Ambush magazine volume 28 issue 02

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

the "official" dish

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

Krewe du Vieux Parade Rolls & Stumbles Jan. 30

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n Saturday, January 30, Krewe du Vieux will be rolling and stumbling through the Marigny Triangle and the Lower French Quarter. This year’s theme is Fired Up! The King is Dr. John, aka Mac Rebennack, reigning along with his Queen Mother, Priestess Miriam of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.

Krewe du Vieux is a New Orleans Mardi Gras or Carnival krewe, originally and more fully known as the Krewe du Vieux Carre (“Vieux Carre” being another term for the city’s French Quarter). It is one of the earliest parades of the New Orleans

Carnival calendar, and is noted for wild satirical and adult themes, as well as for showcasing some of the best Brass and Jazz Bands in New Orleans.

Faced with the infernal inertia of the elite, Krewe du Vieux decided to get all Fired Up. Immersed in refried confusion, caught in the bonfire of the inanities, and burning in the Ninth Ward of Hell, the Krewe will nevertheless rise from the asses, walk on burning sphincters, demand a pubic option, and put a spell on each and every one of you. It will be such a blight!

Like moths drawn to a flame, the firebugs, fire signs, fire hosers, fire drillers, fire truckers, firecrackers, gunsmokers, pot smokers, pot holers, potlickers, politickers, hot mamas, cinder fellas, and citronellas of the krewe will burn the candle at both ends as they firewalk through the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny on Saturday, January 30 at 6:30pm.

Parade-goers are advised to drink plenty of firewater and beware of burning sensations. Lighting the krewe’s fire will be King Dr. John, who’s been known to fire one up and make a little whoopee himself.

Exceptional pianisto, lyricalizer, producerinator, and performanizer of New Orleans musicanity who has night-tripped many a night club, King Dr. John has been downright ambassadorical in helping bring New Orleans back. He will certainly fire out many a treasure from the royal floatation device.

The Krewe du Vieux’s seventeen subkrewes will each present their own flame-throwing, fire-breathing, fire-eating, rubber-burning, love-burning, ashlicking, ash-kicking interpretations of the theme. Subkrewes include the Krewe of C.R.U.D.E., Krewe of Space Age Love, Krewe of Underwear, Seeds of Decline,

Krewe of Mama Roux, Krewe of L.E.W.D., Krewe of Drips and Discharges, Krewe of K.A.O.S., Knights of Mondu, T.O.K.I.N., Krewe Rue Bourbon, Krewe de C.R.A.P.S., Krewe of PAN, Mystic Krewe of Spermes, Mystic Krewe of Comatose, Mystic Krewe of Inane, and Krewe du Mishigas.

Also marching will be many of the city’s top brass bands. Showcasing the local brass band talent is one of many Krewe du Vieux traditions not eligible for coverage under the health care reform bill.

The parade will go up Chartres to Franklin to Royal through the Quarter, turn on Toulouse to Decatur, up Decatur to Frenchman back to Royal, Elysian Fields and disbands at Chartres.

The parade is followed by the Krewe du Vieux Doo at 527 Elysian Fields Avenue between Chartres and Decatur Streets. Doors open at 9pm with music starting at 9:30pm.

The event features the Brass Band Jam, The Lower 911 Band, with special guests followed by late night music with Los Po-Boy-Citos.

Tickets are $30 and available from: Louisiana Music Factory, 210 Decatur Street ; Up in Smoke, 4507 Magazine Street; and Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes, 4204 Magazine Street.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2010 Krewe du Vieux Doo will be used to pay for float repairs due to fire damage.

Southern Rep Launches New Play Bacchanal

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he Southern Rep New Play Bacchanal will showcase an array of workshops, readings and lectures featuring writers Doug Wright, Eric Overmyer, Steve Yockey, Pete Sturman and Brian Sands among others thru January 31. In addition, the Bacchanal will feature the 10-Minute Play Riot and Radio Riot Competition winners and finalists; host the late night Alterna-Endings Play Slam; and close out the Bacchanal with a

inside

celebratory TOGA! PARTY! “Southern Rep had a new play reading series many years ago,” said Artistic Director Aimée Hayes. “With the advent of so many new writers in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region it made sense to bring back the work but reincarnated into more fully-realized workshops, and use new work as a pre-Mardi Gras celebration—hence the Bacchanal reference. Instead of feasting on wine, parades and wildness we’ll celebrate with words, stories, and playwrights.”

Workshops and readings include: Afterlife by Steve Yockey conjures up magic and darkness. A ghost story in the most literal sense, Afterlife follows Connor and Danielle as they prepare their abandoned beachfront house for an impending storm. But when a great wave comes to their doorstep, they may not be able to escape from the haunting world of grief, death and everything after. Yockey’s AIDS-themed play Octopus premiered in his native Atlanta in 2008 followed by an extended run in San Francisco where he now resides. Directed by Aimée Hayes, Afterlife runs Thursday, January 21-Sunday, January 24.

The Thing About it is a new musical with music and lyrics by Pete Sturman and a book by Brian Sands featuring a Louisiana country-fried pop/rock score that’ll have your toes tapping. It’s a tale that follows a young man’s journey as he comes out and negotiates the challenges of relationships and love. Songwriter “Pistol” Pete Sturman lived in New Orleans for many years where he performed with Paul Cowgill as the unambiguously gay music duo Pistol Pete & Popgun Paul. Co-Theater Editor of Ambush, Sands has had numerous works produced at local venues including DramaRama where he was a Featured Artist in 2005. Directed by HollyAnne Ruggiero, The Thing About it runs Thursday, January 28-Sunday, January 31.

Both Workshops run Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm.

The 10-MINUTE PLAY RIOT and RADIO RIOT winners and finalists will receive staged readings featuring a host of local actors and directors on January 20th and 27th at 8pm.

The events include: DOUG WRIGHT SPEAKS, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of I Am My Own Wife, book writer for Grey Gardens, and screenwriter of Quills, along with numerous other publications, shares stories and insight. January 19 at 7:30pm, FREE and open to the

Super Bowl/Pre-Mardi Gras Ambush out Feb. 2 DEADLINE: Tuesday, Jan. 26

7th ambie awards sappho psalm obituary/david boyd trodding the boards celebrazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans spotlight/kcq coronation gay mardi gras bead toss chop chop/nola restaurant guide classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge

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red stick paparazzi/baton rouge the pink pastor alexandria paparazzi under the gaydar ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola/slidell

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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

public.

CHAT WITH ERIC OVERMYER, the multitalented writer and producer for The Wire, Law and Order, and St. Elsewhere, among others. Overmyer is the author of such plays as Dark Rapture, Native Speech, and On The Verge and is currently collaborating with David Simon on HBO’s Treme. January 26th at 7:30pm, FREE and open to the public.

On January 23 at 11pm, the AlternaEndings Play Slam will allow theatre makers an opportunity to perform familiar works with a twist ending. Willie (Death of a Salesman) Loman retiring in sunny Florida? Perhaps. Ophelia smacking some sense into Hamlet? Why not?! Audience applause will determine the Alterna-Ending winner who will receive $100 cash, bragging rights and the chance [continued on 8]

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, Houma, 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 Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist-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. ©1982-2010, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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theatre awards in the spotlight

by Brian Sands & Patrick Shannon

The Seventh Annual Ambie Awards Feb. 1 at Le Chat Noir

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he Seventh Annual Ambie Awards for Excellence in Theater will be presented at Le Chat Noir on Monday, February 1, sponsored by Ambush Mag. Bar service will begin at 6:30pm, doors open at 7pm, and the ceremony will begin at 7:30pm. There is a $20 suggested donation ($5 for nominees/performers/ presenters), more if you’re feeling generous—monies raised will benefit NOCCA High School’s Theater Department, a wonderful incubator of talent.

In addition to the major categories, whose nominees were listed in our last issue, we shall continue the tradition of acknowledging some special achievements that don’t fall into any of the standard categories with our tongue-in-cheek Glammie Awards. Some of the categories to be presented are Most Diabolical Laugh, Outstanding One Act Play, Best Ghost, Quickest Nudity, Special Achievement Award for Doing Theater in Unexpected Places, Best Transsexual Performance by a Non-transsexual, Most NonTraditional Casting, and Best Audience Response.

Also, Hottest Man in a Jockstrap, Best Maid, Most Fabulous First Name, Best Ad Libs, Most Alcohol Consumed on Stage, Best Chest, Best Lisp (Betht Lithp), Meanest Villain, Most Deadpan Chorus Boys, Best Pleasuring Oneself Onstage and many more.

The evening will feature musical numbers from many of the nominated shows including A...my name is Alice, The Apple Tree and Livin’ Janis. The Ambies is the season’s most inclusive award presentation as we recognize outstanding work in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parishes, as well as the area’s universities, high schools and youth theater.

Le Chat Noir is located at 715 St. Charles Avenue. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 504.581.5812 after January 25 to make them, though all are welcome to come and hang out at Le Chat’s bar. There’ll be no charge (tho donations to NOCCA will be appreciated).

We hope that all nominees will be able to attend. Please spread the word and wish 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 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 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

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7

the "official" dish ...from 4 to perform at the TOGA! PARTY! (Free and open to the public.)

And what Bacchanal would be complete without togas, food and wine? Join Southern Rep’s artists and staff to celebrate with a TOGA! PARTY! that will feature a complimentary feast along with a cash bar. Togas may be purchased at the door for a small donation! January 29 at 10pm. $5 at the door.

Tickets for the Workshops and Readings are $10 per performance. BACCHANAL passes, which grant access to the whole nine yards, are available for $20$25. Southern Rep Theatre is located on the 3rd floor of the Shops of Canal Place, where validated parking is available. For more information and to order tickets, call

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ACLU Presents Lifetime Champion Award to Larry Bagneris March 20

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n March 20, the ACLU of Louisiana will give its 34th annual Ben Smith award to Larry Bagneris, Executive Director of the City of New Orleans’ Human Relations Commission. This award is given annually to someone with a demonstrated commitment to the advancement of civil liberties in Louisiana and is named for the late Ben Smith, a founder of the ACLU of Louisiana and a civil rights lawyer.

Since he was 16 years old, Larry Bagneris has fought for equal rights for all.

He picketed against segregation in New Orleans and participated in sit-ins that led to desegregation of public facilities. In 1967 he was the first black person elected as Vice-chair of the Young Democrats of New Orleans. As an openly gay man, Larry has advocated for equal rights for the LGBT community in addition to rights for racial minorities. In recognition of his leadership for equal rights, Larry was appointed the head of New Orleans’ Human Relations Commission in May 2001 and is responsible for receiving and mediating complaints of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment. In December of 2002 Larry was elected to the Board of Directors of the International Conference for Gay and Lesbian Elected Officials.

“Larry Bagneris embodies the spirit of equality and justice,” said ACLU Executive Director Marjorie R. Esman. “He has dedicated his life to ensuring equal rights for all. Few people have worked so hard, so consistently, to ensure that everyone is treated equally. It’s an honor to present Larry with our Ben Smith Award.”

The dinner honoring Larry Bagneris will be held on March 20, 2010 at Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans. Information and tickets are available at http:// www.laaclu.org/events.php?id=29.

stocked bar where patrons can cure their workday headaches. Large-screen plasma TVs, a 72" projection TV and an ultimate sound system envelopes its patrons in a sensory experience like no other.

Evening patrons can watch current and vintage music videos, a newly released movie, the Logo channel or just sit back and watch their favorite sitcom or reality show.

While it’s undeniably a gay bar, it’s absolutely inclusive. Don’t expect to see rainbow flags or naked dancers. It’s just not that kind of place. The logic behind that is simple: "We don’t have to have explicit “gayness” to know who we are." One look around will surely put any concerns to rest.

Drag divas mingle with lesbians; gay men play pool with their straight brothers; and

all shades of a sunlit prism laugh, talk and drink. For folks looking for a place to have a good time, Pulse Video Lounge is a nobrainer. For information, call 985.876.7777 or email pulsevideolounge@yahoo.com.

The Center & Ralph's on the Park Team Up

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he LGBT Community Center of New Orleans teams up with one of the largest namesakes in New Orleans cuisine: Ralph’s on the Park to present An Evening on the Park Social . All are invited to attend on Monday, January 25 at Ralph’s on the Park restaurant, 900 City Park Avenue, from 5:307:30pm for a cocktail social to start off your

Houma Boast New Video Lounge, Pulse

P

ulse is Houma’s premier video lounge located along the banks of the coffee colored Bayou Terrebonne just minutes from downtown Houma at 6441 West Main Street. The hot spot features a swank section for the after-work crowd and a fully-

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 9]

obituary

David Boyd

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ge 63, David died on Thursday, January 14, 2010. David was a member of the Lords of Leather since 2005 and would have celebrated his third bal masque as Captain this year. He was also the second King of the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon. He is survived by a daughter, son, grandson, two granddaughters, a brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held on January 18 followed by a celebration of his life at JohnPaul's in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lords of Leather Hurricane Relief Fund, PO Box 741089, New Orleans, LA 70174 or your favorite charity.

the "official" dish ...from 8 week right. There will be free light hors d’oeuvers, select specially priced drinks and a full cash bar. Guest will be able to speak with the Center’s Board of Directors to see what the Community Center is all about and will have the opportunity to become a member of the Community Center on this evening.

For more information about the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans, visit www.lgbtccno.org. Please RSVP to An Evening On the Park by emailing Christopher Schlumbrecht at chris@lgbtccno.org or by calling 504.945.1103.

Reach the Market

Out On Time Every Time

Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

sappho psalm

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

Royals, Friday Night, Theatre & Judges in the Cold with a Cold

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or me this all started the Friday night before deadline. It was the evening of the Petronius Royals Party and I was happy to attend as the 42nd Queen and first female queen of this illustrious krewe. I joined Petronius years ago because of its history and appeal that kept it alive and well, while interest in other krewes seemed to be fading.

The freezing temperatures didn’t faze me as I pulled on layer upon layer of warm clothing. JohnPaul’s was quiet when I entered. It was early. But it wasn’t long before others joined me upstairs, and the party began. I met some delightful men that had serviced either before or after me. I found that I especially enjoyed the company of Arthur, last year’s king and Freddie his queen.

My long time friend Randy Chauvin will be queen this year and captain for the 50th Anniversary Ball. We had a fine time exchanging stories and telling jokes on one another. Finally it was time to say farewell until our next gathering and I headed to my car without pole dancing as I had done two weeks earlier. What’s the sense of pole

dancing if Steven Forster is not there to take your photo and you are afraid of freezing to the pole?

It was that very short walk to the car when the sneezing started. I rushed home, opened the outside faucets, took two aspirin, and snuggled under my electric blanket (a must have when you get older) which I had set on high just to warm up. At 4am I awoke wet from sweat, the house was insanely cold for a New Orleans’ winter but my head was burning. I took two more aspirin without a care to what that might do to the ulcers festering in my stomach.

As daylight finally dawned, I was still sneezing while sitting at my computer playing games on FaceBook. I knew I would have to tell Julie Thompson that I couldn’t make it to PFLAG’s Art Opening Fundraiser. Guilt! I hate guilt and I do it so well. I didn’t even get dressed on Saturday.

I wanted to start my column but . . .

Randy Trahan and I did talk about the event and he said it was very successful.

Several paintings had sold, a large crowd

showed up and the food was enjoyed by everyone. Randy’s next career will be as a party planner/caterer – he prepared the food for the event and Julie said it was a beautiful presentation and delicious.

Congrats!

It was not until Sunday afternoon that I bothered to get dressed, take out the garbage for Monday morning pick-up and turn the outside faucets back on. Sunday night was being reported on TV as the coldest night of the winter. That part of me that must be a gay-man watched “DeLovely” twice and listened to my favorite singer Ella Fitzgerald sing the Porter Song Book album in between showings.

I was determined to attend the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras party at JohnPaul’s. With chills and a minimum of warm water – the pipes were still frozen – I prepared to step out for the evening. My head was swimming by the time I got into the car. Now I’ve driven in that condition before but it is usually coming home from [continued on 10]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9

sappho psalm ...from 9 a party. I was half into the street before something like sanity took over and I pulled back into the drive-way and struggled back inside the house.

Two days locked inside the house doesn’t make me pleasant so I decided the column could wait another day. Surely Monday will be better, I thought, ha. There were two interviews sitting on the desk waiting for me to write but the strength wasn’t there.

Now it is Monday before deadline.

Already today I have had to cancel two interviews. Randy Trahan called to tell me I’d feel better after a hot lunch. I just cancelled lunch with Ed Potratz and Billy Henry, I told him. I’m coming to you, he said. And he did, and I did feel better.

A

nyone can tell you to go to the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras website to get a good idea of what the organization does and why. I thought talking with Ed Potratz and Billy Henry would bring to the surface some funny stories about the event over the years that would inspire more people to attend. Randy said to write anything I thought would sound funny because everyone was too drunk to remember and they’d probably agree with me. I liked that thinking so here goes – I had a funny story here but the ones that Ed sent me were even more unbelievable and funnier. Ed’s email: “After your message today, I called Ivan Sherman and asked him to take a trip down memory lane and write down some of his thoughts about some of the FNBMG parties on Short Street.”

See what he came up with. “First of all, Tommy Tune came to a party with Chuck Kunz. But Tommy was not the only celebrity to attend the parties. At the second extravaganza at the Carrollton, our celebrity guest was Gennifer Flowers, who sang a few songs to the accompaniment of the piano magic of Mimi Guste and they both completely overwhelmed the crowd. That year, Billy Henry and I were dressed as Playboy Bunnies (we were much thinner then and I went on the Hollywood Diet to get ready for the event. That diet resulted in me having to rush to Frederick’s of Hollywood to get a black silk bustier one size smaller), but Billy and I were hot, hot, hot and those who remember keep asking us to get back into our bunnie outfits.

During the first extravaganza, the Times-Picayune sent Steven Forester to cover the event. Steven Forster took a photo of the FNBMG Board Members, who were all delighted to give him their names, but I was not sure what my co-workers would think if they saw me in drag on the society page, so I told Steven that my name was Miss Lucille Pinckley and Billy chimed in that my last name was “Pinckley” spelled with a “c”. Steven wasn’t buying it one bit, so he stopped a passerby (who incidentally was in beautiful drag with a proper Dallas big hair doo, to ask what my name was and he said, why that’s Lucille Pinckley. Steven shook his head and gave up the noble battle. What Steven didn’t know was that purely by chance, he asked a friend of mine who I had gone to school with since elementary school in Shreveport, LA. We both went to Queensboro School and I suppose that we were doomed since the first grade. Nevertheless, I appeared in the Times-Picayune as Lucille Pinckley and my co-workers

who had much to say about the spread never figured it out.

Back to the parties on Short Street at the 'Big House' — I will never forget when my good friend, Sandra Pailet decided that she wanted to wear one of my U.S. Army battle dress (camouflage) fatigues and boots to the party. I convinced her that she should let me paint her face with camouflage grease. After a martini or two, I finally finished my makeup artistry on Sandra, who was always impeccably turned out, and she gasped in horror and told me, 'But, I’m not pretty now.' I just told Sandra to have another belt of gin and everything would be pretty and off to the party we went - her in her Army uniform and me in my high heels and see-through body suit - I was an exotic entertainer that year.”

Ed’s memories: "Another favorite memory of mine was when Sam Lucero and Jeffrey Reeder arrived at the party in wonderful antebellum drag. The only problem was that every time they sat down, their hoop skirts flew over their heads revealing their lacy panties.

And speaking of panties, one of the hosts, who just happened to be quite a virtuoso on the piano, forgot to wear panties at one of the parties. Just imagine the sight when he decided to liven up the scene by playing a few rowdy tunes on the piano. Well, just imagine the amusement of all in the parlor, when he hiked up his skirt and sat down to tinkle on the ivories completely unaware that he was showing much, much more than his musical skills.

Those parties, originally on General Pershing and later on Short Street (at the former home of Governor Leche), were wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. The spirit of those parties is what the organizers of Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganzas have dedicated themselves to perpetuating.”

There are more stories but no more space. I thank Ed Potratz for collecting them for me.

Rip wrote about their charity work last issue. The people of FNBMG are comfortable and fun to be with and I encourage everyone to check out www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.

Mark February 12 on your calendar. Costumes are preferred for the Cirque du SoGay! at the Audubon Tea Room or formal wear is required. I’ll be there and I’m hoping you will too.

O

ne of the interviews I did get to recently was with Karen Shields. Karen is Break the Mold Productions and she will be producing and staring in The Last Reading of Charlotte Cushman by Carolyn Gage, directed by Glen Meche. The show is running for only ONE weekend – January 21 – 23 at 8pm and January 24 at 6pm; admission is $15; The Marigny Theatre, 2240 St. Claude Avenue. For information call, 504.427.4816.

This is a brilliant play about the unusual and successful life of Victorian actress Charlotte Cushman.. It won the 2008 Lambda Literary Award. Charlotte was highly respected and admired woman of her time. One remarkable quality was her indomitable spirit which brought her through a mastectomy in the 1870’s.

Charlotte was one of the foremost Shakespearean actors of her time in an all

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sappho psalm ...from 10 women theatre company, and an outstanding Romeo. Although this may seem like a serious subject, there is great humor in this play. Charlotte was an American actor but came to fame in England. In a culture were Lesbians were unheard of, Boston Marriages were considered moral. Because she lived with women, she was considered pure of man’s evil lust. Little did they know?

I am looking forward to this play. Anyone who has enjoyed Karen’s work on stage in the past will find this a real pleaser.

She has been researching, studying and working on this role for six months. Make a note to see this impressive piece of theatre.

T

he second interview was held on a cold, rainy day at a Mid-City eatery with Paula Brown. I first met her at the FNBMG Women’s Party on 12th Night. Paula is running for the position of Judge in Civil District Court, Division J. She is a native of Ocean Springs, MS and moved to New Orleans with a Tulane scholarship in hand. From Tulane she moved on to Southern University Law School.

Paula’s qualifications and endorsements are lengthy but it is important to point out that in 2004, she was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as Judge Pro Tempore in Civil District Court, Division M. For the last ten years, she has been a Litigator for The Hartford (Insurance Co.). She has taken a leave to run for Judge.

Endorsements have come from Alli-

Paula Brown

ance for Good Government, Forum for Equality, Regular Democratic Organization as well as other groups. Individuals for Ms. Brown are Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, N.O. District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, Civil Sheriff Paul R. Valteau, two State Senators, six State Representatives, Orleans Parish School Board mem-

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sappho psalm ...from 12 bers, Clerks of Court and City Councilpersons. The list is impressive.

Even more impressive is the fair attitude Paula will bring to the Court. She believes in the Constitution of the United States, and believes that it demands equal and fair treatment for all. She says, “I am offering myself as a servant to the community.”

Division J will cover family court matters. She wants to allow a voice to the children and programs for parents in coparenting skills. On same sex adoption she says, “A family is a loving couple regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. Adoption should be based on qualifications not the genders of the couple.” She also knows that each case is different; all cases must be handled in a timely manner and with compassion.

Ms. Brown’s headquarters is located at 1554 N.. Broad St. Addition information can be found on her website – www.paulabrownforjudge.com. Please DO NOT forget to vote on Saturday, February 6th.

T

his has turned out to be twice the length of my usual column so I’ll save the movie review for next time. There were some other notes but they too must wait. Talk to you again in two weeks.

trodding the boards

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

Jewtopia

I

f it’s endless mugging and rubber faces (that would put Jim Carey to shame) that you enjoy, then the newly formed Theatre 13 production of Jewtopia is the show you must see now playing at Le Chat Noir.

This high and low comedy of skits and sketches explores the adventures

that befall two horney guys. One is a born Jew boy and the other is a born a goy boy who wants very much to be a Jew boy. The born Jew boy is cutely played by Joe Seibert and the wanna be Jew boy is played with comical and amusing overkill by Matthew Mickal. In the play, and maybe in real life, the real Jew boy does not like Jewish girls, but the goy guy wants to date only Jewish girls because “then he would not have to make any of life’s decisions.” The premise works as we get to see and understand a family of stereotypical Jews as they try to marry off their boy to a real Jew girl.

Matthew Mickal playing Chris O’Connell the wanna be Jew boy mugs his role into an audience pleasing laughmaker. Joe Seibert, playing his good friend Adam Lipschitz is right on the mark playing a Jew boy who just wants to get completely away from his Jewish background and marry a goyim or any kind of woman who is shiksa, and anything but Jewish. (By the way, the program for the show has Yiddish Glossary for Bad Jews and Gentiles; and is part of the admission price.)

The play is constructed in a series of interconnected sketches some of which really work and some of which are lame and sophomoric. However the full house the night I attended liked all of it, the whole shebang. They laughed at every right and wrong moment being lead, of course, by many local self-style Nunsense or nonsense stars sitting at various tables throughout the cabaret. These “stars” are always the first to punctuate and over emphasize their over the top reactions with a clap, the first to laugh, the first to go braying loudly and hysterical, and the first to openly applause strongly as if at a Saints winning game. And don’t we all know who they are? But even without this ever ready coterie of slap-happy clappers, I think the show works very well and its Director Gary Rucker has done a good job allowing the show to “act” for itself and earn its own acclamation.

The second act is considerably better than the first.

Here we are introduced to the rest of the Lipschitz family at a ceremonial dinner. And what a gaggle of expected Jewish Stereotypes. Oy vey, what a mother we get in the finely tuned role of the controlling Jewish mother as Tari Hohn plays Mrs. Arlene Lipschitz the mother of all Jewish Mothers. She will just die, just die if her son doesn’t marry a nice Jewish girl.

Her acting is highly controlled and subtle and yet so comedic it is amazing. In her role of Mrs. Lipschitz she doesn’t have to mug, mug, mug or go over the top as most of our local community theater performers would usually do. Ms. Hohn obviously doesn’t confuse acting with exhibition. She does not confuse acting with overwrought portable puppet-like clowning. She also does a fine job with her other role, Marcy Cohen.

Michael Cahill as a well seasoned local does a smooth job as the ineffective Jewish father, Dennis Lipschitz; but I’m yet to understand what he did in the first act as he pranced around the stage in an epileptic/conniptions/dance fit as Arnie Goodman.

Martin Covert gives us a splendidly thought out performance as the Rabbi Schlomo and the sex-crazed grandfather Irving. Veronica Belleto is very funny and convincing as the sleazy Crazy Girls and the Nurse. Young Elizabeth Donner gives us a very unusual, funny and scene stealing baby sister as Jill Lipschitz. You might say she is just a scream! And the lovely Joy Chun Duke brings the house down with her role of Rachel Kahn. Jewtopia ends up being a classy comedy performed by a cast of well-endowed (some who announced on the Internet their circumcision) performers and according to his own words, this would include the director.

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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King Amon-Ra XLIV Nick Olivares, King Petronius XLVIII Arthur Alarcon, Lord King & Consort XXVI Gary Vandeventer & Bruce Orgeron, & Queen Satyricon VII Wedon Brown

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac & Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox

Q

ueen Mwindo XII Diva Queen Lemon, Ball Captain Joseph McCrory and King Mwindo XII Divo Bobby Wagstaff Mackie greeted guests following the Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XII: When Only The Best Will Do! in the Mardi Gras Ball Room of the Best Western Landmark Hotel in Metairie, Louisiana.

Lord Terry models the latest fashion for Mardi Gras up for auction

1

Queen Satyricon VII Wedon & King Satyricon V Tony grabbing for the latest MG fashion

2th Night King and Queen Brent and Cathy were introduced by Captain Satyricon Mickey Gil following their names being drawn for the coveted titles during the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 8th annual 12th Night Ball at The Country Club in New Orleans.

King Petronius XLVIII Arthur Alarcon & Capt. Petronius Bill McCarthy

Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer & Lord Consort XXVI Bruce Orgeron

Queenateenas' Co-Capt. Marsha NaquinDelain, JohnPaul’s Paul Chiriaco & Lord Consort XVI Bruce Orgeron King Cake Queen XVII-Elect Opal Masters, Darwin Reed & King Cake Queen XV Marsha Naquin-Delain

snap paparazzi

T

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 8th annual 12th Night Ball culminated with the presentation of King and Queen Satyricon VIII Paul Metoyer and Ty Johnson. Guests enjoyed the culinary delights prepared by Country Club Chef Coy LeBeau including Beef Wellington, meat pies, crawfish pies, Korean barbecue chicken, pasta salad, petit fours, and of course, King Cake. The krewe's bal masque is set for Friday, February 5 at The Sugar Mill.

Lord Ken models one of the arrangements up for auction

King Amon-Ra XLIV Nick Olivares

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Lords of Leather's A Royal Leather Tea @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

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Friday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) Board host the organization's rush party @ JohnPaul’s

12th Night Revelers Guy & Rene King Mwindo XI Kenny Moses returns @ the Mwindo Ball

Queen Satyricon I Becky Allen, III Stephen Rizzo, V Hoyle Byrd, VI Carl Mac & VII Wedon Brown

Lords of Leather Capt., the late David Boyd, Queenateenas Co-Capt. Marsha Naquin-Delain & Lord Alan Kelley

Zsa Zsa d’LaHor, Marcy Marcell, Linda Lucky & Raven Kennedy @ FNBMG Rush Party

The Glamorous Diva of the Blackbirds @ the Mwindo Ball

Outgoing 12th Night King Jerry Scavo, Jim Hochadel & former King Amon Ra Kenny Walker

Ricky Graham & Becky Allen

It looks like the Drunken Diva of Feathers has found her special friend @ the Mwindo Ball

King & Queen Satyricon VII Richard Reed & Wedon Brown

DJ P spins @ FNBMG Rush Party

snap paparazzi

Reigning King Petronius XLVIII Arthur Alarcon & former King Petronius Craig Schexnayder

Ricki Gee emcees FNBMG Rush Party

Diva of the World @ the Mwindo Ball

King Cake Queen XVII-Elect Opal Masters, Jill Dolese & Queen Amon-Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget

Country Club manager Heath & bartender Drew

Capt. Petronius Bill McCarthy & King Petronius XLVIII Arthur Alarcon in for the Mwindo Ball

Christian & NO/AIDS Task Force Exe. Dir. Noel @ FNBMG Rush Party

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Mwindo Bal Masque XII, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Rush Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio ~ New Orleans17th Red Party @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Lafitte’s raises

Satyricon’s 7th Annual 12th Night Ball @ The Country Club ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

King Satyricon I Ted Jeansonne, II, the late David Boyd, V Tony Leggio & VII Richard Reed

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

Mr. May (Ryan) @ The Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party

Marcos & Melissa @ Bywater Patio Bar New Year’s Day Gina & Little Debbie @ Marcy’s Golden Age Revue

Tony Leggio’s new “It” Boy strikes a pose New Year’s Day @ Bywater Patio Bar Tico & Marvin @ New Orleans Fairgrounds New Year’s Day

Barry & Baby Bareass hosting The Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party

Ben, Mollie & Matt @ the Fairgrounds New Year’s Day

Mr. March (Big Dave) preparing to strip for The Corner Pocket Striptease Contest

Gary puts some mascara on Bruce as they enjoy Marcy’s Golden Age Revue & now Bruce is a stand in for all of Marcy’s shows

Queen & King Armeinius Tim & Ricky pop in for Marcy’s Golden Age Revue You can always have a “Drewski” with Drew @ The Country Club

Contestants line up in Barry’s Bareass Striptease Contest @ The Corner Pocket

Richard, Ricky & Paul in for Marcy’s Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s Lola & Society Page’s Orlando @ Cutter's New Year’s Day

Mel, Christy & Debbie @ JohnPaul’s

snap paparazzi

Mr. November (Johnathan) on the bar at The Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party

Dudley & January Artist of the Month Karen Shields @ Cutter’s New Year’s Day

King Cake Queen XVII-Elect Opal does a spot check during her number in Marcy’s Golden Age Revue

Ron & Vince in for the show @ JohnPaul’s

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

CatchParty the Nightlife New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony of Leggio ~ New Orleans17th Red @ ~Neighborhood Bar the Year Lafitte’s raises

What happens with too much merriment on New Year’s Eve @ Cutter’s?

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

in the spotlight 17th King Cake Queen Coronation Jan. 23

O

pal Masters will reign as King Cake Queen XVII of Gay Mardi Gras over Carnival festivities at World famous Ambush Headquarters in New Orleans. Chosen by the Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas, the queen-elect will be presented to Carnival society as The Parisian Queen on Saturday, January 23 at the 17th annual King Cake Queen Coronation, which is by invitation only (admit cards required at entrance). The 2010 theme is Passport to Versailles, NO GUILLOTINES PLEASE! As King Cake Queen (KCQ), Opal will lead the 23rd annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), February 16 from the Ambush balcony at 2pm.

Only 50 invited guests are allowed access to the bead toss. Due to balcony space limitations, no one else will be admitted (admit cards required at entrance).

Renowned photographer Larry Graham took the new King Cake Queen's official portraits.

One was for the announcement, and the other was the coronation portrait which will be unveiled at the King Cake Queen Coronation.

Opal has been involved in Gay Mardi Gras for many years. In 1965, Opal joined the Krewe of Amon-Ra at its first meeting. She is the only charter member remaining in the krewe. Forty-five years is a long time to be in one krewe.

In 1975, Opal was chosen Queen Amon-Ra 10 for the krewe's 10 year anniversary. In 1987, Opal became King AmonRa 22 and in 2008 was again chosen as Queen Amon-Ra 43.

Opal has been captain four times, president one time, special lieutenant several times and ball lieutenant twice. Opal has also been Prom Queen, Miss America and Cheridan Pride Queen.

Darwin Reed and Opal met in 1975 and will celebrate their 35th anniversary on July 4th (which is also Darwin's birthday). The couple moved to Covington 32 years ago.

In 1964 Opal started working with costume designer Carter Church and in 1980 opened her own shop under the name of Originals by Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike has designed costumes for many New Orleans krewes as well as krewes from Slidell to Shreveport.

For 18 years Mr. Mike owned and was captain of the Krewe of Troy in Slidell.

Opal has been perfecting the art of female impersonation for the past 45 years and is presently performing at JohnPaul's Bar with the Golden Age Revue.

Opal became involved with the Gay Easter Parade and in 2006 was chosen as Grand Marshal 7. According to Opal, "I enjoy being able to perform for charitable benefits.

It is my way of giving something back to the gay community."

The King Cake Queen is chosen from those revelers participating in the previous year’s Carnival bead toss at Ambush Headquarters, 828 Bourbon Street. The individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques is chosen to reign as King Cake Queen. The co-captains announce their choice each November or December in Ambush.

The King Cake Queen Royalty Club, which is always included in the festivities, includes: KCQ II & KCQ Emeritus: Jewel of the Nile, Jay A. Loomis/1995; KCQ III: The Rainbow Queen, the late Smurf Murphy/1996; KCQ IV: Pearl of the Sea, Reba Douglas/1997; KCQ V: The She Devil, Elizabeth Simms/1998; KCQ VI: The Czarina, the late Christine Cheridon/1999; KCQ VII: Sex Goddess, Stephanie Williams/2000; KCQ VIII: The Peacock Queen, Phyllis Denmark/2001; KCQ IX: The Freedom Queen, Lisa Beaumann/2002; KCQ X: The Voodoo Queen, Teryl-Lynn Foxx/2003; KCQ XII: The Amazon Queen, Savanna DeLorean/2005; KCQ XIII: The Diamond Queen, Raven Kennedy/2006; KCQ XIV: The Fantasy Queen, Princesse Stephaney/2007; KCQ XV: The Fleur de Lis Queen, Marsha Naquin-Delain/2008; and KCQ XVI: The Grandee Queen, Tami Tarmac/2009.

Visit GayMardiGras.COM for more on major Carnival balls and events, and GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ for more on the Krewe of Queenateenas' King Cake Queens.

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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chop chop

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

Blackened Ribeye at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information.

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.

Eggplant Parmesan at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

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 6pm 7 days a week, 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Custom Breakfast at Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal

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

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

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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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 Houma, LA [985]

PULSE VIDEO LOUNGE, 6441 West

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

cable shows

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autos

KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, PhoenixNewOrleans.COM 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

Main St., pulsevideolounge@yahoo.com, 876.7777 Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 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

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

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

circuit/events 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

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

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

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

for rent New Orleans, LA [504] ROOMMATE WANTED to share 2 bedroom 1/2 double on Burgundy St. $425/mo. +utilities, furnished. Call 939.4432. Non-smoker preferred. [is210]

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

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

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

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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 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' 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

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

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

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. [is210]

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,

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

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

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc.

Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE 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, KreweOfPetronius.ORG

KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 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

SOFTBALL LEAGUE FORMING THIS SPRING-All skill levels from beginner to advanced. For more information, visit www.nolasoftball.com VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge

Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] 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]

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

hot tails of red stick

by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

What A Year!

I

t has been an unusual year so far.

Louisiana has had its share of extremely cold weather, and this has kept a lot of people inside and definitely cut down on the night scene. Even during the day and the late afternoon periods saw a decrease in activity, but there are times when you have to get out in the cold whether you want to do so or not.

While I was out last week, I decided that I needed some food and wine to keep me going, and I stopped in at Stroube’s Chop House in downtown Baton Rouge.

I was amazed to see a first class dining establishment finally locating in this part of the city. Tsunami is good and was definitely a welcome addition, but Stroube’s is absolutely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had recently.

This is the former location for the old Stroube Drug Store, and there have been other tenants, but the main draw for this location was the Stroube’s soda fountain which attracted LSU students and moviegoers attending the old Paramount Theater. Even though all of this early history is gone now, it certainly isn’t forgotten. Baton Rougeans should be proud of what has finally happened to the downtown section.

I still grieve for the loss of the Paramount, Hart, and Gordon theaters, but other old buildings have survived. Even though they may not look the same, they are still here.

This year, blue lights were draped on the trees along Third Street, which I really think added a little more class to the area.

It was so different and so appealing that

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

people could be seen taking pictures up and down Third Street. The lights were still hung along North Boulevard, but they didn’t seem to draw the attention that the new look of Third Street displayed. The section blocked off by the new government building going up certainly didn’t help matters.

One of the most out-of-control fires also took place the first week of the new year. It all started at The Caterie, a popular place to dine during the day and to visit at night to enjoy the variety of bands that appeared here. At first, it was thought to have been isolated at The Caterie, but it somehow got into the ceilings of adjoining buildings and several other businesses were destroyed. It would keep popping up time and time again and kept many firemen busy for three days.

One of the most heartbreaking of these losses was Claitor’s Publishing.

Everything was destroyed as the fire kept jumping and re-emerging for several days.

All of the inventory of law books and some rare books were destroyed, but thank goodness for computers and storage means of this type. With the system of publishing that they maintained, it looks like a good part of their inventory can be reprinted.

The pharmacy received smoke damage on one side, but the businesses on the side with Claitor’s were all destroyed.

My favorite wine shop was one of these.

For all of these businesses, I truly hope that they can re-build and recover from this sad event of 2010. You are all definitely missed by the surrounding neighbors and those of us who came to this shopping center for food, drink, books, and medical supplies.

Anthony

O

ne of my friends was greatly affected by the fire at Claitor’s.

Many of you know and love Anthony, and he is now working so much that he is completely exhausted every day.

As the manager, he is now overseeing the operation which is temporarily housed in the old Major Video building on the other side of the CVS Pharmacy.

Anthony has always been one of the good guys. He is a hard worker, very devoted to doing the best he can, and this can be seen in the many hours he has put into the management of Baton Rouge’s most prestigious publishing house. As the business continues to rebound, it will be a credit to the knowledge and effort that Anthony puts into this effort. The other night he was so exhausted that all he could do was grab a stiff drink and hit the hot tub. I should have been there with my massage oil.

He is a graduate (and a proud one) of the University of Oklahoma. Not only is he trim and fit and definitely cute as cute can be, he is simply one of the hottest Italian studs I know. I don’t know that much about his family history but if I had to wager a bet on it, I’d say his lineage would go back to [continued on 31]

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red stick paparazzi

Alan, John & Phil Andy, Jeremy & Henry

Another birthday celebration

Guy & Henry Philip celebrating a New Year

Chansley & friends

Jeremy & Brianna

Wild Bill & Lucky John

Luther & Jared Hanley & his man

Sam & Patrick

All smiles at George’s John & Jules Smokey & TTT Michael & Chansley

TTT with John Ducote

Richard & Philip

Four handsome studs

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Alan, Sam & Dennis

A Wild Time in The Capital City ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Anthony & Kevin

hot tails of red stick ...from 29 the Bronx. Even his smile is quite charming, and his personality is just outstanding.

Wherever Anthony goes, he manages to stand out. He is liked by everyone, and his friendship is loved by all who know him. Even though he is definitely overloaded with work now, he still manages to keep his spirits up and expectations high.

I think he is one of the most remarkable guys around old Red Stick. He is a great friend to all.

Jean

W

hen someone leaves us, there is always a void that is difficult to fill. When I wished her a Happy New Year, I had no idea that this would be the last time I would see her.

Jean was a Spanish Town resident who had just completely restored one of the old homes on Lucilla Lane. In fact, she seemed to be one of the happiest people around. However, this was apparently not the case.

Jean left this world a day or so after I had talked with her. As the neighbors gathered around, we all wondered how such a beautiful life could have ended in such a tragic way. I don’t suppose we will ever know, but I think of her a lot. She was always at our gatherings, and we shared our flowers – at least the two of us did. We all enjoyed her company at Hound Dogs too. She was just one of us, and now she’s gone.

I talked with Joy who had just challenged her to get back into her art, which she was really good at. In fact, this chal-

lenge saw Joy and Jean sketching self portraits. After the challenge was made, Jean apparently went home, sketched herself, and brought it back to Joy in about three hours. This alone shows you how talented she was, and that self portrait shows it.

We all enjoyed her friendship. We all cherish the memories. We all miss her very much.

Todd

T

odd wasn’t even at our gathering at Sam’s home to view all the Christmas trees that were decorated for the season, but he was still the center of attention. At least he was for me. I guess it was because I missed him being with us, but his work kept him away.

Jules, his companion, and John Stallings stopped in to dine and enjoy a fun time with us. This also included me, Patrick, and Sam. It was chicken and all the trimmings with some sweets to complete the meal, but it was the friendships that we shared that meant so much. Sometimes a simple gathering is the best kind, and the smaller the number, the better the results. Otherwise, some get lost in the crowds.

Both Jules and John had to get back to work, but the sharing time was nice, and we went away happy although Todd couldn’t make it. I keep mentioning Todd for a reason. He is a former Mr. Louisiana Leather, who I sponsored, the first of three winners, to be exact. I’ll never forget that night. When he won, he was one of the happiest guys I’ve ever seen. He went on [continud on 32]

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hot tails of red stick ...from 31 to almost win the international title. In fact, for a while I thought he had accomplished this. Even though he wasn’t announced as the winner, he had still won the hearts of so many at the contest in Chicago.

Todd later went on to become king in the Lords of Leather, and he made a smashing success of his time on that stage at the Mardi Gras bal masque. It was as if he owned the occasion, and perhaps he did. It was a great ball with some beautiful costumes, and it brought together a lot of friends on stage who loved to please the crowd gathered for the occasion.

Todd is another of the good guys. He makes you laugh, and he sometimes even shocks you with his antics, but the bottom line is that he loves life and he loves to share this love with others. He’s just a fantastic friend, and everyone adores him.

And To Continue

A

the pink pastor

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

I know what it means to miss New Orleans!

S

unday after Sunday I have preached the same message - ‘Christian is as Christian does’. Sunday after Sunday I have presented the testimony of friends and members of our church that Christianity, not just religion is alive and well in New Orleans.

Previously I have presented this testimony as a witness of it, and as one who feels loved and supported as Pastor of our church. Now I can put my and on my heart and say that never, NEVER in my life have I been surrounded by such a cloud of Saints as over the last few weeks. Never have I experienced the outworking of Christianity in such a practical and humbling way as I have, as WE have (Leon and I) over the past few weeks.

At the beginning of December I started to feel unwell, gradually getting worse until I had to face the fact that I was suffering from a recurrence of a condition called Moleret’s meningitis. I have had this before and had dreaded its return, so I was in denial about the symptoms. This time round it was manifesting itself as acute headaches, tiredness and generally feeling rotten. I was due to travel to England on the 6th of January for my nieces’ wedding and hoped to get through until then, when I could see the doctor who has looked after me for many years. Unfortunately, just after Christmas the doctor in New Orleans told me I needed a lumbar puncture and other procedures, and gave me a choice between traveling to London early or risk never making it. With the support and help of the church I was able to get

back here where I was treated and after taking a turn for the worse ambulanced to the hospital. During this time I also found out my grandmother had passed away, and Leon was very unwell back in New Orleans!

It is at times like this that you discover whether faith is just talk, or if it is a rock on which you can rely.

It seems it is a rock. I am both proud and humbled to a part of my church, a church of kindness and sacrifice, a church with better friends than I have ever known and as close family as I have ever had. More than this I am proud to live in New Orleans, amongst some of the kindest and most loving people I have ever met.

Your thoughts, actions, words and prayers have transformed what could have been one of the darkest few weeks of my life into a blessing that has restored me to health, and sustained me for the future. I miss you all and New Orleans very much, we are having the coldest winter in 30 years over here in Britain, and as I write I still have ten days to go before I come home. I have had another of those precious moments when life is put into perspective – they may be unpleasant at the time, but we are lost without them. After this time of exile in a city that was once my home, I see all those daily tasks and actions that a pastor does not as drudge and duty, but as blessed opportunity – part of my vocation in New Orleans, and as such a gift not to be taken for granted. Being unable to serve, even for a few weeks, reminds me just what a privilege it is to serve – what a privilege it is to be able to make our lives with you all in NOLA. I realize, if ever I had forgotten it, that the key to happiness is pursuing your calling, whatever that may be – no matter what the cost in risk, energy, money or the forgoing of stability and comfort. If you want to be something, or do something then move heaven and earth to make it happen, but most of all, move yourself! My father always says that the world is full of opportunities, but most of them are disguised as hard work!

See you again when I get home!

Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. The Church meets 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, www.bigeasymcc.com.

Whilst Pastor Clinton is away, services are being taken by members of the church leadership team, and by visiting pastor.

lthough 2010 has started out rather harshly for our area and for some of our friends, it will get better. I know I will celebrate when a great friend of mine returns from Kuala Lumpur. He’s been teaching there but plans to return to Red Stick this summer.

His name is David, and he graduated from Catholic High School and LSU. I think one reason for this is because he lost his father last year, and he is coming back to help care for his mother. A sister and a brother also live far away but are married with families and can’t be in Baton Rouge, so David has stepped in to assist. He is a beautiful guy, a good friend, and someone who really deserves to be happy. I think he will find peace by returning home.

It’s another short season for Mardi Gras, so everyone is scampering to fit in all the balls, king cake parties, debutante gatherings, and parade schedules. Hopefully it won’t be as cold as we’ve had hit our area this past week or so, and fair weather always is a plus when you are standing out waiting for parades.

My favorite parade last year was Muses, a krewe of women who really know how to have a good time and to make people along the parade route happy. That is the number one on my list this year, but I also think Bacchus, Orpheus, and Rex may be in my future. If I don’t do Rex, I’ll try to be among the elite guests at Rip and Marsha’s fabulous Fat Tuesday gathering. I’ve missed this for several years but always had a great time there.

There are a number of people I need to catch up with too. Scott and John, our local dental experts, always come up with great matching costumes but you have to be in the Quarter early to see them. They are the first to start out the day’s festivities, and from there it just all gets better.

Another dentist Kent, who I believe is now is Metairie, comes up with some excellent costumes. He just happens to be one of the most beautiful men to ever come out of Louisiana, and I can definitely vouch for the fact that he is and always will be the best and most gorgeous queen to ever walk that stage at a Krewe of Apollo ball.

Catching the activities from the Good Friends, Oz, or Lafitte’s balconies is nice, but none compares with the Ambush balcony on Bourbon Street. It represents the best of the bead tosses, and it is always decorated elaborately for the occasion.

If I don’t make the Bacchus parade this year, I’ll probably be at the Lords of Leather ball. After all, I haven’t seen Mark and John in ages, and I need to catch up with them as well as Dr. Billy, George and Danny, Mina, Jamie, Mickey and Brett, Todd, and hopefully a few others along the way. Choices and more choices! There is so much to do and so little time to do it in.

Regardless of where you may be, just take care and be safe this holiday season – actually any season, but especially now. Mardi Gras is a great occasion to be happy and carefree. It’s a time to be joyous, and in case you do get lucky, make sure you wrap that rascal. Don’t you just love rascals?

Reach the Market OUT ON TIME EVERY TIME!!!

Ambush 504.522.8049

marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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alexandria

paparazzi

Renee shows off

Hot, Grand & Fierce @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

A hot mess!!!

Kayla & Jason

Dan & Wendy

Kofi’s grand entrance Jason & Clark getting hot together

Lucinda gets a leg up

Erica Shay Matthews

Tara & Kristie

Miss Olympus looking fierce!!!

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under the gaydar

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

Hot Reading

O

ne of my best tidbits of advice to extol to people this year is to read more. For me reading helps me relax, escape and inform. A good book, can teach and entertain at the same time. Recently I read two books that you may want to consider. Now I am not Oprah, but here are my book picks for the month of January. These books are complete opposites, but I like to have some diversity in my reading library.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, author John Wareham brings us Sonnets For Sinners: Everything One Needs to Know About Illicit Love. I have to admit this is my first book of poetry and it was a wonderful romp in the world of forbidden love. This tiny tome packs quite a punch as we are introduced to historical sinners and the stages of their desire.

I love a juicy book filled with passion, desire and yes, carnal lust. Wareham brings us all this and more, pulling sonnets from famous historical poets such as William Shakespeare and Lady Mary Wroth to more contemporaries like Elan Haverford and Chandler Haste. Celebrity poets are also included as Wareham draws from their own words and sets them into sonnet form. Famous love triangles are seen from all sides, with Charles Windsor, Lady Diana Spencer and Camilla Shand. Also other famous adulterers are captured in prose such as John Edwards and Mark Sanford.

After each sonnet, Wareham gives a wonderful summarization that affords the reader a better grasp on the words. Even homosexuality comes into play with a sonnet from Lord Alfred Douglas, Oscar Wilde’s lover whose liaison resulted in the playwright’s imprisonment.

This is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special person in your life. Or buy it for yourself and enjoy each deliciously tempting page.

The next book is from author, Dan Brown who wrote the Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons. Professor Robert Langdon is back once again with another thrilling adventure in The Lost Symbol. If you are a fan of his previous books like I am, then you are going to love this one. It is a non-stop adventure ride as Langdon faces a mind bending mystery and a bisexual, muscular, tattooed killer who seems almost unstoppable. Why do the pretty ones always turn out to be bad. Story of my life and as it turns out, the story of this book too.

The setting is Washington DC, which made reading this novel even more enjoyable for me, because I love the city and Brown brings it to vivid life on the pages.

What is so wonderful about The Lost Symbol is Brown’s masterful storytelling and knowledge of history, arcane symbols and enigmatic codes. The reader gets a history lesson on some of DC’s most famous landmarks as well as a glimpse into the clandestine world of the Masons. As with his previous books, religion and faith figure prominently into

the storyline. If you like fast paced thrillers, then this book is for you. You can find these books anywhere, but I always suggest to buy from local book dealers like FAB. They are located at 600 Frenchman Street or call them at 504.947.3700. Happy reading.

Ringing in the New Year

A

nd how did you ring in the new year. As many of you know, I work in the hospitality industry, so I actually worked New Year’s Eve at an event for Harrah’s which was for their VIP guests. As an event producer, constructing parties is one of my favorite parts of the job, so it did not seem like working. The theme was around the world and guests were greeted by models dressed in outfits depicting their country. The food, the music and the atmosphere in the casino was alive and everyone had a raucous good time as the clock struck midnight.

After twelve, I finished up there and journeyed into the Quarter stopping at the always fun Pat O’ Brien’s New Year’s Eve party in Jax Brewery. The party was well into high gear when I arrived and the DJ was spinning some great tunes. Valerie was just getting her Beyonce mojo on. I visited with my friends there, then continued my journey to Frenchman Street. By this time, the street was packed with revelers. I ran into some more friends and shared a libation and listened to some great live music.

Continuing on my trek, I made it to JohnPaul’s to catch the tail end of Opal Masters’ Dragging in the New Year show.

The place was standing room only, as I saw some of my favorites perform like Princesse Stephaney, Marcy Marcell, Opal, Rhonda Roget, Tami Tarmac, Gizelle Bouvier and Cathy Fox. I finished up my partying there and managed to drag (no pun intended) to Mimi’s to catch some of DJ Soul Sister’s performance, which was amazing. Then I had a nightcap, like I needed one, at Cutter’s, then to bed. All I can say is “oh, what a night.”

I do want to take the chance to thank all the people in the service industry who worked New Year’s Eve. We appreciate you and all your hard work and dedication to make our nights memorable. You are the people who deserve the biggest round of applause for this new year.

A Day at the Races

N

ew Year’s Day, I spent at the day with friends at the Fairgrounds Race Track, which is always one of the busiest days there. We were eleven strong that day as we went to the clubhouse for a day at the races. I tend to be very sentimental about events in my life and this day has to go down as one of my more memorable ones and a incredible way to start off 2010. It was like a gay version of the Marx Brothers movie filled with great food, good conversation and

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[continued on 35]

under the gaydar ...from 34 even a few winners.

My friend Marvin worked his usual magic and we were upgraded to the Churchill Downs Suite. We had a wonderful bartender named Matt who was very knowledgeable about the sport of kings. And now I see why they refer to horse racing in this way. These are magnificent animals and you cannot help but get excited watching them round the bend and head to the finish line. The crowd jumping and screaming around you as they watch a horse come from behind to take the race is an exhilarating thrill.

Matt also gave us tips and showed us how to read the racing stats which just added to our delightful experience. For me, it was more than a day at the races with friends, it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

My dad used to take me to the track when I was a kid and fond memories of us hanging out together there came flooding back to me. But as time goes on and people leave this world, new traditions replace the old ones and hopefully this is one of them.

My friends make up a foursome affectionately titled the hospitality gays, picture an all male, gay version of Sex in the City. Joining the foursome of Marvin, Nick, James and myself, were Tico, Gail, my mom, Ben and Mollie, Robbie and Scott (Marvin and James significant others respectively). This is a great way to spend a day with family and friends. Holidays are their biggest racing day so make your reservations early. The season starts on Thanksgiving Day, which is traditionally the largest crowd and very festive with all the ladies, and some of the men, wearing hats. New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Christmas and Easter are also popular, as we saw on the first when we were there. There was a waiting list to get into the clubhouse a mile long.

I was impressed by the cuisine and the service was top rate. Again kudos to those people in the industry who make their living by making our day more enjoyable. We stayed for eight out of the ten races and had a blast. I even learned how to bet part wheel exacta box. Now that was well worth the price of admission.

What is so great about the racetrack is you don’t have to go to the clubhouse to watch the horses, you can go to the stands and have equally as much fun, and probably the crowd may be livelier down there. For more information on the New Orleans Fairgrounds or to book your Day at the Races, call 504.944.5515, for clubhouse reservations call 504.948.1111. You can follow them on twitter at @fairgroundsnola or go to www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.

New Year’s Day Part 2: The Continuation

A

fter my day at the races, my mom and I went in search of another New Year’s Day tradition: black-eyed peas and cabbage. We had cabbage at the track, but they did not serve blackeyed peas. I know this is an old wives’ tale, but I like to believe it could be true that if you eat cabbage on New Year’s day you get money and black-eyed peas for luck.

I decided to do some research into this practice and I came up with this very interesting reason. According to this article by Judy Walker, “this traditional New Year’s Day dish comes from a Cajun tradition on the bayou at Cut Off. The father of the friend who shared this recipe raises dozens of head of cabbage in his backyard every year for family and friends. For additional good luck, his mother would boil a shiny new dime to make sure it was germ free, then stir it into the pot of smothered cabbage.

The finder of the dime at the dinner table was sure to have even more luck in the coming year.” This may or may not be true, but I love the Louisiana aspect of it so am choosing to go with her take on the tradition.

And, I discovered the best black-eyed peas and cabbage at one of my favorite Marigny spots, Cutter’s.

I have always known that Jim and Dudley were wonderful cooks, but there New Year’s fare of smothered cabbage, black-eyed peas and brisket was probably the best I have had anywhere. The place was crowded with lively people who were enjoying the day and the drinks were flowing. Chris Wecklein was behind the bar mixing cocktails. Not only is he a talented singer/

actor, but a fabulous mixologist. So next year plan on spending your afternoon at Cutter’s with Chris, Dudley, Jim and the entire gang, you won’t be disappointed.

New Year’s Day Part 3: ForePlay

M

y day did not end with after the scrumptious dinner at Cutter’s. I said goodbye to my mom and went to JohnPaul’s to the ever so fun drag show entitled ForePlay. This is the brainchild of one of New Orleans’ liveliest entertainers in the drag community: Elizabeth Bouvier aka Jeff Mallon. This was a special night because Elizabeth had a guest in town. Her brother Jerret Mallon was visiting from New York where he has been appearing on Broadway in Hairspray. In addition to the talented cast of ForePlay, we were treated to Jarret’s rousing rendition of “Can’t Stop the Beat” choreographed with the cast of girls. After his fabulous number that night, I can see that some of Elizabeth’s talent has rubbed off on him. He is also very easy on the eyes and could possibly be in line as one of my new special friends. I am penciling him in for his next visit in March.

Now who are these girls of ForePlay that has taken this city by storm and where do they come from. Well, I decided that instead of doing a lot of useless research and tedious interviews, that I would just make up their backgrounds. I feel it is much more interesting and dramatic license gives me the right. Let's start with Cathy Fox, the city’s newest drag performer to grace the stage. Moving here about a year ago, Ms. Fox seems to be an enigma. She says, she is just normal folk like you and

me. But I say, she is in the Witness Protection Program and being hunted by mobsters. Yes, now doesn’t that sound glamorous. Her affair with a mob boss in Atlantic City turned sour and she had to go on the run.

Then there is Ms. Lauren Brown, the group’s most hard as nail member. I think she was a top ranking officer in the CIA and decided that she could not take the lies and secrecy anymore so she traded her black suits in for comfortable pumps and she became Lauren Brown. And since she knows where all the skeletons are buried they leave her alone. And, she is also covertly keeping an eye on Cathy Fox, always diligently on the job.

Next up there is Tami Tarmac, the Great Wall of Drag. Who is she and where is she from? Who the hell cares, she is over seven feet tall in hair and heels, that is good enough for me. But I have to admit, she does do that “Circus” number from [continued on 37]

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ambush

paparazzi

Good Friends manager Neel getting ready to have his grilled chicken @ Rawhide’s BYOM Night

DJ Johnny Love, Willie & Daniel in for the Bourbon Street Bailout @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Lafitte’s

Gene, Mary Kay, Jamie, Jewel & Rich celebrating @ The Friendly Bar

Daryl, Lynn, Matt & Don cocktailin’ @ The Friendly Bar

Saints fans Ronnie & Michael @ JohnPaul’s Marcus & Rawhide manager Joe enjoy King Cake on 12th Night @ Rawhide’s BYOM Night

Aletha & Bartender of the Year Jeff serving up $1.50 well vodka’s Fridays @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Winnie, Koo & Joe celebratin’ @ The Friendly Bar

Thomas, Barry & Kristie behind the bar @ JohnPaul’s cheering on the Saints Rawhide bartender Joe ready to serve you Monday-Thursday 9pm-5am Princesse Stephaney snags Marsha for Drag Dingo @ Oz

Cutter’s Mac & Jimmy @ The Friendly Bar Tony & Friends take in Dance Bar of the Year Oz

Marcus snags a DeKuyper Burst shirt from Glazer’s Ashley

Marleeka joins Marcy @ Starlight By The Park

Linda, the Lesbian, in for Meat Night @ Rawhide

Joel & Richie as Lady Gaga behind the bar at Good Friends

Dudley & George @ The Friendly Bar

Chris serves up his famous martinis Thursdays & Fridays @ the Phoenix

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Hittin’ the Circuit ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Jack Saucier

Trustee J. Field serves up cold ones for LSGRA’s Beer Bust during Country Western Night @ JohnPaul’s

under the gaydar ...from 35 Britney Spears really well. Just saying.

And finally, we reach the leader of the pack, Ms. Elizabeth Bouvier. Well, her story is just a tad more sordid. As a stand in for Ms. Celene Dion’s show in Vegas, Elizabeth lived the high life of booze, chorus boys and fast living. That is until her star overshadowed the diva herself. There was a horribly trashy showdown between the divas and Elizabeth found herself unceremoniously banned from Sin City.

But being the trooper she is, she traded in Sin City for the Big Easy and vowed to become a bigger star than her former mentor. Her heart will go on and for this New Orleans is eternally grateful.

Catch all these Desperate “Drag” Wives as they perform every other Friday at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. And if you are lucky, you will catch a plucky new performer called Barbara Ella. She is from the Midwest and quite the little entertainer. She seems so wholesome in an “All About Eve” sort of way. Just saying.

Dance Your little Tutu Off

N

ow this is what I call entertainment and culture. The New Orleans Ballet Association is finally doing drag. Actually, they are hosting Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo dance troupe. This group will perform at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on January 29 at 7:30pm. One of the best comic creations, Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo is affectionately called The Trocks. They are an all-male ballet company that performs parodies of great ballet classics on pointe and in tutus. Rumor has it they are coming t town early to catch one of Marcy Marcell’s shows to learn some moves from the master. All kidding aside, this is a talented group and the NOBA ballet is probably one of my favorite cultural organizations in the city.

Also, check out their next performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performing at Mahalia Jackson Theatre on February 26 and 27 at 8pm. One of the most famous dance companies in America, Alvin Ailey is dedicated to bringing the African American experience and dance traditions to the world’s stages. For more information call 504.522.0996 or go to www.nobadance.com. For all of you wanting to try something new, the ballet offers incredible entertainment and a wonderful opportunity to meet people all while expanding your cultural horizons.

Mardi Gras is Here

W

ith the start of 12th Night, Mardi Gras is here and the city celebrated in style to usher in the Carnival season. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon had its 8th annual 12th Night Ball at the Country Club where it announced the new royalty for 2010. It was a wonderful celebration with a great DJ, good food and a packed crowd. King Satyricon VIII is Paul Metoyer and Queen Satyricon VIII is Ty Johnson. Their annual choosing of the 12th Night King and Queen was very festive and the adorable Brent from the Krewe of Petronius was named King and one of Paul’s friends, Kathy was crowned Queen. The evening also some star power as actor Wendell Pierce from HBO’s The Wire was present.

A fun time was had by all and remember the Krewe of Satyricon is holding its ball on

Friday, February 5 at The Sugar Mill at 1021 Convention Center Blvd at 7pm. Make sure you come out and see this year’s ball with the theme All That Jazz. It is sure to be one of the best shows of the season.

And wait to you see my costume. Let's just say I am going angelic for this year. For tickets or more information, call 504.525.4498.

Another great place to celebrate 12th Night was Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World on the Eastbank. If you have never been, go to this event next year. It is catered by restaurants from all over the city and has high energy entertainers. Dancing among the floats and props was the highlight of the evening.

Lesbian Drama

I

love lesbian drama, it is always more intense than the gays. We tend to be more flighty. Coming to the stage is The Last Reading of Charlotte Cushman, a play by Carolyn Gage.

This Break the Mold Production will be at the Always Lounge/Marigny Theatre at 2240 St. Claude Avenue at 8pm on January 22 and 23 and 6pm on January 24. The admission price is $15.

I decided to actually do a little research on Miss Cushman and holy hell, did she have quite the torrid life. This is why I love Wikipedia. If you will indulge me in a little history lesson, I think once you read about this woman, you will definitely want to go see this play.

Charlotte was a remarkably bright, sportive child, excelling her schoolmates and developing a voice of remarkable compass and richness, with a full contralto register. Two friends of her father, one of them John Mackay, in whose piano factory Jonas Chickering was then foreman, provided her with the best musical instruction. She sang in choirs, and aided in the support of the family from the age of twelve.

When Mrs. Joseph Wood visited Boston in 1834, Capt. Mackay introduced Cushman, who sang with her in two of her concerts. Through Mrs. Wood’s influence she became a pupil of James G. Maeder, a lady’s musical director, and under his instruction made her first appearance in opera in the Tremont Theatre as the Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro with great success, and her second as Lucy Bertram in Guy Mannering. She went with his company to New Orleans, where her voice, which had been strained by the soprano parts assigned to her, suddenly failed. Seeking the counsel of James H. Caldwell, manager of the principal theatre of New Orleans, she was advised by him and by Barton, the tragedian, to become an actress, and given the part of Lady Macbeth to study, in which she made her appearance with complete success in 1835.

After a successful season in New Orleans, she returned to New York City under contract with the Bowery Theatre. By 1839, her younger sister Susan Webb Cushman became an actress, and at the age of 14 had married Nelson Merriman.

Her husband abandoned her when she was pregnant and Charlotte cared for her sister. The two sisters became famous for playing Romeo and Juliet together, with Charlotte playing Romeo and Susan playing Juliet.

In 1843, Cushman became involved romantically with Rosalie Sully. By 1844, the romance had ended. She began trav-

eling abroad acting in theater, and Sully died shortly thereafter. In 1848, Cushman met journalist, writer and part time actress Matilda Hays. The two women became involved in a lesbian affair. They became known for dressing alike, and in Europe were publicly known as a couple. She took up residence with Hays in Rome, Italy.

They began living in an American expatriate community there, made up mostly of many lesbian artists and sculptors of the time. In 1854, Hays left Cushman for lesbian sculptor Harriet Hosmer, which launched a series of jealous interactions between the three women. Hays eventually returned to live with Cushman, but the tensions between her and Cushman would never be repaired.

By late 1857, Cushman was secretly involved with lesbian sculptor Emma Stebbins. One night while Cushman was writing a note, Hays walked in on her.

Suspecting that the note was to Stebbins, Hays demanded to see it. Although Cushman maintained that the note was not to Stebbins, she refused to show it to Hays. The altercation that followed was implosive. Hays became enraged, and began chasing Cushman around the house pounding her at every opportunity with her fists. The relationship ended immediately, and Hays moved out. She then sued Cushman stating in her claim that she had sacrificed her own career to support Cushman’s career, and therefore was due a certain payment. Cushman paid her an unknown sum, and the two women parted company forever.

Emma Stebbins moved in with Cushman shortly after the break-up. Although Cushman maintained that she was devoted to Stebbins, she became involved with another woman not long after her relationship with Stebbins began.

Cushman met an 18 year old actress, Emma Crow and fell for her. The two women began an affair, and Cushman often called her “my little lover”.

When Cushman returned to Italy, Crow followed. Not long after arriving in Italy, Crow attracted the attention of Cushman’s nephew, Ned Cushman. In April 1861, Ned Cushman and Emma Crow married.

During the last six year’s of her life Cushman developed a remarkable ability as a dramatic reader, giving scenes from Shakespeare, ballad poetry, dialect poems, and humorous pieces with a success not less decided than her earlier dramatic triumphs. In 1871, after a residence in Europe, she resumed her career in the United States as a reader, besides fulfilling several dramatic engagements.

In 1869, Cushman underwent treatment for breast cancer. Stebbins ignored her own sculpting career and devoted all of her time to caring for Cushman. Charlotte Cushman died of pneumonia in Boston in 1876 at the age of 59. In 1915 she was elected to the New York University Hall of Fame. Now that is one hell of a life. Go see this play!

When Only The Best Will Do

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hat was the theme for this year’s Krewe of Mwindo 12th annual Bal Masque held on Saturday, January 9. And, only the best did do that night as a crowd of nearly 400 strong attended the festivities at the Best Western Landmark Hotel in Metairie. I was slightly apprehensive of the space, not having been to the Landmark in over 10 years, but I was pleasantly surprised. The event took

place in their spacious Mardi Gras Ballroom.

The evening began with the President’s Welcome by Byron Hogans followed by the prayer by Mark Johnson.

After the national anthem, the festivities kicked off with the introduction of the Master of Ceremonies and Ball Captain 2010 Joseph McCrory taking the stage. He entered with a foot stomping dance routine. He then introduced Siaz Foxx Bonet who performed several numbers for the New Orleans Covenant House.

The tableau began with the return of the King Mwindo XI, the Divo of Swing Kenny Moses and Queen Mwindo XI. The returning royalty was followed up by four great costumes, the Diva of Music, the Glamorous Diva of the Black Birds, the Drunken Diva of Feathers (a girl after my own heart) and the Diva of the World. Next up the new royalty was introduced to much fanfare as Mwindo XII King Divo Bobbie Wagstaff Mackie came out as an African God complete with dancers and drummers. He was joined by his counterpart Queen Diva Queen (her first name is Queen) Lemon as the Barbie Goddess.

There outfits were visions in white and they shined as royalty.

FYI, did you know that Divo was the male version of a diva. It means divine male performer. But I digress. Mwindo started the season right for the gay Mardi Gras balls. If you are interested in joining Mwindo, please attend their rush party on Sunday, February 21 at 3pm at their den located at 5902 Alost Street. For more information, contact Ball Captain 2010 Joe at 504.512.3958.

An Afternoon at John Paul’s

O

n Sunday, January 10, JohnPaul’s played host to two big Mardi Gras functions.

Starting at 1pm, the Lords of Leather held their annual wreath auction and royalty appreciation party. It was a great event with scrumptious cuisine and great wine.

The krewe got to also show off their creative side as they made some of the most artistic wreaths for the season. I myself purchased two such wreaths, which ranged from very elaborately decorated to very suggestive. The visiting royalty was introduced before the auction and then a toast was made to the reigning Lord King XXVI Gary Vanderventer and Lord Consort Bruce Orgeron. The auction was spirited helping raise money for the krewe. Their XXVII Bal Masque will take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at 7pm at the Alario Center. For more information, go to lordsofleather.com or call 504.251.5697.

After one reception ended, another one began at 5pm as the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras held a fundraising/ membership drive for their upcoming extravaganza on Friday, February 12 at the Audubon Tea Room. This was an incredible star-studded event that had over 20 performers. Their were several show stopping numbers like Elizabeth Bouvier and Babara Ella’s homage to the play Chicago or Princesse Stephaney’s balloon making clown performance. The incomparable Ricki Gee and DJ P played off each other wonderfully as they emceed the event. FNBMG is one of those not to be missed events during Carnival season.

There are dancing boys, a costume contest, delectable cuisine and fun entertainment. For more information on ticketsgo to fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.

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ambush

Ted's expression when he saw his infamous Cowvicky pic in Ambush @ JohnPaul’s

Elizabeth Bouvier & brother Jarret Mallon (cast member of Broadway’s Hairspray) live in FourPlay @ Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s

Capt. Armeinius Bruce tips Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella @ JohnPaul’s

Brian W serves up 2 for 1 cocktails Tuesdays 12noon-4pm @ the Phoenix

Big Mama joins Coca, Sable Nicole Starr & Alexis Daniels for the monthly show @ Billy’s in Slidell

Elizabeth shows her other side in FourPlay

You can catch Jimmy behind the bar @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Chris & Latonya enjoying the show @ Billy’s in Slidell

Ranzy & Creig in for the New Year’s Day edition of FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox in the January 1 edition of FourPlay

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac hits the stage for FourPlay New Year’s Day

Lauren Brown, one of the regulars in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Trenton & Bill celebratin’ New Year’s Day @ JohnPaul’s

Joann, Marcy & Steve celebrate Kajun’s Pub’s 5th Anniversary

Brad & Chuck behind the bar @ Billy’s Todd joins Princesse Stephaney for Drag Dingo Mardi Gras Classic weekend @ Oz

The Ladies of Oz hit the stage Wednesday nights @ Oz

Entertainer of the Year Coca & Dr. Mac @ Oz

Persana between a rock & a hard place @ Oz’s Thursday night strip-off

Wendy, Mike & Dimitri @ Bywater Patio Bar on New Year’s Day

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Pleasing To The Eye ~ New Orleans, Slidell, Louisiana~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist, Jack Saucier

paparazzi

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 19-February 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM