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

9th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction March 20; 11th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception March 27

he 9th Annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Board's Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, is set for Saturday, March 20, 8-10pm at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. The 11th Gay Easter Parade benefits Food For Friends. There's a $10 donation at the door for the extravaganza. Bidders will be impressed with selection of auction items. Easter Grand Marshal VIII Tom "Rona" Conners has donated a faux Faberge musical Tulip Egg taken from his private collection and a pair of Giant Easter Bunnies beautifully dressed for auction. There will also be the Easter Basket Auction with over $1,000 in prizes. Honoring Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse, the extravaganza will be emceed by Miss Gay America '06 Nicole Du'Bois, EGM X Tony Leggio, and EGM VII and King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters. The star studded lineup includes a rare performance by EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain, along with performances by EGM IV Electra City, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGM X Marcy Marcell, EGM XI Tittie Toulouse, KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, Queen Amon-Ra XLV Countess C. Alice, Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier, Bronze Sponsor Starr Daniels, and Bronze Sponsor Jay Cooper and Gizelle Bouvier.

he 11th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception & Official Portrait of Easter Grand Marshals XI Auction celebrates Chuck & Bill’s Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse (Photo by Larry Graham, 39th Anniversary on Saturday, March 27, 8GrahamStudioOne.COM) 10pm, at the Double Play, 439 Dauphine. There's a $5 donation at the door. Party goers can look for a fabulous buffet with raffles with loads of prizes. Here again, EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners has donated two more faux Faberge eggs from his private collection including the musical rotating Carousel Egg, and Mermaid Egg, along with a pair of beautiful purple bunnies. And there are many more surprises in store.

ther events include: Friday, April 2nd, Bunnies in The Big Easy: Putting The Good in Friday, under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Tom "Rona" Conners, 7pm - 10pm, Bywater Bar.B.Que, $30 advance tickets ONLY, Easter Baskets & Jeweled Egg Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Hot Big Easy Bunnies selling Egg Raffles, delectable complimentary cuisine, limited open bar offering vodka cocktails, beer & wine, featuring DJ Buckley, cash bar available. Call 504.522.8049 for tickets (only 100 tickets available) Easter Sunday, April 4: 3-4:30pm, Pre-Parade Party, Line-up & Buffet, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St.; 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,. Special thanks to all sponsor of the Gay Easter Parade including: $1,000-Platinum: Elizabeth Bouvier/FourPlay, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/JohnPaul's Bar; $500-Gold: Queen Amon-Ra XLIV Rhonda & David Roget, Lord King & Consort XVI Gary Vandeventer & Bruce Orgeron, Miseal Rubio/Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; $250-Silver: King & Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway Jr., EGM IX Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles, EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners & Bob Boler, King Cake Queen XVII & EGM VII Opal Masters & Darwin Reed, EGM IX Orlando Aloe/Society Page; Wood Enterprises, Oz New Orleans, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/The Corner Pocket, Mike Cookmeyer & Matt Giglio/700 Club, Krewe of Petronius; $100-Bronze: EGM X Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz & Al Dugas, Glenn O'Berry & Roger Copenhaver, Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier; and Venue/In-Kind: 4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy's, Bywater Bar.B.Que, Double Play, JohnPaul's, Starlight By The Park. Sponsorships are still being accepted. Carriages are selling out fast. You can get your sponsorship forms and parade entry forms on-line at GayEasterParade.COM or by calling 504.522.8049, or picking one up at Ambush, 828-A Bourbon Street,10am-3pm, Monday through Friday. Deadline for entry is this Friday, March 19. 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.

Big Easter/French Quarter Fest Issue out Mar. 30th DEADLINE: Tuesday, Mar. 23rd

inside

email/letters pride corner/new orleans sappho psalm/new orleans alexandria paparazzi acadiana happens/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette celebrazzi big easy paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans

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under the gaydar/new orleans mobile paparazzi red stick paparazzi/baton rouge hot tails of red stick/baton rouge trodding the boards/new orleans classifieds chop chop/nola restaurant guide the pink pastor/new orleans nola pride/new orleans

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Gay East er Parade GayEasterParade.COM

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom “Rona” Conners, EGMs IX OrlandoAloe and Safonda Peters, and EGMs X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell.

2nd Eggstravaganza Raises $1,808 for 11th Gay Easter Parade Benefiting Food For Friends

he 2nd Eggstravaganza Show & Auction, under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Board's Opal Masters raised $1,808 for the 11th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends at Billy's in Slidell. The door brought in $550, stage performance tips $641, Egg Raffles $292, 50/50 raffle $110, Emerald Egg Auction $70, Green Basket Auction $55, Marilyn Monroe framed photo $40, Pop Big Mama's Balloon Breast Auction $35, and Flower Basket Action $15. Celebrity MCs and stars Big Mama and King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters led the field of entertainment including EGM XI Tittie Toulouse, Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGM IV Electra City, Amon-Ra Prom Queen Alexis Daniels, and Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella. EGM XI Chuck Turner and partner Bill Miller, along with C&B Enterprises GM John Bowling, did an outstanding job decorating and providing a delicious buffet for the affair.

8th Marigny Bunny Hop set for April 3

he 8th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, will be held on Saturday, April 3. Everyone is encouraged to don their most creative or outrageous Easter “bonnet” and join the bar crawl as it makes its way to 8 different bars in the Marigny. At each stop along the crawl, bonnets will be judged in various categories, by the bartenders, and awards will be presented. This year, the organizers of the event, Marty Curtin, Jeff Mallon, and Stephen Murrell, are delighted to announce that the Bunny Marshals for the event will be the Kajun’s Pub owner, Joann and her wife Lisa. Previous Bunny Marshals (BM’s) include: Lewis Routh I-III, Guadelupe IV, Poncho V, Fish VI, Rip & Marsha VII. The organizers are introducing a new route for the crawl as well as two new award categories. The new categories are [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

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the "official" dish ...from 4 “Campiest Bonnet” presented by JohnPaul’s and “Best Couple” presented by The Friendly Bar. The route will change slightly this year with the addition of Iggy’s bar on North Rampart St. The event will begin at 2pm at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields, and will make stops at the following locations where the various trophies will be presented: JohnPaul’s - Campiest Bonnet, Iggy’s - Best Newbie Bonnet (for first time participants only), The Friendly Bar - Best Couple, Big Daddy’s - Widest Bonnet, Mimi’s in the Marigny - Tallest Bonnet, Cutter’s - Most Glamorous Bonnet,The Phoenix - Butchest Bonnet, Kajun’s Pub - Best Group (minimum of 3 members), Ambush Magazine Best of Best (presented at Kajun’s Pub), Bunny Hop Organizers - Meyer-Routh Spirit Award (presented at Kajun’s Pub).

Cutter's Celebrates 5th Anniversary St. Pat's Day, March 17

opular Marigny bar, Cutter's, 706 Franklin, celebrates its 5th anniversary on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. The party starts with bar baron Mac McAll at 6:30pm for the annual Irish Parade. Then at 8pm, you can get your "New Orleans Funky Rock Experience" on when Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes appear live. It's always a blast at Cutter's! For more information, visit CuttersBar.BIZ.

The Green Project Honors Local “Green Giants”

ew Orleans – The Green Project will present A Studio in the Woods co-founders Lucianne and Joe Carmichael with the coveted “Green Giant” Award, honoring a local environmental hero. The award will be presented March 19 during the organization’s annual gala. “Each year we honor those who have done exceptional environmental work in New Orleans with the Green Giant award. With the creation of A Studio in the Woods, the Carmichaels built a sustainable environment from salvaged and reclaimed materials long before it was the accepted practice and then gifted it to Tulane,”said Phyllis Jordan, one of the The Green Project’s board members. “What they’ve given to the city’s artists’ community is an invaluable gift that will last a lifetime.” The annual “Green Giant” Award goes to a remarkable individual in New Orleans who has single-handedly improved the environmental quality of the city through their work over the last year. The Green Project believes the enduring gift made by the Carmichaels has shown the future of building with reclaimed materials, the longevity of

sustainability and the very essence of sharing tranquility with local artists through natural surroundings. Both Lucianne and Joe are active members of the board for A Studio in the Woods and are energetic ambassadors for the amazing program. Their journey began over 40 years ago when the property was first purchased. “When the Carmichaels began building the studio it took ten years to collect all of the salvaged materials from around the city. As we embark on a plan to expand our facilities to accommodate more arts and environmental programming, we are thrilled to be able to have access to such a wonderful resource as our community has in The Green Project,” said Managing Director,Ama Rogan on receiving the illustrious award. The grand celebration and award presentation, dubbed “Salvations 2010,” will be held from 7 to 10pm, Friday, March 19 at The Shops at Canal Place, 3rd Floor, New Orleans. The event will feature 16 pieces of handmade custom art furniture built using salvaged materials, and will also have cocktails, music and a silent auction to benefit The Green Project. The Green Project, located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, has been providing high-quality used building materials and unique architectural items to thrifty, creative New Orleanians for the last 16 years. By preventing these materials from reaching the landfill, The Green Project meets its mission of being the leading handson environmental nonprofit in the region. More information is available at The Green Project. A Studio in the Woods, a program of Tulane University located in 7.66 forested acres on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, is dedicated to preserving the endangered bottomland hardwood forest and providing within it a peaceful retreat where visual, literary and performing artists can work uninterrupted. Programming includes community workshops in the arts and environmental preservation, and an outdoor classroom where students of all ages can experience and study the natural world. One of a few live-in artists’ retreats in the Deep South, A Studio in the Woods fosters both environmental preservation and the creative work of all artists. More information can be found at A Studio in the Woods.

Satyricon Presents Opening Night of When Pig’s Fly

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will present Theatre 13’s opening night of the New Orleans premiere of Howard Crabtree’s hilarious musical comedy revue When Pigs Fly, on Thursday, April 1, 8pm, at Le Chat Noir, 715 St.Charles Ave. Tickets for this performance only are $30. Call 504.525.4498. For all

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the "official" dish ...from 6 other shows, please call Le Chat’s box office at 504.581.5812.

New Orleans First International Fashion Week

ew Orleans will host its first International Fashion Week at Bourbon Park in Downtown New Orleans Central Business District area April 8th-11th. New Orleans is a city of fine memorabilia, historic artifacts, cultural arts, and now the Fashion House. Music, entertainment, and fun is a monument in New Orleans and now fashion will gain more significance in the Gulf South region. The event will host over 20 national and international designers. The Fashion Week at Bourbon Parks Executive Director, Lanzer M. Robinson ,and his team has been planning this event to operate in New Orleans, Louisiana since January of 2009. The Fashion Week at Bourbon Park is operated by the Fashion Week of New Orleans Foundation and will be hosting a scholarship for Orleans Parish School students graduating Seniors. The foundation will give (4) scholarships to qualifying applicants who wish to pursue careers in Fashion, Cultural Arts, Communication, and/or Business Administration. The foundation will work closely with the Recovery Schools District and the Orleans Parish Schools to execute the application process for all graduating seniors. The Fashion Week at Bourbon Park will operate in partnership with Bakers Footwear Group in St. Louis, Missouri, Ultimate Face Cosmetics in Austin, Texas, and Vanguard Salon Systems which is a Paul Mitchell Partner School in Slidell and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Each partner will host services to execute Fashion Week. Additional sponsorships and partners are welcome to participate in the event structure. Email info@bourbonpark.com for additional details. Bourbon Park will also host Trunk Shows for local boutiques to participate in, so they can show their items off to all the guests of Fashion Week.

ACLU Sues Mississippi School That Canceled Prom Rather Than Let Lesbian Couple Attend

xford, MS – The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against a Mississippi High School that has canceled prom rather than let a lesbian high school student attend the

prom with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo to the event. In papers filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, the ACLU asks the court to reinstate the prom for all students at the school and charges Itawamba County School District officials are violating Constance McMillen’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression. “All I wanted was the same chance to enjoy my prom night like any other student. But my school would rather hurt all the students than treat everyone fairly,” said McMillen, an 18-year-old senior at Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Mississippi. “This isn’t just about me and my rights anymore – now I’m fighting for the right of all the students at my school to have our prom.” The filing comes after Itawamba County School District issued a statement saying they were canceling prom, following a letter from the ACLU and the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition demanding that they reverse their decision. McMillen said that before that happened, school officials had told her that she could not arrive at the prom with her girlfriend, also a student at IAHS, and that they might be thrown out if any other students complained about their presence at the April 2 event. “Itawamba school officials are trying to turn Constance into the villain who called the whole thing off, and that just isn’t what happened. She’s fighting for everyone to be able to enjoy the prom,” said Kristy Bennett, Legal Director of the ACLU of Mississippi. “The government, and that includes public schools, can’t censor someone’s free expression just because some other person might not like it.” In the legal complaint, the ACLU asks the court to reinstate the prom for all students and charges that the First Amendment guarantees students’ right to bring same-sex dates to school dances and cites cases holding that other parties’ objections don’t justify censorship. The ACLU also said that the school further violates McMillen’s free expression rights by telling her that she can’t wear a tuxedo to the prom. “It’s shameful and cowardly of the school district to have canceled the prom and to try to blame Constance, who’s only standing up for herself. We will fight tooth and nail for the prom to be reinstated for all students,” said Christine P. Sun, Senior Counsel with the ACLU national LGBT Project, who represents McMillen along with the ACLU of Mississippi. The ACLU will ask the court in the next few days to grant McMillen a preliminary

injunction ordering the school to reinstate the April 2 prom, let McMillen and her girlfriend go to the prom together, and let McMillen wear a tuxedo to the event. McMillen is represented by Bennett and Sun, as well as by Norman C. Simon and Joshua Glick of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. The case name is Constance McMillen v. Itawamba County School District, et al. Also named as defendants are Superintendent Teresa McNeece and Itawamba Agricultural High School Principal Trae Wiygul and Vice Principal Rick Mitchell. Additional information, including a copy of the legal complaint, is available at http:// www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/fulton-msprom-discrimination.

Groundbreaking Analyses Reveal Astonishing Rates of HIV and STDs Among America’s Gay Men

ashington, DC – Today, at the National STD Prevention Conference in Atlanta, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data that underscore the nation’s ongoing struggle to halt the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States (U.S.). The data indicate that rates of HIV infection among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are more than 44 times higher than rates among heterosexual men and more than 40 times higher than women. Rates of syphilis, an STD that can facilitate HIV infection and if left untreated, may lead to sight loss and severe damage to the nervous system, are reported to be more than 46 times higher among gay men and other MSM than among heterosexual men and more than 71 times higher than among women. “These rates, when coupled with existing data indicating that gay and bisexual men make up the majority of new HIV and syphilis infections, are further evidence that prevention for gay and bisexual men of all races must be our highest priority at all levels,” said Julie M. Scofield, Executive Director of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD). “It is time to value the lives of gay men in our communities. They are fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, colleagues and friends, and it is time to fight for their lives,” continued Scofield. Despite the high rates revealed in the data released today, federal support for HIV

and STD prevention has faltered. Over the last decade, federal funding for domestic HIV prevention to health departments has been cut by $23 million and STD prevention efforts, when adjusted for inflation, have 22 percent less funding compared to seven years ago. “This new data is a clarion call to deal with the persistent neglect of the health of gay and bisexual men across the country,” said William Smith, Executive Director of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD). “Thankfully, the President has recognized the situation and called for increased resources for HIV and STD prevention efforts for MSM. Now it is Congress’ turn and they need to expand upon the President’s request.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men as a whole are less likely to use the health care system than women and often seek care when they are experiencing critical health problems. In gay communities, men who do not access health care may not know they are infected with HIV or an STD, thus compromising their own health status. The persistence of stigma and homophobia compounds the situation still further. In this time of economic decline, health departments and their communities are bending under the weight of these public health crises. NASTAD and NCSD call on policy makers across the U.S. to provide leadership to stop the unnecessary spread of HIV and STDs by ensuring all gay men have access to preventive services, know their status and, when positive, are linked to quality care and treatment. Founded in 1992, NASTAD is a nonprofit national association of state and territorial health department HIV/AIDS program directors who have programmatic responsibility for administering HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis health care, prevention, education, and supportive services programs funded by state and federal governments. For more information, visit www.NASTAD.org.

ACLU Calls on Nagin & Riley to Release Records Sought by Inspector General

he ACLU of Louisiana has urged Mayor Ray Nagin and Chief of Police Warren Riley to honor Inspector General Ed Quatrevaux’s request for the release of records of police miscon-

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email/letters Subject: 4th Annual “Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus”, Host a party and support Lazarus! Dear friends and supporters, We are pleased to announce Saturday, April 17th, as the date of the 2010 “Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus” fundraiser, and we are inviting you to support the Lazarus Mission by hosting a party of your own. What is “Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus”? ~Parties are hosted by supporters of Lazarus in a location of their choosing ~The theme is up to the host, previous parties have run the gamut from formal dinners to pool side soirees ~Hosts request a donation from their guests for Project Lazarus ~As the parties end at 9:30 PM, hosts, guests, and volunteers will gather at the “Dessert and Champagne After Party”, held at the Belfort Mansion on Saint Charles Ave. (former venue of MTV’s “The Real World New Orleans” and current home of Jim Perrier and Jim Ashbee), to celebrate the success of the evening This year marks our 4th event, and in the past three years Bon Appétit has contributed over $73,000 to the care and treatment of our residents. Our goal for 2010 is 30 parties in support of the men and women who reside at Lazarus. We are asking that you, as an advocate of Lazarus, sponsor a party for your friends, family, or co-workers. Please contact Steve Rivera at 949.3609 ext. 505, srivera@projectlazarus.net, or Sarah Wick at 949.3609 ext. 507, swick@projectlazarus.net, for additional information and to schedule your event. On behalf of the residents, Board of Directors, staff and event Co-Chairs, Dr. Mark Carbon & Rusty Harris, thank you for your ongoing support.

the "official" dish ...from 8 duct and investigations. The Inspector General, operating under the law of the City of New Orleans, is not just entitled but obligated to monitor the police department. Mayor Nagin’s refusal to honor his request lends support to the impression that the New Orleans Police Department believes itself to be above the law. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie R. Esman said: “The files that Mr. Quatrevaux requests are public records, that belong to the people of New Orleans, and they must be produced. Mayor Nagin cannot use the Danziger Bridge investigation as pretext to deny the Inspector General – who is accountable to the public – access to information about police activities.” Recent events, including the indictment and guilty plea of a New Orleans police officer who admitted to a cover-up after shootings on the Danziger Bridge, have severely undermined public confidence in the NOPD. Esman continued: “Producing the records would go a long way towards showing the people that New Orleans has no tolerance for police misconduct and abuse. Refusing to produce those records sends the message that we will continue to protect those who have been accused of abusing their offices.” NOPD Chief Riley’s secrecy surrounding internal affairs investigation documents is nothing new. In 2006, in response to a

series of complaints about NOPD officers’ behavior, the ACLU of Louisiana requested access to internal investigation documents held by the Public Integrity Bureau. For months the NOPD refused to turn over the documents, forcing the ACLU to file a lawsuit. Once the ACLU was granted access to the documents, a review of those materials indicated that the Public Integrity Bureau often fails to conduct a meaningful or objective review of civilian complaints, highlighting the need for the Office of the Police Monitor, separate from the NOPD, to serve as a quality control check on P.I.B. investigations. This week, the Office of Inspector General issued a request for applicants for the position of Police Monitor. With the upcoming inauguration of a new mayor, New Orleans will also have a new Chief of Police within a short time. Esman continued: “It’s essential for New Orleans to have a police chief who is committed to independent civilian oversight, so that this kind of misconduct will truly become a thing of the past. In the meantime, New Orleans is entitled to release of all public records requested by its Independent Monitor, so that he can do his job of policing the police.”

GLAAD on the Ground in Washington, D.C. as Weddings Begin

ew York, NY – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, has staff on the ground for the first day that gay and lesbian couples can marry in Washington, D.C. “Today’s marriages will allow couples in Washington, D.C. to take care of and provide for each other and their familiesrights that all Americans deserve,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “More and more, lawmakers and the public are realizing that gay and lesbian families deserve equal protections under the law.” GLAAD’s Senior Media Field Strategist is in Washington, D.C. this week to help share the stories of gay and lesbian couples who plan to marry. GLAAD is working to ensure that media bring the stories of these loving and committed couples to Americans and will be live-tweeting from wedding ceremonies today at www.twitter.com/GLAAD. Last week, GLAAD’s Media Field team was also in Washington, D.C. to train couples to share their personal stories and build public support for marriage equality. Media interested on reporting on today’s marriage ceremonies, the first for gay and lesbian couples in Washington, D.C. and profiling local couples are asked to contact GLAAD. “As the world watches couples in our nation’s capitol wed, we applaud the hard work of DC For Marriage, Campaign for ALL DC Families, the local clergy and the organizations and couples whose personal stories made this historic moment possible,” Barrios said. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

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pride corner LGBT Community Center Presents NOLA Pride 2010 One Heart, One World, One Pride

lans are underway for NOLA Pride 2010. This year commemorates the first annual NOLA Pride festival being hosted by the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans. Over the past 30 years, the Pride celebration in New Orleans has evolved in many shapes and forms. This year marks the beginning of a new and exciting tradition that will last another 30 years. NOLA Pride Fest will kick off on Friday June, 25th, with the Pride Gala Kickoff Party. Saturday, June 26th will feature Family Day with a picnic in the park, and later that evening a Progressive Cocktal Party. The weekend ends on Sunday with the Pride Second Line March at 1pm, then the Pride Festival Street Fair from 2-6pm in the French Quarter featuring an entertainment stage, vendor and informational booths and many other exciting things on Bourbon Street, St. Ann to Dumaine. Several notable members in the community have agreed to serve on the Honor-

ary Presenting Committee including Human Relations Executive Director Larry Bagneris, Buzzy's Boys & Girls' Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney, N'R Peace's Don Evans, political activist Mary Griggs, Mr. Louisiana Leather Toby Lefort, Gay Easter Parade's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, PFLAG President Julie Thompson, and NO/AIDS Task Force Executive Director Noel Twilbeck. The LGBT Community Center has set up a special account in the name of NOLA Pride which will be open for review by NOLA Pride committee members. All funds raised will be used to put on the NOLA Pride cel-

ebration the last weekend of June. After expenses, 50% or $5,000, whichever is greater, will be reserved for the following year's celebration. Any remaining funds will be divided with 50% going to the LGBT Community Center and the remaining 50% divided equally between five additional organizations chosen by the NOLA Pride committee. A full accounting of all funds will be made available to the public following NOLA Pride at www.NOLAPride.ORG and through a press release to media outlets. The next NOLA Pride Committee Meeting is Wednesday, March 24, 6:30pm at the LGBT Community Center, 2114 Decatur Stree. NOLA Pride is providing an opportunity for businesses to tap into one of the strongest niche markets in the nation. LGBT Households Have an average household income over $85.4K and are 3.4 times more likely to have household income over $250K. According to the 2000 Census, gay men and lesbians live with partners in 99.3 percent of all U.S. counties; Go out more, buy more, have more disposable income and are extremely loyal

consumers; Purchase from companies/brands that advertise in gay media, deliver product messages in gay-specific advertising, support gay and lesbian community causes and are good to their own gay and lesbian employees ; Over 90 percent took a domestic trip this year; 60 percent took a foreign trip in the last three years; 65 percent identify themselves as having to have the “latest”; 68 percent upgrade to a product’s latest model; 77 percent “believe in indulging in themselves”; 57 percent “prefer to buy top of the line”; 59 percent buy themselves whatever they want; Represent a large and growing segment of the consumer market in Austin, especially for certain industries: major categories to date have tended to include travel, financial services, alcoholic beverages, automotive, entertainment, hair and skincare, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, and fashion; and “Gay-friendly” increasingly important for all industries – part of overall trend to incorporate values into consumption decisions: ownership, partnership benefits, working/ customer environment, philanthropy/community involvement. Details of sponsorship opportunities for NOLA Pride 2010 are available. A member of the Community Outreach Committee would like to meet with you to work with you. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Co-Chairs TJ Rogers (tjr@noaidstf.org) and Darrin Duplissey (darrin2000d@gmail.com) to discuss the opportunities that PrideFest can offer you and your business or call 504.945.1103.

Nominate Individuals for Pride Grand Marshal

he Grand Marshal, as defined by Pride policy, “shall be an individual that has made a considerable positive impact on New Orleans’ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.” Individuals may have made this impact at the local, national, or international level, but should have had particular impact on the New Orleans LGBT Community. The Grand Marshal is expected to attend the 2010 Grand Marshal’s Ball, the LGBT Pride March, the Pride Festival and other Pride events. The Grand Marshal is the Ambassador of NOLA PrideFest 2010 for the entire Pride Season. Nominations will be accepted from members of the public, including Pride personnel. The nominating period will close at the Pride Committee public meeting in April. This meeting will be held at the LGBT Community Center, 2214 Decatur Street All nominations for Grand Marshal must include a written submission that details a nominee’s contributions to the community and related pertinent information. The submission may be in person at the Pride Committee meeting, via postal mail, or via electronic mail. Contact the Center for a Pride Grand Marshal Nomination Form at 504.945.1103.

NOLA Pride NOLAPride.ORG 12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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

Films

’ve had the great opportunity to review three films for this issue. They ran the extremes from excellent to very poor. We’ll save the worse for last and start with Alice in Wonderland. The story we’ve known from childhood. The telling of the story was wonderfully done in 3-D. The Prytania Theatre has the best equipment for telling a film story in this style. The colors were true and bright, and when a cloud of purplish-blue drifted off the screen and into the audience, I thought that I could feel and even smell the pungent mist. The effects made you a part of the story from moving through a crowd of party guests to falling down a rabbit hole or running from the Red Queen’s army to knowing what you do and do not want. Wonderland is the perfect place for Tim Burton’s imagination to bloom freely. The telling of this old story honors the imagination in a world with no rules. Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter. The selfish, childish Red Queen is played by Helena Bonham Carter. Hair and makeup for the part took three to four hours to perfect. Gentle Anne Hathaway is the good White Queen with a touch of Mona Desmond makeup for fun. The actors reported that this was a fun film to make thanks to Burton’s flare and openness. This isn’t a film for small children as it could be frightening for little people. Ray described it as visually amazing. Other adults in the theatre said it was darkly fun. I totally enjoyed the new twist on an old story. Next was the award winning German film, The White Ribbon. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards. I enjoyed this film but had to watch it twice to understand this complicated story while reading subtitles. I would have enjoyed it much more had I understood the language. Still it was easy for me to realize why it had won so many awards. The story is set in a small German village just before World War I. A variety of unusual deaths and near death experiences haunts the village. The narrator is the young (31 year old) teacher who is touched by each strange experience until he finally leaves the village to make a life for himself. This film is part of the Sony Pictures Classics series. It will open in theatres in this area on or about March 26th. The really bad film was My Family Wedding. What made it terrible was the Black vs. Hispanic theme. Two families with children that want to marry – my daughter ain’t marrying no N-word – my son isn’t going to marry a non-American S-word. Cultures battling cultures is not my idea of entertainment. I don’t find this funny or entertaining. The players were good as was the direction. The story gets a minus grade from me – like 5X minus F. Everyone was a stereotype. This made for a boring, predictable film. Don’t waste your time and money on something so socially demeaning. The next film I am scheduled to see as a press screening is Greenberg. I’ve heard a few good things about it so I hope to have a good report for you.

How did your favorites of 2009 do in the Academy Awards? Mine didn’t … Jeff Bridges as Best Actor is a joke. He proved by his actions in accepting the award that he is an old drunk so how was he acting. Sure the movie was good but that’s no reason to ignore the men who were really carrying a film like George Clooney. Almost everyone can quote a favorite line from the movies over the years, and the American Film Institute has published the 50 most quoted lines from the movies. #50 Houston, we have a problem, Tom Hanks, Apollo 13, 1995. #40 Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get, Tom Hanks, Forest Gump, 1994. #30 I want to be alone,

Greta Garbo, Grand Hotel, 1932. #20 Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca, 1942. #10 You talking to me? Robert DeNiro, Taxi Driver, 1976. #9 Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night, Bette Davis, All About Eve, 1950. #8 May the Force be with you, Alex McCrindle, Star Wars, 1977. #7 All right, Mr. DeMille. I’m ready for my close-up, Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard, 1950. #6 Go ahead, make my day, Clint Eastwood, Sudden Impact, 1983. #5 Here’s looking at you, kid, Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca, 1942. #4 Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore, Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz, 1939. #3 You don’t understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, Marlon Brando, On the Waterfront, 1954. #2 I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse, Marlon Brando, The Godfather, 1972. And #1 Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn, Clark Gable, Gone With the Wind, 1939. One of my favorites took #24 I am big! It’s the pictures that got small, Gloria

Swanson, Sunset Boulevard, 1950. I know you have your favorites too. E-mail me yours and I will check the list and let you know if it is on there and what number it is. Sometime I forget how much I enjoy the movies. Tough guys who will face danger to correct a wrong are great for me, and ad mystery into the mix to make it greater. I used to love war movies ranging from WWI to Nam but I’m not enjoying the new movies about Iraq and the Middle East. I guess I hate Bush’s war that much; which brings me to one last point. Have you been reading the news feeds about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell? It looks like we are very near to a repeal of that law. Within the next year, GLBT people may have the right to serve Openly. Many of the top brass of the Armed Forces have said that DADT is no longer necessary. Forum for Equality has been sending out DADT information on Facebook. There has even been a plea for signatures supporting the repeal of DADT. Check out your Facebook account and friend Forum for Equality so that you too can be counted.

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alexandria

papar azzi

Olympus Who Dat Nation

Bobby & Paul Olympus Soccer Mom

They make a cute couple don’t they?!

Dillian & Ben

Nae’ & Kristopher

Maxi in the house!!!

Don’t they look comfortable?

Taelor & Keenon

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Comfortable & Cute @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

Jason & Jason

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

s spring ushers in, Acadiana readies itself for a season filled with events. The heat is about to be turned up so listen up with Joey Collins, otherwise how will you be well-prepared?

Weekend Recap

he local community owes much thanks to both Jules Downtown and Sound Factory. Over the past two weeks, the two establishments pulled the community together and decided to give to two wonderful causes. On February 27th Jules Downtown held a fundraiser for PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Acadiana and was able to raise several hundreds of dollars. Many thanks goes out to the bar patrons who came out for the Black Party. Your contributions will enable PFLAG Acadiana to do many outreach programs as well as help families and friends who struggle with acceptance of their gay loved one(s). Jules Downtown owners Darren Parker and Wendy Wallace were very excited to oblige to such a community event. Parker expressed, “It is my pleasure to help raise such funds for such a needed organization here in Acadiana.” Wallace was pleased to announce, “The community here seemed as one, had a great time, and we’re

all very excited about the cause.” For more information on PFLAG Acadiana and its causes please visit www.pflag.org or email pflagacadiana@gmail.com. On March 6th bar patrons styled themselves all pretty in pink for Sound Factory’s Pink Party. Proceeds from this event were donated to the American Cancer Society of Acadiana. Much appreciation goes out to all those who attended and helped to raise over one thousand dollars. Sound Factory’s manager, Mitch Tate, was pleased to see so much support from the local community, “I’m always touched when people support such a good cause, its times like this that prove how much we can really accomplish when we all come together.” For more information on American Cancer Society of Acadiana and its cause visit w w w.cancer.org or you mall call 337.237.3736.

International DJ returns to her roots

n case you haven’t heard, the internationally renowned DJ, Alyson Calagna aka “Poptart”, will be the guest DJ on Saturday, March 20th. Calagna has been stunning bar-goers with her mind[continued on 17]

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acadiana

papar azzi

Mario, Erica & Macky hanging out @ Sound Factory What a great night for Mario @ Sound Factory

Corey & Jason, best friends forever

Kyle & Tayler, the best love-hate relationship in Acadiana

Taking time to relax @ Sound Factory Clearly Mary, clearly! Erica, Rick & John @ the Alice in Wonderland premiere

Not quite clear what Todd & Ryan are up to

DJ Chad Evans & Jeremy enjoying karaoke @ Sound Factory John Landry cooking up some gumbo for one of his fabulous after-parties

Hot girls in the city!

Oh, so is this what a Hooveround is used for?!?!

Kyle, Hunter & Robby ...trouble waiting to happen

Sam giving Kim one of Jules’ infamous “free shots on the bar”

Whitney serving up one of those drinks with attitude

Too cute for words

Work it, girl!

I wonder what he found under there!

Jimmy & Michael always seem to be up to something

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Hanging, Cooking, Serving ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Rick serving tea @ The Tea Room

acadiana happens ...from 15 blowing beats for over sixteen years now. Calagna discovered her love for music at the age of 13 while living in Scotland. By the age of 16 Calagna and her family came to both New Orleans and Lafayette where Calagna began spinning in small bars. In Lafayette, a very reputable DJ, “Iceman” took her under his wing and allowed Calagna to really display her talents. Since then, Calagna has been given the opportunity to spin in many clubs in many high-end areas such as Miami, New York, DC, San Francisco, Houston, Philly, and Orlando, just to name a few. Calagna has also been given the opportunity to travel abroad to many exotic countries and display her hidden talents as well. Places such as Brazil, Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are just to name a few as well. Calagna first appeared in the gay community of Acadiana during a time when gay bars ruled the Downtown area. Unless you’re one of the “older” gays then odds are you will not remember a time when Nite Town was actually named Images. Welcome back DJ Alyson Calagna on March 20th, she will begin at 10pm.

Lafayette’s Gay Prom chooses a theme: Over the Rainbow

ou’ve all heard the buzz for over a month now and here it finally is. On March 20th Over the Rainbow will be the theme for Lafayette’s first official Gay Prom. Tickets are on sale and can be bought from your favorite Sound Factory employee or yours truly. Just keep in mind this isn’t your typical theme party. This is gay prom so no t-shirt and jeans will be allowed. Remember when you purchase your tickets to cast your vote for King and Queen.

Tea for two and two for tea

ne of the newest establish ments on Jefferson St. is A Spot of Tea, an Acadiana Tea Room. This seems to be downtown Lafayette’s best kept secret. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick cup of hot or cold tea on the go, or would love to sit down to enjoy a classy tea party, this is the place that you will want to try. I recently took the time one afternoon and decided to be the good little gay son. My mother and I enjoyed an afternoon tea party. We were served hot tea in a very posh tea set along with sconces, quiches, cucumber sandwiches, fresh baked tarts, and a smile. The staff was very friendly and was very eager to cater to our every need. If you’re interested you may look for them on Facebook, call them at 337.251.3214. They can be found at 100 E. Vermillion St, Suite 130, downtown Lafayette. Their average closing time is at 6pm but if you contact them ahead of time, they are more than willing to stay open for a late evening tea party. Recently Erica Fontenot and Rick Rowan held their very own evening tea party as a celebration for the Alice in Wonderland premiere. Fontenot recently took the time to reminisce on the experience, “We had such a grand time and met a lot of new people. The Tea Room was very accommodating towards us when they agreed to stay open an extra two hours just for us. All of their pastries and teas remained to be the freshest. The best part of the experience is

the very knowledgeable staff. Tea seems to be their nature, not work and that is what makes the experience so grand.”

Downtown comes out of hibernation

s soon as locusts are heard outside of your bedroom window, mosquitoes begin to linger after a humid thunderstorm, and lovebugs are tattooed on your front bumper then it can only mean one thing, spring is here! Spring in the downtown area of Lafayette can display the heart of cultural activity in Acadiana. Bach Lunch occurs every Friday afternoon during the spring season in Parc San Souci, which is located on Vermillion Street between Don’s Downtown and the parking garage. This is a free lunch hour from noon to 1pm and features a variety of musical genres. Lunches are available for purchase and are provided by local restaurants. On March 19th BonSoir, Catin will perform along with lunches catered by Bailey’s Seafood and Grill, Broussard’s

Cajun Cookin’, and Poupart Baker, Inc. On March 26th Brandon Moreau avec La Bande Pain Perdu will perform with lunch catering by Edible Arrangements, RolyPoly, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. For more information you may check out www.lafayettetravel.com. Downtown Alive is active again and as always the best part of this is that it is a free event. Every Friday night at 5:30 you can catch live music in either Parc Sans Souci or Parc International, depending on the date. On March 19th the Pine Leaf Boys, a Cajun styled band, will perform at Parc Sans Souci. March 26th will feature Nik-L-Beer, which is a classic covers band, who will also perform at Parc Sans Souci. For more information

you can visit www.downtownalive.org. The highlight of spring is always the world famous Festival International de Louisiane. This year’s events will be held from April 21st to April 25th and will feature several stages of free musical genres from all over the world. Presented will be art, dance, shopping, costumes and more from many diverse cultures. For a glimpse of what is to come this year you can visit www.festivalinternational.com. Spring is here and with every spring comes spring cleaning. Clean up your act, Acadiana, and get out there and support your local community. As always you’ve heard it here first, girl! Thanks for listening with Joey Collins.

Don't be left out of the BIG Easter

Ambush ( March 3 0 -April 1 2 ) Deadline: Tuesday, March 23

5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9

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celebrazzi

big easy

(celebrations-paparazzi)

papar azzi

Reggie Bush

he 2nd annual Eggstravaganza & Auction raised $1,808 for the 11th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. Hosted at Billy’s in Slidell, Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse reigned over the evenings festivities which included marvelous entertainment, raffles, auctions and a delicious buffet. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information. Photo: Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella, EGMs XI Tittie Toulouse & Chuck Turner, CoMC Big Mama, EGM IV Electra City, Amon-Ra Prom Queen Alexis Daniels, EGM IX Safonda Peters; (front) King Cake Queen XVI & XVII Tami Tarmac & Opal Masters (Co-MC & EGM VII).

Team Owner Tom Benson

Quarterback Drew Brees

Tracy Porter

ax Pienado and DJ Myke Kolb were presented a mayoral certificate from Mayor’s rep Larry Bagneris in honor of the couples tenth anniversary celebrated in The Balcony Bar above Cafe Lafitte’s in New Orleans with family and friends.

ing and Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda and Countess C. Alice welcomed new members to the 45th Rush Party for the Krewe of Amon-Ra at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM for additional information.

Garrett Hartley

Usama Young

Anthony Hargrove & DeMario Pressley

ar Baron’s Jimmy Kilgour, Mac McAll and Dudley LeBlanc hosted Cutter’s annual formal Oscar Party celebrating the 82nd Academy Awards complete with a lavish dinner buffet for party goers in New Orleans.

ord Consort and Lord King XVII Tim Lott and Alan Kelley joined fellow members of the Krewe of Lords of Leather welcoming new members at the krewe’s 27th Rush Party hosted on the patio at the Phoenix in New Orleans. More info is available at LordsOfLeather.COM.

Thomas Morstead & Garrett Hartley

Robert Cook catches one of the prized footballs

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Champion Saints Super Bowl Parade ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by John Zeringue

Coach Sean Payton

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Myke, Bobby Blue’s Grant & Alternatives’ Jack Easter Grand Marshals XI Tittie Toulouse & Chuck Turner

Blake & Peyton with Myke & Max

Cha Cha sings special request The Welcome Committee: Rick & Jerry

Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella & King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac

Jerry, Dad Roland Kolb, Kenny, Mom Pat Kolb, Myke & Max

Mike, Robert & Brad behind the bar

Max & Myke in a romantic dance Amon-Ra Prom Queen Alexis Daniels

Wood Enterprises’ Ken Grandpre & Mayor’s Rep Larry Bagneris

Co-MC Big Mama

Platinum Sponsor JohnPaul’s John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco

Good Friends mgr. Neel, 700 Club bartender Matt, Rawhide mgr. Joe, Myke, Max & Troy

Balcony Bar bartender Paul

snap paparazzi

Co-MC, King Cake Queen XVII & EGM VII Opal Masters

EGM IX Safonda Peters

Max, Alternatives’ Philip & Myke

Max, Country Club bartender Drew, Myke & Lafitte’s DJ Johnny Love

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

DJ Myke Kolb & Max Pienado’s 10th Anniversary Party in The Balcony Bar ~ New Orleans

2nd Eggstravaganza Show & Auction raises $1,808 for 11th Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Billy’s ~ Slidell, Louisiana

Easter Grand Marshals IX Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio, XI Tittie Toulouse & Chuck Turner, IV Electra City, I Marsha NaquinDelain & VII Opal Masters

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Amon-Ra King & Queen XLV David Aranda & Countess C. Alice presents charity check to Kathleen Gross from Odyssey House along with Amon-Ra President Jay Cooper @ Amon-Ra Rush Party

Jose, Pat & Lord King XVII Alan @ Lords of Leather Rush Party

Ambush’s Tony Leggio with artist Bryce Lankard @ Three Ring Circus Art Opening

Mardi Gras Productions’ Chase & Tyran as Greek Gods @ the Maison Dupuy Wine Festival

Amon-Ra’s new board: Special Lt. Chris, Ball Lt. John, Ball Captain Barry, Secretary Gizelle, Treasurer Paul, President Jay & Vice President Opal @ Amon-Ra Rush Party

Elaine Stritch ladies & gentlemen

Amon-Ra’s Kenny & Keny pop in for 2nd Eggstravaganza @ Billy’s in Slidell

Tony joins the formal Oscar Party @ Cutter’s

Elizabeth Bouvier & Barbara Ella @ FourPlay

Amon-Ra Captain Barry & President Jay present appreciation award to John & Paul of JohnPaul’s @ Amon-Ra Rush Party

Laura, Elizabeth & Brad @ the Maison Dupuy Wine Festival

Blake behind the bar for the Oscar Party @ Cutter’s

New members join Amon-Ra President Jay @ Amon-Ra Rush Party

Lords of Leather Rush Party brought Troy, Gary, Danny & Lord Consort XVII Tim to the Phoenix

Lord King XVII Alan & Ben @ FourPlay

snap paparazzi

Marcy breaks in Princesse Stephaney, new Wednesday bartender @ Starlight

DJ Richie Rich & bartender Kristy @ FourPlay

Stuart, David & Ronnie @ 2nd Eggstravaganza @ Billy’s

Pat & Troy take in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Krewes, Celebrities, Divas ~ New Orleans

Valerie & Cheryl @ Bonnie’s Oscar Party

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Bartenders Tommy & Trevor of Double Play fame

Ted & Bubbles @ The Corner Pocket

Golden Lantern bartender David & Princesse Stephaney

Tami Tarmac, Gizelle Bouvier, Opal Masters & Barbara Ella kick off Opal’s Follies once a month @ JohnPaul’s

The New Orleans Bears join Rawhide Manager Joe for Bring Your Own Meat Night Wednesdays @ Rawhide

Darwin, bartender Rusty Laroux & Opal @ Bywater Patio Bar

Hot Vanessa Rae as Lady Gaga @ Oz’s Sunday show night

Distributing Ashes on Ash Wednesday outside of Lafitte’s with Big Easy MCC’s James Barreca & Rev. Clinton Crawshaw

”God loves you as God made you... Gay, Straight or just Faaaabulous!!!”

ambush

Bartender Richie getting ready for Good Friends 16th Trailer Park Beauty Pageant

Koo & Marty take in Opal’s Follies Princesse Stephaney & Persana Shoulders do Drag Dingo @ Oz

Gizelle Bouvier with child during Opal’s Follies

Joe & Allen serve cocktails @ Oz Bartenders Robert & David welcome you to Oz

papar azzi

Spencer & Stephen behind the bar @ Good Friends Bar

King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters makes a grand entrance @ Opal’s Follies

Bartender John & Bar Baron Mike @ Bywater Patio Bar behind Bywater Bar.B.Que

St. Matthew does the honors behind the bar @ JohnPaul’s

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

See & Be Seen ~ New Orleans

Bartender Wayne serves up popcorn @ the Phoenix

Get ready, set go, on the bar @ The Corner Pocket

Guess who @ Cafe Lafitte In Exile?

Ezell, Frank & Kerry cocktailin’ @ Cutter’s

Raven, birthday boy Frankie & Tyriq

It’s All About Style ~ New Orleans

Taking in Trash Disco Sundays @ Lafitte’s

Persana Shoulders joins b-day boy Frankie

This Corner Pocket boy welcomes you to The Corner Pocket

ambush

papar azzi Jim & Chris behind the bar @ Cutter’s

Glen shows the proper way to eat a sausage @ Bonnie’s Oscar Party

Bartender Matt serving a martini @ 700 Club Drew shows off his assets

Aletha & Shawn join Bartender of the Year Jeff @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Rip, Rikki, Marcy, Javier & Marsha @ Starlight By The Park Jason welcomes you to Rawhide

Rhonda Roget & Son perform @ JohnPaul’s

Tami Tarmac celebrates Frankie’s 26th birthday in The Balcony Bar

Friends with birthday boy Frankie

Rudy & Christopher @ John Paul’s

Catching Tubby’s Drag Show Saturdays @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s

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

Saying Good-bye to a Mardi Gras Icon

or those people who know me, they can testify that I have very rarely been at a loss of words. But I sat for what seemed like hours at my computer trying to come up with something prolific to say about Mickey Gil. But words could not merely describe this one man who was my mentor in the gay Mardi Gras community, my captain of Satyricon and most of all my friend. Mickey passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the age of 73. In my heart, his passing marks the end of an era in gay carnival in New Orleans. Very few people have shown the love, the dedication and the passion as this man has given, first with

Petronius and then with Satyricon. Someone once told me never to afraid of death, but be scared of having a life unlived. Mickey was the epitome of a person who lived life out loud. He was witty, charming and unapologetic about himself. I used to sit with him as he regaled me with tales from gay Mardi Gras past. What it must have been like to be a part of this gay culture in its heyday. But then with the onslaught of AIDS, Mickey watched as his friends died and gay carnival as New Orleans knew it almost faded away. In 1985, Mickey joined the Krewe of Petronius and became captain a year later. He was captain of this krewe for 15 years before branching off to begin the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon. Last year, the Krewe of Petronius awarded Mickey a lifetime achievement award and a honorary membership for life at their ball. Even though Mickey’s departure from the krewe was somewhat tumultuous at the time, this honor touched him so much. I was next to him when he received the award and Bill McCarthy gave his touching speech in front of a packed house. I think that was the first time I had ever seen Mickey cry since I knew him. I rarely believe people saw Mickey as the compassionate man I had grown to admire. I saw his angst when fellow krewe members Joe Brooks and David Boyd passed away. And, even though past krewe members may find this hard to believe, Mickey cared about them tremendously and kept track of their lives after Satyricon. I find whenever you are in a management position of any kind, it is so easy for others to criticize or judge your actions, but that is all part of being a leader. Sometimes the popular decision is not the right one. And

Jeremy & George Thomas enjoying College Night Thursdays @ B-Bob’s

mobile

Former Mr. Gay Mobile Todd Crutchfield (right) visiting from Tampa Florida with Bob Brunson @ B-Bob’s

Zeb with Order of Osiris Queen Michelle Brown out for a Night On The Town

paparazzi Toni Dee in from Biloxi performing

Mardi Gras After-Party @ B-Bob’s

Travis & O’Brian with Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s for the College Party

with anything in life, you need to be able to take the cheers and the boos. As far as living life to the fullest, that was Mickey’s style. His persona was larger than life. He was born in Menachamiya, Israel to Russian immigrants. He joined the Israeli Air Force where he rose to the rank of major. He lived in Vienna, Austria and then New York, where he met his partner George Patterson. In 1974, along with Patterson, Mickey opened a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan called Mickey’s. It was a restaurant by day and a cabaret at night that hosted some amazing talent such as Karen Akers, Cissy Houston and comedian Joy Behar. Mickey spoke English, Hebrew, German, French and Spanish. In 1982, Mickey moved to New Orleans and discovered Carnival and found his calling so to speak. Mardi Gras was his niche and this city is all the better because of his contributions. I joined the Krewe of Satyricon because of Mickey Gil. And I thank God, for giving me the opportunity to meet this incredible person whose light will shine on forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Mickey, rest in peace my wonderful friend. And thank you, not just from me, but from an entire gay community who was touched by your presence. Your legacy will always remain. A memorial will be held, Sunday, March 21 at 1 pm at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue.

Bunnies in the Big Easy

re you ready for the hottest party this Easter season? Well prepare yourself for the 1st annual Bunnies in the Big Easy: Putting the Good in Friday. This is a brand new event for the Gay Easter Parade. I will be hosting this event along with fellow GEP board member Tom Conners. The event will take place on Friday, April 2 (Good Friday) from 7pm - 10pm at Bywater Bar.B.Que located at 3162 Dauphine Street in the historic Bywater. Take a look at their hot new courtyard and bar as you sip fabulous cocktails. There will be a wonderful live auction with Easter baskets and a special Jeweled Egg. Also, we will have hot little Big Easy Bunnies passing around eggs for special prizes, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Enjoy delectable cuisine and a limited open bar offering vodka cocktails, beer and wine. One of the hottest new artists in the city, DJ Buckley will be spinning hot dance tunes under the stars. [continued on 28]

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Enjoying, Performing, Visiting~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

under the gaydar

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under the gaydar ...from 26 Tickets for this event are $30. All proceeds from the Gay Easter Parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends. Buy your tickets early because we are only selling 100 tickets to this event. So first come, first serve. Make sure you do not miss one of the hottest celebrations of the Easter season. For tickets call 504.522.8049.

How Did You Learn About Sex?

oin the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon for a very special evening that is part theatre, part literature and a lot of naughty parts. Satyricon is hosting the opening night of How I Learned About Sex at Le Chat Noir on Friday, March 26 at 8pm. This performance brings together journalists, bloggers, editors and actors from New York and New Orleans to share hilarious tales of their very first time. Featured performers include Brick Bishop, John d’Addario, Ken Foster, Colleen Kane, Blaise Kearsley, Brian Peterson, Campbell Robertson and Hugh Ryan. From the straightlaced to the wild children, gay or straight, there is a story that will tickle everyone’s fancy. For tickets, call 504.525.4498 or visit www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com.

Who Says Bunnies Can’t Be Hot

ust in time for Easter, a hot new artist is showing his work at the eclectic Big Top Gallery at 1638 Clio Street. The exhibit Rabbits by Bryce Landry is currently on display and it is fantastic. Landry is a wonderfully unique talent with an eye for detail and a flair for bunnies. I never really though rabbits could be sexy, but Bryce has managed to accomplish just that. From his bunny portrayal of the Beatles to his ode to toy soldiers, each work is distinctive. The exhibit will continue through April 1 with a closing party at the gallery from 6 - 9pm. For more information, call 504.569.2700 or go to www.3rcp.com.

March Book of the Month Picks

adies and gentlemen, it is once again time for my book of the month picks. For March, I am excited to bring to you two authors who I have never read before. It is always stimulating for me to read someone’s work for the first time, but it is especially nice if you actually like it. So I am happy to report that I have nothing but high praise for these wonderful writers. Lets start with Ellen Hart, who after reading her novel, A Small Sacrifice, I consider one of the most remarkable mystery writers of present. Ellen is a five-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Mystery, as well as a three-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award for Best Popular Fiction. Entertainment Weekly recently named her one of the “101 movers and shakers in the gay entertainment industry. Hart has taught “An Introduction to Writing the Modern Mystery” through the The Loft Literary Center, the largest independent writing community in the nation. In addition to the Jane Lawless series, she also has published the Sophie Greenway mysteries. A Small Sacrifice is the fifth book Jane Lawless series and has just recently been reprinted in trade paperback by Bella Books

along with Faint Praise. Although I like to begin a series with the first book, I started reading Sacrifice on the plane ride to Portland and was unable to put it down. I voraciously read it during all my spare time until I finished it the following day. The premise is simple and perfect mystery fodder. Jane Lawless’ best friend and sidekick, Cordelia Thom is called to a reunion with her college theatre friends. Once at the reunion, old wounds are reopened, past indiscretions are revealed and dark secrets come to light. When one of the six dies under mysterious circumstances, Cordelia calls Jane to the scene. Lawless arrives to her friend’s rescue and the investigation begins. Hart’s characters are vividly portrayed as the story moves along at a rabid pace to the thrilling finale. What I love about Hart is, like Agatha Christie‘s novels, if you pay close attention, you can figure out the killer. I found Lawless character to be a clever and formidable woman who just happens to be a lesbian. The fact she is gay is not the driving force of the book, or the only defining feature to a very complex and likeable character. This is a true blue mystery right down to the red herrings and the juicy suspects. If you are a mystery fan, this novel is for you. And gay men, please do not dismiss this book as just a lesbian mystery novel. It has many layers and her characters appeal to everyone, gay or straight, male or female. Her compassion when she wrote about the relationship between Theo and Curt was probably some of the most romantic and touching passages I have read in gay fiction. I found myself relating to these characters and feeling their pain. As a reader, the greatest gift we can receive from a writer is to become part of the storyline and to experience the characters’ emotions. And Hart nails it with Sacrifice. Not only did I feel for all the characters, I truly enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read. You can be assured that you will see more of Hart’s novels in issues to come. For more information on Ellen Hart, go to www.ellenhart.com. The next writer is Mark Richard Zubro who is the author of the Tom & Scott, and the Paul Turner mystery series. Zubro is the winner of Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Men’s Mystery for A Simple Suburban Murder and has been nominated for this award six other times. I read Zubro’s first book in the Turner series called Sorry Now? Here is another fast paced page turner that takes place in Chicago. The main character is Paul Turner who is a gay detective caring for his two sons after his wife’s death. That alone is a story unto itself without the police thriller aspect. In the book, a right wing televangelist’s daughter is brutally murdered in front of her father. His campaign of hate has made him a target for many people but especially the gay community. When clues point to the murder being committed by someone who is gay, Turner is assigned with the task of finding out the culprit before a political time bomb detonates. As another body turns up, the stakes get higher and Turner finds his family’s lives at risk. Zubro’s characters are real and colorfully brought to life as Turner balances his role as detective on a very sensitive case with his home life of raising two children and searching for love. The fact that one of his children is a special needs child just adds to the complexity of Turner’s character. His knack for storytelling and detail is seen not only in his Zubro’s characters, but in his description of Chicago and its denizens.

Zubro is an excellent addition to the mystery genre and I am looking forward to reading more of his books. For more information on Mark Richard Zubro, go to www.markzubro.com. As always, you can find these books at all the usual outlets, but I recommend that you support our local gay bookstore FAB, located at 600 Frenchman Street, 504.947.3700.

Jammies, Jewels and Oscars

love a good Oscar telecast and it has been so long since I actually seen a really good one. And unfortunately, this one was not any better than previous ones. I adore both Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, but they just did not seem like they were in sync. The beginning monologue where they make fun of the nominees is just plain tired, although they did have some funny moments. But even though the Oscars wasn’t brilliant as I hoped, the party I went to was inspiring. My friend Bonnie Bayer hosted a Oscar party with the theme Jammies, Jewels and Oscars and guests had to arrive decked out in their finest nightwear and most sparkling baubles. She had a red carpet at the entrance complete with red ropes and stanchions. It was truly a festive welcome to the event. Since the only pajamas I own is a two piece set of Stewie Griffin from the Family Guy, with the words Obey Me emblazoned upon the chest, I decided to go in costume instead. I came as a hard partying spoiled Hollywood star, which some may argue is not a far stretch for my actual persona. Bonnie pulled out all the stops with great food and libations. Guests got into the spirit arriving in some fabulous loungewear and pearls. The men wore smoking jackets and looked very debonair. If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends, throw one of these award show parties and give it a interactive theme. And, as always, her guest list only drew the who’s who of New Orleans that included Valerie Landry from Pat O’ Brien’s, Nadja and Countessa Breaux, and Glen Hogh, the owner of the fabulous Vega Tapas, just to name a few. Because even when the Oscars were uneventful, the party never let up. So next year, come up with a clever idea, invite some friends and sit back and enjoy the Oscars.

Our Wicked, Wicked Ways

n Monday, April 5, 2010, the national touring company of Wicked will host “Our Wicked, Wicked Ways,” an evening of cabaret performances. Held at Le Petit Theatre, the one night only event will feature cast and crew from the company and all proceeds will benefit the NO/AIDS Task Force. Produced by company members, the evening is an opportunity for them to step out of their roles in the musical in music, dance and comedy; and will feature company members including Donna Vivino (Elphaba), Chandra Lee Schwarz (Glinda), Richard H. Blake (Fiyero), Randy Danson (Madame Morrible), and Merideth Kaye Clark (Elphaba Standby), as well as members of the ensemble and the touring staff. The evening will be co-hosted by Bryan Batt and Richard Kline (The Wizard) who you will remember from Three’s Company fame. In addition, there will be a silent auction of items including Wicked memorabilia, and a live auction of several opportunities to join

the company backstage at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, including a chance to bid on a walk-on role in Wicked. The musical will be playing to sold-out houses at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre March 24 through April 11. While all ages will be admitted to the theatre, the evening is intended for mature audiences, and parental discretion is strongly advised. Tickets are for sale through Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré’s box office by calling 504.522.2081 or online at www.lepetittheatre.com. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of $60 for reserved seating OR $100 for a VIP package, which includes preferred reserved seating along with a post-show party featuring members of the WICKED company, the NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Eat New Orleans and cocktails provided by Absolut Vodka and Coors Light.

2010 French Quarter Wine Festival

n Saturday, February 26, the Maison Dupuy located in the heart of the French Quarter at 1001 Rue Toulouse hosted the kickoff party for the 2010 French Quarter Wine Festival. This is the first year I participated in this incredible event, and it was one of the best parties of the year so far. The festival runs through April 15 with special wine dinners every Tuesday and Wednesday. Modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, the dinners, hosted by either the winemaker or proprietor, will showcase wines from the US and Europe. Founder Daniel Bruce has invited twelve phenomenal wineries to participate. Dishes will be created by Chef Michael Farrell of Le Meritage for each dinner to compliment the vintners’ selection. Each dinner is a dining experience. The culmination of the festival will be a closing reception on April 15. For additional information or to register for an event, go to www.frenchquarterwinefestival.com or call 504.648.6113.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

t is time for Spring and you know what that means: gorgeous weather, hot boiled crawfish and the Gay Easter Parade! This year’s grand marshals are Tittie Toulouse and Chuck Turner. Last year, I was honored as Easter Grand Marshal X along with Marcy Marcell and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. So congratulations to our new royalty on their reign this year. The first event of the season was the 2nd Eggstravaganza Show and Auction at Billy’s in Slidell. A group of performers and supporters boarded a limo bus on Saturday, March 6 and hauled our proverbial cookies out to a wooded area in suburbia that is the home of Billy‘s. The bus ride to the location became an adventure itself as we watched a spontaneous cage match erupt between Electra City and Tami Tarmac. Talk about your Clash of the Titans, except the gods had nothing to do with these two. Chuck who owns Billy’s laid out a wonderful spread for his guests who attended this fun filled night. The celebrity emcees were Big Mama and King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters. In addition to the buffet, there was a fabulous Easter Basket auction, a 50/ 50 raffle, and plastic egg raffles for fun prizes. The line-up of performers included [continued on 33]

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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Jeff & Richard Philip & Jimmy

Andy & Luther

Michael, Luther & Jared Michael & Chansley

Philip does karaoke Jeremy belly-hugging Richard

rpapar ed stick azzi

Two beautiful DIVAS

Richard & the Splash stud

Danny corners a sexy stud Phil, Jim & Billy

Ronnie & Andy

Happy couple @ George’s Eric & his stud man More fun at karaoke

Philip & Joey

Out for a night on the town

Phil poses for close-up

Cory with a sexy duo

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Happy, Belly-Hugging, Sexy ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Jeremy & Jimmy

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

Welcome Spring

ven though it is not official yet, I feel spring is in the air. I’m so sure of this that I’ve moved all my tropical plants outside, and hopefully the season of cold weather is history once more. I usually do the islands in the winter months. It is an ideal time to enjoy the sun, stretch out on the beach, sip on a nice drink, and watch the world go by. I missed the islands this winter and had to settle for the view from my front porch. So many friends were not able to take in the Mardi Gras festivities this year because of the winter bugs that were definitely running rampant in Red Stick. I couldn’t even get out to attend the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade. This is the first year that I can recall when I didn’t take Dwayne’s picture by the sign at the corner of Seventh Street and Spanish Town Road. Most of the time, these pictures were with my beautiful little friend Corey, but in looking back over my files, I even found one with that ever-sohandsome Suzanne. Speaking of Suzanne, where in the world are you sweetheart? My goodness! It has been so long since I’ve seen you. I really miss Minette’s old Hide-A-Way where we all used to gather for good times. Even after she sold it, and it changed its name, I still

enjoyed going there. It was hidden away, and I think this is why I liked it. A lot of guys wouldn’t go there, but I found it to be one of the more pleasant places to be when I wanted to just relax and forget about the writing and the photography. It’s as if something special has left our city. In fact, the last time I saw Minette was at Frank’s Restaurant with some of her friends getting ready for the work day activities. It was at the Hide-A-Way that Suzanne and I have spent some quality time. I’ll never forget the night I photographed her in that tuxedo. She was really one of the most gorgeous, handsome, beautiful women I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. I still have to smile when I think of the way we originally met. She was with a friend and appeared at my front gate on one of the Spanish Town parade days. She was in dire need of a bathroom, and I let this unknown beauty into my home while her friend waited with me on my front porch. We often laughed about this, and for me, I consider it fate that we got to be special friends who have now been separated by time. I hope she is well, and I hope Minette is okay too. BC Boy usually catches me up on Minette and what she is doing. They work together so all is not lost here. Now if only I can re-connect with Suzanne. I’ve missed seeing Corey too. I do keep

up with him on Facebook, and this is one of the most dynamic LSU fans ever. He just doesn’t miss a game be it football, baseball, or any other game or other activity connected to the university. My friend Simone is the same way. She is also an avid fan. Even Corey’s office space is decorated in LSU items. I guess I have to be classified as a great fan of my alma mater, TCU, and I follow my Horned Frogs everywhere they go. I occasionally go back to Fort Worth, wander around the Alumni Center, and look for old friends. However, it’s a different world now. As you age, you lose contacts quickly. I keep up by reading the magazine that is issued by the university, but just walking around the campus isn’t the same. It’s changed up a lot since I was there. On one of my last visits, I toured the science building where I had spent so much of my time during my college years. The names on the doors of my former professors were unfamiliar, the exhibits looked different in the hallway display cases, and the labs and classrooms did not even seem the same. The bookstore by the Student Center was gone and was now located in a separate building at the edge of campus and under the name of one of the major book dealers. I guess it is a sign of the times the way our economy has altered things. It was nice to go up and down the isles checking out items I needed, and the addition of the coffee shop in the back section was nice. The old TCU Theater where I worked during my freshman year is there but not officially a movie outlet. Plays seemed to have taken over. I didn’t bother to go to the fraternity dorm, but maybe I will on my next trip out to Cowtown. There were some happy times there.

It is nice to see our three major gay bars here in Baton Rouge existing nicely. George’s is the oldest, and it has changed very little. Splash is in the same building, but there is always something new being added to improve the surroundings. Hound Dogs has remained the same too. All three offer great places to dance, do karaoke, enjoy friends, and offer your favorite drinks with great bartenders taking care to help you enjoy the times there.

Delightful Tidbits

obert is still enjoying his art classes at LSU, but he admits that it keeps him busy with all the work involved with his studies. I believe that other half Brandon has another position at the state office where he works. It is difficult keeping up with these two. If they aren’t fixing up old homes and doing other preservation work, they are off to enjoy Broadway plays. They celebrated this past Christmas and New Years Day in South America. For all I know, they may be off on another trip now, but I doubt it with those art classes taking up so much of Robert’s time. My sexy lawyer Joseph celebrated his latest 29th birthday last week, and I believe that the sexy ROU stud Kenny made another birthday recently. I have a difficult time keeping up with these dates. That is why I keep my calendar handy – to jot down important occasions that I don’t want to forget. I notice that Sam and I are scheduled to do Camelot at the Baton Rouge Little Theater and Wicked in New Orleans this month. Since both are afternoon performances, dinners will probably follow. I really look [continued on 32]

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hot tails of red stick ...from 31 forward to the New Orleans plays and will be so happy to have the Saenger return to its glory days. I don’t dislike the current location, but it just isn’t the same as it was before Katrina did us in. Being in New Orleans makes dining more complicated. There are

just so many great restaurants that it is sometimes difficult to decide which one to do. Of course, that means I just need to make it down to the Crescent City more often. With the warmer weather approaching, I’ll probably be doing that and enjoying my visits with old friends. I got a note from Mina that her mother had surgery and is doing fine. That is good to hear. We used to all have some great times together, and we need to do this again. It is always nice to be in Mina’s company anyway. She is one of the most delightful young women I know – great

personality, always so positive in her outlook on life, and definitely a super magnificent friend. Last week when I was returning home, I was about to stop in at Hound Dogs to see Jeannie, but when I pulled up to the light, I noticed her about to get in her car. I didn’t even honk at her for fear of scaring you know what out of her. After a few drinks, I wanted to make sure she remained on her feet and able to get home. There will be other times when we can relax and catch up on things. Joy is always a delight to be around. She makes going to Hound Dogs worth the effort, and I have to admit that she is probably the most congenial and entertaining of all the bartenders I know. There is just never a dull moment when she is on duty. I find this same atmosphere of friendship when I’m around Luther at George’s. It has been a while since we dined together, and that needs to be corrected too. Like I say, warmer weather gets everyone out more. I always enjoy Luther’s company so much. I just adore that beautiful smile and the great and outgoing personality that he has. Sharing dinner with him is always a special occasion. Jared was at George’s last week when I delivered papers. He usually works nights, and I was surprised to see him there. That happened a couple of months ago when I ran into Jeremy there. I think of them as being on the night shift. I’ve never run into Philip, but I will one of these days. He is definitely a cute one. I wonder if he has more jewelry than the one that shows. And that goes for Jared too. Hmmm. Joey was out and about the other day. This is another cutie that doesn’t seem to make it out as much as he did in the past. It just seems as one grows older, there is more of a tendency to stay home. Since he lives in Baker, this may be one reason. I know that often when I get home, I just don’t want to get out again, and it takes a special event to move me. I will have to admit that Joey is a mover and shaker. He is just one of the most beautiful young men I’ve ever met. He is not only a joy to be around, but he is so sincere in everything he does. I admire his high standards and wish him the very best. I haven’t seen Stephen lately either which means I need to get back over to Splash and check out the situation there. [continued on 33]

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Twilight of the Golds at Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans

”

Shallow and predictable,” “canned and stale” and “a mixture of flip pancy and self-righteousness” were just some of the phrases Ben Brantley used to describe Jonathan Tolins’ The Twilight of the Golds in The New York Times when it opened on Broadway in 1993. As you can imagine, my expectations were pretty low as I approached the Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans’ recent production of it. But expectations have a way of being confounded. I found this dramedy to be entertaining, engrossing, and eminently stageworthy. And, having bumped into some friends at the theater, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Twilight of the Golds examines what happens when a young New York couple,

hot tails of red stick ...from 32 I talked to David a long time last week and got caught up on things there, but it isn’t the same as being with all the guys. He did tell me that Lance was gone. I knew he was moving to Austin, but I wasn’t sure exactly when this would happen. Now it has, so this leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. That void doesn’t rest with Splash but with me. I have always thought so highly of him. From the first time I met him, I saw in him a very special individual. That meeting was at George’s many years ago when he first started to work there and was attending LSU. Now with a degree and a new lover, Austin claimed this beautiful young man, and Red Stick has lost one of the sexiest guys to ever grace you with his presence. I wish him well. I have a lot of catching up to do, more columns to write, a short story to finish, and even housework to do. You heard that right. It’s one of those necessary evils of life. I’ve already done the dishes, washed and dried my clothes, finished my assignments for Ambush, and it is only noon. Now what in the world am I going to do this afternoon? In case you didn’t see it coming, I’ll be resting up and looking forward to seeing what Tony and Ziva will be up to, catching the sexiest man on TV (Matt Bomer on “White Collar”), and enjoying that sexy Robin in his latest role as Callan. Don’t bother me on Tuesdays. I have plans that I don’t like to have interrupted beginning with an early dinner at Tsunami and then my only favorite TV night. I hope all of you have a nice St. Patrick’s Day and also St. Joseph’s Day. I have spent many happy times in New Orleans at these two days of celebrations. I’ll miss the St. Joseph’s Day Parade here in Red Stick because of a prior engagement, but I’m sure it will be another great day of honoring the green. Wherever you are, enjoy your pleasures as life moves on. It is truly real when you realize that it is all here today and gone tomorrow. It is important to live your life to the fullest. Make waves. Just don’t muddy the waters in the process.

Suzanne and Rob, discover, through genetic testing, that there’s a 90% chance their firstborn child will turn out to be gay. Suzanne’s brother David is openly gay. While their parents are supportive, it becomes clear they would’ve much preferred it if he had been straight. With references to Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen (its final part, Götterdämmerung, translates to The Twilight of the Gods) along the way, Twilight of the Golds is as much Greek tragedy as it is of the Nordic variety, as its characters’ seemingly inevitable decisions wind up having tragic consequences. Tolins’ dialog is witty and thoroughly natural and his characters are neither good nor bad but all too human, revealing recognizable personalities that make it seem like you are eavesdropping on an upper middle class Manhattan family. René J.F. Piazza assuredly directed a fast-paced first act that clearly set things up for the somewhat talkier, but still absorbing, Act Two. If at times his stage images were a bit static, the production had a very natural air to it with nothing feeling forced. The entire cast worked together as a true ensemble and, by not straining, as could happen with such operatically-inclined material, they convinced us of their characters’ authenticity, no small feat whenever Southerners attempt to do NYC Jews. Coming off his bravura turn in Jewtopia as a straight Jewish man looking for shiksas, T. Joe Seibert was just as convincing as a gay Jewish man looking for parental love and approval. As the scenic designer David, Seibert perfectly captured that slightly nasal New York voice and the mannerisms of an echt New Yorker without ever going overboard. Though slight of stature, it would be a mistake to perceive Seibert’s David as nebbishy as he ultimately revealed a spine [continued on 42]

under the gaydar ...from 28 Tittie Toulouse, Big Mama, Opal Masters, Safonda Peters, Tami Tarmac, Alexis Daniels, Barbara Ella and Cathy Fox, who was looking especially reminiscent of Bette Davis in All About Eve that night. And she was right, we had to hold on to your hats on the way home it was a bumpy ride. The atmosphere in the place was lively and the mood was festive. If you have never had a chance to go to Billy’s, grab a group of friends and try it out one night. From the personable bartenders to the friendly crowd, I am sure you will have a good time. And, who knows you just find Mr. or Mrs. Right sitting on a bar stool in suburbia. Keep reading Ambush for all the events coming up in the month for the Official Gay Easter Parade and sign up for a carriage or to be a sponsor, it is for a worthy cause. All the proceeds for the parade minus expenses goes to Food for Friends. For more information, call 504.522.8049, visit GayEasterParade.COM or email at info@gayeasterparade.com. Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

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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

bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE OF HARAHAN, 301 Funston St., 305.2160 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

business opportunities

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos

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 Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Sept. 1-6, 2010, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 28-31, 2010, Halloween 27, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 4, 2011, Gay New

Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM March 4-8, 2011, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.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. GUYS NEEDED - Make $100.00 to $300.00 a night dancing in gay bars/events, and females to oil wrestlers, will train, email face/body photos to noahnudedancer@gmail.com or call 504.338.4956. [is610] 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

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

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

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

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: 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

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • Offic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multi-bedroom 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

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

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open 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 multibedroom 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

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]

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

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

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

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

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

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

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

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, www.bigeasymcc.com, pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM

FRIDAYNIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG

KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org 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

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GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 16-29, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

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9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat..

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

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

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM

Ga y Ea s t e r Pa r a d e GayEasterParade.COM

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

Eggplant Parmesan at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, has just opened and is now serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. Visit 700ClubNewOrleans.COM. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 9am-9pm Mon.-Tues., 8am-10pm Thurs.-Sun., closed Wed. MasterCard/Visa accepted. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur Street, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo’s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 6pm 7 days a week, call 504.586.8883 or visit MaximosGrill.COM for reservations and information. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info. The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM. With its tasteful but comfortable ambience, The Pelican Club serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine specializing in seafood. The restaurant is conveniently located in the French Quarter on historic Exchange Alley, an easy walk from most downtown hotels. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery. Rooba's Crescent Spoon Cafe, 2307 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 830.1035, Roobas.COM. Home of the Weenie Panini, Rooba's has an extensive menu with starters, garden fresh salads, paninis, specialty sandwiches, pizza, daily hot specials and homemade desserts. Open Mon. Sat. 11am-3pm.

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

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

(right) Gourmet Sliders (choice of 3) with Onion Rings at 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St.

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

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

(above)The Weenie Panini at Rooba's Crescent Spoon Cafe, 2307 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie

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

Blackened Ribeye at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

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

Look at the world through Easter eyes.

aster is all about ritualizing and celebrating the memorial of an event – an event that forces us to reexamine the everyday world around us, and see it through the eyes of the redeemed; through eyes open to transfiguration and transformation. These eyes are no longer bound by society, expectation, guilt or even fear of death – they are eyes that can see the glory of God in all things. We probably all live with things, people and in places that we love – we are surrounded by extraordinary transcendence; birds, flowers, trees, butterflies, clouds – all things that leave small children breathless with awe, and yet we take them for granted. It is a part of our everyday functioning that we put our awe to bed and frequently never wake it up. It would be like a perpetual acid trip to see the world always in its ‘glory state’ – and yet this would be closer to living in ‘reality’ than the workaday blindness we drift through the world in. Easter reminds us that the things we name and dismiss are extraordinary, that men killed on crosses rise from the grave, that thieves executed are seated in glory, and that men and women weighted down by feelings of sin and guilt - struggling through dreary lives of labor and strife are actually shining things, beloved of God and radiating the glory of their creation. My parents taught me all about transcendence. My parents are both professional artists, and as a child they taught me to observe things for what they are, and not ‘name them and dismiss them’. In this way a tree becomes not just a ‘tree’, but a blaze of yellow ochre, Hooker’s Green and Crimson Alizarin. We rave about the beauty of light falling on fence posts, and the majesty of power lines crossing sunlit fields – from them I learned that there are no ordinary things. Trees and colors, clouds, mountains and seas all were examined and their glory extracted and praised and discussed. My parents taught me how things REALLY are, not how to ignore them. Try taking up painting as a way to look at the world aright again, and leave behind the workaday blindnesses of our life! It is a very good exercise, and once you grasp the transcendence in the everyday world, then the message of Easter doesn’t seem so strange. God poured out into a human being, and giving his life for all humanity is a little easier to grasp when you see just how extraordinary and wonderful humanity really is. When you treasure the diversity and richness of humanity and cease to avoid it or tame it then God’s passion and compassion for that same humanity flows naturally from God’s creation of that same humanity. To the disciples, Jesus was something very different to how we see him – he was an everyday fact, and a fleshy presence that ate, slept, went to the bathroom and drank. Even though their minds may have told them over and over that he was something extraordinary, it is unlikely that their workaday blindness could have been completely

suppressed. It was only in the miraculous, in the Transfiguration on Mt Tabor and in the ultimate transfiguration of the Easter Resurrection that they were able to see the truth. It was not a change; it was a revealing something that had always been there. This same truth lies to some extent in all of us – we are vastly more than ‘our sweating selves’; we are Spirit and Flesh, and emotion and intellect and sexuality – we are whole people. In the Bible important things often seem to happen on mountains and in deserts. Our perceptions are altered when we move away from our ‘business as usual’ environments and get to see things clearly. Our moments of transfiguration and transcendence are often set in places where we gain perspective on our society and our workaday lives. Mountains diminish the works of humanity to toy scale, and immerse us in greater reality. Deserts do the same through distance and lack of mundane competition. Their openness and their vastness force us to rest in reality, and prevent us from packing inventions and familiarities around us to hide our vanity and our smallness from the vastness of God. Each and every one of us must find our ‘Easter eyes’; must allow ourselves to be open to transcendence and change. It is only the glimpse of reality - of the eternal, that draws us toward God. When we are content to lie in the clutter of human concerns and worries we deceive ourselves that coping with that clutter is in some way success, is in someway growth, when in fact it is too often a permanent retreat into superficiality and distraction. We all too easily become like some elderly folk, who shut themselves in their homes collecting debris, newspapers, clutter and filth like a bug walling up it’s burrow – outside may be glorious sunshine, cool crisp winds, extraordinary sunsets and dew adorned sunrises, outside may be the unveiled glory of God, inside is the unholy fug of a ruined life – the tragic remnants of human hope. Where we deceive ourselves more than anything else is in the belief that filling our lives with cats, old newspapers and filthy clothes is somehow worse than filling it with Lexuses and leather sofas – social approval and shiny careers. Both lives are too full of trash to allow for the light of reality. Both lives are too full of trash to let us see the glory if this Easter world. Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. The Church meets every Sunday for our Whole Church Praise and Worship Service at 5.00pm at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. (St Matthew’s church) NOLA 70118 – ring or email for details. Our smaller ‘liturgical’ service is held in the chapel at 1.00pm. revcrawshaw@yahoo.com 504 214 4340. www.bigeasymcc.com.

trodding the boards ...from 33 of steel. And such a cutie, too! Gina Abromson was just right as the afraid-of-success daughter Suzanne, by turns sweet, smart and neurotic. Kevin Songy nicely brought out Rob’s intelligence and common sense, a man more liberal

than his Orthodox parents but conservative enough to espouse “traditional” values. James Howard Wright, as David & Suzanne’s decent father, was a man more concerned with his tennis game and business than his emotions but, when pushed, could make how he felt perfectly clear. Wright is an actor new to me and I look forward to seeing more of his work. In what could have been the most challenging role, the “Jewish mother”, Tonia Aiken wisely didn’t try to effect a Jewish accent and, though betraying hints of a Southern (or New Orleans) one, came off in a beautifully shaded performance as a decent woman with wideranging interests caught between her personal desires and wanting what’s best for her children. Piazza’s only misfire were the special effects to accompany David’s description of Valhalla which looked more Walgreenian than Wagnerian. Over 16 years since its much maligned debut, Twilight of the Golds remains intellectually stimulating even if we still can’t determine a child’s sexuality from genetic testing...and, maybe, even with more advanced testing techniques, never will. Though it may have lost some of its urgency from a time when being “gay = AIDS = death” in many straight people’s minds, with a little tweaking of outdated references (Ivan Boesky, Phil Donahue, etc.), ATNO’s production demonstrated that a revival of Twilight might now find a more receptive audience. While The Twilight of the Golds may not be in the same league as such other American family dramas as Long Day’s Journey Into Night or Death of a Salesman, it certainly did not deserve the unvarnished scorn that Brantley heaped upon it. Given that it was one of his first reviews in the Times, perhaps he was just trying to show that he had a set of balls as big as Frank Rich’s.

Steal Away at the Anthony Bean Community Theater

ake five senior women in Depression Era, gangster-infested Chicago; one young girl who wants to do good deeds; a bank that refuses to offer a loan; and a collection of guns and pistols, and the result is Ramona King’s Steal Away, the first play ever done at the Anthony Bean Community Theater and recently revived in honor of the theater’s 10th anniversary. As one audience member was heard to say, “This is too crazy.” Well, it was. But it was also fun. Jade Radford’s Tracy gets the wheels turning by suggesting to her grandmother and four of her friends that they rob a bank to help support their Negro Women’s Organization for Youth Education which has just been turned down for a bank loan. (“They said colored children don’t need no education,” Grandmother Stella says. “They got a lot of ways of spitting on you.”) The rest of the talky Act One has the women deciding “Will they?” or “Won’t they?” Act Two has them getting ready to do the deed, its aftermath and, as two of the women act out a shoot-out (don’t ask!), the funniest scene ever seen at ABCT. Though none of this is to be taken too seriously, it was refreshing to view a portrait of a group of educated black woman in the 1930s; how many other plays can boast of that? Nadine Cutno, Gail Glapion, Morgan Lawrence, Venita Matthews and Linda Merritt, along with Ms. Radford, brought King’s natu-

ral sounding dialog to life. In a group of skilled comediennes, Cutno stood out for her amusing line readings and humorous physical shtik with Matthews right behind her. As Grandmother Stella, Glapion was solid and added a dollop of gravitas to the proceedings, and while it didn’t seem like Lawrence was the same age as her co-stars, this 17year-old actress had me convinced she was at least in her 40s. On John Grimsley’s tasteful set, Anthony Bean’s direction was well-paced and extracted all the humor that was to be had from King’s script. Here’s to ABCT’s next ten years!

13 at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré

have no doubt that Alexis Bruza, Nicho las Dayton, Caleb Engen, Morgan Laurent, Maddie Mateer, Jonathan May, Christopher Newhouse, Rilan Roppolo, Ximone Rose, Catherine Simpson, Sarah Stuckey, Dillon Tauzin and Dylan Campbell Troost will go on to bigger and better things given the estimable amount of talent that they display in Le Petit’s current production of 13. Well, I don’t know about bigger, but certainly better. With a score by Jason Robert Brown and a book by Dan Elish & Robert Horn, 13 diagrammatically relates the tale of a soon-to-be-barmitzvahed New York City boy who moves to a small town in Indiana with his mother when his parents split up. He tries to get in with the “cool” kids but discovers his true friends are the school geek and the disabled kid. It’s like an afternoon TV special with music, an adult version of how kids think, feel and express themselves. That would not be too bad if the music was at all distinguished. But Brown’s songs all tend to be in the same relentlessly perky mode whether referencing Fiddler on the Roof or West Side Story. Perhaps this was the fault of the arrangements, but I waited in vain for a power ballad or a patter song or, well, anything slightly different as too many tunes went on endlessly. Director/choreographer Blake Coheley did as good a job as the material allowed, never letting the momentum flag. All the kids danced and sang like pros and if there were a few rough patches vocally, it could’ve been due to the strain of the opening week’s rehearsal overload. Likewise, if it was occasionally difficult to understand some of the words, I’m not sure if the fault lay in sloppy diction or glitches in Steve Roussel’s sound design. As the fish out of water, Roppolo projected a sweetness that sometimes seemed at odds with his determination to fit in; a true NYer might’ve just tried to rise above these hicks but who knows what goes through the mind of a 12year-old. Ximone Rose fulfilled the leading lady promise indicated by her Passionella in NOCCA’s The Apple Tree, though, even being a person of color in a small Midwest town, with her innate stylishness, I wonder if she would ever be an outsider; it might’ve been interesting had she and Morgan Laurent, as Kendra, switched roles. Laurent was fine as the object of too many boys’ affections, but though cute’n’blonde, she winningly conveyed a certain insecurity that might’ve been used to even better advantage as one not in the “in” group. Not surprisingly, the baddies—Brett the jock with the hots for Kendra and Lucy, Kendra’s skanky best friend who schemes to get Brett for herself—had the best, most clearly defined roles and Tauzin & Simpson made the most of them. Newhouse as Archie, who’s not above using his disability to get what he wants, brought an endearing bitchiness to what could’ve been a saccharine sweet interpretation. That Le Petit teamed with NOCCA to showcase the future of New Orleans’ theater talent is a wonderful thing. I hope this partnership continues. But how about doing something a little more worthy of the performers’ talents next time? For starters, how about Elizabeth Swados’ Runaways? First done in 1978, it’s time for a new generation to bring this Tony-nominated musical to life.

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