 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 11am10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 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. 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.

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

(left) Gourmet Burger with fries at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

Tomatillo's, a Nuevo Latino Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave, 945.9997, has a brand new chef featuring a entire new menu of Latin favorites. A favorite among locals and tourists, Tomatillo’s is how New Orleans does Margaritas and Latin food in the Marigny! Call for reservations or visit TomatillosNOLA.COM for more info.

(right) Occo Buco, braised veal shank in a garlic, thyme and white wine demi with asparagus and potatoes at Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St.

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

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

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

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very naughty soiree and no one greets in a Victoria’s Secret Santa’s helper outfit better than Anais. Randy Weaver held a lovely party at his home in the Marigny and Steven Graffeo and his partner Jim Weigand held a brilliant holiday/Saints party at their home in the Bywater. And I also think I may have met my next special friend there. I just need to remember his name. Damn that spiked egg nog. Looking back on the 2009 holiday season, I have to say it was one of the better ones. People’s spirits were high and their hope for a brighter 2010 was uplifting. At one of the parties I attended someone said we will ascend in 2010. Catchy phrase and hopefully this will ring true for a more prosperous year for all of us.

Mazel Tov

n Thursday, January 7, the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will present the opening night performance of Jewtopia at Le Chat Noitr. The show begins at 8pm and tickets are $25. This is a comedy by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson. Gary Rucker directs the off-Broadway play about two single friends who form a pact to find the women of their dreams. This should definitely be a theatrical experience not to be missed. For tickets call 504.525.4498.

You’re So Gay

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

From One Holiday to the Next

he holidays come fast don’t they. Southern Decadence, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and now it is Mardi Gras time. Wow, I just sobered up from New Year’s and someone handed me a cocktail and said, Happy Mardi Gras. So I am preparing myself for another wild Mardi Gras season. Gay Mardi Gras is steeped in tradition, both old and new. The official kickoff to Mardi Gras season is January 6 or 12th Night. 12th Night means many things to many people. In medieval and Tudor England, the Twelfth Night marked the end of a winter festival that started on All Hallows Eve — now more commonly known as Halloween. The Lord of Misrule (no not David Boyd from Lords of Leather, but close) symbolizes the world turning upside down. On this day the King and all those who were high would become the peasants and vice versa. Hence masking at Mardi Gras, rich and poor are all the same in costume, but the rich have nicer costumes and better masks, but I digress. At the beginning of the twelfth night festival a cake which contained a bean was eaten. The person who found the bean would run the feast. I wonder if the people at Randazzo’s had family back then. Midnight signaled the end of his rule and the world would return to normal. Or in other words, the SDT trucks guided by Sidney Torres would come down the street. But in New Orleans, the New Orleans Carnival season, with roots in preparing for the start of the Christian season of Lent, starts after Twelfth Night, on Epiphany (January 6).

I for one cannot wait for gay Mardi Gras to begin, from the first event which was the Krewe of Satyricon’s 12th Night Ball at The Country Club on January 2 to the festivities of the Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss from the Ambush Balcony led by this year’s King Cake Queen Opal Masters, this year is poised to be one of the best. You can find a complete listing of all the Gay Mardi Gras events at GayMardiGras.COM.

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

efore moving on to the Carnival season, I would like to take a moment to thank all the gay establishments for their generous holiday parties they hosted this season. I tried to make as many as possible so if I missed your event, try having it earlier, lets say July. All those events poured into one week takes a toll on a party girl. But nothing says thank you for your patronage more than two hours of complimentary liquor. All kidding aside, Oz and the Pub held their parties on the same night at the same time, so I bounced (more like stumbled) between the two. Both were wonderful holiday events and Oz even had a special Christmas show that night hosted by the always entertaining Persana Shoulders who reminds me of a very well coiffed Peter Pan. Both places had these great Christmas trees with stacks of toys underneath that guests brought. Some kids were very happy this holiday season thanks to the gay community. Also the following night, The Corner Pocket and 700 Club held their holiday parties. I was able to make it to both of them much to my liver’s dismay. 700 Club collected funds for Belle Reve and Lazarus at the door raising $1,600, and the drinks flowed steadily. The Corner Pocket had a special holiday show put on by Barry Bareass, Lisa Beaumann and the Corner Pocket Dancers. Not to be confused with the June Allison dancers. I like to think of their style of dancing as interpretive. Besides, all is excused if you are wearing a fur lined, red g-string. Ho, ho, ho, and I do mean that literally. As always, a few nights earlier, Orlando’s put out a feast for their holiday celebration and JohnPaul’s held a lovely performers party. Their were plenty of holiday drag shows to keep people’s mood festive and Amon Ra held a special Sister Sunday Social which was absolutely hysterical. And Barbara Ella and Queen Amon Ra Rhonda Roget did a fabulous show stopping number with feathered fans and lots of high hair and sequins. God, I love holiday drag. But the house parties I attended were the ones that really were off the charts. Parties in bars are fun, but celebrations in peoples’ homes are always more intimate. Anais and Marco St. John threw a

riday Night Before Mardi Gras has announced it’s theme this year and I love it. It is entitled Cirque Du Sogay and will be held at the Audubon Tea Room on Friday, February 12 at 8pm. If you have never heard of this group before, you do not know what you are missing. This is a wonderful organization with some very fun people. Friday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) came to life during Mardi Gras 1985, when Dr. David Wood and Dr. Ivan Sherman invited friends into their home on the Friday night just before Mardi Gras. Their guests, already in a festive mood for Carnival frivolity, arrived unexpectedly in wigs and a new tradition was born. The party grew with each passing year and became known as the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras bash. Ivan and David never issued written invitations and graciously welcomed everyone who appeared at their door. By 1999, the attendance had grown to 350 wildly costumed partygoers. Thank God Facebook wasn’t around then. That year, Billy Henry and Ed Potratz suggested that the next party might be produced as a fund-raising event for HIV and AIDS service organizations. Extravaganza One at The Carrollton was a huge success. The next five Extravaganzas continued at The Carrollton and attendance steadily grew. After Hurricane Katrina (that bitch!), Extravaganza Seven sparkled at New Orleans businessman & entrepreneur, Sean Cumming’s Esplanade Avenue mansion. Extravaganza Eight was held at the Elms Mansion on St. Charles and Extravaganza IX carried on at The Venusian Garden. In 2009, Extravaganza X moved to the Audubon Tea Room with the theme Divas at the Tea Room. The event was another smashing success and it was also the first time I attended one of their parties. This event is definitely not to be missed, so become a supporter now. For more information on the organization and the event, as well as to buy tickets, go to FridayNightBeforeMardiGras.COM.

Save This Date

he 9th annual Taste of the Town will be held Friday, March 26th at Lafreniere Park Pavilion Island deep in the heart of Metairie. I know saying the M word makes you cringe, but this is one of the premiere events in the New Orleans metropolitan area. This culinary event boasts top named restaurants preparing their signature dishes as well as an open bar from 7 - 11pm. The entertainment this year will be the Bucktown Allstars. Tickets begin at $90. For more information go to TasteOfTheTown.COM or call 504.210.0670.

Everyone Has A Twin

ou know that old saying that there is someone who looks exactly like you somewhere in this world. It is totally true and many people call them doppelgangers. These doppelgangers are usually

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[continued on 24]

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

paparazzi

Christina, Coree, Caysee & Paige B-Bob’s manager Bob Brunson sings

Shay, Corey & Nita

24 Hour Beeper: 504.259.8061

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

Karakoe DJ Mel celebrates her birthday while she spins the music

B-Bob’s bartender Leon sings

Peter sings

Rodney Culotta, RPh

OPEN

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. under the gaydar ...from 22 mean versions of you. Well, I have one and I have decided to call her Chardonnay. If you see Chardonnay, please make it a point to steer clear of her, she seems to speak her mind without warning. Also, she tends to have a short fuse and absolutely no patience whatsoever. She may look like me, but trust me she is definitely not me. I am much more delicate than she. I unfortunately have never seen her or met her, because she only seems to appear when I am drinking too much white wine. So remember if you run into someone who looks like me acting crazy and out of control, please note that it is Chardonnay and not me. Happy 12th Night everyone! Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

Gay Mardi Gras GayMardiGras.COM

Kathleen & Laura sing with backups Nita & Shay

Stacey, Kathleen, Kim, Heather, Wendi & Laura Kristie sings

Happy times!

Matt warms up his vocal cords by tongueing Donnie Maury shakes it with...

Kristie wants cmPix to leave her alone while she sings

Bethany, Micheal & Chuck

Kathleen sings

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Gary & Peter

Karaoke Night @ B-Bob’s ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Craig Powell

504.279.6312

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

ROYAL

ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

400

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800

body rubs

900

New Orleans, LA [504] AWESOME BODY RUB/ESCORT SESSION by masculine top stud. 6'0", 182#, w/magic hands. 6am-mid. 7 days. 4 hands also avail. In/ Out serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is110]

DUMAINE

ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300 ESPLANADE

classifieds

1800 19 FR

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

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

M AR IG NY

RT PA M RA

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

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

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 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 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 ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000

employment New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS is accepting applications for energetic employees. Drug test/ background check required. Apply at 515 Toulouse St.

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

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

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

guides

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2609]

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

circuit/events

groceries/delis

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 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 Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 28-31, 2010, Halloween 27, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 4, 2011, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM

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

cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99

chiropractic

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos

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

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

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555, salondmalta.com

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'

- 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

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] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. 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] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL,

1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. 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 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher

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

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-504.756.9443. New pictures at www.m4rn.com (search by ID #190508), 6am-11pm, In or Out. 5'10", 180# of cute pure muscle. [is110]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437

LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 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,

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

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

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

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OFAPOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 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 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & 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, www.bigeasymcc.com, pastor@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 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 FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.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 persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org 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., 70116-

2013; 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 MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW GAY/LESBIAN SOFTBALL LEAGUE FORMING THIS SPRING. Join in the fun of a NAGAAA-style league (www. nagaaasoftball.org) welcoming all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced. The first General Meeting for interested players will be on Sunday, February 21, 2pm at Rubyfruit Jungle (1135 Decatur). Volunteers, managers, coaches and sponsors are needed for the league. They will meet on Sunday, January 10th, 2pm upstairs at Good Friends (740 Dauphine). For more information, contact mark@nolasoftball.com. Coming soon — www.nolasoftball.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 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

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] 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] 700 CLUB RESTAURANT, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM 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 Tomatillo's, a Nuevo Latino Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave, 945.9997, TomatillosNOLA.COM

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 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

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]

theatre awards in the spotlight by Brian Sands & Patrick Shannon

The Seventh Annual Ambie Awards

009 saw heartbreaking tragedy, word-defying comedy, nail-bit ing drama...and not all of it was at the Superdome! Rather, with over a hundred productions from the National World War II Museum to Westwego, from the wilds of City Park to a beauty salon in Slidell, we were kept extremely busy this past year as the theatrical community—actors, writers, directors, designers, technicians—in the greater New Orleans area continued to amaze, impress and make the nominating process incredibly difficult. In recognition of the outstanding work done in the past twelve months, we are delighted to announce the nominees for the Seventh Annual Ambie Awards. It is a measure of the vibrancy of our local theater scene that no fewer than 59 productions have been honored with at least one nomination. As always, the Ambies are totally subjective, occasionally arbitrary, inclusive only of the shows we saw (sorry to all others) and not at all validated by Price Waterhouse. Congratulations to all our nominees who have trod the boards in our wonderfully surreal metropolis with steadfast dedication, bodacious imagination and boundless talent. Sponsored by Ambush Magazine, the Ambies will be presented at Le Chat Noir on Monday, February 1 and we hope that all nominees will be able to attend. There will be a minimal suggested admission charge with the net proceeds going to NOCCA’s Theater Department— we hope to top last year’s donation of $1,700! Please spread the word and wish

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

a hearty “Break a leg!” to all whose names appear below: Uniquest Theatrical Experience: Jim Fitzmorris’ Cabinet of Wonders, Le Chat Noir; My First Time, fourfront theatre; A Purrfect Evening: The Songs of Eartha Kitt, Anais St. John; The Uprising, Le Chat Noir/Southern Rep; Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads, Le Chat Noir Best Production of a Musical: A...my name is Alice, Cutting Edge Productions; The Apple Tree, NOCCA; Honk!, JPAS Summer Youth Musical Theatre (East Bank); South Pacific, Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre; THE SWEETEST SOUNDS The Music of Richard Rodgers, NOCCA; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, forefront theatre Best Production of a Drama: The Glass Menagerie, Marigny Theatre & To Do Productions; I Am My Own Wife, Southern Rep & All Kinds of Theatre; Loup Garou, ArtSpot Productions & Mondo Bizarro; The Piano Lesson, Anthony Bean Community Theater; The Skin of Our Teeth, NOCCA; Some Girl(s), Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans Best Production of a Comedy: The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare Festival at Tulane; Mr. Marmalade, The NOLA Project; Pterodactyls, Cutting Edge Productions; Sick, Southern Rep; Silent Night of the Lambs!, Running With Scissors; We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, The Cripple Creek Theatre Company Best Original Work: Livin’ Janis, Dorian Rush/Le Chat Noir; Loup Garou, Raymond “Moose” Jackson/ArtSpot Productions & Mondo Bizarro; Short Takes, Mary Louise Wilson/All Kinds of Theatre; Soul of the City, Jim Fitzmorris & John D. Fitzmorris, Jr./Tulane Dept. Of Theatre; Taste, Gabrielle Reisman/The NOLA Project; Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads, Jeffery Roberson, Jacques Lamarre, Ricky Graham, Brooks Braselman/Le Chat Noir Best Director of a Musical: AJ Allegra, The Apple Tree; Blake Coheley, THE SWEETEST SOUNDS The Music of Richard Rodgers; Jonne Dendinger, A...my name is Alice; David W. Hoover, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Diane Lala, South Pacific; Frannie Rosenberg, Honk! (East Bank) Best Director of a Play: Lorenzo Gonzalez, The Comedy of Errors; Jason Kirkpatrick & Janet Shea, The Skin of Our Teeth (NOCCA); Gary Mendoza, Pterodactyls; Buzz Podewell, Soul of the City; Kathy Randels, Loup Garou; Carl Walker, I Am My Own Wife Best Actor in a Musical: Christopher E. Carey, South Pacific; Keith Claverie, All Shook Up; Kasey Marino, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; David Murray, Honk! (East Bank); Jeffery Roberson, Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads; Jamie Wax, Damn Yankees Best Actress in a Musical: Elizabeth Argus, South Pacific; Jenna Ibieta, Honk! (East Bank); Idella Johnson, Aida; Leslie Limberg, All Shook Up; Fran Love, The Women of Brewster Place; Dorian Rush, Livin’ Janis Best Actor in a Play: Rus Blackwell, Shotgun; Brad Caldwell, Hand Over Fist; Bob Edes, Jr., I Am My Own Wife; Jason [continued on 30]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

A New Beginning

Just Jeremy

he new year is here again – so quickly! It seems that 2009 went by in such a short period of time that it is difficult to realize that we are in another decade. After all the parties and the resolutions have been made, it is time to step back and take a look at what is ahead. Sometimes this can mean another job, maybe a move to another place, or just another of the same old thing. Whatever it might be, it is a good time to sit back and survey the scene and see how you fit into the overall picture. It is also a time of renewal of individual goals, of planning to do better at all of life’s tasks, and to share a sense of all this with friends and loved ones. It is a time to just simply do better whether it is in taking care of our physical and mental needs to expressing more loving concerns for our friends. As we go through life, there are those who impress us and those who don’t, but just remember one thing. We also impress others, and this is the time to maybe improve on this or to just bite the bullet and vow to be a better person. It is something to consider – and the perfect time to do it.

must say that when I delivered Ambush last week and saw Jeremy at George’s instead of Michael or Andy, I was very pleased to finally meet him face to face. It was no ordinary meeting either. Jeremy was just as surprised and pleased. We talked for a few minutes,

Jeremy and his beautiful smile

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Le Petit

es, David Ives & Paul Blake’s book for the stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is at times strange, at times silly; what were endearingly two dimensional characters in the movie (starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen) come off as flat on stage. But after the first hour or so you suspend your disbelief, give in to the let’s-put-on-a-show conventions and the silliness’n’strangeness doesn’t really matter any more. And yes, many of White Christmas’ songs are second rate. But second rate Irving Berlin is still better than first rate almost anyone else. And the first rate numbers (Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean?, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm) are among the most glorious of the twentieth century. And if Brandt Blocker’s direction was more Bugs Bunny than Shakespeare—or even Neil Simon—leads Kasey Marino and Ashley Smetherman Lemmler did their darnedest to make the star-crossed lovers at least 2 ½ dimensional...and entirely won us over in the process. As the second bananas whose relationship seems to be heading down the aisle and then straight into therapy, Rich Arnold and Julie Tolivar never probed beneath the surface of their characters but

they’re never really asked to and they tapped up a storm in I Love a Piano. Those ol’ pros Dane Rhodes and Heidi P. Junius took their cartoonish roles (the codger with the heart of gold pudding, the retired chorine waiting for the spotlight to shine on her again) and made them realer than they had any right to be. And Rachel Laufer may be pint-sized but as Rhodes’ granddaugh[continued on 37]

theatre awards ...from 28 George, Jerker; Stephfon Guidry, The Piano Lesson; Nick Slie, Loup Garou Best Actress in a Play: Donna Duplantier, Shotgun; Adella Gauthier, Bourbon at the Border; Pat McGuire Hill, A Raisin in the Sun; Lyla Hay Owen, The Glass Menagerie; Jennifer Pagan, We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!; Stacy Taliancich, Wait Until Dark Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Joseph Arrigo, Honk! (East Bank); Roland “Butch” Caire, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do; Brian Peterson, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; George J. Sanchez, Damn Yankees; Dane Rhodes, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Shad Willingham, South Pacific Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Becky Allen, A...my name is Alice; Elizabeth Donner, Honk! (West Bank); Michaela Harrison, The Women of Brewster Place; Heidi P. Junius, Irving Berlin’s White

exchanged those normal formalities, and I left for Splash to visit with the guys there. I had already been to Hound Dogs a little earlier. When I got back home, I decided that I wanted to get to know Jeremy a little better, so I went back to George’s to share a drink and talk with him. I’m really glad I did. It was just after the bar opened, and when I drove up I thought it was closed for some reason because the parking lot was empty of cars. I’m glad I rang the buzzer for entry because Jeremy was in there alone just waiting for customers. So we got a chance to get to know each other and catch up on lots of things in our personal lives. I don’t think I expected it to be such a nice period of time, and I’m so glad I went back. Jeremy is a very charismatic young man with a beautiful smile and eyes that reflect a great feeling of joy. Even his voice was so pleasant and charming that I felt as if I had known him for a long time. Well, I had known him as an employee at George’s, but I had never had a one-to-one sit-down conversation with him in complete privacy. Since it was one of the last shopping days before Christmas, the customers were skipping happy hour for last-minute gift buying, and I didn’t want to leave Jeremy alone. We talked and talked and shared so many experiences and happenings in our lives. He was very appreciative of my earlier column notes about him, and I got to see a sincerity here that I hadn’t known before. This just goes to prove that when you share something positive with others, you end up with a lasting impression. So it was in this in-

stance that I saw the gratitude that I had garnered by expressing my thoughts about him. I found myself in the presence of one of the nicest guys you can ever meet. Jeremy has that youthful attitude that really draws you to him – of someone who is caring and sharing. And I can assure you I really enjoyed this caring and sharing period. There are a few personal notes that I won’t share here, but these also revealed the guy as a red-blooded, All-American kind of individual. Being so handsome, it was difficult for me to take my eyes off him. He is just one nice hunk of beautiful manhood from top to bottom and all points in between. He showed me his new tattoo which is nice, and the location is good too – when he comes out of his shirt. He admits that his body isn’t as trim and muscular as he would like, but I think it is absolutely fantastic. I think this is one of the best interview situations I’ve ever had with someone I’ve written up in Ambush. Usually there are other people around, and the discussions are interrupted periodically unless I’m dining with them as I have with Luther so many times. But here on this particular day before Christmas, I had a unique and gifted young man all to myself. I suppose we could have talked on and on, but there comes a time when the spell is broken, not in a bad way, but a good way – in the form of a friend and customer. However, as I look back over this hour and a half that we reminisced about our

Christmas; Leslie Limberg, Aida; Lisa Picone, Songs for a New World Best Featured Actor in a Play: A.J. Allegra, Mr. Marmalade; Kenneth Brown, Jr., Shotgun; Bob Edes, Jr., Valley of the Dolls; Harold X. Evans, The Piano Lesson; Thomas Hellmers, The Member of the Wedding; Sam Henry, Pterodactyls Best Featured Actress in a Play: Samantha Beaulieu, A Raisin in the Sun; Trina Beck, King Lear; Sarah Fontenelle, Some Girl(s); Liz Mills, The Glass Menagerie; Sarah Jordan Stout, The Scene; Jessie Terrebonne, The Little Dog Laughed Best Ensemble: A...my name is Alice (Becky Allen, Tara Brewer, Dana Deris Fatic, Francine Finley, Leslie Limberg); bobrauschenbergamerica (James Bartelle, Tyler D’Aquilla, Stephen Foley, Helen Jaksch, Alex Lemonier, Richard Mayer, Matthew Morris, Meredith Mullins, Carol Sutton); Pterodactyls (CC Falcon, Sam Henry, David Jacobs, Alex Lemonier, Jane McNulty); Silent Night of the Lambs! (Wesley Callaway, Jack Long, Brian Peterson, Lisa Picone, Dorian Rush); Soul of the City (Averis Anderson, Kirk “KB” Bush, Dave Davis, Shannon March, Kameron Moore-Mitchell, Ben Piemont, Zack Serota, Billie Stirewalt, Jennie Stumpf, Sarah Yeboah); Taste (A.J. Allegra, James Bartelle, Claire Gresham, Angela Papale, Richard Alexander Pomes, James Yeargain) Best Costume Design: Cecile Casey Covert, Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads; Linda Fried, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Kelly JamesPenot, Honk!; Valerie Johnson, Silent Night of the Lambs!; Veronica Russell, Camelot; Charlotte Svenson, The Apple Tree

Best Lighting Design: Jonathan Foucheaux, Aida; Su Gonczy, My First Time; Darcy Jamison, The Trojan Women; Lorena Murry, Wait Until Dark; Selena Poznak, After the War; Dan Zimmer, The Skin of Our Teeth (NOCCA) Best Set Design: Jeff Becker, The Skin of Our Teeth (NOCCA); Kevin Griffith, Verses from Jordan; Geoffrey Hall, Shotgun; David Raphel, I Am My Own Wife; Chad Talkington, A Raisin in the Sun; Stephen Thurber, Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage Best Choreography: Tara Brewer, The Apple Tree; Jauné Buisson, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Blake Coheley, THE SWEETEST SOUNDS The Music of Richard Rodgers; Kelly Fouchi, All Shook Up; Frannie Rosenberg, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Christie Zimmerman, Honk! (East Bank) Best Music Director: Joel Britton, The Women of Brewster Place; William Bowling, Major Archibald Swelling’s Salvation Salve Medicine Show; Jonne Dendinger, A...my name is Alice; Alan Payne, Honk! (East Bank); C. Leonard Raybon, South Pacific; Jefferson Turner, Let Freedom Swing! Best Sound Design: A.J. Allegra, True West; Richard Read, Valley of the Dolls; Marty Sachs, Betty’s Summer Vacation; Eric Shimelonis, Shotgun; Mike Singleton, Opus; Christopher W. Wright, We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay! Best Original Music: Noah Adams, The Father Clock; William Bowling, Major Archibald Swelling’s Salvation Salve Medicine Show; Barbara & Whit Connah, Loup Garou; Eric Shimelonis, Shotgun; Joshua Smith, Not Not Not Not Not Enough Oxygen; James Walsh, The Trojan Women

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 33]

Angelina, Henry, Felix & friend

Brian & Dustin

alexandria

paparazzi DJ Santa

Renee, Mika & DJ Guinea Jason, Mika & Lucinda

Dan & Eric The Christmas Queens & Company

Austin & Brett

Marsheya - always on time!!!!

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Over the Holidays @ Olympus ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

Olympus Staff

red stick paparazzi

Paula & Jeannie @ Hound Dogs Henry & Jeremy

Andy performing @ turnabout

Sexy Christmas karaoke

Chansley & Richard Turnabout beauties Philip & Jeremy Michael & a gorgeous Luther

Having fun @ George’s Luther, Chansley & Jared

Could this be Jared?

Little Corey, Big Cory & a friend

The real Philip, Luther & Jeremy

Philip turns up the heat Richard & Dwayne Dolly (Michael) with Santa

Andy, Ken & Philip

Cody corners a cute stud

Jeremy as Lady Gaga

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Three studs out on the town

Out on the Town ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Jeb @ Hound Dogs

hot tails of red stick ...from 30 lives and plans, I can say with complete accuracy that I was in the presence of a very sincere, grateful, and wonderful young man. Even though he hasn’t achieved the goals he would like, he still has the determination to achieve, and achievements in life are very important. This means that he is ready to meet the challenges of life and experience new things alone or with his companion Henry (who I feel as if I know but have never met). Certainly the fact that he has such a positive attitude about life will carry him forward toward his quests for future pleasures and goals. Jeremy is really a wonderful human being, and I look forward to more time with him - more sharing of good thoughts, plans, maybe dinners, or just great conversations. He is a fine, considerate, and loving young man, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him. He is truly a rare gem of outstanding and magnificent manhood. Diamonds are forever, and I think that this can be said of him. He is just that – really, really superb.

Stallings and Jules were both looking great. I hadn’t seen them for over a year. When Hibiscus Bookstore was around, the meetings with them and so many others were frequent in nature. Jules says that he and Todd are doing great and looking forward to some time on the coast and even a vacation over near Atlanta. Stallings was more open and friendly than I’ve ever seen him. It was as if he had taken a happy pill before coming over. It was great seeing him so cheerful. Patrick used to manage Hibiscus Bookstore, so it was espe-

cially nice to see him again. He had just returned from some quality time spent in Alexandria, and he is actually the designer/ decorator of all those beautiful trees. He volunteered to decorate them, and Sam told him to “have at it.” They turned out [continued on 35]

Nooner Tuesday

ome of us were unable to be with Sam at his annual viewing of his Christmas trees. I lost count, but he adds to his collection each year. Of course, my favorite was the blue one, but that’s nothing new since I’m a collector of cobalt blue items. This second party saw a gathering of J. Stallings, Jules, Patrick, Sam, and me enjoying a nice brunch, viewing the decorations, and talking about things past and present. It is always a wonderful feeling to be among friends and enjoying times together, and it was very thoughtful of Sam to do this twice so that we could be included in the magic of the season. Our conversation didn’t get too far from the food table so you know we all went away happy. In fact, I invaded Sam’s garden afterwards to collect peppers for next year’s seeds to use in my own garden. I was especially interested in all those Peter Peppers, so colorful, so perfect, and certainly having the proper name. It looked as if his garden was filled with nice, beautiful, cut peckers. What a treat on such a cool but beautiful winter day!

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

acadiana

Cartier showin’ some love @ Sound Factory

paparazzi Justin & Sam showin’ off their whites @ Jules Downtown

Boys, boys, boys, having a grand time on Backside

Aren’t they just adorable @ Jules Downtown

Havin’ a few drinks & just a good time is what it’s all about @ Jules Downtown Steven bein’ the center of attention @ Jules Downtown Macky having fun with the Christmas hat that dances...lol @ Sound Factory

Aren’t they just havin’ a blast @ Sound Factory

Steven & Jimmy being themselves with or without the camera in sight @ Jules Downtown

Mark showin’ these lovely gals Sound Factory And again with Ms. Collins at her side @ Jules Downtown

Party in groups is the only way to party @ Sound Factory

Ms. Gaspard, always up in the mix @ Sound Factory

Todd havin’ some hair issues @ Sound Factory

The lovely, the talented, Ms. ShaKira @ Sound Factory

Well Joey, what do you have to say for yourself now... @ Jules Downtown They just felt like tellin’ you guys hey @ Jules Downtown

Spreadin’ some Christmas joy throughout the South @ Jules Downtown

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Bryan & his peeps just chillin’ @ Jules Downtown

Holiday Cheer in Acadiana ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins

And after a long vacation they still remembered us @ Sound Factory

hot tails of red stick ...from 33

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

o now we embark on a new year, and what does that mean to us exactly? Is it just another year that we have and will live our lives as we have been day after day, or does it mean that with the dawn of a new coming, we now have a chance to begin fresh, change the way that we did things previously, learn from the mistakes that we have made over the course of 2009. Some of us, however, will never do that. For some, day after day is the same, and according to them, they are always right. Sorry to those of you with your heads stuck so far up your you know what that you fail to see the other side of life, for it is the other side of life that the answers to your ridiculous questions lie. Yes, sadly enough, no matter what you tell people, nor the opinions, advice you may give, some just listen through one and let it go out of the other. It is people that have their mind set that they know everything, and that everybody is out to steal from them, or lie to them that never get to fully enjoy the meaning of life and what it feels like to just be. They are never happy with the way anything turns out in life and are always scared of rejection, so they never do what they want to do, they just let other people tell them what they need to

do. Some are so blind and ignorant that they quickly fail to see what is right under their nose, and will instantly pass judgement. Well for those reading this that may feel this has to do with you, you are probably correct, but now we start a new year, now we start new ways, so get off your butt and change your life and the way you live it, no matter who you are, we ALL need to change something about us. Only one person can answer that, so get with it, don’t let another year pass you by and still be where you are in another year. How pathetic it is if you are! We also need to open up and let people into our lives. There is to much hatred in the world around us, and against us to be hating our own people just because you think one thing and feel less important because they are around. People are dying in the world from starvation, war just to name a couple, and here you are, trying to be something that you probably are not. Is it because of jealousy, that is so childish if it is and in that case we need to grow up and act our age, not our shoe size. We have all gone through life’s difficult moments and learned from it, so we should all be able to act like adults and on an adult level. Here is to a great new start this new

beautifully – all of them, almost a dozen, I’m sure. There were several sizes and located in two rooms of Sam’s home. It was such a pleasure to see them and my friends in such a colorful setting. Sam and I took a quick trip up to North Louisiana last week to check on my property there and to carry more books I’m donating to my research library in DeSoto Parish. Of course, it was time to decorate the old family cemetery with new flowers for the winter, and a stop at my cousin’s home showed how she did some outstanding decorating for the holiday. Her home was beautiful – inside and out, and this is just one of her projects for decorating during the year. Her home and gardens are colorful at Easter and Halloween too. I don’t know how she manages to do all this, but it is truly a beautiful sight - over 15 acres of a park-like design surrounding the country home. I even treated Sam to a ride down the State Line Road - in the middle for a time, so that means I was in Louisiana while he was in Texas. It was something fun to experience. Another beautiful sight along the way was the brightly decorated water displays between Port Barre and Krotz Springs. All year, to doing what I need to do and not just saying this is what I need to do. Getting rid of the people and things in my life that stop me from accomplishing my goals and realizing who my true friends are, and saying f**k the rest! See you all downtown at either Sound Factory or Jules Downtown!! Be safe and until next time...

the homes and the docks came alive with magnificent colors that caused such wonderful reflections in the waterways. Overall, I think people everywhere decorated more this year than ever before. It was as if this was needed to bring about more cheer in such difficult times. Whatever the case may be, it was certainly nice to see and to experience.

Ball Time Again

t is Mardi Gras time again! My goodness! The time just flies by. With 12th Night, king cakes, and the excitement that has been generated around the New Orleans Saints, it is a period of celebration once more, even more so this year. I can’t think of a better way to start off 2010. Whatever you do, just make sure it is something you enjoy and can appreciate forever. Last year, I tried to do more parades and parties, and I skipped all the bal masques, but I think a mixture is the best way to go. That means breaking out the tux to see if it still fits, planning for some parties and party gifts, and noting all this on a calendar so every day can be enjoyed to the max with no conflicts of duplicate schedules. Congratulations go out now to all those kings, queens, and ball participants for all the expense and hard work that is going into the balls this season. Having been there myself on many occasions, I can certainly appreciate all the planning that goes into presenting such wonderful bal masques. And I look forward to another great year of “hot tails” and beautiful friendships. Cheers!

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

Bar Barons Mike & Matt in the holiday spirit @ 700 Club

Raynaldo, Kelp & Angie celebrating the holidays @ 700 Club

Oz’s Tommy & Glenn join Frank (center) @ The Corner Pocket

Clint & Tiyana pop in to Starlight for the holidays

Bobby at Le Roundup’s Christmas Party with former manager George Simons

Conrad & Travis join Fire Department’s Michael along with Robbie & Marcy as Michael picks up all of the Toys For Tots brought into Starlight

Brett, Kevin & Pat in for Cutter’s Christmas Eve Dinner

Friendly Bar bartender Steve & Big Daddy’s bartender Lester @ Cutter’s Christmas Eve Dinner

Le Roundup owner Collette, manager Candise & Felina celebrate @ Le Roundup’s Christmas Party

ambush

paparazzi

Fire Department’s Gwen & Michael pose after picking up all of the Toys For Tots brought in by Starlight

Cutter’s own Jimmy helps out with Christmas Eve Dinner @ Cutter’s

Barry Bareass in Christmas mode @ The Corner Pocket

The Corner Pocket’s boys on the bar

Deanna Ninneman in for Le Roundup’s Christmas Party

Wilhemina & Marleeka cocktialin’ @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

New bartender Chris & Felina @ Le Roundup’s Christmas Party

Santa Mac serving cocktails on Christmas Eve for Cutter’s annual Christmas Dinner

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Lea, Lola & Blake in for Cutter’s Christmas Eve Dinner

Bartenders Wayne & Juanita join new boss David @ Big Daddy’s

Celebratin’ The Holidays ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

King Tony on his special JohnPaul’s throne

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

Ditch Santa Claus!!!

here is no more confusion in the ordinary person’s concept of religion than that surrounding forgiveness, sin and repentance. I bring this up because we are starting a new year! Everybody (including me) seems to make resolutions and embark upon new starts without ever shedding fully the burden of the old. I am going to say something that sounds terrible now, but it is the major stumbling block between millions of people and an authentic spirituality. Most people learn about God and Jesus at the same time they learn about Santa Claus, and though we all re-examine our ideas of Santa Claus when we grow up, many people stick with the same children’s tale about an old man with a white beard who has a naughty and a nice

trodding the boards ...from 30 ter held her own with an appealing combination of sugar’n’spice. Blocker, making a happy return to NOLA, paced the show swiftly so that you forgot its 2 ½ hour length and from the rousing overture to the high-spirited finale his musical direction was, as always, top notch. Jauné Buisson’s choreography was both playful and sophisticated and the entire production ha d a nice look courtesy of Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay’s sets and Linda Fried’s costumes. Despite its shortcomings, Le Petit’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas could put anyone into a festive holiday mood, even a Scrooge or a Grinch!

Let Freedom Swing! at the Stage Door Canteen/ National WWII Museum

f all you want is an hour’s worth of songs from the World War II era beautifully sung and joyfully danced to, then head over to the World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen and you’ll be thoroughly satisfied. A talented cast of eight (Allison Kate Barron, William Bryant, Wendy Miklovic, Jimmy Murphy, Andrea Pizza, Jessie Terrebonne, Aaron Thacker, Jonathon Whalen along with understudies Tara Brewer and Brian Falgoust who were seen recently) do what’s asked of them and do it extremely well. Using orchestrations by John Dilke and outstanding vocal arrangements by musical director Jefferson Turner, the boys sing about their gals (I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo, I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby), the gals tap to Rosie the Riveter, and everyone has fun intoning the do’s and don’t’s of wartime with Scrap Your Fat, Ration Blues and Cash for Your Trash. After the exuberant Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, It’s Been a Long, Long Time is winning in its simply done way and I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen is similarly simple and lovely. In the Mood is

list and apply it to both God and Santa! As to Jesus, there is seldom an appreciation of a fully human, flesh and blood man called Jesus who faced life in all its joy and misery, but a glowing, clean little baby that smiles at the world and makes everything easy and simple if you say a special formula to it. This is not Christianity. When people like Richard Dawkins choose to attack Christianity it is invariably this ‘folk religion’ (spawned from wellmeaning attempts to interest children in church) that is attacked. True Christianity is a deep, life-long a swinging dance number; everyone steadfastly Praise[s] the Lord and Pass[es] the Ammunition; and the patriotic finale, including America the Beautiful, The Caissons Keep Rolling Along and Anchors Aweigh is as fine as you can ask for. But. But Sean Patterson’s script is a muddle. The show starts with a brief film featuring interviews with Angela Lansbury and Mickey Rooney, who appeared at Stage Door Canteens, as well as former service members who enjoyed the escapism the Canteens provided and the excitement of rubbing shoulders with such stars as Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Hedy Lamarr, Jack Benny and many, many others. In Let Freedom Swing! it’s unclear whether Tommy D’Angelo (Murphy), a seemingly second rate comedian, and crooner Eileen Scott (Miklovic), who host the show, are real stars or just B-listers; if the latter, that kinda ratchets down the “wow” factor. I’m not sure how Let Freedom Swing! can deliver this needed quintessence of A-listers but it never overcomes this challenge. Worse, the Baker Sisters (Barron, Pizza & Terrebonne), who are seemingly modeled on the Andrew Sisters, are portrayed as fighting like catty schoolgirls on stage. This is insulting to the professionalism of all the performers who contributed their time to the Canteens. Perhaps this is supposed to be part of the Bakers’ act but there’s no context for this and it merely comes off as strange and cheesy. This is all the more surprising given that Blake Coheley, who has done such stupendous work at NOCCA and should know better, directed. He certainly keeps the show moving along and his choreography is engaging, though after a while a certain sameness occasionally creeps in, the result no doubt of having to stage numerous dances to somewhat similar sounding music. As for the theater itself, the seating seems to be configured for large parties. If you’re a party of two, you may be consigned to the outer reaches of the stage

and ultimately profoundly humble attempt to glimpse the unseen God through the life, ministry and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. It is worked out in this world primarily through loving kindness and the attempt to see the joy and glory of God’s creation in all humanity. It is also characterized by frequent and honest failure; failure is the key to progress and growth being challenged, and learning from it, is the way God leads us through this path, never in certainty and pride, but in hesitation and humility. The raving horror that has appeared in the last century or so, and which is characterized by deeply injured people using the scriptures as a stick to beat people with has no more makes him Christian than does a mad man claiming to be able to turn lead into gold make him a physicist. Both are distorted shadows of the immensely valuable thing behind the ranting and raving. My Grandmother used to say ‘Christian is as Christian does’. God sees the intent of the heart, and once that intent is assured, failure is nothing to fear – it is merely a milestone along the road, not an ending. One of the worst effects of the ‘children’s story’ branch of faith is that forgiveness is rather like a special favor we ask of a bad-tempered father figure – God is distant, and we crawl toward a God who is very angry with us, to beg forgiveness. This is all self serving, forgiveness here is a way of getting away from guilt, and avoiding horrible and medieval punishments, when in reality, repentance is just accepting truth – and then moving on with the knowledge that the God of Truth knows

all things, and that we exist in a ‘forgiven universe’. Forgiveness comes from the recognition of our failing, and it is a desire for truthfulness that leads us to repent, not ulterior motives, such as evasion of punishment or desire for reward (heaven and hell?). It is the growth represented by our recognition of failure that is the reward in itself, and that brings us closer to God. The truth is that love begets forgiveness, and if God truly is love (literally as well as metaphorically) then forgiveness is the very air we breathe. Do-overs come in the same moment we recognize we have fallen, and God presses against us intimately, and passionately, beyond our definitions and concepts, not as a kind of grander version of Santa Claus with a nasty temper, but as the Ancient of Days, the Alpha and the Omega, the Ever-loving and Ever living God. So, as the New Year dawns, let’s make it REALLY new. Let us embark upon the great journey, be willing to change and grow and develop and challenge ourselves and allow others to challenge us. Let us never be held back by failure or guilt or anything else, but honestly examine ourselves and embrace the truth, warts and all, and knowing that truth move forward again in God’s grace.

floor or balcony where sight lines leave something to be desired. I was seated in the rear balcony and while I had a full frontal view of the stage, I was forced to look over and around the people in front of me and so only occasionally got to see all the action on stage. And forget about seeing anything when the performers go into the audience below. Or, for that matter, getting anyone to ask you for a drink order. One final comment. One can’t fail to notice that the entire cast, including understudies, is white. This is absolutely inexcusable. At first I thought perhaps they were trying to reflect the actual Canteens’ casting policy (not that that would be at all excusable in 2009). But a plaque in the exhibit outside the theater says “Canteens were integrated & supported interracial dancing.” Could it be the production couldn’t find any talented black performers? If that was the case, they should have tried harder. New Orleans does not lack such folks. For as it stands, Let Freedom Swing! is an affront to the very ideals for which World War II was fought. With all due respect to the immensely talented cast, if its producers are true Americans, as soon as it is contractually possible to do so, if not sooner, they will rectify this situation. The men and women who fought in World War II deserve nothing less.

popping oxycontin just to get through the day. Written to include every bit of punny Christmas detritus, this mash-up of A Christmas Carol, The Little Match Girl, Frosty the Snowman and, of course, The Silence of the Lambs is pure, silly fun. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s daughter Clarice Starling is an FBI agent trying to track down the mysterious killer “The Skinner” with the help of Santa who’s been incarcerated for...oh, never mind, explaining takes all the fun out of it. Suffice to say, anything that has a Carol Burnett reference and pokes fun at Canada is all right by me.

Silent Night of the Lambs! at Le Chat Noir

oor Santa. He used to be so jolly. But after such exposés as The Eight Reindeer Monologues (seen here three years ago) and Ryan Landry’s Silent Night of the Lambs! (recently at Le Chat Noir) he’s probably

Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. They meet every Sunday at 5pm at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. (St Matthew’s church) NOLA, 70118 – ring or email for details. revcrawshaw@yahoo.com, 504.214.4340, BigEasyMCC.COM.

Running With Scissors does such zaniness to a tee and Lambs was no exception even if the first act ending could’ve used a little extra fizziness. What makes a Rw/S productions such a joy to watch is that its members are so in tune with one another that they seem to communicate on a sub-cellular level, one reacting to another’s reactions with unconscious speed. Or something like that. All I know is that they sure do know what they’re doing. Eschewing drag roles of late, what incredible range does Brian Peterson have! Seemingly channeling Anthony Hopkins, he layers this with just how you’d think a frustrated Santa would be. And that weird gleam in his eyes is positively scary. What next for him—Albert Innaurato’s The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie? Falstaff? Dorian Rush was lispingly wonderful as Clarice. Wesley Callaway, Jack Long and Lisa Picone, each in an assortment of roles, were their usual fabulous selves, Long and Picone especially so as they rifled through the late Tiny Tim’s belongings with spot-on British accents. Peterson’s wigs and Valerie Johnson’s wacky costumes added to the merriment especially her overstuffed Frosty. What more can one say other than “Ho-Ho-Ho”! (except, of course, for Ms. Rush and Ms. Picone)

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Koo & Marty delivering Christmas presents @ Big Daddy’s

Gavin & Joey in for Christmas Night Dingo @ Oz

Manager Jerry & bartender Frankie welcome revelers Christmas night @ Lafitte’s

Jack, bar baron Mike & Jon celebratin’ @ Bywater Patio Bar

The Men of the Phoenix take in the Saints game

Jay, Marcy & Lucille @ Bywater Patio Bar

Miss River Parishes & Miss Goldschlager @ JohnPaul’s for Saints game

ambush

paparazzi

Tony Leggio’s newest “It Boy” Johnathan @ Bywater Patio Bar

Salon D’Malta’s Monica & Bill in for the Saints game @ Cutter’s

Henry behind the bar @ Starlight By The Park

Mom Tammy with Son Richie while Richie bartends @ Good Friends

Breaux working the sound @ JohnPaul’s during Saints game

Aynsley & Jason meet @ Bywater Patio Bar

Cheering on the Saints @ Cutter’s

The Saints fans @ JohnPaul’s

Rick & Wayne join hostess Santa Princesse Stephaney & Chad for Christmas Night Dingo @ Oz

BJ & Jonathan grab a cold one @ Bywater Patio Bar

Gay & Mac enjoy the Saints game @ Cutter’s

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

JohnPaul’s Paul, Ken G. & Lords of Leather Pres. David at Ken’s fundraiser @ JohnPaul’s

Holidays, Parties, The Saints ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Jim & Dudley take a break from Cutter’s for cocktails next door at Big Daddy’s

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 5-18, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM