Ambush magazine volume 28 issue 04

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

the "official" dish

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

Ambush Endorsements Delivers The Gay Vote, Mitch Landrieu Elected Mayor of New Orleans

L

t. Governor Mitch Landrieu will take office as Mayor of New Orleans on May 6 after his landslide victory in elections held February 6, winning 66% of the vote. Ambush Mag, for over 28 years, as the oldest GLBT publication in the Gulf South, has issued endorsements and Landrieu was chosen as "the best candidate for the job." The overwhelming majority in the city agreed with this assessment as well.

Other Ambush endorsed candidates winning their races included Councilmember at Large: Jackie Brechtel Clarkson and Arnie Fielkow; Councilmember, District B: Stacy Head; Councilmember, District C: Kristin Gisleson Palmer; Councilmember, District D: Cynthia Hedge-Morrell; Judge Civil District Court, Division J: Paula Brown; Judge Juvenile Court, Section E: Tracey Flemings-Davillier; Sheriff: Marlin Gusman; and Clerk Criminal District Court: Arthur Morrell.

Endorsed Councilmember, District A candidate Jay Batt will face Susan Guidry in the March 6 runoff election; while endorsed Assessor candidate Claude Mauberret will face Erroll Williams.

King Cake Queen Leads 23rd Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss

K

ing Cake Queen XVII of Gay Mardi Gras Opal Masters will lead the 23rd annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), February 16. It all takes place on the Ambush balcony, 828 Bourbon Street, at 2pm.

Reigning as "The Parisian Queen" over the Krewe of Queenateenas festivities, Masters celebrates the theme, Passport to Versailles, No Guillotines Please and will toss thousands of beads to revelers below.

Due to balcony space limitations, only 50 invited guests will be admitted (admit cards required at entrance) for the bead toss. For more on Gay Mardi Gras, visit GayMardiGras.COM.

Bud Light & Oz Present 46th Annual Bourbon Street Awards Feb. 16

T

he 46th Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras Day, February 16 at 12noon. In 2009, for the first time in 23 years, the contest actually took place back on Bourbon St r e e t .

Since 2002, Oz New Orleans has p r e sented

King Cake Queen XVII of Gay Mardi Gras Opal Masters, "The Parisian Queen"

the contest on St. Ann at Bourbon. 2009 saw the contest outside Oz on Bourbon Street down from Ambush Headquarters at 828 Bourbon. The awards were previously held outside of Cafe Lafitte in Exile on Boubon until 1985 when it was moved to the corner of Burgundy and St. Ann outside of Rawhide in 1986.

Johnny Chisholm and Oz New Orleans, as well as Bud Light brings us this fantastic contest. Award categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and the grandest award, Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. A $500 cash prize is also awarded to Best Overall Costume.

Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of mega circuit star Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris.

The parade of costumes will originate down Bourbon at Dumaine passing both Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill, the original site of the awards,

St. Patrick's Day/Mardi Gras Highlights Issue out Mar. 2 DEADLINE: Tuesday, Feb. 23

inside

celebrazzi/ambush paparazzi 23rd mardi gras bead toss ambush paparazzi/new orleans acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette mobile paparazzi 46th bourbon st. awards classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge alexandria paparazzi apollo baton rouge ball paparazzi

14 15 16 22 23 24 27 28 31 32 33 36

39th southern decadence 11th gay easter parade the pink pastor 7th ambie award winners under the gaydar sappho psalm chop chop/nola restaurant guide nola pride

38 39 42 42 44 46 48 50

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 heading past Ambush Headquarters towards Oz at 800 Bourbon.

The Bourbon Street Awards, well into its fourth decade, has hosted some of the most exciting and extravagant Mardi Gras costumes ever seen, and a bit of controversy as well.

In 1963, the late Arthur Jacobs, then owner of the Clover Grill was facing declining revenues, as were other businesses in the Lower Quarter, at that time. “This end of the Quarter, around Bourbon and Dumaine had a bad reputation in those days. Things around here have come a long way,” Jacobs recalled. Jacobs began, and oversaw the event until 1974, when he conceded the show to Tommy Hopkins, the owner of Cafe Lafitte in Exile, located across the street from the Clover Grill. During Jacob’s tenure with the Awards, he faced a good bit of opposition because of the participation of female impersonators. “A big shot reporter tried to degrade the Awards with a feature in a New York magazine in 1964. He inferred that the show contributed to moral decay. The city was no help either with its additional restrictions and rules. I’m happy the city fathers have taken a different view today,” Jacobs said.

During the 60’s and early 70’s the contest drew thousands of people to the corner. Japanese, German, British, and French film crews recorded the show for their networks. In 1971 Darlene Jacobs, Arthur Jacob’s daughter, and noted local attorney, emceed the show, which was later televised on the BBC. “In 1967 there was a beautiful boy from New York who won Best of Show,” Mr. Jacobs said. “His impersonating a woman was so well done, viewers and judges alike could not tell that he was a man.”

“I’ve always felt the contestants were the stars of the show,” commented Jacobs. “I’ve turned down movie stars, musicians - even Al Hirt was refused access during the show. Pete Fountain came before the show one year and played for an hour, but once the show started, the contestants had their moment,” Jacobs remembered. [continued on 6]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, 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 Joey Collins-Lafayette, 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 • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 5

well known locally for his flamboyance and humor, produced - in his own name - the requisite permits for the show in 1982 and 1983. He staged it at the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon. To avoid conflict with Smith’s show, Wood decided not to compete. “Everyone knew it as the Bourbon Street Awards anyway” Jacobs noted. “Contestants from all over the world came to participate and model their costumes.”

When Smith fell terminally ill in 1984, the Awards were not staged, but Jacobs proudly recalled, unofficially, contestants returned to Dumaine and Bourbon to show off their costumed creations. 1985 brought the Bourbon Street Awards officially back home to Cafe Lafitte in Exile at Dumaine and Bourbon.

In 1986 the Awards were relocated to the corner of St. Ann and Burgundy in front of the Rawhide. “By staging it there, more viewers were able to see the show,” said Wood.

In 1994, American Chronicle did an hour long segment on Mardi Gras titled “Farewell to the Flesh” and the Bourbon Street Awards got great coverage.

In 2002, the Awards were acquired

by Johnny Chisholm and Oz/New Orleans, and moved to St. Ann on the side of the club at Bourbon. In 2009, the awards returned to Bourbon Street for the first time in 23 years in front of Oz. The 46th Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” the "official" dish ...from 4 The now legendary “Parade of Cleopatra” featuring Houston entertainer Torchy Laine as Cleopatra, won “Best of Show” three consecutive years, 1977 through 1979. Cleopatra, whose litter was born by numerous body builders, was preceded by Egyptian musicians, food and wine bearers, slaves, and one year followed by a tiger and its handler.

This spectacle earned the Awards contest the title of “The Largest Free Show of Mardi Gras.” Jacobs laughed, “We had to make Torchy a judge so he wouldn’t compete.”

When Tom Wood bought Cafe Lafitte in 1974, the Bourbon Street Awards were assumed with the bar. Escalating production costs and more restrictive city guidelines threatened the Awards, but the Show went on. The late Ed Smith, a favorite emcee of the show,

6th Rampart Street Awards Feb. 16

T

he 6th annual Rampart Street Awards will be hosted by Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart Street on Mardi Gras, February 16. Beginning at 4pm, the Best Costume wins $100 Cash. The affair will be emceed by the club's own Jaded Jade.

Night of the Black Mask Feb. 12 at the Phoenix

T

he Lords of Leather and the Phoenix are sponsoring the annual Night of the Black Mask block party at the Phoenix on Friday, February 12th. All the beer and/ or soda you can drink will be served on [continued on 8]

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7

the "official" dish ...from 6 the back patio from 10pm to 1am for only $5. Night of The Black Mask is the oldest leather block party in New Orleans and you’re sure to find masked, and unmasked, revelers making merry all night long. Masks are requested so now is your chance to disguise yourself and head to the Phoenix....no one will ever know!

For more information about Night of The Black Mask and the upcoming Bal Masque XXVII on February 14, visit the Lords of Leather website at www.lordsofleather.com.

host of the Gar Williams TV Show was in a horrible automobile accident complete with crushed hip, broken shoulder and fractured skull. You probably knew if you're a loyal Ambush reader.

We had many inquiries about his recovery, but he is back in action. We interviewed him (while checking up on him), and he is fine. The old Gar is back full of verb, whit, vitality, and all the rest of his showy platitudes. He gave us an earful of gossipy grind and Hollywood Heaven and nostalgia. One of the best things he said

was " I am back and I'm better than ever!" We agree. "Yes, Gar you are."

The Gar Williams Show is now on Cable access Channel 99 at 8:30am and 8:30pm Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Latest News Update on Gar Williams

E

veryone's looking back at 2009 through rose colored glasses and the pundits are predicting a bright future. The economy finally is on the ups. They found some honest politicians at city hall. You can buy a home and not sell your boyfriend, the stock market looks s t a b l e (semi), but for some the roses had thorns.

In January 2009 blond Gar Williams, the clever Gar Williams

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 10]

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

$2,500-Presenting, $1,000-Platinum, $500-Gold, $250-Silver and $100Bronze.

You can get your sponsorship forms on-line at GayEasterParade.COM or by calling 504.522.8049, or picking one up at Ambush, 828-A Bourbon Street,10am-4pm, Monday through Friday.

the "official" dish ...from 8

Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse to Lead 11th Gay Easter Parade, Tony Leggio Joins Board of Directors

C

huck Turner and Tittie Toulouse have been selected as Easter Grand Marshals XI, and will lead all of the festivities for this year’s celebration.

The 11th Official Gay Easter Parade is Sunday, April 4 beginning at 4:30pm sharp. Both Turner and Toulouse have participated for years and years in the parade and its fund-raisers.

The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Past parades have raised over $63,643 for charity.

Tony Leggio has joined the Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors as the Sponsorship Chair. Last year, as Easter Grand Marshal X, Leggio brought in the largest amount of new individual and corporate sponsorships in one year.

The 2010 fund-raisers and events include: Saturday, March 6, 10pm, 2nd Eggstravaganza Show & Auction, under the direction of Opal Masters, Billy’s, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, Slidell; Friday, March 13, 9pm, 8th Annual Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Gala & Auction (500 Years of Drag Celebrating Tittie's 50th Birthday), under the direction of Electra City & Tittie Toulouse, 4 Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, Metairie; Saturday, March 20, 8-10pm, 9th Annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, under the direction of Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain,

JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields, New Orleans; Saturday, March 27, 8-10pm, 11th Annual Purple Party: Official Easter Grand Marshals Reception, Buffet & Auction, hosted by the Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors, The Double Play, 439 Dauphine, New Orleans; Friday, April 2nd, time and place TBA, 1st Good Friday Event, under the direction of Tom "Rona" Conners & Tony Leggio; Easter Sunday, April 4, 3-4:30pm, Pre-Parade Party, Line-up & Buffet, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans; 4:30pm, 11th Gay Easter Parade, through the streets of the French Quarter; and 5:30pm til, Post-Parade Party & Buffet, 700 Club, 700 Burgundy, New Orleans.

Sponsorships are available at

Parade Entry Forms will be available as soon as carriage prices are confirmed.

The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade includes Electra City, Tom “Rona” Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse.

Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGMs II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, EGMs III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, EGMs IV George Simons and Electra City, EGMs V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, EGMs VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, and EGMs VII Doc Reed and Opal Masters. EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom “Rona” Conners, EGMs IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, and EGMs X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell.

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 11]

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

Chalmette, LA 70043 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service

504.279.6312 24 Hour Beeper: 504.259.8061

A proven community leader in value and customer service!

• We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare Rodney Culotta, RPh

OPEN

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. the "official" dish ...from 10

Mardi Gras Tips & Tricks

I

f you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, you have a lot to learn! What follows is some advice gathered from locals that will help you get the most out of your carnival experience.

The Weather Weather in New Orleans is unpredictable. Bring clothes for every possibility.

Walking The Streets Of New Orleans During Mardi Gras, cars are not allowed on the streets of the French Quarter.

So, plan on doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must for the serious Mardi Gras reveler.

The main streets like Bourbon are usually shoulder to shoulder. For quick escapes and in order to move about the French Quarter during Carnival use side streets. However, always walk where it is well lit and there are a lot of people.

New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods. Like all large cities, the Big Easy does have some trouble spots. Always walk with others, never alone if possible.

Don’t wander about the city. In New Orleans the neighborhoods change, literally, when you cross a street. Always carry a map. The French Quarter can be confusing. Use good judgement. Generally, stay on streets that are well travelled. If a street looks deserted, its probably not safe to walk. Stay with the crowd. If you’re drinking,

don’t go stumbling about the French Quarter. Locals know that the people who encounter trouble are usually the ones who have been drinking.

Unfortunately, Mardi Gras does attract some people who are out for more than a good time. When you walk the streets, don’t bring your wallet. Take the cash you need and some sort of identification and put them in a pocket that noone can slip their hand into. Don’t wear expensive jewelry. Basically, don’t take anything with you that you would have a hard time replacing if it gets lost.

Parking Parking is difficult and expensive during Mardi Gras. If you can manage without a car, you’ll be better off. If you bring your car to Mardi Gras, carefully follow this advice: 1) Parade Route Parking Parking along a parade route is prohibited 2 hours before and 2 hours after a parade.

EXAMPLE: If a parade is scheduled to roll at 6pm, parking anywhere along the

route is prohibited at 4pm.

2) Neutral ground Parking The “neutral ground” is what New Orleanians call a median. You know, that strip of grass in the middle of a road. It is always illegal to park on the neutral ground.

During Mardi Gras, you’ll see a lot of people doing it. It seems legal. It’s not. Believe me, they’ll tow as many of those cars as they can as quickly as they can. The tow companies make a lot of money during Carnival.

3) Temporary Signs Never believe the street signs during Carnival. Be on the lookout for cardboard signs posted inconspicuously throughout the city. Hunt for and read all the signs in any area you park. If in doubt, don’t risk it.

4) The French Quarter On-Street parking within the French Quarter and vehicle access is restricted in the areas bounded by Iberville, Decatur, Dumaine, and Rampart. Towing is strictly enforced. If you are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, ask the hotel for a “PASS.” Usually, you can get a pass that will allow

you back and forth to the hotel garage.

If your car is impounded it will cost you about $200 bucks plus whatever else the city decides to tack on. Your car can be retrieved from the City Auto Pound, located in a dangerous area of the city, 400 N. Claiborne Avenue. This will spoil a good time.

Cabs Cabs will be difficult to get during Carnival. In addition, many Cab companies enforce a “special event rate.” This means that you’ll be paying a premium for a taxi and, sadly, many cabbies take advantage of people during Carnival. If you are going to take a cab, we recommend UNITED CABS: 504.522.9771. Write this number down and put it in your wallet. This cab company can be trusted. If you don’t care what it costs to get around, any cab will do. But, United Cabs has a sound reputation with the Gay community. [continued on 17]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

St. Patrick's Day Ambush out March 3

Deadline: Tuesday, February 23

504.522.8049

marsha@ripandmarsha.com 12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

Krewe du Vieux Parade

Krewe du Vieux Parade

Bartenders Justin, Stephen & Leo welcome you to Good Friends Bar

ambush

paparazzi Steven, bartender Shawn & John @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

The “Chad”, Tony’s special friend from Krewe du Vieux

T

he presentation of King and Queen Apollo XXIX Greg Foster and David Miller drew the huge crowd to their feet for the Krewe of Apollo Bal Masque XXIX: Tales From The Dark, Apollo’s Horror 2010. Hosted at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena, the ball’s special guest celebrity emcee was Elvira, Mistress of The Dark. Visit ApolloBatonRouge.COM for more information on the krewe. (Photos by ball photographer Staci Mahan) (Below: Elvira & Straight Boys who carried her into the ball)

Matt & Rusty @ Jack & Tommy’s Krewe du Vieux Party

David celebrates Bill’s Birthday @ their favorite bar, Lafitte’s

Joe & Jeff @ Tommy & Jack’s Krewe du Vieux Party

Drag Dingo Hostesses Princesse Stephaney & Blanche Debris sandwich Glenn @ Oz

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

It’s Carnival Time ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Jack, Vincent & Joseph @ Jack & Tommy’s Krewe du Vieux Party

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

ambush

paparazzi

Bartenders Cody & Michael flank bar baron Matt @ 700 Club

Drag Ingenue Barbara Ella at FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Richard dancing on the bar during Barry’s Bareass Striptease Contest @ The Corner Pocket

Jacob from Mississippi preparing to strip all the way during The Corner Pocket’s Striptease Contest

Sidney Williams, direct from Australia, hosts Girls Night Out Wednesdays @ JohnPaul’s Danny & Tim @ Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s

Celebrants @ JohnPaul’s

Michael having fun during the Pocket’s Bareass Striptease Contest

Manager Jerry showcases “The Dick of Mardi Gras” trophy, much to the delight of bartender Aletha @ Lafitte’s

Max & DJ Myke with their rescue baby, Pickles, @ Lafitte’s Lauren Brown in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier hosting FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Blake & Shannon in the Carnival Spirit @ Good Friends

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac poses with her adoring (drunk) fans (groupies) @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Chris & Kelton welcome you to Le Roundup

Catch Grant Kay, Bobby Blue’s newest stylist

Tommy Elias' great smile welcomes you to Dance Club of the Year Oz

Bartender Alan back @ Le Roundup following surgery

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

The French Quarter & Marigny ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Miss D @ Starlight following her movie shoot for Earthbound, filming in the Quarter

Daniel from Honduras taking it off during The Corner Pocket’s Barry's Bareass Striptease Contest

the "official" dish ...from 11 Liquor Laws People are allowed to drink on the streets in New Orleans. However, you must use a “geaux cup.” (A “go cup” is a plastic cup.) Glass and cans are not allowed on the streets for safety reasons.

Mardi Gras is a long holiday and bars in New Orleans are open twenty four hours a day. Pace yourself. If you are going to drink during Mardi Gras, take it easy and slow. Most important, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and forget to eat.

If you want to make it through Mardi Gras, solid food is a necessity. Of course, New Orleans is world famous for its food and is part of a complete New Orleans experience.

Toilets Clean bathrooms are a difficult thing to find during Mardi Gras. Every business closes their facilities to everyone but paying customers. If your hotel is far from the action, take care of the more important business before you hit the streets. If you need to, plan on buying lunch or dinner and using the restaurant’s bathroom before you pay the check! There are “port a lets” scattered throughout the city. However, they have long lines and can be quite an experience.

No matter how “bad” you have to go, do not urinate in the streets. This is a fine way to end up in central lock up and people who are arrested during Carnival sit in jail until the courts re-open after Fat Tuesday.

Besides, it’s not polite. Listen to your body.

Get in line before you really have to go. By the time you're crossing your legs, you might be at the front of the line.

Catching The Parades Parades roll all over the state of Louisiana. On Mardi Gras day parades roll from early in the morning until late in the evening. There is so much going on during Carnival that it can be a difficult deciding what to do and see. What most people do is spend the Sunday before Mardi Gras at the parades. Several parades roll in New Orleans on Sunday and most people camp out and make a day of it.

Throw Me Something Mister...!

Unlike parades in other cities, Mardi Gras parades require people to become participants. In fact, the crowd during Mardi Gras is as much a part of the action as the floats and bands. Maskers on floats toss people in the crowd “throws.” Throws are bead necklaces, doubloons, plastic cups, panties and lots of other stuff that are thrown to the crowd. People do all kinds of things to catch things. Some people create elaborate nets with targets on a pole, other people show body parts. It’s all very entertaining.

Anything goes when it comes to catching stuff. One very important word of caution, NEVER pick up a throw off the street with your hands! If you do, your hand is going to get stomped on. If a throw ends up on the street, quickly put your foot over it and when the crowd settles down, pick it up. Barricades (temporary fences) are there for your protection. It can be tempting to run out to catch throws from a passing float. Floats weigh a whole lot and people have been seriously hurt because they just had to have that plastic charm. Stay behind the barricades.

Often, two or more people will catch the same throw. This is a give and take situation and requires a little Carnival etiquette. Basically, the first person to “catch” a throw should be allowed to keep it.

However, you’ll find some rude people out there and its best to let something go than make an issue out of it. Besides, there’s plenty for everyone.

What You Can Get Away With During Mardi Gras you’re bound to get an eye full. Public nudity and public sex is not allowed and the obscenity laws are still on the books. You need to use your better judgement on this stuff. It is possible to get into trouble by showing too much when you “bargain” for beads, and again, people who are arrested, sit in jail until the courts re-open after Mardi Gras, which will cost you much more than $200.

“I Can Tell Youse Where You Got Dem Shoes !!!”

Beggers, panhandlers and con artists of all persuasion will be looking to scam the unwary and especially drunk visitor. If some con walks up to you and says “I can tell you where you got dem shoes,” you reply “YEAH ! On my feet on Bourbon Street!” before he can con you out of a fiver or more. “If you play, ya gotta pay.”

If you want to have your boots polished, do it yourself. Never take out your money (remember - you left your wallet and other valuables in the room) to pay for anything on the street. Of course, the PHOENIX bar has a really hot guy that will really put a shine on those boots. And, there might be a few people there that will do it for free.

Play Safe Mardi Gras is a big party. People drink and are having a good time. It’s easy to forget that there is a real world during Carnival. All the bars offer free condoms and there is no excuse. Don’t allow the party to overwhelm your better judgement.

We want you to come again.

NOLA Pride Set for New Orleans June 25-27, Next Meeting Ash Wednesday

N

OLA Pride, the Pride Celebration of New Orleans has been set for Friday, June 25 through Sunday, June 27. Led by community leaders, individuals, organizations and businesses, you can join the push for Pride at the next meeting scheduled for Ash Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30pm.

The election of officers and selection of committee chairs will take place at this meeting. It will be hosted at the LGBT Community Center, 2114 Decatur Street. For more information call 504.945.1103 or visit NOLAPride.ORG.

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

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

Secret t p e K t s The Be Quarter! h c n e r F in the

WITH THIS AD GET 10% OFF WITH PURCHASES OF $50 OR MORE!

Hand made and custom fea th e r mas ks eath the masks Crowns, Tiaras, Scepters fit ffo or Kings and Queens Swaro vs ki A ustrian arovs vski Austrian Crystal JJew ew elry ewelry

The Place for WondrousThings 831 Decatur Street New Orleans 504.522.9158 z 1.888.213.0215 Open Daily 10am

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

Brant, Sam & Rick at Rick’s after-party Kim & Jenn enjoying Jules Ryan & Joey enjoying cocktails @ Rick’s after-party

acadiana

paparazzi What in gay hell!

Chad & Add, what a pair!

What happens after a night at Jules & Sound Factory

Mario serving it up @ Sound Factory

King & Queen of ROU

After the karate chop, Macky & Mario made up

Jules owners Wendy & Darren

Mr. Apollo @ Jules

Justin stops to strike a pose @ Jules

Jermaine & Charmine after ROU Ball

Jules owner, Wendy, serving up shots

Miss Pool, ROU Ball after-party @ Jules

Jeremy & Paige @ Sound Factory

Sam bartending @ Jules

Sam, Rusy & Joey @ Jules

Ryan & Tayler enjoying Sound Factory

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

ROU, In The Clubs ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Leta & Gavin @ Jules

acadiana happens

by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com

Apollo de Lafayette

J

ust when you thought Lafayette couldn’t dish out any more ex'citement, well think again! It’s Joey Collins coming back to you again so listen up! First things first, if you haven’t purchased your ticket for Kreweof Apollo de Lafayette then I look forward to telling you about it as you sit there in regret.

This year’s theme, Best In Show, is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your mind. Make sure you bring your camera just in case you bedazzle yourself over so much champagne that you don’t remember the night. Just remember that the ball is only the beginning.

Jules Downtown will be hosting the official after party, for Krewe of Apollo.

Patrons will be entertained by bar-top dancers while drink specials shall be observed, almost religiously, throughout the night. Sound Factory will be hosting an after party as well. Anyone in formal wear will be able to get in for free. I encourage you to gracefully drown yourself into one of Mitch Tate’s

remarkable drink specials. Drink the night away as you think to yourself, “God I love my life, I am fabulous.”

Fabulous you most certainly are! Don’t forget to catch the wave of after afterhour’s parties, which are known to happen. You know who you are, afterhours hosts…

A Mardi Gras Adventure

J

ourney is exactly what a funfilled Mardi Gras weekend in Lafayette should be. On Saturday, February 13th, Jules will be celebrating carnival with their very own Mardi Gras contest. Fluff up those feathers boys and girls because prizes are in store for the first place winner. “It’s going to be an exciting night. Guests who come in costume will be able to get in for free and of course we will have drinks specials, as usual,” said Darren Parker, owner of Jules. Down at Sound Factory, manager Mitch Tate is keeping in the spirit of honoring bar patrons.

“The gay community has been so good

to me these ten years; I am ready to start giving back.” One of Tate’s fresh new ideas is lowering the price for Saturday night. With $1 domestics, and $1 wells, he’s well on his way. Thanks Mitch!

In the spirit of true New Orleans Mardi Gras, many of you spend Sunday making it through the crowds on Bourbon Street. How about a more local alternative? Lundi Gras will begin with Queen Evangeline’s Parade rolling at 6pm. The parade will also include the Krewes of Gabriel, Attakapas, Victoria, and Xanadu. If you are coming in from out of town you will want to make sure you do not take the I-49/Evangeline Thruway exit. Once the parade route is intact, you will not be able to access the Thwy at the intersection of Jefferson St. The better alternate route will be to take I-10 exit 101 at University and then access Downtown Lafayette via a left onto Congress St. Keep in mind that this applies to Mardi Gras Day as well.

For parade route information please visit www.mardigraslafayette.net. On Lundi Gras, Jules will be open early and will be celebrating another costume contest. Don’t forget that Monday nights also celebrate Sound Factory’s Happy Hour which lasts all night long. It should be a sleepless transition into Mardi Gras.

The day has finally arrived! Throw on that fabulously gaudy purple and gold stripped shirt and head downtown

for breakfast at 7am. That’s right, 7am!

Sound Factory’s very own Mitch Tate will be serving breakfast to bar patrons.

Make sure you get there early enough because once they run out, they run out. Jules Downtown will open its doors at noon with DJ Ryan Powell spinning the latest tracks King Gabriel’s parade will roll at 10am followed by Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade at 1pm. Then at 2pm KADN/KLAF will roll the final parade of the day. Now that’s a Mardi Gras you truly don’t want to miss!

If you’re coming in from out of town or are a long-time Acadiana resident, make sure to stop by Agave Mexican Cantina, located downtown Lafayette on Vermillion St., across from Parc San Souci. Two years open now, Rick and his hospitable staff will truly make you feel like one of the family. Whether it is an enchilada entrée, or a topsy turvy cocktail, the staff and atmosphere at Agave make you feel you re truly south of the border.

Post-Mardi Gras Just as Fun

T

he close of Mardi Gras season does not mean the close of fun for Lafayette. By now you should all be aware of Sound Factory’s upcoming 90’s Party. If you [continued on 24]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

mobile

The newly crowned Miss Florida USofA, Miss Amy Demilo appearing @ B-Bob’s Mardi Gras Week

acadiana happens ...from 23 aren’t, then here’s the recap… Clean the mud off of those Doc Martens, find that long sleeve polo hidden in the back of your closet, starch those pleated khakis, and bust it out 90’s style.” I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes when just like a prayer I’ll take you there because if you want to be my lover you’ve got to get with my friends.” Yeah, you know the tunes and DJ Jskyy will be mixing them all up on February 20th.

Leave some energy left in you folks, because we’re STILL not done… On February 27th, Jules will be hosting a Black Party to benefit PFLAG Acadiana.

All of you college students listen up.

Scholarship. That’s right, SCHOLARSHIP! PFLAG Acadiana along with PFLAG New Orleans offers scholarships and believe it or not, applications for such an opportunity will be readily available at the Black Party. Down the street at Sound Factory, Bears on the Backside will be in full swing. Dancer??

Hmm…we shall see. Yeah, you’ve heard the rumors so come and witness it firsthand. I’m not one to give away secrets so my lips are sealed.

Speaking of secrets, here is a great one: GAY PROM. You’ve heard it here first! On Saturday, March 20th, Sound Factory will be hosting Acadiana’s very first official gay prom. Tickets will soon

go on sale and can be purchased from your favorite Sound Factory bartenders, manager Mitch Tate, and even yours truly. Tickets are $15 per couple or $10 per person at the door. Be tee dubs: make sure that when you purchase your ticket you are prepared to nominate a special someone for King and Queen. Formal wear will also be suggested for this event. No, this isn’t your high school prom, this is GAY prom. It’s going to be like GAY Halloween so make it fabulous and don’t ruin it by wearing t-shirt and jeans. Keep it fun, festive, and fabulous!

On March 6th you will want to be pretty in pink when Sound Factory celebrates its Pink Party. Proceeds from this party will go to prevention, research, and awareness of breast cancer. Come out and support a great cause!

Community Outreach

P

FLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) Acadiana is an organization dedicated to the advocacy, awareness, and support of the LGBT community. Anyone and everyone are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. PFLAG is also the perfect outlet for those in the community who have family and friends who are struggling with acceptance. It’s also encouraged for friends and family members of LGBT

Edward & Company celebrating Mardi Gras @ B-Bob’s

The beautiful & talented Sophia Lucianni performing @ B-Bob’s

persons to participate and help support others. For meeting information please email pflagacadiana@gmail.com.

Acadiana CARES, 811 Martin Luther King Dr in Lafayette, LA. For directions please call 337.233.2437. Always remember, if you sit there and do nothing, then you shall receive nothing. Come support your community.

On Wednesday, February 24th, Forum for Equality along with Acadiana CARES will hold a forum with local elected officials. The forum is dedicated to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and to the support of a fair and just government.

Please come out from 7pm to 9pm and voice your opinion to local elected officials. The forum will be held at

As a family oriented community, I feel it time to thank the city of Lafayette, all Mardi Gras balls, and krewes, the staff at Jules and Sound Factory, friends, family, and ALL who are going to make this new year and Mardi Gras season, truly special! Remember, “you heard it here first”…listening up with Joey Collins, girl!

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Mardi Gras Time ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

paparazzi

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

TOULOUSE

600

RAMPART

500

BURGUNDY

ROYAL

ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

400

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900

body rubs

1000

New Orleans, LA [504] AWESOME BODY RUB/ESCORT SESSION by masculine top stud. 6'0", 182#, w/magic hands. 6am-mid. 7 days. 4 hands also avail. In/ Out serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is410]

ST. PHILIP

URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

bookstores

1800

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 IN THE FRENCH QUARTER, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 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

classifieds

ESPLANADE

19 FR EL YS IA N

M AR IG NY

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

24

00

22

00

00

00

EN 2 0 0 0 C 2 1 HM E 00 N

FI EL D S RT PA M RA

business opportunities

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] OLYMPUS BAR, 4003 MacArthur Dr., 442.6735, OlympusBar.COM Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Houma, LA [985] PULSE VIDEO LOUNGE, 6441 West Main

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

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 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735

New Orleans, LA [504] BAR FOR SALE-in the heart of the French Quarter in business over 30 years. Owner retiring. Call Andrew 504.473.2655 [is4/10]

cable shows 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 [is410]

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, spon-

sored 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. LOOKING FOR A HARD WORKING SELF MOTIVATED STYLIST with an impeccable work ethic. Must be cheerful and play well with others. Mail resume to Mickey Nolan Salon, 815 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70112 or email to mickeynolansalon@nocoxmail.com.

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

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

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

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

guides 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: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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

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

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

lodging/accommodations

media

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.

[0111] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking.

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

BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

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

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is17/10]

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. [is410]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

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 PRIDE CELEBRATION OF NEW ORLEANS: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.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 THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 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: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com

restaurants Metairie, LA [504] ROOBA'S CRESCENT SPOON CAFE, 2307 Veterans Mem. Blvd., 830.1035, Roobas.COM 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 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 The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416

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

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

tours

hot tails of red stick

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

Gay Mardi Gras GayMardiGras.COM

by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Big Plans

I

know of lots of individuals who are planning big parties, cook outs, and even costumes for the Spanish Town festivities on Saturday, February 13th. It doesn’t seem possible that it is almost here. It is a short season, but that doesn’t keep everyone from enjoying themselves here or in other parts of the state. It started here last week with the annual Spanish Town Ball.

Hound Dogs is right in the middle of everything, so location is a very positive factor for them. For those people who are coming into town and don’t have party invites, they only have to stop in here for the best drink bargains of the weekend. It gets to be a bigger party each year, and James and Kyle know how to do it up just right. Lots of local residents will be in no condition to drive after the day is over, so if they still need another cool one, they can easily walk to the bar if they can get through all the trash that is left behind.

The annual Spanish Town Parade gets bigger each year too. What used

to be small floats are now huge floats that can barely make it down the street.

It causes a lot of preparations and cleanup activities to take place, and now neighbors are reverting to arm bands like given out in bars to keep uninvited guests from wandering into homes to indulge in the foods and bathroom privileges.

Who could have imagined that day so long ago when a convertible filled with overly zealous gay guys who went parading up and down the streets of Spanish Town would have evolved into such a massive party! I do have to admit that it was a lot nicer with all the smaller floats.

So many of these represented the unique creations of the local gay bars, gay krewes, and individuals who shared their creativity for this occasion. And who could forget that year when Brandi Alexander, Miss Gay Louisiana America, who went on to win the national crown, adorned one of the convertibles and brought amazement and wonder to all who observed her. That was the best parade ever, and I don’t recall the year, probably about 1990/1991, but this event

was a first for our capital city. Many may have forgotten how much in awe everyone was of Brandi’s beauty, and I had to smile at all the straight guys getting autographed pictures of her. Did they even have a clue?

George’s and Splash have activities scheduled too, so if you are still able to drive, or maybe get a designated driver, then you can enjoy a fun night with the guys and gals there. I keep mentioning the driving and walking because of one thing that happens on Spanish Town Saturday – lots of drunks just stagger around all over the place. I actually think it’s more decadent than some of the New Orleans events. I don’t like to say it, but there are those who don’t know how to act under normal circumstances, and they really get out of hand in Spanish Town. I think more police are needed because our quiet neighborhood becomes a scene of unruly revelers who have no consideration for property owners in this nice little community where the parade starts.

The gay community stands tall in all this. It’s the out-of-town hicks and rednecked types that make fools out of themselves. Just my opinion here, but if the shoe fits, wear it.

With that said, I’ll do like everyone else – enjoy the day, take pictures, meet friends, have a drink or two, and then wait for the scene to return to [continued on 34]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

red stick paparazzi Gorgeous Jeremy

Jeremy & Andy

Dynamic trio of friends Having fun in Red Stick

Snuggling for a snapshot Cody & a friend

Richard & the studs Chansley showing hidden talent Rocky & Jeremy

Philip corners a cutie

Luther welcomes friends to BR

Patrick & Sam

Henry & Richard Ready for Karaoke

Richard & Ronnie

Happy hour threesome

Having a good time at George’s

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

Enjoying a night out

Dynamic, Gorgeous, Snuggling ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Stephen & friends Michael, Jeremy & Luther

Talent Show Contestants

The Host & Hostess with the mostest

alexandria

Look, it’s a Rikki-G Sandwich Wonder Woman!!!

Destacy sings her heart out Joey & Jason

The Lovely Lucinda The 3 Muskateers

Adam Lambert everyone!

Sexy Lexy

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

Nightlife @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

paparazzi

hot tails of red stick ...from 31 normal – well, not completely normal, but close.

People Plans

M

y friend Kenneth is busy completing his book on Tennessee Williams. I hope to get down to see him soon. It will probably be after Mardi Gras when things are on a quieter note. That way we can

sit in his library and talk of old times and good times. I’m anxious to see the Williams book completed. I had thought Virginia Spencer Carr was going to do one on this literary giant, but it doesn’t look as if that will happen. I think Kenneth is going to come up with a fabulous book, and I’ll add it to my collection just as I’ve done his other works. He is a brilliant man and a great friend. He was my house guest after the levees broke following Katrina, and he was so worried about his home during this period.

However, all was well, and his property was not touched.

I’m hoping Kevin stays around New Orleans for this holiday season. I have a book for him that I compiled and published several years ago. The reason the subject even came up was because I had permission to publish a rare interview with J.D.

Salinger that a friend of mine obtained. It is the story of how this all came about, but it is a wonderful read.

I’ll go ahead and mail Kevin a copy because I may not be able to meet up with him when I do make it down to the Crescent City. Kevin is an avid reader, and I need to compile a box of other books for him. We have a tendency to collect so many things, and I can assure you that one of my weaknesses is acquiring books, many of which are being donated to a special library collection in my home parish.

Ernie is another friend who is a fabulous collector.

His expertise is in the field of antiques. It is so nice to visit with him and observe all the ornate things that are in view. The lower level of his home was flooded when the levees gave way, but most of the rare pieces of his collection were on the upper level. I need to invite Sam to join me and just head down for a visit. There are so many things to do and so little time to get all these things accomplished. It’s just nice to be able to sit down and relax with a friend and recall the past especially all the leather balls and parties we’ve attended.

I always like to hang out with friends at the Phoenix too. There have been so many great parties here, mostly those connected to the Lords of Leather activities. I really miss Jamie here, but time changes everything, and he moved on to better things. I will always miss Chuck. He was such a beautiful human being who left us too soon, but he really made going to the Phoenix something really special. I have a lot of pictures of him when he won the Mr. Louisiana Leather contest, an event I photographed for a number of years. Those were happy times, good times, with lots of wonderful memories.

Of course, I like to recall the good times with George and Danny too, and some of the outrageous events that took place in their home. One in particular I just can’t reveal in detail here, but it involved this beautiful man who wasn’t shy at all. In fact, he was one of the most sharing guys I’ve ever met. I ran into him a year or so later while in San Francisco, and we recalled this event with much laughter. I’ve often [continued on 35]

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

hot tails of red stick ...from 34 wondered what happened to him. This was the last time I saw him, but each time I visit the City by the Bay, I think of him and watch for him in the Castro or along Market Street. I guess some things just aren’t meant to be, but I do wish him well wherever he is. He was just simply a very nice guy.

There are so many times when I wish I still had my slave quarter apartment in the French Quarter. I’ve spent lots of happy times here too. Of course, I did a lot of my most creative writing while closing myself away from the outside world. I will never forget the phone message that night about the fire next door and that my apartment was okay but did have damage. That was one of the longest drives I’ve ever made from my home in Harahan to the Quarter to check things out. Firemen had gone into the upper level of my apartment to get to the fire that was in the adjoining building. The damage was not done by the fire, and I understand why it had to be done in this way, but it was the end of my time in the Quarter. I still miss that little apartment and have often thought of renting another one, but I don’t think it would be the same. We move on, and our priorities change.

Other Plans

T

heater life in Baton Rouge is in full swing now. By the time you read

this, The Elephant Man will have completed its run here as will that of Mamma Mia in New Orleans. Next up here is Camelot, and the same ticket date for me is with Wicked in New Orleans. Since I have season passes to plays in both cities, I have had to miss one or the other due to conflicts. I can’t change the dates, so I have to make choices and give my other tickets away.

The ball season has presented conflicts too. Do we go to a major parade like Bacchus? Or do we do the Lords of Leather? There has to be a way to do both of these. Maybe I can do Bacchus early and then head over for the LOL bal masque.

Decisions! Decisions!

Sam and I have tickets for the LOL ball, and we also want to do some of the parades too. It was so easy when I lived in New Orleans. I really miss my apartment in the French Quarter and my house out in Harahan. It was a fun time when it seemed as if I was in the middle of everything. It was just a convenient situation, and I loved that period a lot. I still recall so many happy times here, racing across town to catch a parade, and then rushing around to catch another one.

A friend of mine at the Times-Picayune had a home on Nashville, and even after moving to Baton Rouge, I had a direct connection with the city and had a place to stay any time I wanted to return for the events there. Time changes things. Interests and activities change. It is all part of life.

Have a happy and safe holiday. Enjoy the sights and sounds. You will only find this enjoyable event in the great city of New Orleans. Welcome!

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

Miss Apollo Baton Rouge, Chelsea Divine

Captain Corey Tullier

Beetle Juice, Dwayne Menard

Mr. National Apollo, John Magliolo Co-Captain John Deshotel Jafar, Stephen MaCants

snap paparazzi

Nightmare Before Christmas, Jim Omohundro & Celeste Veillon King Apollo XXVIII

Dracula & Buffy

Lily Munster, Lester Mut

Sweeny Todd, Chad Blanchard

Queen Apollo XXVIII

Exorcist, Ernest Ourso

Evil Queen, Paul Lemoine

Little Shop of Horrors, Joe Boniol

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

The Munsters

Krewe of Apollo Bal Masque XXIX: Tales From The Dark ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Staci Mahan

Ghost Busters: Tim Rapier, Robbue Boquet & Josh Ledet

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

the pink pastor

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

Mardi Gras!!!

O

ne of the recurring themes in people’s spirituality is trying to find a way of breaking down the walls that divide the different ‘bits’ of our lives. There are parts of our lives that we need to separate – work and home for example, but with other parts it becomes very destructive to separate them. Faith and Spirituality is one of these areas where it is not healthy to put it in a box and only take it out when it seems appropriate.

As we come to one of those frequent times in the New Orleans calendar when celebration and merry making are the order of the day, it becomes harder and harder to find a space for the traditional kinds of religion – the things that only happen on Sundays in buildings designed to look like they were built in medieval Europe! When we compartmentalize our lives, and put God away in a box whenever we are doing anything other than ‘churchy’ things then the transforming power of our Spiritual life is restricted and retarded. Only when we smash the box to bits and invite that transforming light into all areas of our life do we begin to mature and grow under the influence of The Spirit.

Celebration is a great example of this – we all think that making merry and having a drink is somehow ‘unholy’.

This is an odd belief when we remember that Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine (and A LOT of wine – about 180 gallons!) at Cana of Galilee.

Jesus was accused of being ‘a drunkard and a glutton’ by the Pharisees as he drank and ate with people and shared in their celebrations. Our bodies and our sexuality were made by God and yet we act as if both these things are somehow ‘unclean’. There existence is as morally neutral as the color of our skin; we are under exactly the same call to ‘do our best with them’ as are our straight brothers and sisters. God is not our elderly Aunt! God is not the concentrated essence of all the tradition and the outmoded social disapproval of our culture! God is the maker of the far flung galaxies and of every aspect of our bodies and our minds – such a God can never be surprised or shocked, only delighted when we grow and transform instead of suppress and restrict.

Inviting this unseen God into all areas of your life does not mean you have to be perpetually on your best behavior! It is not as if a stern old man were watching you all the time; rather it means that those unexamined areas of your life benefit from the blast of fresh air

that God brings to them. We do well to remember that God is neither male nor female, human nor inhuman; God hates nothing he has made and shares in our joy.

So all those messy bits of our lives, which we either try and suppress, or which end up suppressing us, are no longer to be off limits!

Sex, drink, frustration, anger, tiredness, road rage, domestic arguments – and especially Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence, Parties, Second Lines etc are all appropriate things to involve God in. God may open our eyes to them in new ways, and we may make some changes, but it is not our place to dictate what God may or may not do!

Open the doors, let in the air and the light, and watch what happens, be open to what may happen and do as Quentin Crisp (the famous British ‘Stately Homo’) used to say……

‘Life is all about looking deep inside and seeing if there is anything left to unpack’.

Once you’ve unpacked it, let it breathe! Socrates said ‘An unexamined life is not worth living’ – I would go further and say it is a sort of living death. Self awareness comes from self examination, and the willingness to put truth before comfort, even when it challenges all our preconceptions. Mardi Gras can be a whole lot more than just a booze fest! Everything is open to transcendence when we allow it to be, no matter how familiar or mundane it may appear.

As we are having so many quotations today let me finish with the absolute master of seeing God in small things – Thomas Traherne, the English Christian Mystic. Thomas Traherne was blessed with the gift of seeing the world something like how God may see it – ordinary things still contained for him the glory of their creation. This is how he puts it…

‘Your enjoyment of the World is never right till every morning you awake in Heaven; see yourself in your Father’s Palace, and look upon the earth and air as celestial joys, having such reverend esteem of all, as if you were among the Angels. The bride of a monarch, in her husband’s chamber, hath no such causes of delight as you.

Have a very happy and safe Mardi Gras!

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). The smaller ‘traditional’ service will be recommencing on Sunday, Feb. 21st (first Sunday in Lent) at 1pm.

in the spotlight The Seventh Annual Ambie Award Winners Presented at Le Chat Noir

O

n February 1, Co-Theater Editor Brian Sands presented the Seventh Annual Ambie Awards for Theatrical Excellence sponsored by Ambush Magazine. Le Chat Noir was packed to overflowing with a fun and festive crowd of theater luminaries, their friends and family members.

While we crowned a “Best” in 23 categories, with nominees of such outstanding caliber, no one was a loser. We also gave out some Special Ambie Awards as noted below as well as many Glammie Awards in categories both tongue-in-cheek and heartfelt.

Many thanks to all our presenters, particularly City Council Member-at-Large Jacquelyn Clarkson; State Representative Juan LaFonta; Jay Batt; and Kristin Gisleson Palmer. We were also delighted to have in the audience with us Tony Award-winner Mary Louise Wilson, whose play Lost was named Outstanding One Act Play at last year’s Ambies.

A huge round of applause to Musical Director Jonne Dendinger and all our performers (Jenna Ibieta & David Murray of Honk!; Dana Deris Fatic/A...my name is Alice; Dorian Rush with Bill Davis/Livin’ Janis; Ximone Rose & Jefferson Turner/The Apple Tree; James St. Juniors/The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Ian Hoch, Jamie Wax, Cliff Thompson, Ken Thompson, Paul Cowgill & Galen Marquis/The Thing About It; Angela Papale & PJ McKinnie/ Footloose!) who gave of their talents so generously.

And, as always, we couldn’t have made the Ambies happen without the tremendous support of Le Chat’s Barbara Motley and her incredible staff (Su Gonczy, Jamie Montelepre, Thad Griffin, Brian Johnston and Kerry Cahill).

Thanks, too, to Dave Davis for being part of the ceremony as our first Mr. Ambie and for filling in for Co-Theater Editor Patrick Shannon who was unable to attend at the last moment.

As we salute the best of the best who trod the boards in 2009, we are already enjoying the 2010 Season and look forward to many more fabulous shows this year!

Best Production of a Musical: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, forefront theatre Best Production of a Drama: The Skin of Our Teeth, NOCCA Best Production of a Comedy: We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, The Cripple Creek Theatre Company Unique Theatrical Experience: A Purrfect Evening: The Songs of Eartha Kitt, Anais St. John Best Original Work: Soul of the City, Jim Fitzmorris & John D. Fitzmorris, Jr./Tulane Dept. Of Theatre Best Director of a Musical: Frannie Rosenberg, Honk! (East Bank) Best Director of a Play: Kathy Randels, Loup Garou Best Actor in a Musical: Keith Claverie, All Shook Up Best Actress in a Musical: Dorian Rush, Livin’ Janis Best Actor in a Play: (tie) Bob Edes, Jr., I Am My Own Wife; Nick Slie, Loup Garou Best Actress in a Play: Lyla Hay Owen, The Glass Menagerie Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Brian Peterson, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Becky Allen, A...my name is AliceBest Featured Actor in a Play: Harold X. Evans, The Piano Lesson Best Featured Actress in a Play: Liz Mills, The Glass Menagerie Best Ensemble: Taste (A.J. Allegra, James Bartelle, Claire Gresham, Angela Papale, Richard Alexander Pomes, James Yeargain) Best Costume Design: Veronica Russell, Camelot Best Lighting Design: Jonathan Foucheaux, Aida Best Set Design: Kevin Griffith, Verses from Jordan Best Choreography: Tara Brewer, The Apple Tree Best Music Director: Jefferson Turner, Let Freedom Swing!

Best Sound Design: Mike Singleton, Opus Best Original Music: Joshua Smith, Not Not Not Not Not Enough Oxygen ”It’s Not the Size That Counts” Special Ambie Award: Stylist Bartholomew, The Skin of our Teeth; Gwendolyne Foxworth, A Raisin in the Sun ”Someone to Watch Out For” Special Ambie Award: Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth, Michael Moore, Josh Smith Special Ambie Award to Bryan Batt for his efforts, including a special performance of his one man show Batt on a Hot Tin Roof, to help save Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré.

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

under the gaydar

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

Tony’s February Book of the Month Pick

Throw Me Something Mister

s you know reading is my passion. As a writer, not only does it help me hone my craft, but gives me immense pleasure. Hopefully you find some of my recommendations enjoyable reading.

My literary suggestion for February is a very popular writer of thrillers who has penned many novels and has had more best-sellers than any other writer according to the Guinness Book of World Records. No matter if you love or hate James Patterson, you have to admit that is an achievement. Patterson’s first novel won the Edgar Award in 1976 and since then his books have sold over 170 million copies.

His latest novel in the popular Alex Cross detective series is I, Alex Cross and it is an amazing read. If you have not read any of his Alex Cross novels, you may be familiar with the two movies they have spawned Kiss the Girls and Along Came A Spider. Patterson’s latest installment in the Cross series finds our detective solving the brutal murder of a close relative. From the start, this book delivers fast paced thrills and is a very satisfying read.

I finished this book within a week, unable to put it down. The action never lets up and his core characters are believable and engaging. What also intrigues me about the Cross novels is how Patterson intertwines the detective’s everyday life with his family into the storyline. The book’s main character deals with things that everyone deals with such as relationships, elderly family members and children. The Nana subplot in the book was just as fascinating as the murder mystery itself. As with most of Cross’ cases, this one reaches far into the power elite of Washington DC. We have a killer that is brutally murdering male and female prostitutes in DC in a very grisly way. Another bisexual killer, lesson number one, if they can’t decide what sex to sleep with, they must be a little off. Haven’t we all learned our lesson from Basic Instinct. Patterson has become quite a pro at writing great conspiracy theories and this novel is no exception.

I, Alex Cross is not high literary fiction, but it is wonderful escapism. As with all his novels, you can find his books at Barnes and Noble, Borders, or Amazon. For a complete listing of the author’s works, go to www.JamesPatterson.com.

am a Mardi Gras fanatic. I love everything about the holiday, the balls (both gay and straight), the parades, the costumes and all the revelry that goes into it. So this weekend, I was ecstatic about catching one of my favorite parades, Krewe du Vieux, which was followed by a brand new walking organization called Krewedelusion. On Saturday, January 30, both krewes rolled through the streets of the Quarter, Bywater and Marigny with throngs of spectators lining the route to see what famous politicians were skewered this year.

My friend Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) invited me to a party at one of the Betties' houses who live along the parade route. Now you may ask who are the Betties. They are a group of locals who dress up in matching costumes for such things as the Bunny Hop through the Marigny. And even though I am not a Betty, they welcomed me with friendly arms. The party was at the beautifully restored home of Jack and Tommy. They are just two of the most delightful men you ever want to meet and they hosted a lovely parade viewing soiree.

After several cocktails and some wonderful food, we were ready for the parade which surprisingly started on time. As always, no one was spared from their satirical jokes, especially our illustrious Mayor and Governor. The theme this year was Fired Up. Senator Vitter also played heavily in the theme of this year’s parade in which Dr. John reigned supreme as Grand Marshal.

Some of the floats were Nagin’s farewell Roast in Hell, New Orleans Rises from the Asses, and Dante’s Inferno: The Ninth Ward of Hell. But my favorite float, which was in very poor taste, was called Jindal Drops the Pelican’s briefs.

This endearing float portrayed Bobby Jindal screwing our state bird, the pelican, from behind. Now that’s entertainment.

After catching the parade on Chartes Street, we went to Royal and caught the parade again along with Krewedelusion who was led by none other than celebrity Harry Shearer. Even though it was small, for a new organization I was very impressed. I also loved the throws this year from both parades. I caught a Star of David Bead that was a bubble blower, a pair of rosary beads, several packets of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and a Ray Nagin Coloring Book. If these parades were just a sampling of coming attractions, I guarantee this is going to be a

A

I

great Carnival year.

Sweet!

M

y favorite lesbian travel agency, Sweet, is doing it again, and I am so stoked about all the new trips they have lined up for this coming year. As many of you know I was fortunate enough to be on their inaugural cruise out of New Orleans and it was one of the most incredible and memorable trips of my life.

So I was excited to hear about all their new adventures they have in store for us for 2010. Luck will be a lady, as the girls from Sweet descend on Sin City over the Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 - 31, 2010. Join Sweet for an exciting weekend that includes a dance party at the legendary CandyBar, a pool party with a waterslide through a shark tank and their Sweet Sparks inspirational and empowerment series. Or you can give lady luck a whirl in the casinos and otherwise enjoy the delights of the other city that never sleeps.

And they will also be doing their charitable work as they lend a helping hand to the lovely people at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Enjoy your choice of two or three nights with Sweet. Space is limited so book now.

But that is not all, you can take a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands from July 31 through August, 2010. Sweet is taking a large group of “Sweeties” on board the gorgeous Pride of America.

You will explore the Hawaiian Islands, do some good, catch some rays and otherwise indulge ourselves in this diverse wonderland. Included in this cruise are long days (and two overnights) to daydream, play and explore.

And my favorite of them all is the Cozumel vacation. Ladies can join Sweet for a week of decadence, dancing and dolphins at the gorgeous, allyou-can-eat-and drink Cozumel Palace Resort, September 4-11, 2010. The whole resort is Sweet for a week. Indulge, unwind and relax at this luxurious resort in the heart of Cozumel Island where the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea gently stroke the sandy shores. Divers, nature lovers, history buffs and adventurers, this is the place to be. There’s something for everyone in this intimate, all-inclusive wonderland. I was there for our cruise last year and it was gorgeous. Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico. The resort is just 10 miles away from Cozumel airport. Enjoy three restaurants where the scrumptiousness of the cuisine is matched by the friendliness of the hotel staff. Savor your favorite cocktail at the swim-up bar or your sweetheart’s company in your private double Jacuzzi.

Room service is 24 hours. Your room’s bar is always stocked with your favorite beverages (alcoholic and non). And the best part? It’s all included at no additional cost. For more information on this trip or any of the others, call Flavia at 877.793.3830.

Interview With Kevin McMahon from Wicked

I

was beyond excited when Broadway Across America announced that Wicked was part of the 2009-2010 season in New Orleans. And, since this is the first national touring company of the show, it is even more special. I know this is strange to admit, but Wicked was one of my favorite musicals way before I had seen it on stage. I had read both books by Gregory Maquire (Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and Son of a Witch). And on my reading list is the recently released third book in the series, A Lion Among Men. And I nearly wore out the CD of the soundtrack with the original cast.

If you are not familiar with the story, let me enlighten you. Wicked is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and West End musical, with songs and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. The story is based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Maquire which is a parallel novel of L. Frank Baum’s classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches of the Land of Oz. Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Galinda, later Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the Wizard’s corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba’s public fall from grace. The plot of the first act is set before Dorothy’s arrival from Kansas, and includes several references to well-known scenes and dialogue in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz as a backstory.

The original stars on Broadway were Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, and Joel Grey as the Wizard. The show was nominated for ten 2004 Tony Awards, winning those for Best Actress (Menzel), Scenic Design and Costume Design. It also won six Drama Desk Awards.

I think the show plays well to gay audiences because of its message, which is universal. It talks about forbidden love, true conviction, hope and friendship.

So when I was given the opportunity to do a phone interview with one of the cast members of the touring company, I jumped at the chance. Kevin McMahon does double duty in Wicked as Elphaba and Nessaroses father and an Ozian official. Some of the highlights of McMahon’s very impressive resume begin with his graduation from the Boston Conservatory. His Off-Broadway credits include Little Moon of Alban. For his work as ”Malcolm” in the Musical Theatre West production of

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM

[continued on 46]

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 51

52 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • February 9-March 1, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM