Issuu

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

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

New Orleans Celebrates 31 Years of Pride June 24-27: One Heart, One World, One Pride

he Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community of New Orleans celebrates thirty-one years of Pride Thursday-Sunday, June 24-27. The all new NOLA Pride Committee has worked diligently this year in Bringing Pride Back to New Orleans and restoring trust in New Orleans Pride organization. It joins InterPride (International Association of LGBT Organizers) in celebration of the 2010 theme of One Heart, One World, One Pride. Early on the committee asked various respected community leaders to be on the Honorary Presenting Committee to lend credibility to the event. All who were asked accepted enthusiastically including New Orleans Human Relations Commission Chair Larry Bagneris, William Fanning Foundation's (Buzzy's Boys & Girls) Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Don Evans, political activist Mary Griggs (formerly of Forum For Equality), Mr. Louisiana Leather and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal and past Pride Grand Marshal Toby Lefort, Gay Easter Parade and past Pride Grand Marshal's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, PFLAG President Julie Thompson, and NO/AIDS Task Force Executive Director Noel Twilbeck. 2010 Pride Grand Marshals Steven Forster and Cathy Fox will lead Pride festivities. And also look for newly crowned Mr. and Miss Gay Pride Travis Bergeron and Tami Tarmac. These four celebrities will add pizazz to Pride New Orleans. The NOLA Pride Committee has an exciting weekend of activities planned. Join the finals for the Voice of Pride Karaoke competition on Thursday, June 24, 9pm at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. Emcee's are GoWiz's Rikki Gee and DJ P. Door donation is $5. The winner will sing live on the Pride stage Sunday, June 27 and receive a three (3) song Recording Demo disk sponsored by GoWiz Creative. The Seven Deadly Sins Gala kicks off the weekend on Friday, June 25, 7pm at the W Hotel, 333 Poydras Street. Royalty from seven gay krewes will welcome guests to the silent auction, variety show, and raffle with special guest star Bianca Del Rio, direct from New York. Saturday, June 26 brings three events. The first is the Pride Family Picnic at City Park, Field # 1 at 12noon co-hosted by the NOLA Softball League. The NOLA Softball League will “kickoff” the picnic with the second event, the Kings vs. Queens exhibition game at 1:30pm. Non-league players are welcome – please contact the Pride Committee in advance. Later that evening at 7pm, the Progressive Cocktail Party will take place at various French Quarter locations. Sunday, June 27 is the big day with two events. The first is the Pride 2nd Line Parade. The walking parade will be led by the New Orleans Rainbow 2nd Line Band under the direction of Kent Richard, followed by one carriage with Pride Grand Marshals Steven Forster and Cathy Fox on board, then by all registered walking groups. Entry fee is $20 and deadline for walking groups to enter is Friday, June 11. You can download the Pride Parade Entry Form at NOLAPride.ORG. The parade starts promptly at 1pm. Lineup is St Louis between Dauphine and Burgundy from 12noon-12:45pm. Check in at The Double Play, 439 Dauphine, with Lineup Chair Steve Patrick. Position in parade is determined by when Entry Form and payment are received. The parade turns right on Burgundy, right on St Ann, left on Bourbon ending at Dumaine. For additional information, contact Parade Chair Rip Naquin @ 504.522.8049 or marsha@ripandmarsha.com. The Pride Street Fair follows from 2-6pm with loads of entertainment. It is scheduled to be set up between Orleans and St. Ann Streets on Bourbon. Look for more information on the street fair in the next edition of Ambush or at NOLAPride.ORG. The LGBT Community Center is presenting NOLA Pride 2010 Celebration. For more information contact the Center at 504.945.1103 or email pride@nolapride2010.org. The NOLA Pride Committee includes Co-chairs Darrin Duplissey and TJ Rogers, Secretary Steve Patrick, Community Outreach Chair Alita Glass, Entertainment Chair Michael Martin, Financial Chair Ryan Rivers, Fundraising Co-chairs Darrin Duplissey and TJ Rogers, Logistics Chair Allan Spach, Media Chair Toni Pizanie, Parade Chair Rip Naquin, Poster Co-chairs Darrin Duplissey and TJ Rogers, Risk Management Chair Robbie Gurtner, and Volunteers Chair Crystal Little. Sponsorships are still available. You can help bring Pride back to New Orleans by downloading a sponsorship form at NOLAPride.ORG. Pride Sponsors as of press time include Platinum ($2,500) Ambush, Bourbon Pub/Parade; and Gold ($1,000): PFLAG. Other sponsors include Southern Eagle/Budweiser, A OK Men’s Wear, Bywater Restaurant/Deli & BBQ, FAB/Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, Good Friends Bar, GoWiz Creative, JohnPaul's, Kajun's Pub, and Oz.

Gay Appreciation Awards Voting Online ONLY June 8-14

he 23rd annual Gay Apprecia-tion Awards voting is set for Tuesday, June 8 through Monday, June 14 online only at AmbushMag.COM/GAA. Only one ballot per person. Sponsored by Ambush, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is

inside

Pride/4th of July/GAA Top 5 Issue out June 22 DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 15

ambush paparazzi/new orleans trodding the boards/new orleans pensacola/mobile paparazzi the pink pastor/new orleans celebrazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans gay appreciation awards voting under the gaydar/new orleans new orleans pride celebration ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds

9 12 14 16 20 22 25 26 27 28 32

acadiana happens/lafayette alexandria paparazzi acadiana paparazzi/lafayette red stick paparazzi/baton rouge hot tails of red stick/baton rouge halloween new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans

36 37 38 40 41 44 46

N e w Or l e a n s Pr i d e

NOLAPride.ORG

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

today across the Gulf South. The 23rd GAA Gala is set for Saturday, July 24, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. The 2010 winners are announced at this event. VIP Tables with four seats are $150. All proceeds benefit the William Fanning Foundation (Buzzy's Boys & Girls). Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049. Award categories up for public voting include: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year • Hair Salon of the Year • Neighborhood Bar of the Year • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service in the AIDS arena] • Bitch of the Year • Show Club of the Year • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals] • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year • Dance Club of the Year • Bartender of the Year • DJ of the Year • Leather Bar of the Year • GLBT Business of the Year [no bars/ restaurants/delis/hair salons] • Leather Person of the Year • Transgender of the Year • Lesbian of the Year • Gay Man of the Year • Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer] In addition the Board of Directors presents the Lifetime Achievement Award, Cheridon Comedy Award, and Fly Fashion Glamour Award. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence is presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. The Top 5 Finalist in each category will be announced in the next edition of Ambush.

NO/AIDS Task Force Honors Tony Leggio with Highest Award

n Sunday May 23rd, The newly opened Mike’s on the Avenue generously hosted the annual NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party. The event serves to not only thanks loyal supporters, volunteers, donors and sponsors of the agency, but also to honor some of

[continued on 10]

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 • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Corner Pocket’s Wet Jockey Shorts Contest winners John, Mason & Andy

David, Matt & Doug celebratin’ @ 700 Club

ambush

Jeff, Trey, Persana & Tommy Memorial Day Weekend @ Oz

papar azzi

Tommy slings cocktails @ Rawhide

The Party Scene ~ New Orleans

Melissa & Michael @ 700 Club Memorial Day Weekend Bartenders Ron & Doug flank GM Louis @ the Bourbon Pub

Alexandria’s Lucinda, Dann & Patrick from Olympus Bar cocktailin’ @ Starlight

Military Bareass Striptease Contest MC Barry Bareass & dancer Andy @ The Corner Pocket

Dominique wetting down David in Corner Pocket’s Wet Jockey Shorts Contest

Beach maneuvers @ Oz Memorial Day Weekend

Paul & John with Laurence LeSage at his CD Release Party at JohnPaul’s

Glazer’s Michael & Ben @ Lafitte’s for MASCARa Weekend

Manager Neel’s new scent on Memorial Day @ Good Friends Bar Drag Dingo with Princesse Stephaney & Persana Shoulders Fridays @ Oz

Wet Jockey Shorts Contest MC Lisa Beaumann watches as contestant is wetted down @ the Pocket Blake strikes a pose in his PJ’s at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Drag Dingo with Blanche Debris & Little Ricky Sundays @ Oz

Dancer Wesley in the Military Bareass Striptease Contest @ the Pocket

Curt joins Wood Enterprises MASCARa contestant Max @ Rawhide

Tony sinking the Spanish Armada @ Doug & Mike’s Memorial Day Party

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9

the "official" dish ...from 4 the most loyal and dedicated of these. Each year, the agency selects one individual to receive it’s Humanitas Award who has had a significant impact in the development of NO/AIDS Task Force. That impact must be such that it has encouraged other individuals, organizations, companies or foundations to follow that example. This year’s honoree, Tony Leggio has shown great dedication and leadership, by helming one of the agency’s largest fundraisers, Art Against AIDS for nearly ten years, as Event Chair. In addition, Mr. Leggio has continued to work towards the betterment of the Task Force with his involvement in the Gay Easter Parade as both grand marshal and board member. Outside of his work with the Task Force, his civic involvement is quite broad including work with French Quarter Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, Ambush, and Krewe of Satyricon. He was also recently named as one of the Windsor Courts 140 characters.

NO/AIDS Task Force' Wayne Christenberry & Noel Twilbeck present Tony Leggio with Humanitas Award In addition to the Humanitas Award, NO/AIDS Task Force also took this opportunity to present 5 individuals with it’s CEO award. The CEO Award is given at the discretion of the agency’s CEO to groups, organizations or individuals who have had a significant impact on NO/AIDS Task Force, specifically highlighting commitment, creativity and loyalty. The honorees were: Charles Click, Medications Coordinator of NO/AIDS Task Force. Under his leadership, the medications program now has a $3 million budget. Additionally, he oversees the pharmaceutical patient assistance program which provides nearly $1 million in medications to clients, who otherwise might not be able to access medications. Mary Ellen Harwood, Behavioral Health Supervisor. Mary Ellen has worked with the Task Force since 1996. Today, she is responsible for a team of mental health therapists, psychiatrists, substance abuse therapy, peer support, Intensive outpatient therapy (Recovery Works), and support groups. Many of these programs offer services in both English and Spanish. Lucy Cordts, Medical Case Management Supervisor. Having begun as an intern, in only a few short years, Lucy Cordts now oversees Medical Case Management and was instrumental for introducing and

modifying the model to the agency as well as developing training and tying the program in seamlessly to the Primary Medical Care department. Josh Fegley, Community Awareness Network (CAN) Program Manager. Josh has been with NO/AIDS since 1993. He currently runs the CAN office, located on Frenchmen Street, which is responsible for the agencies outreach activities and prevention education in the French quarter area. He also is over the re:Vision program, a prevention intervention for young gay and bi men, an Internet Outreach program and the counseling and testing activities in the quarter. Angelina Wilson. Angela Wilson oversees the Hugh and Angelina Wilson Foundation which distributes over $25 million annually to organizations in the Baton Rouge area, including HIV/AIDS agencies, many of which serve as NO/AIDS partners.

700 Club Awards $800 to Belle Reve

Lazarus, Food for Friends, Covenant House and the NO/AIDS Task Force. 700 Club has also lent its sponsorship hand to the NO/AIDS Walk and Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, Inc. (FNBMG). Both Michael and Matt are eager to assist other service and social organizations in their fundraising efforts and invite representatives of all organizations to discuss with them how the 700 Club can help. The 700 Club is so named because it is located at 700 Burgundy Street. It’s neatly tucked into its corner location at St. Peter and Burgundy Streets. Not only is it a popular watering hole, the kitchen puts out wonderful home-made hot food items. Belle Reve New Orleans is a New Orleans “institution”. Its doors opened in 1993 with the mission to provide permanent and transitional housing along with full support services to adults and families living with AIDS and HIV related infections. Concern for quality of life and equal availability of services are Belle Reve’s founding principles and service delivery is never

influenced by race, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation. Under the Executive Directorship of Vicki Weeks, Belle Reve’s staff has years of experience in advocacy, AIDS activism, direct service,personal care, social services, fundraising, nonprofit management, and more. The diverse staff at Belle Reve includes licensed clinical social workers, administrators, fundraisers, and direct care providers. Belle Reve’s board of directors represent a wide range of talent, interests, and ties to the HIV/AIDS field, including professors, funeral directors, epidemiologists, medical and law professionals, and community activists. On April 28, 2010, Belle Reve had great reason to celebrate. After almost five years of heartbreaks, tears, seemingly insurmountable obstacles and a plethora of red tape otherwise known as “the renovation project from hell”, the more than $2,000,000 total facility renovation is complete. Belle Reve is now ready to serve an even larger client population.

he 700 Club recently presented Belle Reve New Orleans with an $800 donation. Michael Cookmeyer and Matt Giglio, co-owners of 700 Club, hosted a Belle Reve fundraising event, which successfully produced the much needed additional funds for Belle Reve, a New Orleans based HIV and AIDS social service and housing organization. Michael Cookmeyer and Matt Giglio are not new-comers to the scene of raising funds for good causes. In the past, Cookmeyer and Giglio have generously used the 700 Club to raise funds for Project

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Lisa Sings Lee at Le Chat Noir

ith her auburn hair, Lisa Picone didn’t try to recreate the look of Peggy Lee in her recent cabaret Lisa Sings Lee. Rather, having clearly done extensive research on the chanteuse’s life, she presented an intelligent, informative and entertaining overview of a career that foreshadowed those of Madonna and Lady Gaga for its originality, talent and business acumen. With a small but lovely voice that nicely conjured up the smooth style of Lee, Picone drew her audience into the songs.

Working chronologically, she did well impersonating Lee’s disastrous first recording with Benny Goodman when she was forced to sing in a too high key. Picone blossomed, by which I mean her voice took on a richer persona, as Lee became “Miss Peggy Lee” with an amusing trip through her Carmen Miranda-inspired period; a simple and lovely What More Can a Woman Do?; and the unforgettable songs she wrote for Lady and the Tramp (Picone’s inner comedienne emerged in We Are Siamese). As good as the program’s first half was, the second was an absolute knockout as Picone continued with a superb Big Spender (I’d like to see her as Charity), I’m

a W-O-M-A-N featuring great diction & lotsa sass, and a wonderfully wry Is That All There Is? Led by Jesse Reeks on piano, a firstclass trio accompanied Picone with acute sensitivity, fitting her song stylings like a glove. Elbow length, of course. Banu Gibson directed simply, which was fine. Picone may not have Lee’s sizzle— who does?—but she created an evocative tribute to this legendary singer/songwriter. As anyone who has seen Picone in comedy, drama or musical theater here knows, however, she has her own effervescent personality. I look forward to her next cabaret and hope this talented performer will bring a sizzle all her own to it.

November at Tulane’s Lupin Theatre

n Theatre 13’s production of David Mamet’s November, Bob Edes, Jr. was fiendishly good as a loser of a U.S. President in a tough re-election fight. Navigating the hairpin emotional turns that various national and campaign challenges

foist on him, Edes went from simpering to apoplectic in a flash. What can’t this actor do? Butoh? Nah, he could probably do that brilliantly too. Leon Contavesprie was smoothly efficient as the Prez’s chief legal advisor while Rebecca Frank brought sly intelligence and an ennobled weltschmerz to his loyal lesbian speechwriter. Mike Harkins and Shad Willingham were equally good in smaller, more thankless roles. Ashley Ricord directed with a sure touch keeping the madness flowing and her cast within the bounds of reality so that the production never fell into mere cartoonishness. The question remains, however, as to why Theatre 13 decided to do this absolutely ridiculous, and not in any good way, play. I love Mamet; Glengarry Glenn Ross is one of the greatest plays of the past 30, maybe 50, years. I love farce, especially if it has a political edge. But to be successful, such a script must evince some realitybased logic or it falls apart. November starts off silly and quickly deteriorates into a sophomorically cynical and simple view of politics. Amidst a numbing cascade of words (e.g., the President’s overlong first act speeches), Mamet resorts to the logic of a bad sitcom. And then he throws in gay marriage—and avian flu—before arriving at a completely ludicrous ending. Premiering in the waning days of Bush2’s presidency, this was pretty wan stuff. Now, with a new president and even bigger things to worry about, it just seemed pointless. In its brief life so far, Theatre 13 has amassed an impressive track record for presenting some comic gems polished to a high sheen. Unfortunately, no matter how well polished November was, it was never gonna be more than scrap metal. Here’s hoping that Theatre 13’s soon-toopen production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be a real winner.

Go Ye Therefore... at 5168 St. Roch, Gentilly

athy Randels & Rebecca Mwase’s Go Ye Therefore... began with Randels arriving on horseback in the backyard of a home still undergoing post-Katrina restoration. The sun lingered above. Ducks flew overhead. Mwase soon joined her from the cross-bedecked roof of the house. These were just the start of director Ashley Sparks’ beautiful images as she brought this tale of two women, each a daughter of a Baptist preacher, to life. As the sun set and a 3/4 moon rose, and with the aid of Hannah Adams’ inventive lighting, she had her performers travel through space and time, leading the audience to different venues in the yard each of which provided a new and entrancing perspective. Yet, somehow, Go Ye Therefore... was less than the sum of its parts. What promised to be an exploration of “different racial and cultural worship traditions” as seen through the playwrights’ autobiographical lens, became a too diffuse patching together of the personal (racial discrimination, changing church traditions) and the overly thematic (Cecil Rhodes and imperialism, Lot’s wife and patriarchy). Randels’ tribute to her father was clearly heartfelt but went on too long as did an initially witty sequence featuring two broadly drawn preachers, Ebony and Ivory.

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Sometimes there seemed to be a too literary employment of words rather than a dramatic use of them resulting in pretty-tolook-at and interesting passages but not very moving ones. And if Rhodes was justly vilified, no mention was made of the horror that current President Robert Mugabe has brought to Zimbabwe, Mwase’s ancestral home. (For that matter, given the African connection with its wealth of religious customs, it’s surprising that the validity of monotheism was never questioned.) Still, one could appreciate other elements of the production. A building that mysteriously leaked water was among the spectacular and surprising effects of Jeff Beck’s design. A bus labeled “Gutting for Glory” that drove into the yard from the street, representing the influx of Baptists who came here to help rebuild, brought a collective smile to audience members’ faces. And newcomer Mwase, who can effortlessly switch from the serious to the comic, is a radiant actress who I hope will grace more local productions. Go Ye Therefore... raised some fascinating questions: How does a preacher’s child fit in with the other kids at school? How do you deal with people who have come to help you who want to wash away your traditions? How can one practice a religion with a history of endorsing slavery? If in future incarnations its authors choose to explore these in greater depth and specificity, Go Ye Therefore... could stir people’s souls as well as their senses.

didn’t feel shortchanged. The sound at the Elmwood Palace is excellent and while the camerawork is unobtrusive you get it from all sides—even above the stage! Interestingly, the HD gives such clarity that it has a way of flattening things out and making the huge stage seem smaller than it is. In addition to Deborah Voight’s interesting backstage interviews with the singers and director Mary Zimmerman, these broadcasts give you the opportunity to see what goes on behind the curtain as the set is changed between acts—fun and fascinating! The Met has announced next season’s HD broadcasts and I’m already looking forward to Iphigénie en Tauride, Capriccio with Fleming, and Le Comte Ory with that cute (and awesomely talented!) Juan Diego Flórez.

Love’s Labor’s Lost at Tulane’s Lupin Theatre Love’s Labor’s Lost is unlikely to be anyone’s favorite Shakespearean com-

edy. It’s a talky piece in which four young noblemen swear off “the huge army of the world’s desires” (meaning “women”) to concentrate on their studies. It is not without its rewarding moments but they are few and far between. That said, as the recently well-received Shakespeare’s Globe production of it demonstrated, a director who can inject some life into it can turn its knotty wordplay into art. Alas, the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival’s collaboration with the NOLA Project commenced slowly and only came alive in fits and starts. Director Buzz Podewell reset the play in the early twentieth century but otherwise no overarching directorial concept could be discerned and it lacked the directorial spark that LLL requires to elevate its collegial shenanigans to the frothy comedy it has the potential to be. Despite an amusing sequence in which each of the nobleman discovers that the others have forsaken their vows, Podewell’s staging was mostly perfunctory with some passages static and boring to look at. Nor did he prod his cast, an assemblage of some of the city’s finest actors, to dig deep and individualize their characters. Thus, while the performances were never

less than intelligent and well-locuted, Sean Glazebrook, Peter McElligott, & James Yeargain, as three of the noblemen, were almost interchangeable, the blame to be spread between Podewell and Shakespeare. To be sure, when the Bard conveyed deeper emotions, these three along with Andrew Larimer as the most conscientious of the troupe and their female counterparts (Claire Gresham, Jessica Podewell, Laura Ramadei, Emilie Whelan) connected deeply with his words for some compelling theater. But elsewhere, mere speechifying prevailed. Where Shakespeare provided more character-driven humor this Labor was more successful. A.J. Allegra infused his clownish Costard with scampish wit that seemed to bubble forth organically. Kate Kuen’s illiterate country wench summoned forth a simple commedia dell’arte charm. Mark McLaughlin was, as usual, a pro as a fatuous pedant. But as a Spanish Don, Danny Bowen was a complete misfire with a terrible accent that wasn’t even funny. Emblematic of this production’s shortcomings was that its highlight was when a bird’s dropping landed from the rafters above with perfect placement on the upper part of an academic gown.

South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theater

f you’re heading to New York this summer but would like a quick trip to the South Seas, do visit South Pacific before it ends its award-winning run in August. Under Donald Holder’s gorgeous lighting of Michael Yeargan’s vast set, Bartlett Sher directed with cinematic grandeur and tension allowing for few breaks in the action. If you’re not choked up by the last scene, you might want to check if you have a heart. As Nellie Forbush, Laura Osnes sang and danced well but lacked a certain inner spark; I actually preferred Liz Argus’ slightly more mature Nellie in Tulane Summer Lyric’s production last year. The rest of the supporting cast were fine with Andrew Samonsky turning in a tougher, older, more experienced Lt. Cable than is usually seen. But the big news is that after his acclaimed run in The Nose at the Metropolitan Opera, in which he sang with robust yet touching voice, Tony Award-winner Paulo Szot is back as Emile de Becque, giving what is sure to be the definitive interpretation of this role for this generation and, probably, the next. Exceptional, soul-stirring acting combined with a velvety baritone for a performance that was, in a word, magnificent.

Metropolitan Opera HD Encore/Armida at AMC Elmwood Palace 20

he Met concluded its series of HD broadcasts this season with Rossini’s Armida and, though it started earlier than scheduled, with its nearly four hour running time and Renée Fleming’s beautiful singing throughout, I

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

Phillip, Emerald City’s Johnny & Ambush's Marsha @ Bounce Pool Party

Bianca snags even more cuties @ Bounce Pool Party

Miss Cie & Mobile’s Newcomer Winner Samoria Heights @ BBob’s

Owner of B-Bob’s Jerry Ehlen with Order of Osiris 2010 Queen Michelle Brown

pensacola

Memorial Day Weekend ~ Pensacola, Florida

Bounce Pool Party @ Portofino Island Resort

Happy Birthday Stevie! We love you! Bounce Pool Party @ Portofino

Happy Birthday Judson... You light up our lives!

Bud, Pet Asylum’s Brenda & Mike @ Bounce Pool Party

Douglas & buddies hanging @ Emerald City

Happy Birthday Robert @ B-Bob’s

Regine Phillips joining the Cast of B-Bob’s

Miss Dallas, With Blake & Justin, & world famous rock star SeanWhildchild Anna Rexia @ Emerald City Guest star Bianca Del Rio snags a couple of cuties

mobile

papar azzi

Happy Birthday Jeremy! Love, Valerie

Bounce Pool Party @ Portofino

Bianca Del Rio performs @ Emerald City for Memorial Day Celebration, along with Miss Cie

B-Bob’s Show Director Miss Cie with her Angels

LeRoy visiting from Houma, LA joins Miss Cie

James & friends hangin @ BBob’s for Jeremy’s Birthday

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Contests, Birthdays Shows ~ Mobile, Alabama

papar azzi

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

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

Exciting Times

couple of weeks ago I was a meeting in Florida, where MCC ministers and leaders were discussing church planting, and the explosive growth we are experiencing in the developing world. I am of course a Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) pastor, and yet things are moving so quickly that I was

ignorant of many of the things going on at the moment. MCC (Metropolitan Community Churches) are the largest international LGBT organization in the world today. I have taken a close interest in what was going on at our churches in Jamaica, South Africa and Nigeria because I have friends who have been working on these projects,

but these churches turned out to be just a portion of the worldwide revolution going on! Many of the stories are wonderful and heartwarming – the 20 new churches that have sprung up in Brazil in the last two years alone, the 36 churches now in Latin America, the churches growing and forming in The Ukraine, Russia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and the several churches in The Philippines - each one fighting hatred and homophobia in countries where it is often illegal to be gay, and sometimes results in violence, murder and imprisonment. Some stories are heartbreaking. Our churches in Nigeria face especially tough conditions, with frequent death threats and violence aimed at its members and clergy. There are a group of women in Pakistan being sheltered by MCC because their families have taken out contracts on them because they have refused marriage and been identified as lesbians. All these churches are supported and mostly financed by the work being done amongst MCC churches HERE in the United States, churches like ours here in New Orleans! Here is a short piece written by our pastor in Cape Town, South Africa (Rev Pressley Sutherland) about the danger and struggle being faced by Rev Rowland Jide Macauley as he has bravely pastured the church in Lagos, Nigeria (Pastor Jide is Nigerian by birth). “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, that I may be heard. In the day of my trouble I seek the Sovereign; In the night my hand is stretched out without wearying. My soul refuses to be comforted. I think of God, and I moan; I meditate, and my spirit faints. Selah You keep my eyelids from closing; I am so troubled that I cannot speak… Psalm 77. 1-4” ”Pastor Pressley, things are bad here…” Those were the words I had both expected and dreaded to hear from my friend Reverend Jide Macaulay. From the time he went home to Lagos, Nigeria to organise House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, I had felt like a family member was in a combat zone. I said a silent prayer of thanksgiving as I listened to Jide’s voice. He was shaken, but physically unharmed. It transpired that Jide was in hiding and in need of refuge. Members of House of Rainbow had fled two by two throughout the city after receiving a tip that kill men and officers were on the way to their meeting place. They left in haste, leaving the space prepared for Sunday worship—a full cup for communion; a paten of bread for sharing. House of Rainbow members have been the victims of an egregious and sustained media campaign exploiting their inclusiveness. Undercover reporters deceived the church by introducing themselves as members of the rainbow community seeking an affirming church. They were welcomed and loved by Jide and the congregation. In return for their kindness, these reporters secretly wrote and published a series of articles that were sensationalist and reckless. My colleague was referred to as ‘the so called’ Reverend, and incendiary language such as ‘evil’, ‘abomination’, ‘un-African’, ‘sodomite’ and ‘sign of the end times’ was used by pundits, bloggers and religious leaders to slander the good work of Jide and House of Rainbow. Photographs from birthday parties the reporters had attended were published, wrecking the lives of several young people, making them homeless and vulnerable to abusive attacks in the streets and markets of Lagos. The papers continued to be selfcongratulatory, claiming they had closed House of Rainbow. Because my friend had to hide from their incited violence, they declared that his behaviour was an admission of guilt. These journalists published Rev. Jide’s home address (which was robbed that night), listed names of his family members, and began a public relations assault on his father’s Bible University, which has no formal links to House of Rainbow. Lives were nearly destroyed and vulnerable people are suffering. In a proudly Christian city, the opiate of selfrighteousness took effect with disastrous results. Cry aloud, Body of Christ, this story is worth our tears and reflection. The Big Easy MCC supports MCC’s global efforts through it’s 13% monthly tithe. We are proud to be a part of the only voice speaking out for our LGBT brothers and sisters in many countries across the world.

June 25-27 New Orleans NOLAPride.ORG 16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe

Ch a l m e t t e , L A 7 0 0 4 3 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service

5 0 4 .2 7 9 .6 3 1 2 24 Hour Beeper : 5 0 4 .2 5 9 .8 0 6 1

A proven community leader in value and customer service! • We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare Ro d n e y Cu l o t t a , RPh

OPEN

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

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

celebrazzi

(celebrations-paparazzi)

ood Enterprises GM Ken Grandpre presents $6,515 to NOCCA Institute's Richard Reed following the 11th MASCARa Race at Rawhide 2010 in New Orleans. The Hamster Derby at Good Friends raised $1,620, Ravioli Wrestling at Lafitte's $590, Crawfish Boil at Rawhide $500 and the contestants $3,805 for the NOCCA Institute.The weekend of activities has raised over $80,000 for the past nine years for NOCCA.

he MASCARa Awards ceremony presented Fastest Time to Glazer's Jerry, Ms. MASCARa to Lafitte's Paul, and both Best Drag and Most Money Raised ($1,050) to Wood Enterprises Max. Southern Eagle's Tony won Worst Drag. The awards were presented at Rawhide 2010 raising a total of $6,515 for the NOCCA Institute.

00 Club owner Mike Cookmeyer presents $800 donation to Executive Director Vicki Weeks for Belle Reve New Orleans, raised by the French Quarter Club.

ustCircuit.COM owner/publisher Victor Mauro joins circuit star Bianca Del Rio at the Bounce Pool Party hosted at Portofino Island Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola presented by Emerald City.

bove: Miss Gay New Orleans America 2009 Arilyn Roberts joins newly crowned Miss Gay New Orleans America Amanda Rose Andrews, Miss Gay Louisiana America Bambi Bextor and 1st Alternate Sable Nicole Starr following competition at Oz New Orleans. Both Amanda Rose and Sable will represent New Orleans in the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant set for September 23-25 at Sound Factory in Lafayette. For additional information, visit MissGayLouisianaAmerica.INFO. ight: Queen Amon-Ra Countess C. Alice is joined by Odyssey House's Kathleen and Ed presenting JohnPaul's Paul with a birdhouse as a gift following Craftin' & Cocktails with the Countess raising $2,000 for Odyssey House Louisiana Women with Children's Program.

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

Lafitte’s Pit Crewe with Ms. MASCARa winner Paul

Entertainer of the Year & former Miss Gay New Orleans America Coca opens the show with Barbara Ella & Dominque DeLorean

Miss Gay New Orleans America 2010 Amanda Rose Andrews from Baton Rouge

snap paparazzi

Ravioli Wrestling in The Balcony Bar

All the MASCARa Contestants

Miss Olympus America Marsheya St. Clair from Alexandria

1st Alternate Sable Nicole Starr from New Orleans

Ravioli Wrestlers snag Wood Enterprises Ken

Crack Whore 11 DL Broadway entertains

700 Club's Pit Crew

Contestant Starr LaRouge from Baton Rouge

Some of the Ravioli wrestlers with MC Barbara Ella

Good Friends Pit Crew Miss Gay New Orleans America 2009 Arilyn Roberts reign comes to an end

Hezzie with his Pit Crew for the MASCARa Race

700 Club’s Mike congratulates Ms. MASCARa Paul

Miss Gay Louisiana America Bambi Bextor

MC Persana Shoulders, contestants Starr, Sable, Amanda Rose, Miss Gay New Orleans America Arilyn Miss Gay Lafayette America Zhane Roberts & Miss Gay Louisiana Kennedy pops in for the contest America Bambi Bextor

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Miss Gay New Orleans America @ Oz ~ New Orleans

MASCARa Race Memorial Day Weekend Raises $6,515 for NOCCA Institute ~ New Orleans

Chili Cheese Fries Eating Contest kicks off @ Clover Grill

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

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

Humanitas Award

or those who know me, there are not many things that render me speechless. But recently that anomaly just happened. On Sunday, May 23, at the newly opened Mike’s on the Avenue, the NO/AIDS Task Force hosted their patron party and awards presentation. I always like this event because it serves to thank loyal supporters, volunteers, donors and sponsors of the agency and honor their dedication in a more intimate and relaxed setting. Never in my life did I think that I would ever be one of those people who would receive an award. Like many others who support the Task Force, I do it because it is the right thing to do. Everyone in the gay community has been affected by this terrible virus in some way, and anything I do, whether being event chair for Art Against AIDS or participating in the NO/AIDS Walk, makes me feel like a small part in the bigger fight to end this disease. So when they honored me by presenting me with their highest credit the Humanitas Award, I was astounded. It was one of the most humbling occurrences in my life to be placed in the same category of some very amazing people such as Bryan Batt and Mitt Seiler. Thank you again so much for this acknowledgement. But that day, several employees of the Task Force were also recognized. Charles Click: Medications Coordinator, Mary Ellen Harwood: Behavioral Health Supervisor, Lucy Cordts: Medical Case Management Supervisor, Josh Fegley: Community Awareness Network (CAN) Program Manager and Angelina Wilson: Overseer of the Hugh and Angelina Wilson Foundation which distributes $25 million annually to organizations in the Baton Rouge area, all received accolades and awards. These people along with so many others work tirelessly at the NO/AIDS Task Force to make many peoples’ lives better. What they do every day truthfully makes them the real humanitarians in my book. For more information on becoming a volunteer for the Task Force or to support them go to www.noaidstaskforce.org.

My Memorial Weekend Maneuvers

emorial Day in the Crescent City is always a good time and this year was no exception. My weekend started easily and by Monday, I was in full tilt party mode. After a grueling week at the office, I was ready for a three day weekend to let off a little steam, so when 5pm came on Friday, I flew out of the door and ran home and changed quickly. My friends James and Scott scooped me up and we were off to the Grand Tasting for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience at the Louisiana Superdome. NOWFE is one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrating 19

years of wine and food with a five-day extravaganza that brings together worldrenowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed around what else, food and wine. The grand tasting at the Dome is a literal feast of different restaurants serving delicious dishes while over a hundred wineries offer tastings of their vineyards. The previous evening they held wine dinners around the city at different restaurants where the chefs pared their dishes with a certain vineyard’s wines. I went to GW Fins for an amazing five course meal with wines from Twomey and Silver Oak. After having my fill of wine at the Superdome, I managed to meet Jeff Mallon aka Elizabeth Bouvier for a night out on the town in the Quarter. We made a few stops at The Corner Pocket and the 700 Club, finally ending up at Starlight at the Park for Marcy Marcell’s show. As usual, Marcy’s Starlight show is a blend of humor, high drag with just a little dab of drama added in for good measure. This evening they had some special guests who I had not seen in a very long time such as Boom Boom and Tru DeMille who joined the regular cast members of Zsa Zsa d'LaHor and Princesse Stephaney. After the show, I thought it would be wise for me to go home early and pace myself for the weekend to come, but that never happened. Jeff being the wonderful influence on me that he is, suggested we have just one nightcap at the Phoenix. You know nothing good ever happens at the Phoenix after midnight, or at least nothing wholesome. But I went and had a few more cocktails downstairs and ended up meeting a nice young man with long black hair and luxurious lips who was a librarian. You see I have this weakness for men with long hair. So I ended up punching his card catalog all night long. I am not sure if I am in love, but I did finally learn the Dewey Decimal System. Saturday rolled around and I was up and once again off to the races. Lords of Leather members, Michael and Doug, hosted their annual Memorial Day pool party at their gorgeous home in the Bywater. It was so much fun and they have the most fantastic frozen drink machine making these wonderful vodka lemonades and frozen sangrias that were both equally potent. Jeff and I decided to do a drive by and just say hi. Well, five hours later and several frozen sangrias, I was making a splash, literally. By the way if any pictures surface with me and a whale pool toy, they have been doctored. That is not me and that is the story I am sticking with. After the party, I went home and refreshed. I went upstairs at JohnPaul’s for the immensely talented Laurence Lesage’s CD release party. You have to get a copy of his CD. The majority of this CD is country, but other musical styles are included in several tracks. My favorite is his rendition of the song Sway. To get his CD, you can go online to www.LLeSage.com or purchase it at JohnPaul’s. Please support our local musicians and buy his CD.

I left Jeff at JohnPaul’s to hold things down there till I got back and took myself into the Quarter for Ravioli Wrestling at Lafitte’s. I had never been to this annual event and I have to say, I have sworn off Italian food for a very long time. And I do not think I will ever eat Chef Boyardee Ravioli out of a can again. So I stood next to Ken Grandpre at the front of this lovely event, wondering why he was decked out in a rain slicker. I found out why just a few seconds later as the wrestling began and the participants showered the audience with red sauce. Barbara Ella emceed the show like a pro, but eventually it was the smell that did me in. It is very hard to describe but best to say it was a mixture of meat sauce and sweat. There were five contestants but only one winner and that prestigious honor went to Joe at Rawhide. Next I strolled down the block to Tubby’s Golden Lantern for Rikki Redd’s Saturday show which was fun hijinks. They were having a costume contest with lingerie and sleepware. The mood was festive and the place was packed. I had not seen Rikki’s show in a long time and I have to say the girls she has now performing are great. They know how to get the audience worked up into a frenzy. Princesse Stephaney also did a guest spot that night. I stayed for the entire show and the costume contest which was won by the Ropers (an homage to the Three’s Company couple). Then I hopped into the Princesse’s car and we sped off to JohnPaul’s to catch Marcy’s Golden Age Revue. I found Jeff sitting at the bar where I left him a few cocktails later. The show had already begun and the place was crowded with merry makers. The show was once again very entertaining and the audience was in high spirits. Sunday came around quicker than I anticipated and I found myself up early that morning decorating a birdhouse for the Craftin’ and Cocktails event at JohnPaul’s with Countess C. Alice for Odyssey House. I had procrastinated all week and it was too late, so with a somewhat steady hand and a Bloody Mary, I created what I thought was a pretty good rainbow flag birdhouse. I was extremely proud of my little craft project. So I brought it over to the event and I hated to admit it but my birdhouse paled in comparison to some others. Damn you Bruce! The event was an all day extravaganza with food supplied by the Second Helping programs. When guest arrived they paid $10 and received a small birdhouse they were able to decorate. There were some great birdhouses made that day. I did a disco ball birdhouse, imagine that. Vince and Ron from Baton Rouge and Jackson, Mississippi created the winning birdhouses with their patriotic theme in honor of Memorial Day. The event also included a live auction of several birdhouses created by several of the gay carnival krewes and other noteworthy people in the city. The crafts portion of the day was followed up by the drag show which featured Countess C. Alice and a host of other great entertainers. My favorite was C. Alice’s rendition of “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This” by the Eurythmics dressed as a plus size chef handing out cupcakes. Another great performer was this hot female stripper that did “Fat Bottom Girls” while she rode a big wheel on stage. Safonda Peters, Queen Petronius Randy, Princesse Stephaney, and Tiffany Holiday were just some of the performers. It was a huge

success for Odyssey House which raised just under $2,000 that night. Memorial Day was finally here and I was ready for it. I mustered all my strength and made it to the MASCARa Race which began at the Clover Grill. The rain began pouring right before the race which made the course even more treacherous than normal. Talk about the streets running black with mascara. I caught all the action in this tight race which was exhilarating. Between the race and the awards ceremony at Rawhide, I made a brief appearance at the 700 Club for their fabulous sloppy joes. After a little sustenance, I went to Rawhide for the winners. The winner of the best in show (Ms. MASCARa) for the MASCARa Race was none other than Paul from Lafitte’s who rocked it. After the race, my friend Chris and I made our way down to the Bywater for Mike’s luau at Bywater Patio Bar & Secret Garden. The food was outstanding and Mike even roasted two whole pigs. It was a celebratory event complete with a limbo contest and a costume contest where you had to come as your favorite pig. Ricky Gee and DJ Philip were doing their karaoke night and the wonderful Rusty LaRoux was tending bar making a mean Penis, I mean Pina Colada. After six of those and the fact I had been drinking all day, I decided it was time to rest my weary bones. Thank God this holiday comes once a year. Now I have to get my liver ready for the Fourth of July.

Bartender Spotlight

eing a great bartender takes so much more than just being able to make a good, stiff drink. You need to have creativity, personality and exuberance in what you do. You cannot believe how many bartenders in the gay community just lack plain social skills. That is one of the most important keys to being a successful bartender. If people do not like you, you will not get tips. I think that is just self explanatory, but yet so many in that profession do not get it. That being said, there is one standout personality in the gay bartending kinship that deserves my spotlight for the month of June.

Oz Bartender Blake Truss That person is Blake Truss and you can find him slinging drinks at Oz at 800 Bourbon Street. Besides being a good bartender, Blake is just a great guy. He is

[continued on 30]

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

ambush

papar azzi

Todd Blauvelt in Divas R Us @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

John & Mike welcome revelers to the Memorial Day Luau @ Bywater Patio Bar & Secret Garden

Lords of Leather’s Gary singing his heart out @ the Luau @ Bywater Patio Bar

Queen Amon-Ra Countess C Alice at her event selling cupcakes helping raise $2,000 for Odyssey House

The roasted double headed whole pig served @ Bywater’s Memorial Day Luau Chris sings karaoke @ Bywater’s Luau The Fat Bottom Girl on the Big Wheel at Craftin’ with the Countess @ JohnPaul’s

The winners, The Ropers, of the costume contest @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Rusty & her pig behind the bar @ Bywater Patio Bar’s Memorial Day Luau

Mina & Nanette join Bywater Patio Bar’s Luau Armeinius’ Ricky & Tim join Craftin’ with the Countess

Divas R Us Saturdays @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Divas R Us @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Joe & Society Page’s Orlando takes in the Memorial Day Luau @ Bywater Patio Bar

Rikki Gee & DJ P snag a contestant for Memorial Day Karaoke @ Bywater Patio Bar

Queen Petronius performs for Craftin’ with the Countess David & Guadalupe @ Memorial Day Luau @ Bywater Patio Bar

Odyssey House’s Kathleen & Ed @ Craftin’ with the Countess @ JohnPaul’s

John puts the finishing touches on his birdhouse @ Craftin’ with the Countess

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Shows, Celebrations, Fundraisers ~ New Orleans

Show Director Rikki Redd & Selena in Divas R Us @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

under the gayday ...from 26 always “on” when he is behind the bar and he makes it a point to connect with all his customers. He goes out of his way to make every patrons’ experience at Oz a good one. Whenever I have private parties at my house or for my Mardi Gras krewe, I hire Blake to work them because he is great working with diverse spectrums of people. In addition to making a mean cocktail, he keeps people entertained with his wonderfully witty banter. Visiting Blake behind the bar is like having your very own one man show with drinks. Professionalism, fun-loving and add sexy on top of that (yes, I have a weakness for men with long hair), and you have all the right ingredients for a fabulous bartender. So your next night out in the Quarter, stop in at Oz and check Blake out.

Murder Most Foul

deliciously campy new show is starting at the Allways Lounge & Theatre in June and it is starring one of the city‘s most celebrated drag entertainers, Ms. Elizabeth Bouvier aka Jeff Mallon of Fourplay fame at John Paul‘s. Murder at the Howard

Johnson written by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick will run at the theatre Fridays and Saturdays, June 18 through June 26. There will be a special preview performance on Thursday, June 17. The show stars Elizabeth along with Derek Mittlestaedt and Philip Gordon (or better known as DJ P). This hysterical romp has everything you want in a stage production, over the top characters, illicit sex and murder. The show begins each night at 8pm and the cost is $18 and includes a continental breakfast. Allways Lounge is located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue in the Marigny. To get tickets, call 504.218.5778 or go online to www.theallwayslounge.com.

You Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

peaking of theatrical openings, the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting the opening night of Theatre 13’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Thursday, June 10 at the Lupin Theatre at the New Orleans Center of Creative Arts. This production is directed by the wonderfully talented Gary Rucker. Based on the popular 1988 film, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. The first is the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. The other, a smalltime crook named Freddy Benson , more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s failing health. After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn’t big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target wins and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of cons ensues, that will keep audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the end! NOCCA is located at 2800 Chartres Street in the Marigny. The show starts at 8pm and ticket prices are $30. For tickets for this Satyricon performance, call 504.525.4498.

At The Movies

Jeff Mallon aka Elizabeth Bouvier

he Theatres at Canal Place has reopened and its not your average theatre any more. This theatre has become a state of the art, unique and upscale movie experience. I recently was privileged to do a press hard hat tour of the facility before it opened to the public on May, 27. To say that I was impressed by this theatre is an understatement, it literally blew me away. Your experience begins at the entrance where you pass the digitalized movie snippets of the features playing. The movie’s preview is on a continuous loop in framed boxes, gone are the old style movie posters. Next you cross the threshold of the Art Deco lobby reminiscent of the 30’s era. There you will be able to go to a box office attendant or get your tickets from a kiosk outside. And purchasing a movie ticket is like nothing you have ever done

before. You can go online at home and order your tickets in advance and actually choose your seat like on an airline. That is the best way to purchase your ticket, but as always if you are feeling nostalgic, you can go to the box office. Each of the five theatres are equipped with state of the art screens, projections and sound. The seats are the fabulously luxurious leather high back movie seats like you would find in a private screening room in Hollywood. Each seat is equipped with a call button to order cocktails or food from your server who comes right to you seat. And while there is still the standard movie fare such as popcorn, large boxes of movie candy (love my Snow Caps) and soda drinks, a new contemporary twist has been added. Inside the theatre, Adolfo Garcia, the talented chef behind the restaurants Rio Mar and La Boca, has opened Gusto, a Mediterranean style eatery specializing in small plates and favorite local fare. The café is located inside the theatre lobby and provides a new taste on the local movie favorites such as Italian sodas and popcorn with truffle oil or with parmesan and black pepper. There is a full service bar serving you wines by the glass and some of your favorite libations. The theatre had a outstanding preview soiree on Wednesday, May 26 celebrating the much anticipated opening of Sex and the City 2. But movie lovers do not fret, The Theatres at Canal Place will always remain true to its roots of screening the best independent features such as Greenberg and The Girl with Dragon Tattoo. Carla Adams with Canal Place raved, “we are very excited with the new theatre, it was more than we expected. It is such a different movie experience and the restaurant is wonderful. You can get everything here from popcorn to Hubig’s pies. It is great for our city and Canal Place is happy to have them here.” For tickets or more information, go to www.TheTheatres.com or call 504.363.1117.

The Final Stritch Part 2

o there I was on the balcony at JohnPaul’s with Barbara Ella and Elizabeth Bouvier still in shock. A few minutes prior, Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox and Tami Tarmac stood before us arguing, then in a flash they were gone over the side of the balcony. The air was still, the moon bright and all was silent. No noise came from below. “Now what the hell just happened?” Elizabeth said downing the remainder of her vodka stinger. “They fell,” Barbara Ella stammered, then not missing a beat, she turned to Elizabeth and said, “it looks like you have two new openings in your show. ” I shot her a nasty glance and then bounded downstairs to see if Cathy and Tami were alright. Elizabeth and Barbara were right on my heels up until we passed the bar, where Elizabeth stopped for a moment to refill her cocktail. “Would you hurry up,” I yelled at her. “Now look here, I don’t care what the emergency is, you are not writing a new chapter in the bible, so hold your horses. My drink is empty, my nerves are shot, I may have to fill two more positions in my show and I did not have a chance to check Lauren Brown’s suitcase before she left, so I am probably missing some jewelry. I need my drink, got me!” I slowly backed away from Elizabeth deciding that keeping her away from a cocktail was a far more severe fate than falling off the balcony, so I waited till she got her drink then we proceeded outside. The scene in front of JohnPaul’s was chaos, people were scrambling about. The first person I saw was Lauren Brown standing on the sidewalk screaming hysterically. There was a lifeless body in front of her, but I could not tell who it was. We ran over to Lauren to get a better look and found Tami lying at her feet, except she was not dead, she was trying to roll over. “Can someone get me up.” Lauren had been leaving JohnPaul’s at the very exact time of the argument upstairs. Tami had fallen off the balcony and landed atop Lauren’s Prada suitcase buffering her fall but absolutely flattening the exquisite bag. “That is why we can’t have nice things, because of Tami Tarmac.” Lauren yelled at the top of her lungs. Barbara Ella and I helped Tami up, who seemed totally

[continued on 31]

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

under the gaydar ...from 30 unfazed by the fall. “I can’t believe you are not hurt,” I said. “Please, nothing can hurt me in this girdle I got on. It is steel reinforced. It is the best spandex keflar that money can buy. Some gay guys who are on the SWAT team in the city turned me on to this. Feel it, spanks have nothing on this stuff. Actually if it wasn’t for Lauren’s bag, I probably would have bounced back up to my feet.” I touched her stomach and she was right, bullets could not penetrate that fabric. “Well, its been fun,” she said, “I need a drink.” And with that she turned on heel and retreated back inside the bar. Lauren Brown was on her knees trying to salvage anything from her destroyed wardrobe. Elizabeth walked over to Lauren and perused her smashed suitcase. “Well, at least I know she didn’t take any of my jewelry. Hey Shirley Temple, hop to it and get mama another vodka stinger.” And with that Barbara stomped back into the bar cursing under her breath. I couldn’t be sure what she said but it was something to the effect that these cows have nine lives. “I don’t get it, what happened to Cathy?” I asked. “Well if you are thinking about organizing some sort of search party, count me in, I love this drama. Just let me get my stinger and I am ready to go,” Elizabeth said checking her makeup in her compact. “Will someone get me out of here,” came a cry from a few feet away. “That sounded like Cathy,” I said heading in the direction of a late model luxury vehicle. We moved around the back and found Cathy lying in the open trunk of this sedan. “Girl, you look like crap,” Elizabeth said holding out her hand as Barbara Ella brought her another stinger. “But that is a nice purse you got there.” That is when I noticed that the entire trunk of the car was filled with purses. “The purses must have acted like a cushion and been what saved you from hurting yourself in the fall,” I said noticing the lovely array of Gucci handbags sticking out from underneath Cathy. “Well that is fine and dandy, will you three get me out of here. I think I have Gucci buckle stuck up the crack of my butt.” Barbara Ella lit up a cigarette. “What are you complaining about Fox, it is probably the classiest thing that has ever been in there.” I heard sirens in the background, “The police will be here shortly, don’t move you may be hurt.” Suddenly from behind the car, came a intimidating woman who looked eerily familiar. “Get that bitch out of the back of my car, she is ruining my business, she better not have messed up any of my merchandise, you know how hard it is to get those knockoffs here from China.” “How much for the brown one with the shiny clasp,” Elizabeth asked her. “Twenty five, cash only,” she said. I was still trying to place her face. Was she a celebrity? “That is reasonable, they look so au-

thentic,” Elizabeth pulled the money out of her bra and handed it to her. The woman yanked the purse roughly out from under Cathy who let out a slight groan. “Excuse me, can we please help our friend,” I said to them exasperated. “Now who are you talking about,” Elizabeth said eyeing her new purchase. “Cathy,” I said. “Hello, why am I still in the trunk,” Cathy said. “My dear boy, I better not chip a nail doing this.” Elizabeth took a sip of her drink and sat the glass own gently next to the curb. Barbara Ella just leaned against the wall and watched. The sirens grew louder as the police got closer. “To hell with this, the fuzz is here!” And with that the purse saleswoman grabbed Cathy by the scruff of her beaded dress and effortlessly yanked her in one pull out of the trunk and tossed her roughly to the ground with a thud. She then hopped into her car and sped away not even closing the trunk. Purses were spilling out onto the street from her trunk as she drove down Elysian Fields. The trannie hookers who often work the corners on that street ran

Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox! after the car scooping up the bags like they were following the Pied Piper. I stood transfixed, amazed at the scene that just unfolded in front of my eyes. Then I realized who she was. “Oh my God, Elizabeth, was that lady Barbara Streisand.” “Honey,” she said taking another sip from her cocktail, “That was no lady, that was Tittie Toulouse.” To be continued... (Note: as always this is a dramatization of real events that may have occurred, which again means this is not a true story. Or is it?) Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

400

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

1000

New Orleans, LA [504] 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

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800

M A R IG N Y

23 ES TR R A H C

FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D

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 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 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] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave. GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000

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

chiropractic

C EL H YS 210 ME 0 N IA N F 22 IE LD 00 S

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1210] RT PA M A R

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 [is1210]

bookstores

URSULINES

body rubs

900 ST. PHILIP

PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431 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, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

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 BOURBON PUB/PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107 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, 371.5450 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM

circuit/events 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 Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 26-30, 2011, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.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

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

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 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782

insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833

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

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

tages. 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

marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website 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/escort 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. [is1210]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CEN-

TER / 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., 592.4666

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 AS-

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

SOCIATION, 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 70117-4035, 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, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 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 NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: 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

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416

pets

spas

New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 FRENCH QUARTER VET, 922 Royal St., Office 322.7030, Cell 250.1175, DrScott@TheFrenchQuarterVet.COM

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] JUDY FISHER, INC. REALTORS, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, marylind2020@gmail.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com

restaurants Metairie, LA [504] ROOBA'S CRESCENT SPOON CAFE, 2307 Veterans Mem. Blvd., 830.1035, Roobas.COM New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB RESTAURANT, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965

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; 4901 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889, HerbImport.COM LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158 Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM

New Orleans, LA [504] 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

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

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

N e w Or l e a n s Pr i d e

NOLAPride.ORG

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

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

ith the ushered movement of spray tans, beach bodies, and skimpy swim wear bought via weeks of searching the internet, it’s a true sign that a month of summer has already passed us by. Just because one month has whisked by doesn’t mean that it’s all over. Trust me, there is still much more to come. Tighten up the waist band on those linen pants because here’s the spill. You’re listening up with Joey Collins.

Bar Spill

y now you should have recov ered from your Memorial Day weekend drunken stupor. Whether you spent your time in Houston,

Galveston, Pensacola, or even down in the Caribbean, it’s time to focus your summer spirit on Acadiana. Both Sound Factory and Jules Downtown have things in store for you. Forget Memorial Day weekend, now is the time to strip off your clothes and tie a white sheet around your waist. Jules will be hosting a Toga Party on June 12th. Jules owner, Darren Parker, has expressed to me how large of an event he expects it to be. “I expect a large attendance and I don’t doubt that bar patrons will be pleased.” Parker also explained that on July 17th Jules will be hosting its annual white party. This means you have a month to find your perfect outfit fitted in the obvious, white. In

the mean time you can continue to follow Jules on Facebook. This is the best way to find out their daily drink specials. You got to be dead red, you got to be real hot, so throw away those green gems and wear rubies when you dress yourself in your hottest attire for Sound Factory’s Red Ribbon Ball. Come out and support the efforts Sound Factory has laid out for Acadiana CARES on June 19th when Keith Doucet spins his red-hot tracks. Sponsored by Acadiana CARES, Royal Order of Unicorn, and Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette, this ball will help to raise funds for Acadiana CARES. Such an organization is significant in the community when it comes to raising awareness, prevention, and education for HIV/ AIDS. Bar patrons will be able to indulge themselves in wine, beer, and silent auctions. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased from the staff of Sound Factory. Sound Factory manager, Mitch Tate, expressed his excitement of the event, “This community has proven itself time and time again when it shows how supportive it can be. Many thanks go out to those who continue to support the great efforts that our community continues to instill.” Don’t forget that that this event is semi-formal, t-shirts and jeans will not be permitted. Remember that besides The Red Ribbon Ball, Sound Factory has many other items to offer to you. Tuesday nights feature a talent forum, Wednesday night features karaoke, Thursday nights feature Drink and Drown, and the weekend always ushers in drink specials. Want to stay up to date with daily happenings? There are many entities in which you can follow via Facebook. Search for Jules, Sound Factory, Lafayette Lesbians, and Lafayette Gay Men. These are the best virtues of which to follow if you’re highly interested in keeping in touch.

White House Declares June to be Gay Pride Month

t almost a daily pace, progress is happening be fore our very eyes that will shape our community and the generations who will soon follow us. Each and every day we live in not just a country but a world where our community struggles to define itself. We are on a world stage and with so brings much responsibility. We fight to prove ourselves to politicians that we are a community with a plethora of diversities, cultures, uniqueness, and creativities. We fight to make it known that in this country, in this modern day society; we contribute to the shaping of this nation. We fight to belong, we fight for our equal rights, and we fight to take our place in a society that accepts us as not just as a gay family, but a family just like any other modern typical family. We fight to be not known as a gay couple with the ability to be legally married. We fight to simply be a couple and to have a marriage certificate that is as typical as any other sanctity of love and devotion. As a community, along with our straight allies who support us, we must continue to show people who we are. We must remember that if we simply sit there and wait for others to do it, then we shall receive nothing. Each and every day we must work to keep our movement growing. Each and every day we must speak with the unity of a movement and clearly state that we will accept nothing less than equality. Each and every day we must strive to touch the lives of others and strive to make a statement that educates and informs others that despite what you see on TV and what you think is right and fair, we face discrimination and disenfranchisement every single day. Remember that NO, we do not have equality and until we do, nobody really does. We must continue to work to advocate for our rights. Remember that decision makers from business, government, and all walks of life must learn the power and creativity of a group that is fed up with second class acceptance. We, the citizens of Louisiana and United States of America deserve our civil rights and demand equality. Such a movement must continue and the fire should never die. You not only must but HAVE to let your community and elected officials know who we are. We must put our friends on the spot. Those who accept us in the confines of our creative endeavors or the safety of the social community are not our friends if they cannot stand with us shoulder to shoulder and stand for justice and demand equality. Let them know that you care about equality and we are a movement. We shall never stop until we attain it. We must also stop and give thanks to our straight allies. Recognize that without them, we could not have gone as far as we have gone today. We need you more than ever. Each and every day you set an example. You stand up in your community and create a zero tolerance against bigotry and hate. I, personally, have seen the effect that our allies can have when they stand up and fight with us. It always brings tears to my eyes when I witness a straight ally educating and informing others about how strong of a community we are. They are helping to create a new generation which will embrace and accept diversity. Support your local LGBT organizations who work tire-

[continued on 42]

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

alexandria

papar azzi

Lexi & Eric

Dress Up, Krewes, Shows @ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

Clark playing dress up

The Shreveport Krewe

Daughters of Sharazad w/Marsheya

Janaka Weathers, talent show winner

Alex & Trey

Dana Silver’s return to the stage

Christin Taylor & Dann

Sexy Sable

Talent Show Finalists

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

acadiana

papar azzi

Jen Kober performing in Lake Charles

Cute couple, Chris & Scott

Stephen & Chris @ Jules

Tyler & Michael hanging out @ Jules

Mikey playing pool @ Sound Factory

Chris & Kira @ Sound Factory Alright Miss Thing!

The 4 besties! Darius & Macky cutting up @ Sound Factory Three times the mess! Best Friends Forever

Sound Factory’s newest bartender, Bobby Adam & Jeremy

Nick hanging out downtown

Joey & Steven looking cute

Looking good @ Jules!

Valerie interviewing the girls

Clearly Mary, clearly!

Darren & Tayler

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Summer Loving in Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Whitney always serves up a drink with a smile

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

rpa ed stick par azzi

Luther reading Hot Tails column Diane & Joy @ Hound Dogs

Richard, Guy & Cory

Ronnie & Corey Carroll & Pryce Enjoying a night on the town

Beau & Cameron

Jeremy mixing a drink

Having fun at George’s Cass & Dale

Finis @ George’s

Luther & Jeremy Regina, David & Effie Don & Tom Sondra does karaoke

Nicky & Chad

Richard & Regina

Joe & Tracy

Rudolph, Richard & John

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Nightlife in The Capital City ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Jason & Leslie @ Cajun Cove

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

A Quiet Holiday

ed Stick is always quiet on Memorial Day. I find it to be peaceful in the downtown area of Baton Rouge, and I’ve watched it year after year come back to life after the weekend trips to Pensacola and the celebrations in New Orleans. I also look on this holiday a little differently than a lot of people. Maybe it’s just me, but I would like to mention and give credit to all the gays and lesbians who have served this country in the past and those that are serving now in silence. This also includes all those who have died in the service of their country and those who have been dishonorably discharged because of their sexual preference. I salute them all. It is a shame the way this country has treated those who only wanted to protect and serve. I can’t apologize to everyone, but I can state my feelings. I’m very proud of all these fellow human beings, and I’m extremely proud of my friends now who I know are serving this country with pride and dignity. This is what I think about on Memorial Day. I also want to tell you, or perhaps remind some of you, about a young man I admire for the way he has handled himself after his dismissal from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. He was one of the top six highest-ranking midshipmen, and six weeks from graduation, he was expelled in 1987 after revealing his homosexuality to his fellow midshipmen. He could have lied when asked about this, but he chose to do what he thought was – and is – right. After all those years of studying to be the very best, it was all taken away from him. Joseph wrote a book called “Honor Bound,” which I added to my collection, and I also wrote to his publisher because I wanted him to know how proud I was of him for what he had done and to tell him how much I enjoyed his book. I received a response from him with a personally autographed copy of the book to show his appreciation. I was on a vacation in Boston and Provincetown during this time period, and I followed his life after the incident at the academy. He was enrolled in law school at the University of Connecticut, and I thought about contacting him there but decided against it. I knew then what he was going to do, and I still support him in his efforts at correcting a right that ruined his career. I believe it was a year later (1987) that Joseph, represented by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, sued for reinstatement. His case was unique in that he was accused of no homosexual conduct, and his separation from the military was predicated solely upon his admission of homosexuality. He was asked about his sexuality by his superiors, and he did not lie. An appellate court panel rebuffed the trial judge’s order that he disclose his sexual activity while at the academy. You read this sentence correctly. They wanted to know about his sexual activity, but his dismissal was about a question that he answered honestly. In 1991, U.S. District Judge Oliver Gasch ruled in favor of the Navy in the case of Steffan vs. Cheney. Upon appeal, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 1993 overturned the decision the next year, and Joseph decided not to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. I still feel as if he had the right to stay and graduate after all that he had worked for to be in the Navy, and I had hoped he would take this all the way to the top court in the U.S. And since Cheney had a lesbian daughter, I really thought he might have a winning case here. While all this was taking place, Joseph finished college at North Dakota State University and law school at the University of Connecticut. His collected papers from the case now comprise the largest collection within the University of Connecticut Law School Archives. The last I heard of him, he was a lawyer in New York City. I’m sure he is still actively working for gay causes. The reason for mentioning this now is because of what is taking place with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell situation. I’m hoping for the day when I can see Joseph Steffan, an American patriot and lawyer, accept a diploma from the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned that right. He should force this issue and right this wrong so that others who have served this country honorably can claim official pardons from the government of this country. Too many good people have been hurt and deserve better treatment. My Memorial Day was spent alone. I enjoyed the peace that came with this.

(hope I spelled that correctly), so this may be worth the drive up to this quaint little town on False River. I just read a new book on the history of Pointe Coupee Parish, so the desire to see more of this part of Louisiana is calling out to me. I need to get out more, so this is a good possibility or at least a good excuse for doing so. Later on that same day, Debbie came

by and told me about the 30th Anniversary Party that the Apollo’s Womens Auxiliary is throwing for all Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo members, past and present. This celebration will make North Seventh Street in Spanish Town come alive again. It is all scheduled to take place on Saturday, June

[continued on 42]

A Chat with Claudette

t isn’t unusual to see Claudette leaning inside my window talking about the latest happenings in the area. If I see her walking the dogs or working in her yard, I just stop then and there and share some time with her. She is one of my favorite people, and time spent with her is quality time. I may have to take her up on dining at this restaurant in New Roads. She had all good things to say about Satterfield’s

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

acadiana happens ...from 36 lessly to blast through barriers that once held us back. Continue to move forward and become involved. The movement rests on your hands now.

A Conversation with Comedian Jen Kober

ecently my bestie, Trey Schmaltz, and I ventured to Lake Charles and discovered the comedic styles of Jen Kober. Kober, a South Louisianan native, is an up and coming star. Her ability to engage her audience goes beyond words. Her quick wit and ability to occupy the audience into her daily life displays her confidence in being a voluptuous openly-gay woman. Her comedic style lacks many boundaries and will keep on edge while your diaphragm gets a workout of laughter. Besides being an up and coming comedic star, Kober has recently been given the opportunity to be casted in the groundbreaking HBO Series, Treme, which displays the Greater New Orleans area during the weeks following Hurricane Katrina. Kober, who was born in New Orleans and later moved to the Lake Charles area at age 8, took the time to reflect on her character.

sodes. Just keep watching, there are many more surprises in store. JC: Does this open the door for you to become a regular character? JK: I can’t give that away just yet. JC: Are there many actors and production crew members who are Louisiana residents? Are any of the characters based on real people? JK: There are several Louisiana residents who work on the show. In order for a production to receive a Louisiana tax break, they must hire a certain percent of Louisiana residents. With that said, it really works out in a positive direction for those who reside in Louisiana. Many of the characters are based on actual people. The production crew of Treme work tirelessly to keep the series as authentic as possible. JC: How much of the series is filmed in the actual New Orleans neighborhood of Treme? While shooting there, have you noticed a sense of revitalization? JK: A large majority of Treme is actually filmed in the actual neighborhood. Much of the neighborhood is coming back and redeveloping itself. In order to keep the series as authentic as possible, many buildings featured had to be turned back to five years ago. It’s great to see how many people are returning to the neighborhood and are thriving on the rebuilding spirit.

dates but people can check out my website, www.jenkober.com, for more information. This website can also be used to purchase tickets to any of my shows. JC: For those who may not be able to wait until then, what can they do? JK: I do have a CD out, Bringing Hefty Back. This can also be purchased on my website. For those with iTunes, search Jen Kober and you can download my album as well. Kober, whose conversation was the perfect cap to a very eventful weekend, left me in an awe inspiring mood. Her personality embraces the welcoming spirit that The South is known for. Though she now resides and spends much time in L.A., it was great to experience such a personality who still envelopes her southern routes. For those of you who have been following Treme, I encourage you to proceed at the edge of your seats, anxiously waiting for the next installment. Such a show not only displays New Orleans, but the spirit of the entire south Louisiana region. Such a spirit is a very stubborn spirit that will never diminish. As we continue to rebuild and face many boundaries, keep in mind our ancestors. Keep in mind the past generations who passed on the spirit in which we

live each day. The belief of a system that we are a unique culture, one unlike many others, which will always work hard and prosper yet know how to party just as hard and show a nation how to truly pass a good time. Whether it is an oil spill or a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico that engulfs us, we will never back down. This has been an ongoing spirit of not just Louisiana but of Americans as well.

hot tails of red stick ...from 41

all things positive. It will make her feel much better. I made a little trip to New Orleans with Danny last Sunday, but it was more of a business trip. We didn’t have time to do the Quarter scene. Jeff was really a happy camper when I visited Splash last week. They were doing the dance floor over again. As I’ve said before, they are always improving things so their customers can enjoy the surroundings more. David, as usual, was working his buns off. Sam wants to do another day trip to the Crescent City. Our last trip was practically rained out. We had a great time together, but it was cut short because of the weather. BCBoy is still thrilled to be able to have his own private space and beautiful garden. His home is absolutely beautiful, and the joy that he has found is really so nice. This is just one fantastic human being, and I love him dearly. I haven’t seen Phil and his John since the first part of May, so we need to do dinner again. Everyone seems to be so busy, including myself, that it seems more and more difficult to get together for a meal or even just a cocktail. The last ticket for this season’s New Orleans plays at the Mahalia Jackson Theater is coming up soon. I’ll be going with Sam to see “Avenue Q, the Musical.” “The Sound of Music” is up next for us in Red Stick. Don’t forget PrideFest this month Saturday, June 26th starting at noon, Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium, 102 France Street (downtown), Baton Rouge. With all the travel plans coming up for everyone, let me just wish you safe and happy journeys. I always think about hurricanes at this time, and the predictions are certainly high this year. The first tropical storm has already sneaked into the Gulf of Mexico, and I almost missed it. This is a time to wish good tidings regardless of weather or other unforeseen conditions. Just be safe and enjoy life to the fullest. We only pass this way once. Make the most of it.

12, 2010 at the homes of Debbie and Claudette and neighbor Josie. Festivities begin at 7 p.m., so this should prove to be a wonderful meeting and reunion of friends.

A Lot of Miscellanea

Joey Collins: Which character do you play in Treme and while doing research, what have you learned about the character? Jen Kober: My character’s name is Andrea Cazayoux, whom I believe is partly molded after a politician from the New Orleans area. Cazayoux is a supporting character to the plot involving Toni Bernette, who is an attorney who is attempting to find prisoners who have been lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Cazayoux is a younger attorney and works on the side of Bernette who is working for the many civil rights violations that were imposed against many prisoners when Sheriff Departments in surrounding areas made much money simply off of the “names” of prisoners, per se. JC: Besides being a supporting character, do you see storyline and the character being developed further in the series? JK: There will be many more scenes features in the season finale, all of which I cannot discuss right now. I don’t want to give the plot away too early. Trust me, there is more to come later this June. I can say that I have been asked to return in the next season for at least three more epi-

JC: Besides Treme, are there any other entertainment productions that you are working on in the Louisiana area? JK: I recently landed a small role in The Fields, which is a Sam Worthington movie. Sam Worthington, well-known for his role in Avatar, will be feature in a serial killer movie which will also be filmed in New Orleans. JC: You have much on your plate. Is there anything else that you can give away to us? JK: I am currently working on a pilot for a sitcom, which I am very excited about. JC: Sounds very provocative, I would love to know more. JK: I wish I could give away more, but at this moment I can’t give much away. Just keep in touch for later development. JC: Let’s discuss more about your standup comedy. Will there be any shows coming to the Louisiana area any time soon? JK: Yes, as a matter of fact I will be in Lake Charles on June 11th, 12th, 25th, and 26th. The location will be at Sylvia’s which is located at 329 Broad St in Lake Charles, LA. I will also be in Lafayette at Cite des Arts in August. We’re still working on the

uther and I are planning to do dinner again, and I think I’m going to surprise him this time with a special private ice cream party – all homemade and even served with a special menu of Italian dishes. We usually do D’Angelo’s, but they don’t do homemade ice cream. I think he will like this. Jeremy is looking spiffy with that buzzed off hair, almost like a military stud. Well, he’s a stud whether he looks military or not. Henry is one of the sexiest studs I know around town. He has just enough of that shyness to make him absolutely adorable. I like this youngster. Scoti keeps getting thinner – and ever so sexy. I think he worked so much getting Cajun Cove open that he forgot to eat a few times. I ran into Don and Pryce while shopping at the Mall of Louisiana, and we chatted for a while. I was out looking for more Hawaiian shirts for everyday wear. It’s that time of the year when the clothes get smaller and the guys get sexier. I love summertime. I’m sure I missed out on some great sightings in New Orleans over the holiday weekend, but there will always be other times. I do accept pictures and comments – all kinds as long as they make me happier. June is a vacation month for me. This time, it’s Orlando. August or September will be San Francisco, and I’m not sure yet about November, probably back to Florida. Joy says that Jeannie is still under the weather after breaking her hip. That sweetheart needs to get up and shake that leg. Maybe we should organize a group and take her out to lunch. She needs to think

Summer Loving

have recently taken note of the many newly developed relationships in the Acadiana area. I applaud those who use this current summer to find love. Embrace it and use it in your most thrilling advancement of sharing a life with one while they touch your own life. For those of you, who have yet to find such a thing, hang in there. Do not become discouraged and decide to disenfranchise yourself from the entire gay community based on disapproval. Remember that you are a part of a community that is filled with diversity and opportunities. Embrace it. Continue to have a great summer and as always, you’re listening up with Joey Collins. Keep the party going, girl!

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45

Bubbles is joined by St. Patrick & his entourage of hotties @ Windsor Court’s 140 Characters Party

Noel recognizes Josh for his outstanding work @ NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party

Tony (right) with his alter ego Vera Charles (Ricky Graham) at opening of Auntie Mame

Joe & Bruce flank Princesse Stephaney @ NO/AIDS Patron Party @ Mike’s on the Avenue

Rob (top 140 Character) & Maryam @ Windsor Court Party

George Patterson, Brick Bishop & Su Gonzy @ Satyricon Opening Night of Varla Jean Merman

Brian Peterson with hubby Todd who played Beuregard in Auntie Mame

snap paparazzi

Laura Tennyson & Deacon John @ the Windsor Court Party

Satyricon members Michael, Jerry, Becky Allen & Stephen @ opening performance of Auntie Mame

Noel recognizes Lori for her outstanding work @ NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party

Tony’s new special friend he met out last Friday in the Quarter

Raven Kennedy in the Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s

Hottie Eric with Mary Beth from Mike’s on the Avenue @ his art show @ Steven Martin’s Gallery

Bear Soup @ Michael & Doug’s Memorial Day Party

Don Paul & Mark @ opening Performance of Auntie Mame

Newcomer to the Task Force Cheryl is flanked by the heads of Friday Night Before Mardi Gras

Marty, Paul, Mike & Darwin @ Auntie Mame opening

Pride Grand Marshal Cathy, Zsa Zsa & Miss Gay Pride Tami flank Mr. Gay Pride Travis helping raise $1,800 for NOLA Pride @ JohnPaul’s

Ms. Onasis @ Doug & Michael’s Memorial Day Party

46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG

The Social Scene ~ New Orleans

Al & Dwain celebrate their anniversary @ JohnPaul’s during Marcy’s Golden Age Revue

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 47

48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 8-21, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM • NOLAPride.ORG