Issuu

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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

Bunnies in The Big Easy Kicks Off Easter Weekend

aster weekend kicks off in New Orleans on Good Friday, April 2 when the 11th Gay Easter Parade presents the 1st annual Bunnies in The Big Easy: Putting The Good in Friday, under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Tom "Rona" Conners. The new event will be hosted at Bywater Patio Bar, 3162 Dauphine, from 7-10pm. Limited to only 100 advance tickets, there are only twenty tickets left. No tickets may be purchased at the door. Call 504.522.8049 ASAP to purchase tickets ($30 per ticket). The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends. Celebrate with Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse and join in the excitement. There will be a wonderful live auction with Easter baskets, artwork and a special Jeweled Egg donated by EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners along with sexy Big Easy Bunny Boys passing around eggs for special prizes. It includes a scrumptious buffet and limited open bar offering vodka cocktails, beer and wine. Hottie DJ Buckley will be spinning fierce dance tunes under the stars. A cash bar is available for other drinks. Once Bunnies in The Big Easy is over, don't forget that Dance Club of Official Portrait of Easter Grand Marshals the Year Oz presents its annual White XI Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse Party, this year featuring the talents of (Photo by Larry Graham, circuit great DJ Joe Gauthreaux. GrahamStudioOne.COM)

11th Gay Easter Parade Rolls through Streets of French Quarter Easter Sunday, April 4

he 11th annual Gay Easter Parade rolls through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 4. The afternoon kicks off with the Pre-Parade Party, Line-up & Buffet, 3pm, at Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St. The parade begins promptly at 4:30pm. The PostParade Party & Buffet begins at 6pm hosted by 700 Club, 700 Burgundy, the end of the parade. Presented by Ambush Mag, the parade passes by the majority of gay bars and clubs in the Quarter. Led by Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse, this year the parade features Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, The Third Line Brass Band, twenty-three carriages, wagons and trolleys, as well as ten cars and trucks. The colorful and elegant parade boast thousands of throws including bunnies, candy and beads. All parade participants must check in with Parade Line-up Chair Steve Patrick from 3-4pm inside the front door at Starlight By The Park to receive their line-up ticket which allows access to the parade. Due to the

Jazz Fest, Easter Highlights Issue out April 13 DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 6

inside

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Ga y East er Pa r ade GayEasterParade.COM

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com parade's insurance policy, no one who did not make the March 19 entry form deadline may join in the parade. Any vehicles or walking groups not registered will be removed from the parade. The parade begins at the corner of North Rampart and St. Ann Streets turns left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to Esplanade, right on Esplanade to Royal, right on Royal to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy ending at 700 Burgundy, corner of St. Peter. For additional information visit GayEasterParade.COM. Special thanks to all sponsors 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 XVI Gary Vandeventer & Lord Consort XVII Tim Lott, Miseal Rubio/Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Krewe of Amon-Ra; $250-Silver: King & Queen AmonRa 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, Celebrating Chuck & Bill's 39th Anniversary/Friends of The Purple Party; $100-Bronze: EGM X Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz & Al Dugas, Glenn O'Berry & Roger Copenhaver, Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, Saints & Sinners Literary Festival, Bruce Orgeron/Krewe of Armeinius, King Amon-Ra XIV Nick Olivares & Roy Smith, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac & King Amon-Ra XLIII Paul Davis, Lee Worrells, J.E. Bourgoyne & Jay Tyburski/Bourgoyne Guest House; and Venue/In-Kind: 4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy's, Bywater Patio Bar, Double Play, JohnPaul's, Starlight By The Park. [continued on 6]

THE OFFICIAL MAG Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 LESBIAN/POLITICAL ISSUES Toni J.P. Pizanie, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Benedict-Baton Rouge, LA Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, DJ Chromatic, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2010, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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the "official" dish ...from 4 The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade includes Electra City, Tom “Rona” Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, 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, EGMs VII Doc Reed and Opal Masters. EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom “Rona” Conners, EGMs IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, and EGMs X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell.

9th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza Raises $3,257 for Gay Easter Parade

he 9th annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Board's Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, raised $3,257 on March 19 at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. The 11th Gay Easter Parade benefits Food For Friends. The faux Faberge musical Tulip Egg donated from the private collection of EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners brought in $1,000 at auction from EGM X Chuck Turner. A pair of giant Easter Bunnies beautifully dressed also donated by Conners brought in $500 at auction from John

Vignone and Paul Chiriaco. The Grand Easter Basket auction worth over $1,000 in prizes raised $550 from Elizabeth Bouvier. It included an Ambush full page black and white ad worth $445; Oz VIP Pass with admittance throughout 2010 worth $200; Silver Demitasse Set of 6 donated by Tom "Rona" Conners; Fleur de Lis Pitcher & Saucer, and 4 hand painted Wine Glasses donated by Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain; bottle Bailey's Caramel Irish Cream & Parrot Bay Coconut Rum donated by 700 Club; bottle Grey Goose Pear Vodka, Patron Citronge, Patron XO Cafe Liqueur and Parma Pomegranite Liqueur donated by Cafe Lafitte's, Clover Grill, Good Friends & Rawhide; bottle of Freixenet Champagne & Tango de Mendoza Red Wine donated by Tom "Rona" Conners; bottle Bushmills Irish Whiskey & $30 Bar Tab donated by The Corner Pocket; $25 Bar Tab donated by Society Page, and $25 Bar Tab donated by Tubby's Golden Lantern. The door brought in $445, stage performance tips $532, a $200 donation by Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and a $30 donation by Darwin Reed and Opal Masters. Honoring Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse, the extravaganza was 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 included a rare performance by EGM I Marsha NaquinDelain, 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, EGM VI Lisa Beaumann, Queen Amon-Ra XLV Countess C. Alice, Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella, Bronze Sponsor Starr Daniels, and Bronze Sponsor Jay Cooper and Gizelle Bouvier.

7th Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Raises $2,200 for Gay Easter Parade, Food For Friends

he 8th annual Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Gala & Auction (500 Years of Drag Celebrating Tittie’s 50th Birthday) was hosted at 4 Seasons in Metairie on March 13. Under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Boards Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, the event raised $2,200 for the 11th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends Both EGM IV Electra City and EGM XI Tittie Toulouse starred in and emceed the festive evening. The musical Butterfly Egg donated from the private collection of EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners raised $400 at auction from EGM X Chuck Turner, while the plush Bunnies (also donated by Conners) raised $85 from John Vignone. Crystal Charbonnet had the top bid of $100 for the Wine Basket donated by Buffa's Restaurant & Bar won in raffle by Brad who put it up for auction to raise more money. The raffle raised $400 which included a Men's Gift Basket donated by Saks Fifth Avenue (value $350), 3 bottles of liquor donated by Toby Lefort,

2 bottles donated by Tittie Toulouse and Electra City, 2 bottles donated by Wood Enterprises, 2 bottles donated by JohnPaul's, and 2 bottles donated by Buffa's Restaurant & Bar. The Egg Raffles raised $315, stage performance tips $445 and door/VIP Table sales $455. Celebrities donating their time and talents for the cause included King and Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda and Countess C. Alice, Crystal Charbonnet, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella, Starr Daniels, Trixie Treats, Zsa Zsa D'LaHor, EGM VII Opal Masters. Gizelle Bou[continued on 6]

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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honors and is inspired by such greats as Matisse, Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Dali. Jay now enjoys a productive career as an artist in Houston, TX with frequent trips to what he is proud to call home....New Orleans.

Wicked Fundraiser for NO/ AIDS Task Force April 5

the "official" dish ...from 6 vier, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, and EGM V Princesse Stephaney.

8th Marigny Bunny Hop April 3

he 8th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, is set for 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 Mar-

shals (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 “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 - MeyerRouth Spirit Award (presented at Kajun’s Pub).

Jay Hendrix Opening Reception April 2

00 Club welcomes its April Artist of the Month Jay Hendrix with an opening reception on Friday, April 2, 6-9pm, 700 Burgundy Street in New Orleans. Hendrix was a proud resident of New Orleans for more than 15 years and very active in the GLBT community, especially in entertainment. AKA Goddess, Jay has been in the performing arts all his life and has just recently switched gears to the visual. Forever creative, his whimsical and co...lorful approach to his paintings both

n Monday, April 5, the Na tional Touring Company of WICKED will host “Our Wicked, Wicked Ways”, an evening of cabaret performances. Held at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, the event will feature cast and crew members of the company. The net proceeds of this event 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 Schwartz (Glinda), Richard H. Blake (Fiyero), Randy Danson (Madame Morrible), Tom Flynn (Dr. Dillamond), Justin Brill (Boq) and Merideth Kaye Clark (Elphaba Standby), as well as members of the ensemble and the touring staff. The evening will be cohosted by Bryan Batt and Richard Kline (The Wizard). In addition, there will be a silent auction of items including [continued on 9]

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. the "official" dish ...from 8 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 will be 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. OUR WICKED WICKED WAYS is part of an ongoing series of performances by the touring company throughout the country to support charitable causes which advance WICKED’s theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions. The company believes that in

these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world. In its 5 years on the road, the company has raised well over $1,000,000 in donations to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS and local AIDS Services organizations all over the country. NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to men women and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Southeast Louisiana for over 26 years. As one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations in the gulf south, the Task Force provides a continuum of care including an HIV Medical Clinic, food pantry and meal delivery services, housing, case management, medications, mental health and many other services. Additionally, the agency reaches over 20,000 individuals each year with life-saving HIV

prevention education messages through trainings, programs and outreach efforts. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/ EFA has raised over $150 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, and other serious illnesses. Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré is currently in its 94th season and is the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the nation. The historic

French Quarter building, located on iconic Jackson Square, is home to two stages and presents over 200 events per year, including a slate of classic and contemporary productions. The 94th Season marked a renaissance year for the organization, as season subscriptions doubled and attendance figures met a new record high. Le Petit Theatre is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Calendars of upcoming events and ticket information are available at www.LePetitTheatre.com.

Launching The ReUse District

ew Orleans – The Green Project, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Preservation Re-source Center, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, and St. Claude [continued on 10]

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the "official" dish ...from 9 Avenue Main Street have joined together to establish The ReUse District in the 7th Ward, Bywater, Marigny, St. Claude, and St. Roch neighborhoods. The ReUse District is a collaborative association composed of local reuse businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations who aim to collectively educate and encourage reuse among New Orleans residents. The ReUse District simultaneously was founded to promote individual businesses and organizations. Functioning much like an “arts district,” The ReUse District is the first of its kind in the nation. The ReUse District’s mission is to “increase the appreciation and accessibility of reused materials in the 7th Ward, Bywater, Marigny, St. Claude, and St. Roch neighborhoods of New Orleans.” By working together to promote reuse, The ReUse District and its participating businesses and organizations foster a new, environmentally responsible form of consumerism. While the District has an environmental mission to encourage all forms of reuse, especially since the city has no formal municipal recycling program, it also has an economic mission. The ReUse District hopes to help smaller businesses and organizations market themselves to the greater New Orleans community and to attract more reuse businesses and organizations to these five neighborhoods, especially to the 7th Ward, St. Claude, and St. Roch neighborhoods where the commercial sector is struggling. As a creative and environmentally responsible economic revitalization effort, The ReUse District hopes to become a voice for these smaller reuse businesses. The founding members of The ReUse District have canvassed reuse businesses and organizations since November, 2009 to encourage organizations to

join. The District has created a website (www.thereusedistrict.org), will create a referral service between the District’s members to help customers and clients, and is also planning upcoming events to promote creative reuse in New Orleans. The diversity of The ReUse District’s members represents the many types of reuse currently occurring in these five neighborhoods. As of March 16, 2010, The ReUse District is

composed of 18 members, and more organizations join the initiative every day. Members of the District include: Beth’s Books, Bourg Lumber, Dr. Bob Art, FAB-Faubourg Marigny Art Books, [continued on 12]

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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the "official" dish ...from 10 The Green Project, Jim O’Neil Cabinets, Plan B, Preservation Resource Center Salvage Store, Rebuild Source, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Rick Fifield, Architect, R.U.B.A.R.Bikes, Rusty Pelican Gallery, Sidearm Gallery, St. Claude Avenue Main Street, Tete’s Tire Repair Shop, Thrift Center, and Trouser House. The ReUse District continually invites organizations and businesses that hold reuse as central to their operations to join the District. Interested businesses and organizations should contact Beth Stelson, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at The Green P r o j e c t , communication@thegreenproject.org or 401.965.4362. More information about The ReUse District can be found at www.thereusedistrict.org.

French Quarter Fest Follows Easter April 9-11

ew Orleans – In a city known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, even festivals are known for serving world-class food. During the 27th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank (Friday, April 9 – Sunday, April 11) festival-goers will enjoy at the festival’s signature event, the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” In 2009, French Quarter Festival set a festival record with 90 food and beverage booths. The 2010 event will shatter that record by offering over 105 food and beverage booths from some of the city’s culinary elite. Over 105 food and beverage booths (list of concessionaires attached) located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint that make up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” feature authentic local cuisines from the area’s finest restaurants including such festival favorites as Jambalaya, Crawfish Bread, Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, Muffaletta, Crawfish Bisque, Hot Sausage Po-boys, Cajun Meat Pies, and more. Foodies will also enjoy Crawfish and Goat Cheese Crepes, Fish Tacos, White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding, and Praline Crème Brulee. In addition to all of the wonderful food items, the festival offers an array of deliciously cool beverages including Abita Beer, frozen Southern Comfort cocktails, Fetzer wines, Coca-Cola products, Hurricanes, Margaritas, a wide assortment daiquiris, and Community Coffee. Most menu items range in price from $3 – $7 to keep the festival not only fun, but affordable. In order to maintain the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, the Jazz Brunch Committee follows a specific a criteria for participating in the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch”. In order to qualify, vendors must be dine-in restaurants from New Orleans region.

French Quarter Festival is able to fea- In collaboration with BMI, French Quarture an array of the New Orleans’ culi- ter Festival will launch a brand new nary finest, including Anotine’s, stage at The Historic New Orleans Begue’s, Desire Oyster Bar, Ristorante Collection on Royal Street. Broadcast Carmelo, Trey Yuen Cuisine, and Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American perTujague’s who participated in the first- forming rights organization that repreever French Quarter Festival in 1984. sents more than 400,000 songwriters, Patrons can also enjoy an assortment composers and music publishers in all from participants such as Bywater genres of music and more than 6.5 Bar.B.Que, Royal House, Little Tokyo, million works. On Saturday and SunLakeview Harbor, House of Blues, day of the festival, the BMI Songwriter Pearl’s Catering, and Quintin’s Ice Stage will feature 12 of the region’s Cream. finest up-and-comers including: Luke Visit fqfi.org to see the complete Winslow-King, Amy Trail, Lynn Drury, food and beverage menu. The “World’s Micah McKee, Charlie Oxford, Dana Largest Jazz Brunch” is served daily Abbott, Ruby Rendrag, Karen Waldrup, from 11am – 7pm Friday through Sun- Kristin Diable, Jim McCormick, Andrew day in Jackson Square and at the Loui- Duhon, and John Michael Rouchell. siana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, Programming for BMI Songwriter stage and 11am- 9pm in Woldenberg will occur from 11am through 5pm on Riverfront Park on Friday and Satur- Saturday April 10 and Sunday April 11. day and Sunday from 11am – 7pm In order to make room for the BMI Sunday. Songwriter Stage, the popular ClassiWhat’s New at cal Music Stage the 2010 French must be relocated; Quarter Festival? which was held at 2010 may be the the THNOC in most exciting year 2009. Due to a for New Orleans in long-time relationrecent history. With ship, Le Petit Thethe success of the atre du Vieux Mardi Gras, Carré welcomed Lombardi Gras and the opportunity to our New Orleans host the Classical Saints, and Music Stage. The February’s Mayoral Classical Music Election, French Stage and Le Petit, Quarter Festival the oldest operatanticipates recording theatre in the breaking attencountry, will feadance numbers. ture performances Accordingly, 2010 by some of the ushers in an abunmost respected dance of new and performers from exciting things Photo courtesty French Quarter Festival the area including: scheduled for the 27th annual French Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees, GuitarQuarter Festival, beginning with the ist John Rankin, and the Crescent TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Festival!) Woodwind Quartet. Performances on Kick-off party on April 8, followed by the the Classical Music Stage at Le Petit Festival on April 9 – 11 in the historic will take place from 11am through French Quarter. 4:45pm on Saturday April 10 and SunIn order to keep French Quarter day April 11. Festival free and open to the public, the Catering to the technology-savvy organization relies heavily on the con- festival-goers, the 2010 French Quartributions of our sponsors and part- ter Festival will offer it’s first-ever iPhone ners, as well as beverage and mer- application. Made possible through a chandise sales. For 2010, the festival partnership with Applitite, iPhone usis thrilled to announce the largest single ers will have a personal French Quarsponsorship contribution in the history ter Festival Guide at their fingertips. of the festival, by Capital One, a long- Applitite, the leader in music festival time partner who will now become Pre- mobile application provider and also senting Sponsor for the 2010 French avid festival lovers, has created an Quarter Festival. “Events like the application that allows revelers to plan French Quarter Festival remind us all their agenda, get up-to-the-minute upof the deep cultural history of New dates about the event, and access the Orleans and, in particular, the French festival map and music schedule diQuarter,” said Steve Hemperley, rectly from iPhones and iPod touches. Greater New Orleans Market Presi- The application will be available for dent for Capital One Bank. “Capital download prior to French Quarter FesOne Bank is proud to be a part of the tival and can be downloaded through New Orleans community and to partici- the Apple’s iTunes Store. pate in this celebration of those things On the other hand, patrons yearnwhich make our city so special: world- ing for something more nostalgic can class music, architecture and food.” partake in the series of traditional dance With thrilling new partnerships lessons located at the French Market bring forth new programming for 2010. Traditional Jazz Stage, located at Gov-

ernor Nicholls and French Market Place. Between musical breaks, festival patrons are invited to learn traditional dances styles such as the Charleston, Swing, and Second-line, a favorite New Orleans past time. Instructors from Fleur de Lindy and dancingman504.com will be on hand demonstrating and educating visitors on these various dance styles on a state-of-the-art dance floor. Performers such as the Jazz Vipers, Sophie Lee, Rick Trolson & the New Orleans Po-Boys, and James Andrews will provide ‘music to swing to’ all weekend long on the Traditional Jazz Stage. Even though French Quarter Festival features over 150 local musical acts, there is still opportunity for increase the number of performers. This year, the famed Brass Band Stage will take on a new name and feature more performances than ever before. Performers on the Riverside Legacy Stage include: Rebirth Brass Band, the Soul Rebels, Storyville Stompers, and Treme Brass Band. In addition to traditional brass bands, the Riverside Legacy Stage will also feature acts such Glenn David Andrews, I’voire Spectacle, Kora Konnection, and Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias. French Quarter Festival celebrates the return of the ‘Louis-Louis’ Pavilion Stage on the riverfront, paying tribute to Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima with special performances dedicated to these famous native sons. WWOZ 90.7FM will be broadcasting live all weekend long from the ‘Louis-Louis’ Pavilion Stage all weekend long. FQF will also act as the maiden voyage of the WWOZ ‘Street-Wise’ mobile broadcasting unit, a broadcast device created from a hi-tech supermarket shopping cart, as they broadcast live from the street stages all weekend long. The ever-popular Children’s Headquarters was expanded and relocated to the Audubon Aquarium Plaza on the riverfront in 2009 and made possible through an exciting partnership with Audubon Institute. Anchoring the Children’s Headquarters will be The Kids’ Stage at the ferry landing. This year, the Children’s Headquarters will again focus on educating families about ‘healthy kids’ programs in a fun and interactive way. Once again, the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint’s will be home to the ‘Esplanade in the Shade’ stage, which will feature an exciting and eclectic mix of artists including ‘Best of the Beat’ award winners, The Honey Island Swamp Band, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Review, Sasha Masakowski and Musical Playground, Ingrid Lucia, Astral Project, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs and many more. Out-of-town festival goers are encouraged to book their travel accommodations now; as many area hotels have reported they have been enjoying strong reservations since December 2009. As always, there is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, especially during the weekend of French Quarter Festival – the largest free music festival in the South. April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and a month of beautiful weather.

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

AIDS Law of LA, Inc. Honors Ron Wilcox

r. Ronald D. Wilcox has been working for the good of the GLBT community for many years. We first met when we both served on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee. I haven’t seen Ron for a few years but he has been working in the AIDS community. He is receiving the 2010 Teri Estrada Memorial Award. Congratulations Ron … I just wanted you to know that there are lives you have touched that will always appreciate knowing you.

Health Care for Americans

returned home from a film screening to read on my popup news feed that House Democratic leaders have signed the Health Care Bill, and sent it to the President for his signature. That is very good news for the country. I am proud that the Democrat Party has finally taken more of a leadership position. Hopefully now we can get on to equally important issues like ending the Bush war.

Films

hloe — While the House of Representatives was doing good work for the country, I was once again cozy at the Elmwood AMC Theatre for an early morning screening of Chloe which opened the weekend of March 26th. Chloe stars Julianne Moore as the suspicious wife of a popular professor played by Liam Neeson who is slightly older than his lovely wife. Believing that her husband is cheating, the wife hires a prostitute played by the young and beautiful Amanda Seyfried to tempt him in the hope of learning if he will fail the marriage. But while trying to entrap him, she entraps herself and her only child, a son, and Chloe. We learn of the evil side of Chloe as the farce becomes clearer, and in a strange turn of events the film almost abruptly ends. The film has been described as an erotic thriller, and I agree. It is the work of director Atom Egoyan whose work is considered different. I enjoyed this film and recommend it for adults only. Greenberg — Much less likable is Greenberg which is OK but I won’t pay to see a grown mental patient making everyone that comes in contact with him miserable. Ben Stiller is Greenberg, a neurotic Californian who has moved to New York City where he gives up driving. After time in a mental hospital, he returns to California to house sit for his brother who has taken

his family to Vietnam for vacation. Independent film maker Noah Baumbach uses every opportunity to make this film as peculiar as possible. The brother’s assistant played by Greta Gerwig is a neurotic codependent who falls prey to Greenberg while driving him up and down the California coast. After ten minutes, I wanted to jump up screaming “you pain in the butt nut job, grow up, get a haircut, do something. Now I am the last person who should be yelling grow up but his childishness was painful to watch. This is another adults only film due to the explicit sex but nowhere near as good as Chloe. It is BACK and will open soon at the Deutsch House – The Worst Movies Film Series. Remember the good ole days when we’d sit for 12 hours on hard wooden chairs to see these films. Well, instead of 12 hours, it will now be a monthly event in a venue where food and drinks are available. I am waiting for a call with all the info on dates, time, etc. Be warned.

ACLU Honors Larry Bagneris

n another rainy, cold evening in March, Julie Thompson, Stewart Butler and I braved the weather to attend the ACLU of Louisiana’s 34th Annual Ben Smith Award Dinner honoring our friend Larry Bagneris. The event was held at the beautiful and intimate Le Pavillion Hotel. Ben Smith was a New Orleans, Caucasian, civil rights attorney who was dedicated to the struggle for democratic rights in the 1950s through 1970s. He was jailed for sedition for advocating integration in Louisiana on October 4, 1963. He was active in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam war movements. Smith was a man of courage and commitment who died in 1976 at the age of 49 years old. Smith was the founder of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana. He was a defender of fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. At personal sacrifice, he was the advocate for movements of social change and justice. The award named for Benjamin E. Smith is given to a person who has made extraordinary contributions to the continuing struggle for liberty and justice for all. Many in the Gay community have had the opportunity to work with Larry on dozens of projects in the Gay com[continued on 18]

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rpa ed stick par azzi

Richard & Guy

Richard, George’s new bartender

Ty with a real beauty

Dancing the night away

Another happy threesome

Philip & a friend

Happy couple @ George’s

Out for a night on the town

Trio of handsome studs All smiles & ready to party Time to party @ George’s

Beautiful Ben & a friend Trio of beauties The gangs all here Nicole Foxx

Gorgeous Richard with sexy Ty

Those DIVAS again

Johnny & a friend

Richard & Mark

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Studs, Beauties, Threesomes ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

The bar baron & the DIVA

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

Wishy-Washy

his weather is driving me crazy with worry about my tropicals. First the spring temps arrive, and then another cold blast comes in. I do hope this is the last blast of winter. I am so over this. Give me a tropical setting, and since I don’t live on an island, I’ve created one in my hidden garden behind my home. It’s just about time to stop this going back and forth. I usually don’t complain about the weather, but this is just too much. I do miss those days when I was in partnership in a guesthouse in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was so nice to live by the beach or in my case, visit the beach on trips to check on things. That was back when I had that daily job of necessity, but I hopped down to my home-away-fromhome every chance I could get. It helps to have frequent flyer miles, but even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t let a thing like that stand in my way. When I wasn’t out on the beach near that nice daiquiri stand, I was drinking in one of the local bars. Then it was back to the guest house – which, by the way, was called Wind Chimes – and lounge around in the patio awaiting a nice evening meal either there or at a local restaurant. The food in San Juan is absolutely great, and it

didn’t take me long to recognize the best ones, and I frequented them a lot. I also found that I could get in my rental car and go anywhere on the island, but I think the rain forest was my favorite spot with that little community on the opposite side of the island called La Parguera coming in second. I found the boat rides at night were fascinating. La Parguera is a small fishing village in the town of Lajas, located on the southwest coast of the island. This is one of four areas in Puerto that has a very unique and remarkable night time phenomenon, a phosphorescent bay. The bioluminescent bay is actually made up of two bays, Bahia Monsio Jose and Bahia la Parguera. When the still waters are disturbed, it glows with millions of microscopic organisms known as dinoflagellates which sparkle and create a spectacular light show. This phenomenon occurs only in tropical areas, typically in mangrove-protected bays such as the one found at La Parguera. Puerto Rico is the only place on the planet that has three sites where you can depend on this phenomenon to occur every night, and La Parguera is one of them. It is best viewed on a moonless night. Even to put your hand in the water would find you with glowing hands until you wiped them clean.

I tried this and realized at the time that my biology professor in college would have been so proud of me for visiting this area. I had a friend who lived in Ponce, so it was always nice to get over to that side of the island. One funny thing about this friend that I have to tell you was to see him on his first visit to Mardi Gras. Oh, my goodness! He let it all hang out for everyone to see, and the beads literally covered him. That’s what happens when endowments reach such mammoth proportions. I love friends who are willing to share their beautiful bodies, don’t you? Climbing the tower at the top of the mountain east of San Juan puts you in the clouds thus creating the Rain Forest. There was a constant mist as the lowest clouds have to rise to get over to the opposite side. In the moments when a cloud has passed over, the sun is bright and beautiful, and you can see the beach in the distance. I’m not sure how many miles were involved, but that beach was another favorite spot. It was noted for its gay section, but what was even nicer was the shower and changing areas. On one occasion when I was washing away the sand after playing and laying on the beach, a trio of individuals came in. It is unusual to see a father, son, and grandson so open with their bodies, but it is good to know that some societies aren’t bashful when it comes to the beauty of the human body regardless of age. I know one of the partners in the guest house was definitely not shy. He hated to wear clothes, but with guests coming and going constantly, he had to do the beach scene to go au naturale. One thing that I recall vividly from my

visits here was the entourage of guests who came on the scene, and one couple (maybe more) booked the room above me. They didn’t close the windows because air conditioning was not needed with the sea breezes coming through, so I got the sounds of love until the wee hours of the morning. I had to follow through and ask who the guests were. They were members of the band Menudo. I’ve often wondered if it might not have been Ricky up there above my bed enjoying the pleasures of the night. Maybe he would have been too young at the time, but it is so erotic just thinking about it. It is time to get back to the islands. I missed the travels last year settling only for San Francisco and another trip to Arizona. It was my ninth or tenth trip to the City by the Bay, but Arizona bird watching and visiting Tombstone, Bisbee, and other historic sites really made this one interesting. The food was also great here at those isolated Mexican restaurants, but not as good as the crab cakes on Market Street, near the Castro.

Protest Time

id anyone besides my BCBoy enter the protest group on Thursday (March 19 th) in Prairieville? It was to counteract the protest planned by the Westboro Baptist Church on Thursday the 19th in Prairieville. As you probably know, Westboro Baptist Church (W.B.C) is Fred Phelps, Primitive Baptist Calvinist Independent Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. That has been labeled a cult for its dogma on hate to[continued on 18]

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hot tails of red stick ...from 17 wards the GLBT, Jews, Catholic, United States and any other person or group that does not summit to its dogma. The W.B.C. also protests the funerals of returning dead soldiers from the Middle East. Prairieville High School Student Theater Group performed, The Laramie Project on March 19, 2010, and the W.B.C. promoted protesting via www.Godhatesfags.com. The Laramie Project is a grassroots play about Matthew Sheppard and teaches about prejudice and tolerance in personal, social and health education to combat homophobia. W.B.C. used their website to rally people to its cause by protesting the play and the school for housing and teaching children from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Their teaching states that Hurricane Katrina was God’s divine might to wash away the sin of Louisiana because New Orleans is a den of perverts. BCBoy is as quiet and refined as anyone I’ve every met, but he felt moved to stand up against this group. He isn’t normally a protester, but he feels strongly against the teaching of this group, and he wanted to make sure his voice was heard. He and others like myself believe that the W.B.C. is wrong for what they do. W.B.C. dogma is that the two young men that killed Matthew Sheppard did not kill Matthew because he was gay but because he refused to pay money for drugs. The W.B.C. promotes drug use, and that is from their webpage. They state that hurting and killing GLBT youth is okay because they are not God’s children. Because they were essentially no-shows, there is no entry on the webpage about the protest in Prairieville. Other than a sheriff’s deputy to control traffic, only about five counter protesters showed. I was also told by another source that one member of the church showed, but no protest happened. There were no signs or disruptions, and the play went on as scheduled. Another source tells me that the play was a success and well received by the community. I love my BCBoy.

Ken

had a long talk with my favorite nurseryman Ken last week when I stopped in for some spring shopping needs. He was more cheerful than I’ve ever seen him, and then I learned that he was single after over twenty years of being in a relationship. If the breakup is the reason for this new happy personality, then I’d say a good thing has just taken place. Ken and I actually became acquainted when we both were involved in the Krewe of Apollo. In fact, both of us have reigned as royalty, and although I’m no longer a member of the group, I keep up with their activities and am always willing to promote their activities. There just comes a time in your life when you have to give up some of your activities, and that was my reason for dropping out. Ken is still a member as far as I know. I think of him a lot especially when I’m in my dining room. He gave me this beautiful centerpiece with the column and magnolia blossoms as a souvenir of the year when he was king. I’ve always liked it and recall the beauty of his costume that night so vividly. It was as if he strolled from a garden and brought this great cascade of flowers with him as his backpiece. He really did a great job in his reign as king too. He worked hard to get to that level of acceptance, and he came forth as one of the best in the history of the club. I’ve been to his home many times, and his gardens reflect his love of the outdoors. Located in a quiet neighborhood, he is an asset to the area. I hope this breakup will not cause any disruption in this lovely place. This is just one individual who deserves the very best, and I am so pleased to have him as a friend. Whatever the future holds for him, I believe he will pull through with honor and dignity. He is just one of those exceptionally great individuals.

Tidbits

ran into Andy at his new job last week. I thought at first that he was doing double duty at the restaurant and at George’s. However, I learned that he was no longer bartending, but he really seemed to fit in well in his new surroundings. This is another guy who is really nice, and I wish him well in his new job and all his future plans. Sam is planning a special birthday gathering for a friend, but I’ll have to tell you more about this later. I’m not sure I can attend

yet, but I will try. Poor Sam had a very bad food reaction a couple of weeks ago, and his face was swollen a lot. His doctor wasn’t sure if it was strawberries or too much tomato sauce on the food he had eaten the day before it all happened. Whatever it was remains a mystery, but the meds have helped. I think Luther has been a little under the weather lately too. We are planning another dinner date so I’ll be able to catch up on his activities and the latest of what is going on in gay Baton Rouge. We usually go to D’Angelo’s on Jefferson Highway over in Bocage. Anthony and I are also planning a visit to Fleur de Lis for pizza, the best you will find anywhere in the capital city. I love to go here around three in the

sappho psalm ...from 14 munity. Some of us have had the privilege of working on Larry’s political campaigns. Yet there are always new facts about his dedication and sacrifice to be learned. Today Larry is the Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission for the City of New Orleans but his tireless work for civil rights and against discrimination started when he was 16 years old and a student at St. Augustine High School when he took part in sit-ins and picket lines against racial segregations. Also while at St. Augustine, he was President of the Negro Betterment Council and was the first Black to be elected as Vice-Chair of the Young Democrats of New Orleans. Larry served on the Board of the first and second March on Washington, DC for Lesbian and Gay Rights, was a two term President of the Gay Political Caucus of Houston and Chairperson of Gay Pride Week. Larry was the first openly gay person elected as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1980 and was a lobbyist for NO/AIDS Task Force. He is founder of the Christmas Toy and Joy Giving Program which for twelve years has bought clothing, toys and school supplies to children in the W. B. Cooper and St. Thomas Housing Developments. He was contacted by faculty at Harvard University after Hurricane Katrina and has since contributed to seminars on behalf of the citizens of New Orleans. The ACLU presented Larry the award in recognition of his lifelong work advancing civil liberties in Louisiana. It was a joy to be with him on this occasion and spend time with his sister, Jo Ann, nephew, Juan LaFonta, brother, Vernell, and other family members. We were invited to an after party at JohnPaul’s. This event was widely supported by the Gay Community through PFLAG, The Forum for Equality and HRC. Keynote speaker was Clancy Dubos, journalist, The Gambit Weekly.

afternoon when the lunch crowd is gone, and the evening crowd hasn’t arrived yet. It will be nice to sit down and have a nice afternoon meal and chat about our work. I hope you will all have a great Easter this year. If you get the chance, be sure to check out the Gay Easter Parade in our historic New Orleans. It is always nice to see friends at this event. Maybe I will see you there. Cheers!

Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus

aturday, April 17th is the date of the 2010 Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus fundraiser, and you are invited 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 9:30pm, 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 the 4th event, and in the past three years Bon Appétit has contributed over $73,000 to the care and treatment of residents. The goal for 2010 is 30 parties in support of the men and women who reside at Lazarus. 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.

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Hunter & Kelsie

Shannon & Rikki Gee

Dominique DeLorean

DJ P

Dan & Lucinda Silvers

Kayla & Kellie

Now that’s advertising

alexandria

papar azzi Jayme in the house!!

Jonette & Josh

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Hot in Central Louisiana @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria

Miss Gia & Marsheya

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

ueen Amon-Ra XLV Countess C. Alice presents newly crowned Playboy Bunny Rejects winner Bootsie DeVille representing the Krewe of Petronius, 1st runnerup Anita Humman representing the Lords of Leather, along with King Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda. The hilarious pageant was staged by the Krewe of Amon-Ra at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM for additional information on the krewe.

he 8th annual Spring Fever Star-Studded Show & Auction, under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Board’s Electra City and Tittie Toulouse raised $2,200 for the 11th Gay Easter Parade which benefits Food For Friends at 4 Seasons in Metairie. Some of the communities best known divas volunteered their time and talent to make this event a success. For more information visit GayEasterParade.COM. Photo: (back) King Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda, Crystal Charbonnet, Queen Amon-Ra XLV Countess C. Alice, EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGMs XI Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella, Starr Daniels, Trixie Treats, Zsa Zsa D’LaHor, EGM VII Opal Masters; (front) EGM IV Electra City, Gizelle Bouvier, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, EGM V Princesse Stephaney.

udley LeBlanc, Mac McAll and Jimmy Kilgour celebrate Cutter’s 5th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans. The popular pub was packed for the affair complete with a fab buffet with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolling right there at the corner of Franklin and Royal Streets. For more on the club visit CuttersBar.BIZ.

orner Pocket’s Michael Elias is joined by Quartermaster: The Nelli Deli’s Miseal Rubio for the benefit hosted to help with the medical expenses of Southern Decadence Grand Marshal I Frederick Wright at The Corner Pocket in New Orleans. The event raised over $3,000 with the whole community coming together for Frederick. A special debt of gratitude to Corner Pocket staffers Franko Butirro, Gerry Brewer and Josh Littlejohn whose hard work and special efforts made the event such a success. Visit CornerPocket.NET for more information on the club.

he 9th annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction brought in $3,257 for 11th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The evening’s festivities included live auctions and a fab show with some of the South’s finest entertainers. (Photo: (back) EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, Queen Amon-Ra XLV Countess C. Alice, EGM IV Electra City, Co-MC & Miss Gay America ’06 Nicole Du'Bois, Jay Cooper, Gizelle Bouvier, Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier, EGM X Marcy Marcell, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella; (center) Co-MC & EGM VII Opal Masters, Starr Daniels, EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain; (seated) EGMs XI Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse; (front) Co-MC & EGM X Tony Leggio, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac & KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy.

Jazz Fest Ambush out April 1 3

Deadline: Tuesday, April 6

he 16th annual Trailer Park Beauty Pageant culminated with the presentation of the winners at Good Friends Bar in New Orleans. Second runnerup was Paula Jean Boudreaux, new Queen Tutu Sugar Ray and first runnerup Tammy Chalmette. You can get more on the club at GoodFriendsBar.COM.

rian Sands, Ambush Co-The ater Editor, presents Sally Perry, Executive Director of the NOCCA Institute, with checks totalling $1,000 that was raised at the 7th annual Ambie Awards in February. Since 2006, the Ambies have donated over $5,500 to NOCCA’s Theater Department to help purchase supplies and support financial aid for students.

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Bronze Sponsor Gizelle Bouvier & Jay Cooper

Hoyle & Donnie cocktailing @ The Double Play

Easter Grand Marshals XI Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse

MCs EGM VII Opal Masters, EGM X Tony Leggio & Miss Gay America ’06 Nicole Du'Bois

Parade Lineup Chair Steve Patrick & Platinum Sponsor Elizabeth Bouvier/FourPlay

EGM X Tony Leggio & Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella Boy Next Door Contest Winner with MC Blanche Debris @ Oz

EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain & MC Nicole Du'Bois

Bar Hopping ~ New Orleans

9th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction raises $3,257 for 11th Gay Easter Parade @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans

Bronze Sponsor Al Dugas & Dwain Hertz with EGM X Marcy Marcell & friends

KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac & EGM VI Lisa Beaumann

King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters

DJ Bull Mondays & Tuesdays @ Oz

EGM XI Tittie Toulouse & EGM IV Electra City Silver Sponsor King & Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda & Countess C. Alice

Miss Gay America ’06 Nicole Du'Bois

700 Club’s Mike "Cookie" Cookmeyer celebrates his birthday with Mom & friends

snap paparazzi

Bronze Sponsor Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt

KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy & EGM V Princesse Stephaney

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac as Lady GaGa

Catch bartender Cody @ 700 Club

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Trixie Treats Crystal Charbonnet

Tom Conners & Bartender of the Year Jeff Palmquist

snap paparazzi

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac 4 Seasons’ Chuck Turner (EGM XI) & partner Bill Miller

Bronze Sponsor Starr Daniels

King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters

Silver Sponsor King & Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda & Countess C. Alice

Boo & Booky cooling off

EGM XI Tittie Toulouse

Lafitte’s bartender Paul & Wood Enterprises GM Ken doing Karaoke

KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, EGM IX Orlando Aloe & Lord King XVI Gary Vandeventer EGM V Princesse Stephaney Bartenders Corey & Joey

Bartenders Toby & Matt

Zsa Zsa D’LaHor

Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella

MCs Electra City & Tittie Toulouse flank Chuck Turner

JohnPaul’s John & Paul molesting newly crowned Miss Trailer Park Tutu Sugar Ridge

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Flash Shots @ Lafitte’s ~ New Orleans

8th Spring Fever Star-Studded Show & Auction raises $2,200 for 11th Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ 4 Seasons ~ Metairie, Louisiana

EGMs X Tony Leggio, IX Safonda Peters, IV Electra City, V Princesse Stephaney, XI Tittie Toulouse & Chuck Turner, VII Opal Masters, IX Orlando Aloe, I Marsha Naquin-Delain

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26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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

New Star Shining Bright

here is a brand new shining star at Starlight by the Park. You may know her as a drag queen, or as an actress, or even as a balloon artist, but now bar wench has been added to this colorful character’s resume. Princesse Stephaney has started slinging cocktails at Starlight By the Park on Wednesdays from 1-7pm. I was honored to be one of her patrons on her first day at the job and I have to say, she did good. Although, I might give a word of advice. If you order a drink and you do not know what is in it, then it is your own fault what you get. I am always surprised about how many people order cocktails and have no idea what is in them. I mean really, if you are going to order a Fuzzy Navel or a Manhattan, then you better know what the ingredients are in it. If not then it is open for interpretation, so know that you have been warned. But all joking aside, go and check out the Princesse on Wednesdays as she dishes out her special brand of humor and cocktails. Starlight is located at 834 North Rampart.

When Pigs Fly

his is one of my favorite sayings and it seems that it is actually a theatrical production. Who knew? Howard Crabtree’s off Broadway hit When Pigs Fly is coming to New Orleans and the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting their opening night. On Thursday, April 1 at 8pm, Satyricon will host the opening night of this hilarious review containing some of the most outrageous skits on stage. During its run, this side splitting musical received two Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical Revue and two Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Off Broadway Musical. This local productions is staged by Theatre 13. Le Chat Noir is located at 715 St. Charles Avenue. For tickets, call 504.525.4498 or visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM.

Counting Down to Easter

aster is right around the corner and there is only one event left before the big day. Bunnies in the Big Easy: Putting the Good in Friday is set for Friday, April 2 from 7-10pm at Bywater Patio Bar located behind Bywater Bar.B.Que at 3162 Dauphine Street. There are only 20 tickets left to this 1st annual fundraiser that promises to be one of the hottest tickets for the season. This inaugural

event for the Gay Easter Parade will be hosted by fellow GEP board members Tom Conners and Tony Leggio. Take a look at Bywater’s newly renovated bar and patio as you partake in some fabulous cocktails and delectable food. There will be a wonderful live auction with Easter baskets, artwork and a special Jeweled Egg. Also, we will have the sexy Big Easy Bunny Boys passing around eggs for special prizes. We will have a limited open bar offering vodka cocktails, beer and wine. Hottie DJ Buckley will be spinning fierce dance tunes under the stars. Keep in mind, this is a special intimate event so we are only selling 100 tickets to it and we only a few left. Tickets for this event are $30 with all proceeds going to Food For Friends. Remember there will be no tickets sold at the door so buy your tickets now by calling 504.522.8049. The last two events held for the GEP were huge successes. The first was the 8th annual Spring Fever: Star Studded Show and Live Auction. It was 500 years of drag celebrating Easter Grand Marshal XI Tittie Toulouse’s birthday raising $2,200. What an absolutely enjoyable night. I hawked raffles tickets as they gave away some great prizes like $500 worth of liquor, gym memberships, wine and a Saks gift basket. Co-Easter Grand Marshal XI Chuck Turner rolled out the red carpet for us and the event was truly an experience. Tittie Toulouse and EGM IV Electra City emceed the evening which included Princesse Stephaney, Starr Daniels, King and Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda and Countess C. Alice, Zsa Zsa D’LaHor, KCQ XVII Opal Masters, Barbara Ella, EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGM X Marcy Marcell and many more. The 9th annual Star Studded Drag Extravaganza and Live Auction was another smash success. This event was held at JohnPaul’s and hosted by none other than Opal Masters, Nicole DuBois and myself raising $3,257. And fellow GEP Board members Rip and Marsha should be congratulated for putting together a fabulous line-up of exuberant entertainers giving it their all for Food For Friends. The line up there included EGM V Princesses Stephaney, EGM XI Tittie Toulouse, EGM IV Electra City, Miss Gay America '06 Nicole DuBois, EGM VII Opal Masters, KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy, EGM X Marcy Marcell, EGM VI Lisa Beaumann, and EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain to name a few. I even got into the act doing a show stopping (or vomit inducing, how-

ever you look at it) Grease number with Barbara Ella. She definitely gives Ms. Olivia Newton John a run for her money. Thank you for all those who have attended these events and we hope to see at Bunnies in the Big Easy.

POS Idol

ecently, the People of Substance Carnival Krewe hosted their POS Idol fundraiser at JohnPaul’s on Sunday, March 14. I had never attended a POS event before and I have to admit, I had a blast. There was some great talent in attendance that night. My favorite entertainer was the winner of the contest Legacy Lopez. I do not know where this young lady came from, but she is one powerhouse performer. Her rendition of “I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls brought the house down and earned her the win for the evening. There was some other very cool performers like Skyy Innocence and everyone’s favorite diva Raven Kennedy. Another fabulous performer, Monica Sin Clair was also on hand. Being this was my initial POS event, I did not know what to expect. But after the great time I had, you can be assured I will be going to more. Other upcoming events for April include their Jazz Brunch and Fashion Show on April 11 at 2pm and their Biloxi Casino Bus Ride on April 24. For more information on these events and many more, call 504.258.1658 or go to www.posnola.com.

My St. Patrick’s Day Adventure

y St. Patrick’s Day started out basically innocent. Oh, who the hell am I kidding, if you know me, nothing I do ever starts out innocently? Please, naivete is not one of my major selling points. I had a very productive day at work which amazed me since I went out the night before and partied a little harder than expected. But I came home after work, walked my wonderful puppies and got a call from Miss Opal Masters and Darwin who said they were at Cutter’s with Rip and Marsha. So I did a quick change, put on a fun St. Patrick’s Day short sleeve shirt, grabbed a green boa and out the door I traipsed. I arrived at a fun scene at Cutter’s who pulled out all the stops for this festive holiday since they were celebrating their 5th anniversary. They had green beer, sausages and cabbage. The crowd was lively and ready to see a parade. I met up with the gang and downed some green beer, grabbed a sausage and was ready to get this party started. The parade this year did not disappoint. Hot drunk guys ready to kiss anything, so I reapplied my mojito lip balm and jumped in head first. I ended up with over two dozen of those cheap

silk flowers and five phone numbers. Not bad for an Irish Parade in the Marigny. So after the parade, my friend Laura joined me back in Cutter’s to hear this great band called Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. Congratulations to Cutter’s on their fifth anniversary, as well as hosting this band that brought a new vibe to the neighborhood and beautifully integrated the crowd. After the parade, I was in a very “festive” mood, so I maneuvered my way over to JohnPaul’s for one more cocktail. Well, everyone was in the Irish spirit so I had a few libations before venturing into the Quarter. Irish eyes were smiling that day and I met this wonderful young man named Christian, who was cute and blond and ready to hop on Tony’s impromptu Irish adventure. So, into the Quarter we trekked. We made our way to Oz for the Wednesday Drag Show. As always, Persana puts on a great show with fun and vitality. She had some great performers that night such as Coca, Elizabeth Bouvier and Barbara Ella. The show was incredible as always and after it was over I danced Persana Shoulders the night away with Christian. Who, by the way, was six feet with rock hard abs. Not that I was noticing or anything. But like Cinderella, the clock struck midnight and my carriage was going to turn into a pumpkin and my fairy godmother gently said I should go. Actually, it was more Barbara Ella slapping me on the back of my head telling me she was going to leave my ass. Anyway, I left Christian with my glass slipper and departed into the night. But now that I think of it, I believe it was actually a high heel pump that Barbara Ella chunked at him. At least she didn’t loose her wig on this one. It is my fantasy world, just go with it. So the adventure did not end there. Miss Elizabeth Bouvier was now in tow so the three of us merrily strolled to Good Friends for a quick nightcap. Then we decided we were hungry so we went to the 700 Club for a late night snack. I have never eaten there before and the food was great. It is the perfect bar food. I had some cheesy potato puff things that I really can’t describe, but they were greasy and good. After we ate, it was time for this little leprechaun to find his bed. So Barbara dropped me off at my house and I crashed. A great night was had by me, for the parts I can remember. [continued on 32]

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acadiana

papar azzi

Chris & Scott @ Rick’s after-party Mitch & friends @ Sound Factory Too cute for words!

John enjoying himself @ Sound Factory Party girls @ Jules International DJ Alyson Calagna spinning it up at Jules Downtown

John & Rick cutting up @ Sound Factory

DJ Alyson Calagna & her groupies @ Jules

Girls partying it up at Jules Kris & Kira working the door @ Sound Factory Sound Factory’s own Chris & Kristin cutting up

Rick & Jeremy working the door @ Jules Mitch & Shekee enjoying themselves @ Mitch’s birthday party

What a lovely pair

Hunter & DJ Kyle D in the VIP area @ Jules

Amy & Jesse, too much for words

DJ Point & Click!

Prom time @ Sound Factory

Alright, girls!

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Party Central ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

What?!?! Kristin wore a dress?!?!

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

pring is here Acadiana and that can only mean one thing…Festival International de Louisiane! You’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl, and here’s the spill…

World-known Festival Visits Downtown

side from Mardi Gras, Acadiana’s most talked about event is Festival International de Louisiane. This event, which is known worldwide, will begin on Wednesday, April 21st and end on Sunday, April 25th. Several live music stages will populate the downtown area and bring in sounds from all over the world. Need more to celebrate? If you’re into shopping then you’re in luck. Festival International also provides several booths filled with vendors from all over the world. Pick up handmade arts and crafts, paintings, clothing, and many other things that you never knew you wanted. While downtown during Festival, do not forget to visit your local art galleries which are scattered about the area. Acadiana Center for the Arts should be open by this time so pass by and take note of their new look. That particular Saturday should have the monthly Art Walk in full swing as well. If you’ve ever attended Art Walk, which usually happens on the first Saturday of every month, then you know that many of these galleries supply free wine and hors d’oeuvres. Best of all, both Jules and Sound Factory will be extending their hours and will be open through the entire festival. Make sure you check in and find out their drink specials for the day or night. Remember that the best experience of Festival International is that unlike its counterpart, Jazz Fest, Festival International is free. For more information you may visit www.festivalinternational.com or for you trendy iPhone users you may download the Festival International app. The app is filled with art work from past years, daily events, and news. It’s the best way to know what’s going on minute to minute.

Spring Time in Acadiana

pring also welcomes in a plethora of events in the downtown area. Always remember that if you don’t do anything all day, at least do lunch and make it fabulous. The perfect day for a fabulous lunch is on Fridays in Parc sans Souci which is located on Vermillion St. between Don’s Downtown and the parking garage. Bach Lunch is the name of the event and this free musical event runs every Friday from 12pm to 1pm. Box lunches are available for purchase for $6. Each Friday different local restaurants cater to the event. On April 2nd Coyote Blues, iMonelli, and Tsunami will be catering the lunch with live music provided by The Howdies. On April 9th Chik-fil-A, Creole Lunch House, and O’Charley’s Restaurant will be provid-

ing food while Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole perform. Can’t make the lunch? Well then you’re in luck! Every Friday night during Spring Downtown Alive! kicks off the weekend. Just remember that on April 2nd, Good Friday, there will be no Downtown Alive. This event does return in full swing on Friday, April 9th with performances by Funk/ Horns. Please note that on this particular date the venue will be Parc International, not Parc sans Souci. Please note that on Friday afternoons Sound Factory does open up at 4pm. Jules Downtown will open up early at 6pm during every Downtown Alive! event. Remember that any information on events downtown or any other events and festivals in the area can be found at www.travellafayette.com.

one night while Ryan Rogers and I were finishing off our second bottle of wine and were looking for something new and shocking to watch. We were floored by William Shatner’s ability to break through the walls of some of our favorite celebrities by engaging in a very intimate conversation. No, this is not your typical talk show with a band on one end of the stage and a studio audience sitting opposite of a distinctive desk with a microphone on it. You won’t find your favorite celebrity sitting there talking about his or her newest album or movie. What you will find is Shatner sitting face to face in a cozy room using interview methods of a personal shrink. His goal is to reach each celebrity’s rawest nerve, to break down the persona that we know of and to learn who this celebrity really is. From Whoopi Goldberg’s admission to her love for marijuana, Judge Judy’s childhood stories, Jenna Jameson’s career decision to do porn, Gene Simmon’s Jewish childhood growing up in Eastern Europe, to Penthouse publisher Larry Flynt describing what it was like to grow up a poor hillbilly; you’re bound to see a side of someone that you never thought existed.

Raw Nerve

efore signing off I would like to take the time to share with you a late night show that I recently found. Shatner’s Raw Nerve was found

Reaching Out

f you know of any event in the Acadiana area that you feel should be covered in Ambush be it via photographs or a written story in Acadiana Happens, feel free to email me at ejcollins583@gmail.com. Whether it is an impeccable dinner party, a casual mixer, or a large community event, I’m always open to new ideas, experiences, or even write about an experience you have recently enjoyed. When Acadiana happens, it is always a memorable experience. Remember, you heard it here first. You’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl, now go out and be fabulous!

the pink pastor

March Madness at the Bars oth bars are ready to turn up the heat and welcome in Spring and Summer. I hope you’re ready Acadiana, if not then plan on being left out in the cold. Sound Factory will be featuring Monday night Power Hour shot specials. Every Monday night for one hour you have an opportunity to take 60 shots per hour, which will be changed as at the tune of a separate song played at each minute. Please check with your favorite Sound Factory bartender for more details. On April 4th Sound Factory will have Grandma Porky and Tori Taylor returning to perform in one of their infamous drag shows. On April 10th guest DJ Jayskee will rock the house. Don’t forget that Saturdays mean $1 night at Sound Factory. As always, Sound Factory plans to continue its tradition of Drink and Drown on Thursday nights. Many thanks to Chris Perkins and Mitch Tate along with their hard working bar staff for pulling off the many events that have taken place over the past few months. Remember that Jules Downtown will be opening up early during Downtown Alive. As usual, every Thursday night is karaoke where singing your favorite song can win you either cash or a free bar tab. On April 2nd and 3rd Jules owners Darren Parker and Wendy Wallace plan to bring back the Red Cup Special. This is not to be confused with the Red Light Special, as many of you are most accustomed to. This special allows you to buy a well drink at regular price and then receive a discounted refill. Make sure you hold onto your red cup. See your favorite Jules bartender for more details. The best kept secret of Jules Downtown is bottle service. You and your friends can paint the town red one night by renting the VIP and enjoy the services of your own bartender. Check with either Wallace or Parker for more details.

Other upcoming guests are Jimmy Kimmel, Drew Carey, and several other well-known personalities. I must admit that to get the full ambiance of the show you must watch it in a lowlit room, late at night with your bestie, and surrounded by your favorite poison, regardless of what that poison may be. Just to catch onto Shatner, watch his eyes and you tell me if they could be any more blood shot. Nonetheless, you’re in for a real treat. Shatner’s Raw Nerve plays on the Biography network channels. The scheduled time varies yet you can check your local listings and set your DVR for the next show. For more information you may visit www.biography.com/ shatner.

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

What does Easter REALLY mean?

irst let me come clean. One of the reasons I left the Church of England was because I am VERY suspicious of doctrine. I think that it is the religious equivalent of theory, yet in religious circles it is often put forward as unalienable fact that must be believed or ‘you don’t belong’. By Doctrine I mean the codified (sometimes contradictory) tenets of the various branches of Christianity. There is much in Christianity that is mysterious, and much that does not need pseudo scientific definitions. Doctrine is too often used as a filter to exclude the disobedient or the independent minded; indeed I have often heard otherwise sane clergy putting forward extremely tenuous doctrines and dogmas as if they are telling me the world is round and the Earth goes around the sun. Such things are not black and white fact, they are the realms of spiritual [continued on 32]

out & about in mobile Mobile Pride Festival Sponsorships and Parade

obile Alabama Pride is gearing up for the 2010 Pride Festival and Parade in downtown Mobile, AL!! This year the Festival will encompass a week’s worth of events at a variety of venues. The Festival will be held in Bienville Square April 24 and 25 and the parade will be April 24 at 2:30pm going through the streets of Downtown Mobile. In order to pay the costs that are incurred each year to put on this event and pay for the parade help is needed from Sponsors. Below is a listing of the Sponsorship levels and their benefits: $250 You get your business logo on web-site and in ads. $500 You get the above plus Free Parade entry.

$750 You get the above plus 2 Passes to the VIP kick-off Party. $1,000 You get the above plus $100 off your ad in the Pride Directory. To get forms for sponsorship, being a vendor in the park, having a parade entry go to http:// mobilealabamapride.com/ pridefest.htm and scroll down the left side of the page and find your form, open it, print it and send back to: Mobile Alabama Pride PO Box 227 Mobile, AL 36601 Please consider supporting this ever-growing event that brings awareness to the GLBT community. This year we anticipate 5,000 people to attend the festivities for the weekend. If you have any questions, please email us at info@mobilealabamapride.com.

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under the gayday ...from 27 But as in all fantasy worlds, reality had to rear its’ ugly head and the next morning I woke up late for work, discovered my camera was missing, found out my darling puppies had eaten my green boa and my mouth felt like the Sahara. Even though I loved my camera and took some fabulous pictures that night, I guess, that having it lost may be a good thing. There is not any evidence of my exploits from the night before. But then I thought what if someone else found/stole the camera. The horror of it all. A thought flashed into my head of going to the grocery next week, and seeing the new Enquirer on the check out stand. And, there plain as day is my face spread across the front page in a photo making out with some random D List actor from Gossip Girl or worst yet Glee. Who was that Christian boy anyway? He said he was from Los Angeles. It could happen?

A Day of Remembrance and Rejects

unday, March 21 was a day I will always remember. It was the day a large group of people descended on Le Chat Noir to bid farewell to Mickey Gil, former captain of Petronius and Satyricon. Stephen Rizzo, Richard Read and Wedon Brown from the Krewe of Satyricon coordinated this lovely memorial service that incorporated wonderful anecdotes about Mickey with some musical entertainment. Stephen

needed some uplifting and nothing does that better than a drag show. But not just any drag show mind you, this was Amon-Ra’s Playboy Bunny Rejects Pageant at John Paul‘s. It seems that the performers were all Playboy Bunnies that have been rejected. Gary who does the Line Dancing at JohnPaul’s on Tuesday was our host, Hugh Hefner. There were seven contestants. I guess the rejects from the other five months were just too hideous to perform. And that is saying something, because these ladies were, ahem, not exactly centerfold material. I mean if you are lining your birdcage with it, then maybe. Each contestant had to come out in a costume that represented their month for their talent, then do swimsuit and auction off their baskets which were filled with some great goodies. I had a blast! The audience was entertained between categories by Countess C. Alice who is Amon Ra Queen 45. And, kudos to Barbara Ella who organized this event and dressed a sexy Sally Jessie Raphael. The competition was fierce as these bunnies vied for the grand prize of a carriage in the Easter Parade. But in the end, Miss Bootsie DeVille pulled it out as Miss July, barely winning over Miss December Anita Humman. Other favorites in the contest was Amanda Straddle and Delta Louise Carter. All the contestants should be proud and from the looks of this event, Amon-Ra has a hit on their hands. Look likes I may have to don my bunny outfit for next year and show these bitches how it is done.

Celebrity Sightings

George Patterson

opened the program with a moving tribute to Mickey, who passed away at the beginning of this month. After Stephen spoke, Mickey’s partner for over thirty years George Patterson took the podium and had the audience laughing and crying as he regaled us with the fascinating man that was Mickey Gil. Their life together must have been an incredible journey, something I hope to have one day. Musical guests included Dorian Rush and Becky Allen with Jim Walpole on piano. Thank you Barbara Motley for the wonderful memories you shared with us about Mickey and for allowing us to have the service at Le Chat Noir. Dearest Mickey, I hope you are looking at us and smiling. You touched many people’s life while you were here on this Earth including mine. I am a better person for having known you. After the memorial, my spirits

irst Brad and Angelina, then Sandra Bullock, now Broad way legend Elaine Stritch has been sighted around the Big Easy. Do not be fooled by her pseudonym Cathy Fox she is using, she is the real deal. I mean have you seen Miss Fox perform, it has Elaine written all over it.

Elaine Stritch

And the lifestyle of booze, boys and late nights just gives her away. But approach her with caution, she is known to have tussled with paparazzi and

even some fans before. But if you are a nice, young strapping man looking to make his way into show business, she will set aside the time to coach you personally. She is such a giver. Catch her next performance at FourPlay at JohnPaul’s every other Friday night. Check Ambush for the details. Next issue, we find out Cathy’s (or wink, wink Elaine for those of us in the know) dark family secret she has been harboring since childhood back in the Old Country. the pink pastor ...from 30 conjecture and theological theory, and we can differ in our beliefs and STILL be followers of Jesus Christ. There is no need to try and purge the club all the time, and exclude everyone who doesn’t sign up to the same list as us. So, when I ask what Easter is really about, do not expect a page of doctrine copied straight out of the catechism. We are all adults, and can talk honestly and freely without pretending we really know all the mysteries of our relationship with God and Jesus! Let us not pretend you all have to agree with me either – I may of course be wrong! Either way, you may come to a better understanding yourself by listening to what I have to say even if I am wrong! We sharpen and solidify our beliefs and ideas by listening to different ones. I believe doctrine is important, to be studied and considered, but only as long as we remember that we are looking at the equivalent of a map, not literalist reality. A good map may lead us to our destination (in this case God), but we never start to believe that the red line we are looking at is ACTUALLY a road – we know it is a symbolic representation of one. Often, people lose the symbolism with doctrinal belief, and start to think it is the whole truth and not an allegorical representation of it. In other words, they begin to believe the red line with I10 written next to it is ACTUALLY a strip of asphalt and concrete stretching from Jacksonville to Santa Monica and not a line of red ink on paper. To try and encompass the ineffable mind of God, who created the farflung universe in a few glib sentences is to me ridiculous – at best we approximate and guess, we suggest and approach but never grasp and encompass. This is a source of joy and interest, not despair – it is wonderful that the fullness of God will always escape our grasp – that perfection forever eludes us; it keeps us growing and maturing, striving and exploring. We may still have a relationship with God; we do not have to know the unknowable in order to abide with it. So, having said that let’s get back to Easter. Firstly let’s say that Jesus matters, matters more than just as some hocus pocus merchant or conjurer. Jesus matters in a concrete hu-

man way as well as in a supernatural way. Christianity is one of those rare faiths that stand alone even when it is stripped of all its supernatural belief – even when God is left out of the picture Jesus stands, and still remains The Redeemer. Jesus’ self giving on the cross was the single most perfect act of love we have to cling to – to ponder, consider and inspire. Jesus passed judgment on his (and our) entire social system, with it’s various grades of human beings, and spoke the truth about the outsider, the marginalized and the oppressed, in this he gave a glimpse of the mind of God who created us all and cannot logically hate anything he created. If God is omnipotent then what there is must be as is intended. That includes us. Jesus pointed this out in word and deed, and finally, when faced with the option of beginning rebellion or submitting to the cruel injustice of the cross, he sacrificed himself rather than sacrifice hoards of nameless ‘followers’ like so many false prophets have before and since. Rather than be flattered into Kingship on Earth he was content to let truthful example speak, and to give love where he received hate, and to speak peace where he heard war. The resurrection works on so many levels, all of them ‘true’ without needing to be strictly literal, though I happen to believe myself that he literally rose from the dead as well as metaphorically. Death only has the power we ascribe to it, and can only control us when we fear it above all else. Jesus did not fear it; he loathed untruth and cruelty more than death. He chose death above using other people as tools to protect his skin, and therefore consented to death as a better choice than self preservation at all costs. Jesus, in his choice really did set us free. His resurrection came to redeem humanity not in some formulaic way, but in the same way that when Nelson Mandela, in a Christ-like act, gave forgiveness and healing after decades of imprisonment he LITERALLY saved thousand from the bloodbath of revenge and the cycle of retribution. In Jesus we all have a redeemer that can save us from ourselves, from the ego rampant and unchecked by lovingkindness, from the horror - the living death of a life lived only for self and self preservation. In Easter there is truly something that even the biggest skeptic can rejoice in! Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church. The Big Easy MCC meets every Sunday at 1pm (liturgical service) and 5pm (whole church Praise and Worship) at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. Over Easter they are offering a service of Compline (Night Prayer) and meditation on the forgiveness on Good Friday at 8pm, and a single Resurrection Service at 5pm on Easter Sunday (no 1pm service). Check out their website (www.bigeasymcc.com) for other details.

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 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

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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

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

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos

New Orleans, LA [504] AWESOME BODY RUB/ESCORT SESSION by masculine top stud. 6'0", 182#, w/ magic hands. 6am-mid. 7 days. 4 hands also avail. In/Out serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is710]

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 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon,

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.

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

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

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

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

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, E-mail 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 Ho-

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

tel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0111] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

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

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-504.756.9443. New pictures at www.m4rn.com (search by ID #190508), 6am11pm, In or Out. 5'10", 180# of cute pure muscle. [is710]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855

LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm 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 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 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, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 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.

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 30-April 12, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

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 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 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, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , 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

FRIDAY NIGHT 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, Email: 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 701566836; 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, 828A 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, 828-A 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 REGIONAL AIDS 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 YWCA AIDS 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] BARRY DAVIS PLUMBING, LLC, no job to small or large, free estimates, 272.1582 [is810] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

printers

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

real estate for sale New Orleans, LA [504] NEW ORLEANS GARDEN DISTRICT TOWNHOME - GREAT LOCATION – Seventh @ St. Charles Ave., 2000 sq ft - 3 BR, 3 ½ bath condo, balconies, parking, gated, patio, pool, security, wood floors, ample closets, garden, private. $485,000 – 504.897.2226, 504.616.4078 [is810]

restaurants Metairie, LA [504] ROOBA'S CRESCENT SPOON CAFE, 2307 Veterans Mem. Blvd., 830.1035, Roobas.COM New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB RESTAURANT, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS, QueenFashions.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158

spas New Orleans, LA [504] B.BETTER DAY SPA & SALON, 5601 Tchoupitoulas St., 895.2760, bbetter.org CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539]

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

New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812

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ambush

papar azzi

Miss July Bootsie DeVille representing Petronius wins Amon-Ra’s Playboy Bunny Rejects Pageant

Lafitte’s Aletha helps raise dollars for Frederick’s fundraiser @ Corner Pocket

JohnPaul’s John & 700 Club’s Mike join Frederick’s fundraiser

Ken Grandpre filling in @ the Clover Grill

Miss December Anita Humman representing Lords of Leather is 1st runnerup in AmonRa’s Playboy Bunny Rejects Pageant

Emile & Terry cocktailin’ @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Cutter’s Mac came out for Frederick’s fundraiser

David & Ashlee sling cocktails for Frederick’s fundraiser

Playboy Bunny Rejects MC Gary

Amon-Ra’s Barbara Ella & King Amon-Ra XLIV Nick Olivares on stage @ the Playboy Bunny Rejects Pageant

The lovely contestants in Amon-Ra’s Playboy Bunny Rejects Pageant: Miss June Zsa Zsa D’LaHor, Miss March Trixie Treats, Miss July Bootsie DeVille, Miss October Delta Louise Carter, Miss December Anita Humman, Miss May Deja Deja Vu, & Miss April Amanda Straddle

Gary celebrates his surprise 50th b-day with Tip in the Victorian Galleries @ JohnPaul’s

Joe & Society Page’s Orlando in for Frederick’s fundraiser

Gerry & Brian work the door for Frederick’s fundraiser Liz Traylor helps raise $$$ for Frederick’s fundraiser @ Corner Pocket

MCs Barry Bareass & Lisa Beaumann host Frederick’s fundraiser @ Corner Pocket

POS Idol winner Legacy Lopez @ JohnPaul’s

Good Friends Blake & Ambush’s Marsha in for Frederick’s fundraiser

La Mina Sterling’s Poncho & Aaron @ Cutter’s St. Patty’s Day

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Contests, Fundraisers, Action ~ New Orleans

Marcy Marcell joins Frederick’s fundraiser @ Corner Pocket

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big easy papar azzi

Brian, Torrye & Bert @ Crack Whore Ball XI

Marsha & Rip celebrate Cutter’s 5th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day

Crack Whore XI DL Broadway & CW X Frankie

Gregory behind the bar @ Society Page Adrian ready for St. Patrick’s Day @ Oz Vic, CW X Frankie & Brandon @ Crack Whore Ball XI

Trailer Park Beauty Pageant Co-MC Rikki Gee & DJ P @ Good Friends

Jim serving up the green @ Cutter’s 5th Anniversary Pat & Misty celebrate St. Patrick’s Day @ Big Daddy’s CW X Frankie & Paul @ Crack Whore Ball XI Newly crowned Miss Trailer Park Tutu Sugar Ridge & her proud mom

Cutter’s Mac, Society Page’s Orlando & Joe celebrate Cutter’s 5th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day Mercedes Ellis Loreal in Oz’s Sunday Show Trailer Park Beauty Pageant Judges Rawhide’s Joe, Megan & Troy

Bert, Torrye & Andrew @ Crack Whore Ball XI

Vic & Ciara @ Crack Whore Ball XI

Juanita & Lester slingin’ cocktails St. Patrick’s Day

Blanche Debris & Entertainer of the Year Coca in Oz’s Sunday Show

Trailer Park Bartenders Blake, Shawn & Justin

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

The Sights & Sounds in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Torrye

16th Trailer Park Beauty Pageant Co-MC Barbara Ella @ Good Friends

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

New Orleans Restaurant Guide

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

Blackened Ribeye with roasted tomato hollandaise, corn pudding & black-eyed peas at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

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 9am9pm 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 11am-10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur Street, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo’s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 6pm 7 days a week, call 504.586.8883 or visit MaximosGrill.COM for reservations and information. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info. The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM. With its tasteful but comfortable ambience, The Pelican Club serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine specializing in seafood. The restaurant is conveniently located in the French Quarter on historic Exchange Alley, an easy walk from most downtown hotels. 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.

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

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

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

Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings at 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St.

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

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44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 30-April 12, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM