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Ambush magazine volume 28 issue 15

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

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-Bob's bar baron Jerry Ehlen joins the winner of Rupaul Drag Race Season 2, Tyra Sanchez. Hosted by B-Bob's, Mobile's largest nightclub, Tyra brought the crowd to a standing ovation with a stunning performance. For more on the excitement at this popular club, visit B-Bobs.COM.

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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia hosted the Official Southern Decadence Press Party on July 6 in the Parade above the Bourbon Pub. The grand marshals unveiled the official poster by renowned photographer Larry Graham; announced the official song: “Tu Es Foutu” You Promised Me! by InGrid, English/French version; official charity: NO/AIDS Task Force; and official sponsors: Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.COM, Harrah’s Casino, Bud Light, Quartermaster, Bacardi, Absolut, Larry Graham and Sir Speedy. Previously announced, the theme is Leather & Feathers, and the colors are powder blue, black and purple. This was the largest attended press party since the late SDGM XXXII Donald "Donnie Jay" James' in 2004, and many credit that with the popularity of this year's selection of Julien and Toby. The duo will lead the 39th Southern Decadence celebration over Labor Day Weekend, Wednesday-Monday, September 1-6. For a list of all scheduled events, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.

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bove-Buzzy's Boys & Girls hosted their annual Bastille Day fundraiser which included a scrumptious all French buffet and raffle with fabulous prizes. Hosted at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans, the event raised $1,030. For more info, visit BuzzysBoysAndGirls.ORG. (Photo: Todd, Inge, Koo & Brian) ight-Double Play's Chuck Turner presents a $500 donation from he and partner Bill Miller to New Orleans Official Pride, NOLA Pride's secretary and parade lineup chair Steve Patrick. For more information on the organization, visit NOLAPride.ORG.

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oncho LaPerle and Aaron Byelick traveled to B-Bob's in Mobile to catch the special show featuring the winner of Rupaul's Drag Race Tyra Sanchez, and both agreed the show was great! You can catch Poncho and Aaron at La Mina Sterling right here in New Orleans at 840 Royal Street.

Reach the Market

Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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

23rd GAA Gala Announces Winners July 24 @ Oz

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he 23rd annual Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Gala is Saturday, July 24 announcing the winners in 23 award categories. Hosted at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, the gala will also honor Jean Redmann as the 23rd recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Doors open at 7pm and the gala show and awards ceremony begins promptly at 8pm. Admission is $10 with all proceeds from the evening's festivities benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls. Since 1997 the galas have raised $36,273 for charity. GAA board members Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Foxx will emcee the affair. Entertainment will include the return of 2009 Entertainers of the Year Coca and Ama Rosa, and GAA Founder Marcy Marcell. Additionally, Show Club of the Year Finalists Bourbon Pub Parade, JohnPaul's, Oz, Tubby's Golden Lantern, and Starlight By The Park are scheduled to do a production number. All stage performance tips also benefit Buzzy's Boys & Girls. The awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community who are many times 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 today across the Gulf South. The Top 5 Finalists voted on by the public include: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Gay Easter Parade, Halloween, PFLAG's 20th Anniversary Champagne Reception, Red Party/Lafitte's, Southern Decadence • Hair Salon of the Year: Bobby Blue Contemporary Barber & Beauty Parlor, Headquarters, Mickey Nolan's Salon, Paris Parker, Salon D'Malta • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon • Neighborhood Bar of the Year: 700 Club, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends Bar, JohnPaul's, Tubby's Golden Lantern • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service in the AIDS arena]: Michael Hickerson, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, Chris Leonard, NO/AIDS Task Force • Bitch of the Year: Aletha Bryant, Paul Chiriaco, Ken Grandpre, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders • Show Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, JohnPaul's, Oz, Tubby's Golden Lantern, Starlight By The Park • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals]: GLITZ: The Art of Female Impersonation, I Am My Own Wife, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Outworks 2010/LSU Theatre Department, Running With Scissors • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ; Clover Grill; Mona Lisa Restaurant, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Verti Mart • Dance Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, JohnPaul's, Oz, Rubyfruit Jungle, Splash/Baton Rouge • Bartender of the Year: Aletha Bryant/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Darrin Duplissey/ JohnPaul's, Lance Pippin/Tubby's Golden Lantern, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Cody Warembourg/700 Club • DJ of the Year: Chris Allen/Bourbon Pub & Parade, DJ Myke/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Johnny Love/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Richie Rich/JohnPaul's • Leather Bar of the Year: Dallas Eagle/Dallas, JohnPaul's, Phoenix, Ramrod/Ft. Lauderdale, Rawhide 2010 • GLBT Business of the Year [no bars/restaurants/delis/hair salons]: Alternatives, La Mina Sterling, Moms Mini Mart, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts, Scully'z Recordz • Leather Person of the Year: Michael Albracht, Cathy Fox, Jose Gonzales, Toby Lefort, Gary Vandeventer • Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Dee Cooley, Stephanie Lee, Rikki Redd, Jasmine SX • Lesbian of the Year: Marty Curtin, Mae Falgout, Red Hanson, Pat McCardle, Sandy Sachs • Gay Man of the Year: Tommy Elias, Ken Grandpre, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, John Vignone • Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer]: Big Mama, Elizabeth Bouvier, Blanche Debris, Passion Armani Cassidine, Coca The GAA Board of Directors chose the Top 5 Finalists in two categories: • Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Tiffany Alexander, Nicole DuBois, Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Rhonda Roget, Tami Tarmac • Cheridon Comedy Award: Barry Bareass, Blanche Debris, Zsa Zsa d'LaHor, Sister Mary Isawhore, Persona Shoulders. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence will be presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain at the GAA Gala as well. Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain [Betty Buttons], the late Andy Boudreaux, the late Buzzy Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, the late Miss Fury, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, the late Louise McFarland, Miss Dixie Fasnacht, Alice Brady & John Dodt, Gene Adams, the late Charlene Schneider, the late Steve Mettner, Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney, the late Donald “Donnie Jay” James, Kitty Blackwell, Michael “Fish” Hickerson, Marcy Marcell, Mary L. Lathouwers and Don Evans.

inside celebrazzi paparazzi/alexandria under the gaydar/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans paparazzi/pensacola the pink pastor/new orleans 39th southern decadence snap paparazzi/new orleans gay appreciation awards gala classifieds

GAA Winners Issue out August 3 DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 27 4 10 14 20 23 26 27 28 29 30

paparazzi/mobile out & about in mobile acadiana paparazzi/lafayette hot tails of red stick/baton rouge acadiana happens/lafayette red stick paparazzi/baton rouge trodding the boards/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans halloween new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans

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

The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Toni Pizanie. Sponsored by Ambush, visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA for more info.

Southern Decadence Press Party Unveils Official Poster, Song & Sponsors @ the Parade

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he annual Southern Decadence Press Party brought out over a hundred participants for the unveiling of the Official Poster, Song and Sponsors. This year, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Julien Artressia and Toby Lefort chose the Parade above the Bourbon Pub for the event which was the largest attended press party since 2004. It was a fun filled evening where guests from the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, Westbank, Metairie and Slidell were able to mingle with the new grand marshals while enjoying cocktails and a delicious buffet (courtesy of Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli). As the evening progressed, it was time for the big moments for the 39th Southern Decadence celebration. The poster was unveiled by Julien and Toby showcasing the handywork of reowned photographer Larry Graham. The

poster is reminiscent of the front page of a magazine showing a glamorous Julien and leatherman Toby along with several high-

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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

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SouthernDecadence.COM, Harrah’s Casino, Bud Light, Quartermaster, Bacardi, Absolut, Larry Graham and Sir Speedy. This year's colors are powder blue, black and purple. As SDGMs XXXVI, the duo will lead the 39th Southern Decadence celebration over Labor Day Weekend, WednesdayMonday, September 1-6. For a list of all scheduled events, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.

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Olympus Bar’s title holders lights. First the masthead read Southern Decadence, then New Orleans 2010, SD Issue XXXIX. Below that was "This issue: Leather and Feathers which is the theme. Several phrases set the tone for this Decadence including: "Taking PRIDE in who we are," "Are they really decadent or just looking for good times?," "Bringing our community together, one bar at a time," and finally, "Putting the French back in The French Quarter." Next the official song: “Tu Es Foutu” You Promised Me! by InGrid, English/ French version was played. The Grand Marshals announced the official charity as NO/AIDS Task Force; and official sponsors including Ambush Mag,

Win A Room for 2 for Southern Decadence Weekend, Register NOW

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outhernDecadence.COM has partnered with New Orleans Courtyard and French Quarter Suites Hotels to stage an exciting contest giving away a room for two for Southern Decadence weekend. The contest winner would get deluxe accommodations for two for four nights, Friday-Monday, September 3-6 valued at almost $1,000. It includes the use of two beautiful pools, Wi-Fi Internet

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the "official" dish ...from 10 services, continental breakfast and off street parking. Visit SouthernDecadence.COM to enter. Drawing for the winner will be on Saturday, July 31. Steps away from the hotels, you'll find celebrated Bourbon Street, New Orleans renown restaurants, bars, clubs, irresistible shopping and the many attractions and destinations that make the Crescent City one of the most popular and loved travel destinations in the world. French Quarter Suites is the official host hotel of Oz New Orleans. The properties are located at 1101/1119 N. Rampart Street. For reservations call 800.457.2253, email reservations@bpmhotels.com. For more info visit NOCourtyard.COM or FrenchQuarterSuites.COM.

Meeting Professionals International Honors New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

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eeting planners and industry peers have recognized the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for excellence in the industry. The Center was honored with the prestigious President’s Award from the Gulf

States Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) at their Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon. MPI is the leading global community committed to shap-

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the "official" dish ...from 12 ing and defining the future of the meeting and event industry. The Gulf States Chapter of MPI encompasses Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

The President’s Award is the highest award given by MPI and is only awarded to an organization with the highest standards of leadership. The recipient must be actively involved in the membership, have donated to the organization and have sus-

tainable environmental policies. The recipient of the President’s Award must be involved with the Gulf States Chapter of MPI, not just as a member, but one who works with MPI and supports the entire hospitality industry.

The President’s Award is selected by the current President of MPI, and can only be given to an organization once. Rachel Vella, President of the Gulf States Chapter of MPI, said the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was the obvious choice. Vella said the Convention Center was selected for its continued service to MPI, through donations, providing speakers, and volunteer activities on the MPI Board. ”It is an honor to work so closely with a major facility, such as the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. I can’t think of any other organization in the community that supports Meeting Professionals International and is deserving of this award more than the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. They have been with us from the beginning and I know they will continue to grow with the MPI Gulf States Chapter,” Vella said.

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

Sarong, But Yet So Right!

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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is celebrating the summer with a sexy pool party entitled “Sippin’ in Sarongs.” If there is one party not to be missed this season, this is the one. This fete comes complete with sultry men, a scrumptious tropical buffet, refreshing libations and a sarong contest. The party will be held on Sunday, August 8, from 4 7pm at the Lion’s Inn. This fabulous gay bed and breakfast has a lavishly, lush courtyard and cooling pool making it the perfect setting. So don your most tantalizing swimwear and make a splash. There will be wonderful entertainment and Becky Allen herself will judge the sarong contest in which you can win in several different categories such as sexiest sarong, campiest sarong and most original. And in case you did not know, I am a member of Satyricon and like the other gay carnival krewes, it is a great way to meet new people. And what better way to do it than poolside with a drink with an umbrella in it. The Lion’s Inn is located at 2517 Chartres Street in the Marigny. For tickets, call 504.525.4498.

Mambo Italiano

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f you can’t get to Italy this summer, no problem, because I discovered a taste of it on Magazine Street, Uptown. Little Vic’s Gelateria has opened up at 1912 Magazine Street and it is one of the coolest new eateries in the city. If you have a serious weakness for ice cream and desserts, then Little Vic’s is a little scoop of heaven. They have twenty-four

flavors of gelati made fresh daily as well as an array of other desserts. I had the spumoni cheesecake which was out of this world. But this place is not just all about the sweets. They have an extensive menu of paninis, croissants and salads. And their California style pasta salad is just incredible. The atmosphere is bright and open with a very inviting feel. The countertop is reminiscent of the old soda shops in the fifties, while the vibe of the entire place is definitely European cosmopolitan. An additional selling point is the fact that this is another wonderful gay owned establishment on Magazine Street. Vic Caracci, the owner, is a big part of the gay community along with his manager Eddie Paulin. And on another more shallow note, they are two of the hottest Italian men I have met in this city. Scooping ice cream has never looked so decadent. So go check out Little Vic’s Gelateria on Magazine Street for a bite to eat or just to have a cup of coffee and watch the sights. I have this feeling that little place is going to become a very popular spot in the Lower Garden District. For more information, call them at 504.309.8236.

Eastbank. As everyone probably knows by now, when I am not chasing after Elaine Stritch, I am an event producer and my company worked with Essence on several of their events. I was able to attend some events that night. In addition to the sponsor reception, I went to Marc Morial’s party at The Republic and to Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s Gala at Gallier Hall. All three events were packed with people celebrating Essence, which commemorated its fortieth anniversary. On Friday, my weekend kicked into full gear after work. I got ready and took a cab to the Superdome and met my friend Laura Tennyson to see Janet Jackson start the Essence Festival. And was it well worth it, simply outstanding. Her show was two and a half hours long with some fierce costume changes and amazing choreography. She performed every one of her hits and she had a montage of all her television and screen roles, as well as a moving tribute to her late brother Michael. Her entire show was energized. In one song she pulls a person onto stage and does a pseudo S & M number complete with harnesses and slings that would make any member of the Lords of Leather salivate. Besides the costumes, she physically looked remarkable. She has always looked great, but this new sophisticated sexy appearance is flattering. I was lucky enough to get into the VIP lounge at this event and rubbed elbows with lots of celebrities, The most delightful celebrity I met was comedian and actress Niecy Nash who played Raineesha Williams on Comedy Central’s Reno 911 and most recently tripped the light fantastic on Dancing with the Stars. She actually knows my friend David Streets who moved to Beverly Hills from New Orleans after Katrina and has become one of the top art dealers. She was personable and looked fabulous. Other famous people there were Tyler Perry, Omarosa, Al Sharpton and Atlanta Housewife

Celebrating the Fourth of July

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ndependence Day in New Orleans is never dull. This city has so many happenings that it is quickly becoming one of the major destinations for this holiday and the fireworks are just a small part of this city’s celebration. My wild Fourth of July weekend began on Thursday when I attended the Essence sponsor event at Mardi Gras World

Comedian Actress Niecy Nash & Ambush's Tony Leggio Nene. After we left the concert we shopped at the very cool flea market that was set up right by the Superdome. They had some great designer deals. I can’t help myself but shopping at 2am is a turn on for me. On Saturday, Elizabeth Bouvier (aka Jeff Mallon) and I trekked into the French Quarter for some of the Wood Enterprises’ festivities. We started off at Rawhide for the 3legged race where guys tied themselves up together and got sweaty. Sounds familiar. I did the same thing last week except I did not get a 1st place ribbon. Does a yellow post it note count? After watching the race, we moseyed down to Good Friends for their chicken drop event. You know Southerners will bet on just about anything and the chicken drop proves that. You put your name on a color and hope that this chicken craps on it. PETA would just die if they knew about this contest. It sounds very tasteless, but was strangely fun and luckily for me, the chicken crapped on blue, so I won a free drink. After Good Friends, our next stop on this tour was Cafe Lafitte in Exile, where Jeff and I entered the egg toss. Okay, so we did not win, but we had a great time watching the others play. After tossing our eggs, we decided we needed a little drag in our lives so we went to catch Rikki Redd’s show, Divas R Us, at Tubby’s Golden Lantern. We saw the show, then moved our bodies to the Marigny, ending our evening at JohnPaul’s for the Marcy Marcell Golden Age Revue, which as always, was entertaining. And one of our favorite entertainers, Princesse Stephaney, has returned after a brief hiatus with a bang wearing a Betsy Ross inspired outfit for her number. Sunday came quickly after my marathon night of carousing. I spent the morning lying on the sofa trying to come to life. I managed to rise from the dead and attend Opal Master’s Follies show at JohnPaul’s where I emceed.

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under the gaydar ...from 14 There was a lively crowd in attendance celebrating the holiday. Opal and her girls put on one great performance filled with show stopping numbers and elaborate costumes. And Deja Déjà Vu even did one of my favorite songs by Martini McBride for the occasion entitled “Independence Day.“ After the show, a few of us dragged ourselves to the Westbank for my friends’ Darrin and Robbie’s Fourth of July party. It was a great party with lots of hot naked boys in the pool. Fireworks weren’t the only things going off at this party. I love a party with lots of delicious food, flowing alcohol and pretty men with questionable morals. Now that is what our founding fathers were all about when they fought for our freedom. With my battery dwindling, I left Darrin and Robbie’s place and headed home. As I crossed the bridge I got a close up view of the fireworks show. I have to say seeing them go off from the bridge is pretty cool. This has got to be one of the best fourths I have had in a long time. I would like to especially thank all the bar owners for giving the gay community something fun to do over this holiday weekend.

July Book of the Month

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y July book of the month picks are by an author you are very familiar with, because I have reviewed some of his books before. James Patterson’s newest Michael Bennett thriller, Worst Case, is another hit. This is the third book in his series about an Irish-Catholic, widowed detective in New York with 10 kids and a cantankerous father who is a priest. In this book he battles a killer who abducts wealthy children and puts them through his own sick test where the wrong answers prove fatal. Each abduction moves Bennett and the reader to the powerful climax. Patterson again grabs the reader’s attention at the onset and never lets up. In addition to the search for a psychopath, Bennett must also deal with new complications that arise in his personal life in the form of FBI Agent Emily Parker. The other book by Patterson is the ninth in his Women’s Murder Club series. 9th Judgment is another satisfying thriller. Detective Lindsey Boxer, along with Claire, Cindy and Yuki match wits with a sadistic killer murdering young mothers and their children, while trying to nail the person responsible for killing an A-List actor‘s wife. As with Worst Case, Patterson weaves the story around these ladies personal dramas. That is what makes his novels so fascinating, these characters are complex and become more developed with each new book in the series. Nonstop thrills along with compelling storylines make both novels sound choices. For more information on James Patterson and his works, go to www.jamespatterson.com. Or check out any of the independent booksellers in the city for a copy.

Stitch’s Anatomy

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stood at the door of the hospital and looked at Elaine, I mean Cathy Fox lying in the bed. Her face was completely wrapped with bandages with only a few tufts of blond hair poking out from the top. She looked like Claude Rains

in the Invisible Man. She was hooked up to a machine with an IV drip in her hand and a breathing mask over her mouth. She started to make sounds like she was trying to tell me something, but because of the mask and the bandages, whatever she was trying to say came out incoherently. Elizabeth stirred at my feet where she had passed out. I helped her up and she took in the scene again. “I definitely need a drink,” she said, “Cathy, what you need to do is go and see a stylist pronto, your roots are showing. Other than that you are looking pretty good to me.” Cathy weakly lifted up her bandaged hand and shot Elizabeth the bird. “Well it looks like she is feeling better already, why don’t we go,” Elizabeth said. “That sounds like a good idea,“ I said, “we will be right back,” I said to Cathy and walked Elizabeth out of the room. Once outside, “what the hell did she have done, she is completely bandaged up.” “I don’t know maybe she had an entire body lift, you know that seems to be the rage now. Why don’t we go have a drink. I am out of cough syrup.” “Let me speak with that mean Nurse Haley before we leave. I want to see when they expect her to be released.” We walked over to the nurse’s station and it was empty. “I wonder where she is.” “Beats me, off flying her broom somewhere. Hey you want a snatch cake. The cart is right over there.” Elizabeth walked over to the cart and picked one up. “I wonder where that little perky girl is? What was her name, Little Darrin, or something.” “Little Debbie,” I answered. “Where did Tami run off to?” “I don’t know, probably terrorizing the maternity ward now. Lets go, we can come back later.” I agreed reluctantly and we went downstairs. On the way there we passed the pharmacy again and there was a sign in the window saying “be back in fifteen minutes.” Once in the lobby, we found the information desk abandoned. I looked over and saw the gift shop was also closed. “I wonder where everyone went to,” I said suddenly getting a sensation of dread. “I have a bad feeling about this. Lets go back upstairs.” Elizabeth let out an exasperated sigh. We took the elevator to Cathy’s floor. “I am staying here in the waiting room, go do your thing and come back and get me,” she said plopping down in a chair and grabbing a magazine. I started walking down the deserted hallway to Cathy’s room. Suddenly the sound of alarms started going off. I quickened my pace and rounded the corner. I saw a red light above Cathy’s door flashing and the alarm was coming from inside. I ran into the room and found Cathy lying half off the bed eyes staring blankly at me. The plug had been pulled out of the machine and her breathing mask was around her neck. The bandages were still wrapped tightly around her entire body. I raced over to the bed and felt for a pulse, there was none. She was dead. “Help,” I called out and ran out into the hallway colliding with Nurse Haley. “What is all this commotion?” “It’s Cathy,” I said, “I think she is dead.” “Impossible, let me check.” She disappeared into the room for a few minutes and came back out. “Yep, she is dead alright. Damn, there is going to be a lot of paperwork on this one.”

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under the gaydar ...from 16 I couldn’t believe it, this was crazy. “She only went in for a minor surgery and now she is dead. How did that happen?” “Those things happen, you know she was old.” “Not that old, and what about the plug, did you see someone pulled It out of the machine.” “Now don’t get yourself all worked up about this. The plug was fine, you must have been imagining that.” “I wasn’t imagining anything,” I pushed pass her and looked at the machine beside the bed. The plug was fine and the machine was on. “I know what I saw!” “Sure you did, I think it was just the shock of finding the body that had your mind playing tricks on you.” “This is insane,” I stormed off and returned to the waiting room where I found Elizabeth seated in the same spot I left her. I also noticed that Barbara Ella, C. Alice and Tittie Toulouse was standing around having a conversation. Little Debbie walked in the waiting room pushing her cart looking disheveled. Tami Tarmac now joined the group coming from the fire stairwell. Nurse Haley entered the waiting room from the rear carrying a tray of surgical equipment. “What took you so long, how’s Cathy,” Elizabeth said sounding out of breath. “What is wrong with you, have you been running?” I asked her. “No, why would you ask something silly like that.” “Where did everyone come from?” I “Beats me, I was engrossed in this issue of Cosmopolitan. I didn’t realize

they were here. Did you know there are sixty different ways to bring a woman to an orgasm? That is so interesting, most of the men I know can’t even figure out one,” Elizabeth stuffed the magazine in her purse. I was so upset, “I have some really bad news.” Tami, C. Alice, and Tittie took a seat next to Elizabeth. Barbara Ella started filing her nails and Little Debbie pushed her cart closer. Nurse Haley was standing directly behind her. “Cathy Fox is dead.“ The room remained quiet. “Aww hell, now I have to find someone to take her place in the show. So now what is the bad news.“ “Elizabeth, that is the bad news! Don’t any of you people care that our friend is dead.“ “Are you having auditions?“ Barbara Ella asked turning to Elizabeth still continuing to file her nails. “You know I have been known to be quite the performer,“ Nurse Haley spoke up. “I was in the pageant circuits before. I have several tiaras to back it up.” “I know how to entertain too. The men folk back home use to come from miles around to see my shows. My late night performances help put me through pharmacy school,“ C. Alice explained. “I can juggle my snatch cakes for you. You know you gotta have a gimmick and my snatch is my fortune,“ Little Debbie started jumping up and down. “I can’t believe all of you. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Really, our friend has just passed away from natural causes and you are only concerned with being the next person in the FourPlay show.“

“Young man, I beg to interrupt this unfortunate scene, but there was nothing natural about Cathy Fox.“ The voice came from a formidable woman dressed in a long coat with a fur collar pulled up around her head. She was dripping in jewels and spoke with an aristocratic tone. Her entire body spoke royalty. “Excuse me, but what do you mean,” I said to the woman who now moved gracefully to the center of the room attracting everyone’s full attention. It was the same woman who knocked into Elizabeth and I earlier. The woman whose initials were P.S. “Exactly what I said, as with her life, Cathy Fox’s death was not natural. She was murdered.“ “Murdered,“ Barbara Ella cried out. “Would someone please shut up that annoying little tramp. Yes murdered,” the mysterious woman continued. She waved her slender hands in the air as she spoke, her diamond, ruby and sapphire rings glimmering in the fluorescent light of the room, She wore a turban around her head reminiscent of Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. “I don’t understand, who would want to kill Cathy Fox?” I said not believing this woman’s statement. “Why is that so hard to comprehend, she was tossed off a balcony. I have notified the authorities and they should be here right away.” “Well, I am going to need a drink for this,” Elizabeth said standing up. The woman moved quickly and put her hand roughly on her shoulder and sat her down. “I think you need to just wait it out for the police to arrive. Take this.” And

with that she handed her a jewel encrusted flask. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I like you lady. Can you sing, because I have an opening in my show at JohnPaul’s.” “I was an entertainer many years ago back in the old country,” she spoke majestically. “Who is she, Dracula,” Tami whispered to Barbara Ella who snickered. “I would not be so flippant young, and I do use that term loosely, lady.” She looked directly at Tami. “Because someone in this room is a killer.” Everyone started to speak up in denial. “Are you implying that someone here, one of us, killed Cathy Fox,” I moved forward. “I am not implying anything. I am stating the truth, one of you killed that poor, minor celebrity.” “Look lady, I do not know who you think you are, but you cannot just come in here like some queen and start slinging allegations like that,” Tittie Toulouse said. “Actually I can do whatever I please. Because of my status in my country, I have diplomatic leniencies here that allow me some very nice freedoms. And as for your statement. Get this straight. I am not a queen, I am a princess. Princesse Stephaney to be exact.” To be continued... (The names of the characters have not been changed because no one is truly innocent. But keep in mind this is a story of fiction.) Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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SD Sponsor Quartermaster’s Miseal Rubio, SDGM Toby & SD Sponsor Bud Light’s Jerry Peters

SD Sponsors Ambush SouthernDecadence.COM’s Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain flank SDGMs Toby & Julien Captain Gary Vandeventer

SDGM Julien with some of the celebs Ernie & George Bourbon Pub Parade GM Louis Sachs & N.O. Human Relations Commission Chair Larry Bagneris

SDGMs Toby & Julien unveil the Official SD Poster by Larry Graham

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Oz DJ Tim, SDGM Toby, 4 Seasons’ Chuck, John, Chuck & Frankie Bartenders Charles & Travis flank SDGM Julien

700 Club’s Mike Cookmeyer & SD Susan Lucci Marsha

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DJ Myke & Max join SDGM Julien & Wood Enterprises Gary

Danny aka Amanda Straddle

SDGM XXXIV Marcus Martinez, SDGM XXXVI Toby & SDGM XXXIII Lisa Beaumann

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SDGM XXXVI Julien, SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams, SDGM XXXVI Toby & SDGM XXXIV Electra City

SDGMs XXXVI Toby & Julien welcome former SDGMs to the stage

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Lords of Leather Luau @ Lions Inn ~ New Orleans

Southern Decadence Press Party hosted by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Julien Artressia & Toby Lefort @ the Parade ~ New Orleans

SDGMs XXXVI Julien Artressia & Toby Lefort with Bourbon Pub Parade GM Louis Sachs


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pensacola

Excitement @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Roy Williams

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

Ownership

I

have just got back from the MCC General Conference in Acapulco, Mexico. It is extraordinary the labors I am forced to undergo for our church, slaving away over a hot beach for a week, socializing with friends old and new and enjoying amazing worship and teaching. The core of the business at the conference was to bring some major changes to the way the denomination is run, and to enable us to be more representative to our fast growing presence outside the United States, in places a diverse as Uganda and Jamaica, Singapore and South Africa. I got to thinking about ownership. What inspired this was the open and democratic way that decisions were approved or amended at conference – the ownership of the church was very obviously in the hands of the clergy and people in the various churches and ministries, not in the hands of the moderator and elders, who very clearly regarded themselves as servants. As someone who was ordained in a church with bishops who handed down decisions as if they were the will of God. Upon getting back from Mexico, a friend of mine from London, Neil Jones visited us and preached a sermon called Are we citizens or refugees. This really

got my mind working. Ownership is largely a matter of consent. Even in our society, the rich and powerful have their riches and power mostly because the masses allow them to – there have been numerous cases around the world where the masses decided NOT to allow the establishment to remain and vigorously deposed them. There are cases where the society involved, down to the police and army, have withdrawn that consent and a revolution has ensued. In my own country, decisions have been made by politicians in the past that the people quite simply did not consent to, and enormous public disquiet forced the ‘rulers’ to reverse their decisions. In France this sort of thing happens all the time; in France the people are not frightened of their rulers, the rulers are frightened of the people! I am not advocating massive public disorder, but rather thinking about how this affects us and our community. Too often we plead with ‘society’ to be allowed some of their equality, and seldom claim our place firmly and with confidence – as citizens not refugees. We are not living our lives, and loving our partners, and bringing up our children on moral sufferance, we are in fact owners of our own lives and our own realities. We own this country as much

as anyone else has a claim to – we own our city as much as anyone else does and we definitely can make a solid, confident claim on all the other things in our lives that other see as theirs to give us scraps from. We are equal, we have to claim this equality and demand others adjust the laws and statutes to recognize the FACT of our equality. Southern Baptists do NOT own Christianity – it is not theirs to adjudicate on, but our Christianity is OURS. When we argue to try and get some sort of acceptance in a structure that is stacked against us and inherently homophobic or racist, we unconsciously are acknowledging that the people we are arguing with ‘own’ the thing we want some of. When we take ownership ourselves of that which is dear to us and integral to our lives the whole dynamic changes. Then it becomes a matter of us ordering and building our own property instead of begging our neighbor to let us camp on their lawn! With our faith, the idea that any other person can allow or deny our access to God is ridiculous. We own our relationship with God, and are owned by it – it is a covenant between us and God. All the while we are begging for the leavings on others plates we are acting as if Episcopalianism, or Presbyterianism, or even Pentacostalism are religions in themselves that have the ear of God, not merely historical positions on the faith, - not merely organizations and shades of belief. All the while we negotiate our acceptance we tacitly accept that the people we are negotiating with have ownership of that faith. It is Christianity that is the faith! It is ours for the taking! We may be Christians without

ever setting foot in a church that filters and sorts us according to belief and sexuality. Neither the pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury or Bishop T. D. Jakes (or myself) has the right to tell you otherwise. God desires you, not a pale image of you filtered through the disapproval of some old geezer in a frock. Doctrine, that broken mirror that tries to reflect the truth is just that – doctrine, not literal fact. Doctrine is an attempt, however weak or strong to reach into the mystery that is God and make it comprehensible. Doctrine when understood like this becomes a tool for our relationship, not a filter preventing or allowing our entry. We OWN doctrine, insofar as it helps or hinders it is no different to any other tool, or map. If the map is inaccurate or defaced it no longer serves and we have to redraw it in a way appropriate for the changing landscape and landmarks. When we fully take ownership of that which is precious to us, we begin to be active participants in our own faith journey, not passive recipients of orders from above. Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the fulltime pastor of The Big Easy MCC. They meet every Sunday at 1pm (liturgical service) and 5pm (larger Praise and Worship service with communion) at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. For full details of Christian Education classes, social functions, marriages and events, and also to check out online sermons, go to www.bigeasymcc.com. Tel: 504.214.4340 to speak to the pastor or email at revcrawshaw@yahoo.com.

AmbushMag.COM

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Tony Leggio gets his GEP Board pin from Opal Masters

Bronze Sponsors Al & Dwain with GEP Board’s Marsha (center)

Easter Grand Marshal XI Tittie Toulouse & Pride Grand Marshal Cathy Fox

Silver Sponsors Stuart, Safonda & David

Easter Grand Marshals X Marcy & IX Safonda

The beautiful ladies of Essence Magazine @ Mardi Gras World Essence Party

Entertainers Lisa Picone & Dorian Rush at Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s Essence Party @ Gallier Hall

Laura, Stefan, Melissa & Tony in the VIP Lounge @ Essence Concert Silver Sponsors Countess C. Alice & Petronius’ Jimmy Gold Sponsor David & Silver Sponsor Darwin

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Platinum Sponsor JohnPaul’s John, with Silver Sponsors Darwin, Corner Pocket’s Michael & 700 Club’s Michael

The amazing Janet Jackson @ Essence

Bronze Sponsors Paul & Tami Silver Sponsors Petronius’ Natasha & David

Platinum Sponsor JohnPaul’s Paul & Gold Sponsor Amon-Ra Capt. Barry

Gold Sponsors Amon-Ra’s Barry & Lords of Leather’s Gary

Easter Grand Marshal I Marsha with Food For Friends reps TJ & Chad

Hot men @ Essence

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Essence Festival 4th of July ~ New Orleans ~ Bar Photosof by Tony ~ New Orleans17th Red Party @Weekend Neighborhood theLeggio Year Lafitte’s raises

Gay Easter Parade Sponsors Thank You Party @ the Naquin-Delain Home in the Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

Bronze Sponsors Justin & Starr

Silver Sponsor Corner Pocket’s Michael, Platinum Sponsor Elizabeth & Parade Lineup Chair Steve


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Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 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.

body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] BODY RUB & ESCORT: Charlie 504.430.7413 , Mikey 504.756.9443, 4 hands available, 24/7, in/out/hotels, pics at www.men4rentnow.com. Search by ID# 190508 [is1410]

bookstores 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

cable shows

FI EL D S T R PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

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 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

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 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, BourbonPub.COM 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

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

chiropractic

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 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com

insurance

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

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

circuit/events

lodging/accommodations

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

New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. 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:

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

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

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

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

cludes 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,

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 20-Aug. 2, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31


AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police

Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 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

pets 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

2307 Veterans Mem. Blvd., 830.1035, Roobas.COM New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB RESTAURANT, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 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

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

spas 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] STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ, Toulouse Street Dock, 568.1401, SteamboatNatchez.COM

photography

theatres

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

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

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

real estate agents GayRealEstate.COM, instant access to New Orleans & the nation's top gay & lesbian realtors, 888.420.MOVE (6683) 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,

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM 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 PRIDE NEW ORLEANS, NOLAPride.ORG

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out & about in mobile Bears+Leather=Bleather Bears, Levi & Leather Take Over Mobile August 6-8

M

Hot! Hot! Hot! ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

DJ Chromatic, Jonathan & Judson having a blast @ B-Bob’s

Cory & Friends out and about @ B-Bob’s with Miss Cie

Logan & the Girls enjoying themselves @ B-Bob’s Happy Birthday Wendy Ennis...

Resa & Kelly out @ B-Bob’s with Miss Cie

mobile

papar azzi Blake & Mark enjoying the Rupaul Drag Race Winner Tyra Sanchez Show @ B-Bob’s

Mark & Michael @ B-Bob’s

Hello Toni Dee & the Boys...We Love YOU!

Miss Valerie Hart from Pensacola performs @ B-Bob’s

obile, AL - Bleather is back! After a successful first run last year, Mobile’s Bleather Weekend takes over the port city August 6, 7 & 8. This year’s event is called “Bleather 2”, and features a weekend packed with cocktail parties, grill outs and friendly masculine competition. The idea? To create one bear/ leather weekend, something unique as far as we know. Last year Bleather brought in guys from Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and even Wisconsin. The response to this year’s upcoming weekend is far ahead of last. Mobile’s gay bars have united behind the effort, as have Mobile’s host clubs, the Gulf Coast Bears & Leather Association, and the Southern Renegades. Other clubs, such as New Orleans’ Lords of Leather, also play host. Why do we do it? Planning and preparation for the weekend helps our own community grow closer. The other reason? Quite simply, it’s a hell of a lot of fun. Two highlights of the weekend are the 2010 Mr Southern Renegade Contest and the Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest. The Mr. Southern Renegade competition is a levi/leather event, taking place Friday night at B-Bob’s in Mobile. The past two winners have continued on to capture the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest, and then competed at International Mr. Leather in Chicago. This year’s special guest emcee will be Lenny Broberg, winner IML 1992. Broberg currently works with the San Francisco P.D. He serves as emcee to some of the most prestigious leather and community events throughout the country. As for the Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest, it’s an annual summer staple in Mobile, and the event from which Bleather Weekend was born. The Mr. GCB Contest happens Saturday night at B-Bob’s, and has a reputation for the “unexpected”. This year’s theme? Boot Camp Bears. This year’ special guest will be John David Elam of Lexington Kentucky, the current Mr. International Bear. Collections for South Alabama CARES, our local HIV/AID help agency, will take place during both contests. Beside’s B-Bob’s, two more Mobile hotspots will participate in the weekend. Gabriel’s Downtown will host pre-contest cocktail parties, as well as a “Party Til Dawn” (PTD) party on their patio outback. The Midtown Pub will host both brunch and grillout... as well as their notorious Friday Night Black Party. The host hotel for Bleather 2 is the new Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Mobile. For special rates, as well as details of events and much more, visit the Bleather 2 website at mobilebleatherweekend.com. There’s no run package to buy, no list to sign, no payment to make. Just show up in Mobile August 6, 7 & 8, when the men takeover downtown Mobile. It’ll be more fun than a lap full of tar balls!

Asher & Company hangin’ out @ B-Bob’s

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acadiana

papar azzi

So vers! Acadiana Symphony & Hunter Hayes perform for July 4th Kofi performing @ Sound Factory

Hunter, Katie, Doug & Robby @ Jules

Ryan, Tayler & Trey Nick & friends @ Jules

Whitney looking hot as usual

Diego, Taylor & Michael @ Jules

Hunter & Tayler Katie & Thomas Chez Gisele lead, Stephanie Broussard, pays tribute to a legacy

Happy Birthday, Justin!

Gavin, Brian, Thomas, Eddie & Trevor

Cute couple!

Chez Gisele lead, Stephanie Broussard & Ambush's Joey

Alright for Kasi!

Hunter & Kasi back together again!

A Family Portrait taken @ The Alamo Art Gallery

The always adorable, Sam

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 20-Aug. 2, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Live fromAcadiana! ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Jeremy striking a pose


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

Upon Leaving Vegas

I

have to admit I found it very strange when I learned that Tommy would be leaving Las Vegas for Afghanistan. That is correct – Afghanistan. Now why in the world would a nice Acadiana lad give up the bright lights of Vegas for the sandstorms of a place completely around the world? I didn’t push for an explanation because I really knew before he even said anything to me about it. When I learned about the legal battles against top casino owner Wynn by some of his employees, I had a feeling Tommy would be coming back to Louisiana. What I didn’t expect was for him to give it all up and head out to the war zone. Well, I suppose it could be described as leaving

one war zone and heading to another, but this is not what I had expected. Tommy lived and worked here in Red Stick. In fact, I guess this is where he got his casino bearings, working at the one across from the State Capitol. I know the pay scale wasn’t nearly what it was in Las Vegas, and I was happy when I learned he had landed such a good job in Nevada. All his family and friends are in Louisiana, or most of them, and it was easy for him to fly in for a weekend or vacation from Vegas. The last time he was in New Orleans was last year’s Southern Decadence, which was one of the fun things Tommy liked to be involved in. He even brought a friend with him, but after returning to Vegas, I began getting feedbacks of a new job in

the works. Even though the pay at the casino was great, the Wynn restrictions on tipsharing with pit bosses had gone to court with lots of people unhappy with the situation. I’m sure this is the reason for the sudden job change, but I’m not sure how the reasoning came about on this situation. I knew Tommy was past military age, so I had to assume he had a job with some company which was much better than the one he was in at Wynn’s complex in Vegas. Well, it all came to pass, and Tommy has been in Afghanistan for over a month now, and I’m about to head out to the post office to send him a care package. I have an adopted soldier that I send packages to each month, and now I have a friend who will be getting goodies from me from time to time. It will keep him connected to home. The one thing that people might say is that this was a drastic decision on his part and needed more consideration, but Tommy is a smart guy. He wanted a change and needed a change. This was his choice, and I think he will benefit from all that he will learn while in a foreign land. He is already making friends, and he loves the work he is doing. I worry about him, but other than keeping him in my prayers, there is little else I can do except share a little bit of Louisiana with him until he returns. That will be done in a care package now and then. Tommy is just one of my best friends, and we go back a long way into a friendship that is permanent and unbreakable. I miss seeing him, and I look forward to the day when he will return safely to his friends and loved ones.

All About Dale

W

aymond Dale is one of those wonderful friends that I met one day at the old Hibiscus Bookstore. He has that personality and beautiful smile that just catches you the moment he appears, and you know immediately that you are hooked on someone very special. He doesn’t go out to the bars much, so other than e-mails or phone calls, the visits are few and far between. That needs to change. That change may be difficult because he has his own business, and he is very busy taking care of this. It’s called Scout’s Pet Care, and he seems to be everywhere and really keeping busy. His services include doggy daycare, pet hotel, in-home pet sitting, pet chauffeur, giving baths, and lots of other things. You can even check this business out at http://www.scoutspetcare.com. If I can work something out with this stud muffin, I’ll see if some of the old gang can get together for a little dinner and catch up on things. I know when I learned that he had this business, I was a little surprised. I never knew he had a love of animals, but it certainly has proven to be a good business venture for him. I do wish him well, and I do recall a lot of good times when we saw each other several times a week. Time moves on, but there are those people and those times that mean a lot to you, and meeting this young man was definitely a good thing for me. It’s a tie that binds us together.

And Then Danny

I

’ve mentioned Danny on many occasions, and I can never tire of his company. As a friend, they just don’t come any better. We have aged well together, and even though a lot of water has flowed under the bridge, we still maintain a comfort zone that few people ever find. We simply go well together. Our mutual hobby is gardening, and not just any gardening, but a more specialized approach. It’s mainly centered on hibiscus although you may want to call us plumeria nuts too. It is the hybridizing and creating of new varieties of hibiscus that has caught on with us, and we have been doing this for several years now. Under our guidance, we have a great group of friends with similar interests, and with the internet, we have made new friends around the world. I know that is true for everyone, but when you have a specific interest such as hybridizing, you run into professionals from just about any point in the world. Some of these people will never be seen face to face, but the camaraderie that has developed is lasting and very important. I’m trying to talk Danny into some traveling with me, but with his work schedule and my own writing deadlines, we haven’t worked anything out at this point in time. In fact, I just today checked on passports, and I learned that the price had increased considerably from the last time I had one. I can’t even go to the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico anymore without a passport. Danny or I haven’t planned any foreign travel, but I’m glad I checked it out. It will make future planning much better. Maybe I can convince him to do Santa Fe with me or San Francisco. I usually do an annual trip to California to buy this special wine to ship back, but even that is more trouble than what it’s worth. That writing complex in Santa Fe is sounding better all the time.

And Kevin Too

K

evin is free of his duties at the State Legislature now, but since I haven’t heard from him in a week or two, I suppose he is on that long trip to Colorado – by car. He has been planning this trip for quite some time, and I can’t

[continued on 38]

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 20-Aug. 2, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37


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

I

t seems like in this issue we’ve got something old, leads to something new, and well maybe not something so blue but more like a yellowish ale. You’re listening it up with Joey Collins, girl, and here’s the spill.

Diamond in the Rough

H

idden a few blocks from downtown Lafayette lays a diamond in the rough. Located at 319 W. Simcoe St, the Alamo exhibits many works from local artists. Recently I was invited to a stunning art exhibit. Upon arrival I was greeted with a warm smile from gallery owner Ty Haines. Haines was very eager to make sure that each visitor

felt comfortable and welcomed. His presentation of hors d'oeurves and wine accented the beautiful art which hugged the surrounding walls. One eye-catching piece displayed ones roots in Louisiana. This piece featured a large foot shaped painting that when you looked even closer, you realized that it was a collage of Louisiana maps. Many other pieces such as a handmade hookah and other original pieces are a must see. If you’re interested in visiting or displaying some of your own work in the Alamo, you may visit www.thealamostudios.com or call 337.593.8084. You can also search Facebook for their fan page. Looking for something a bit more prac-

tical than art? Well believe it or not, art can be practical as well and practicality is something that Retromodern specializes in. Adjacent to the Alamo, Retromodern features many pieces of art such as dining room tables, couches, and other furniture pieces, knick knacks, and other accents. Just one step into this unique store and you will find yourself thinking, “Well, that is Retromodern!” Retromodern can also be reached at 337.593.8084.

Last Chance!

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ou’ve all heard the rumors and yes, it is all true. Sound Factory is closing. On Sunday, August 1st it will be the very last time that you can take part in something that has been over a decade in the making. Brodie Mess has many things in store for you on this final Sunday Funday. Doors will open at noon with $3 mimosas all day long. A simple $5 cover will enable you to Drag Bingo from 5pm to 7pm, followed by Sound Factory’s final drag show and many other surprises. Do not miss the opportunity to take part in the final moments of a historical downtown legacy. Just remember, the end is simply the beginning. A new bar, Tonic, will soon pop up on the map. Make sure that you’re ready for this new experience. There will be more to come later on. As of now, all leads to Tonic are sealed shut.

Tina Who?

J

ules Downtown has a huge surprise in store for you. On Friday, July 30th, the next best thing to being front and center at a Tina Turner concert will be being at Jules. Don’t believe me? Load up that iPhone YouTube app and search for Connie G as Tina Turner and you become the judge. Local personality, Connie G, has performed her Tina Turner act in many hot spots around the globe. Her fame grew when she has the opportunity to open up for Percy Sledge, The Gap Band, and Morris Day. Performance begins at 10pm. For more information on Connie G as Tina Turner, visit www.connieastina.com.

Downtown Events

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n Tuesday, July 20th, Sammy Kershaw will be holding a benefit for the Murphy Family. For those of you who may be out of the loop, the Murphy Family, residents of Acadiana, recently took a trip overseas to the World Cup. Members of the traveling party were killed when they were struck by a drunk driver. Rain or shine, the event is guaranteed to continue. Sammy Kershaw will be joined by Jamie Bergeron, River Road, Jared Lane and Geno Delafonse. The event begins at Parc International. Gates open at 5:30 and the performance begins at 6pm. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Popeye’s, Burger Smith, Pizza Hut, and Coyote Blues. Don’t forget that on Saturday, July 24th, downtown Lafayette will feature its annual Gulf Brew at Parc International. Gulf Brew features hand crafted beers from microbreweries from all across the Gulf Coastal region. For more information you may visit www.acadianacenterforthearts.org or call 337.233.7060.

Closing Out

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ne of the best things about life is family and friends, hands down. Unlike family, the best thing about friends is that we can choose them. Be that as it may, our family is still our family. We may despise them due to their lack of acceptance, or we may love them for being at our very side. My point is that you just never know when you may lose either one. Work hard to bridge the geography and gaps between your loved ones and friends. You just never know when you may need them. As you grow older, a time will come when you will need them in order to remember who you really are. You may not understand what I’m stating; just understand that you should cherish each moment.. Then again this may just be the vodka speaking. Remember, Lafayette, always keep the party going!

hot tails of red stick ...from 37 recall the full reason for driving but I think something is going up or coming back with him. At any rate, it has canceled our hummer travels until fall. This time frame may take us back to Arizona, but I can assure you it won’t be by car. In addition to the hummer interests, he does other types of birding, and his gardens reflect this interest. It is nice to observe all the birds that visit his space, and it is also great to stroll through his veggie section. I am better at raising different kinds of peppers and have very little luck with tomatoes, cucumbers, and others, and when you have the Farmers Market three blocks from your house, it isn’t worth the effort. I get to support the local farmers in this way, and the

[continued on 39]

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hot tails of red stick ...from 38 food is so much better than what you find at the local markets. The flavors are outstanding when you compare the fresh grown with imported types. Kevin’s expertise with computers is also outstanding. I get dizzy watching him do repairs and checks on my two computers. I guess I’m just afraid of punching the wrong button and wiping everything out. I’ve done it before, and when you are on deadline with a column, that is not the right thing to happen. So when I have even a small problem, I get him over to correct the situation and then take him to dinner. I think he appreciates my calls. The company you keep speaks a lot about you too. When we travel, we sometimes go in separate directions. On our last trip to San Francisco, he went birding, and I went shopping and bar hopping. And I also had the car since he was picked up at the hotel, so I went all over the place, but I did wait for his return before heading out to wine country. We both have friends in the area, so we stayed occupied and happy. The next time I go, I plan to take plenty of meds with me. One of my allergy attacks came along, and I more or less stayed to myself. He was afraid I wasn’t having a good time, but I really was. I just didn’t feel good while I was having that good time. I’m anxious to hear from him and see when he wants to share all these free passes I have for flights. I need to use them or lose them.

All About Gwen

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hen I went to the post office to mail my package to Afghanistan, I ran into Gwen, and I almost didn’t recognize her. It has been six or seven years, and I had lost contact with her completely. She has her own business now and seems really happy. Retirement has been good to her, but the post office lost a very good employee. Now she has a counseling service that helps people get out of debt. She really seems to be enjoying this new phase of her life. She is a reader and collector of books, and she loves cookbooks. I think she likes reading these more than novels, but some of the cookbooks now include lots of history and travel in the contents. I need to look around my house and see if I can find any that she would be interested in. I certainly don’t need any cookbooks. I don’t cook. She also liked my columns and didn’t realize that all of them were on file with Ambush, so now she is going to go back and catch up on all the things she has missed for the past few years. She doesn’t go to bars, so she missed out on community activities by not having access to the paper and my column. I’m so happy I ran into her and renewed our friendship.

And Then Claudette

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discussion of good friends would not mean much if I didn’t include Claudette. I do believe this woman is one of those solid examples of goodness that can only come when a

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John & Phil

Jared & Luther

Tim & Scoti

Nicky, Yzell & Jim

Jason & the girls

Patriotic Nicole Foxx

rpa ed stick par azzi Claudette relaxing

Yzell & Luther Chef Dwayne with help from Tony

Richard & Guy

Effie & Bobby

Michael, Jeremy & Chansley

Philip & the sexy dancer

Gia & Scoti

Tommy & a friend in Afghanistan

Entertaining @ Cajun Cove

Guy corners a cute one

Jeremy & Richard

Crazy T-shirt night

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Nightlife ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Gia & Jason


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

Mame

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rom June 17 to June 20, there was sophisticated magic on the stage of Dixon Hall at Tulane University as that old, wonderful, adult fairy tale about Patrick Dennis’ Auntie Mame enveloped the audience in a wispy cloud of shimmering beauty under the hand of Master Magic Maker, Artistic Director B. Michael Howard. This production of playwrights Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee with the music of Jerry Herman was quite simply a dream come true. Patrick Dennis (one of the writing pseudonyms of Edward Everett Tanner, III, the other being Virginia Rowans) created the character Mame Burnside Dennis - a wealthy, worldly, and madcap heiress. She appears in two novels - Auntie Mame and Around the World with Auntie Mame. The novel, Auntie Mame, became the play starring Rosalind Russell. Ms. Russell contributed a good deal to the play; and she also starred in the film version. Her name has been forever linked to the character because of her brilliant work. Mame, the Broadway musical, starred Angela Landsbury, and borrowed from the play. Lucille Ball played the title character in the film version. Mr. Tanner, III, had more “influence” in the creation of the play, and the play is the performing version he preferred. He did not care for the musical. He also did not care when women, and some men, of “a certain age,” would try to monopolize him at parties - either claiming to have had an Auntie Mame in their family, or even worse being the Auntie Mame of their family. Though based a fraction on his own eccentric Aunt Marion Tanner, his Auntie Mame was an adventurous, joyous, and unique individual. Mame is written as a conventional book musical of the late 1960s. The creators capture unconventional Mame Denis’ wild, wacky, and

hot tails of red stick ...from 39 person really cares and shares that goodness with others. I always find our conversations exceptionally rewarding, sometimes going where no one has gone before, or something like that. It is one of those fun encounters. I like her. She likes me. And we share feelings that bring out exceptional and rewarding conclusions. It doesn’t seem to matter what the subject might be. Whatever comes along gets thorough coverage, and we often share laughter that people passing by would certainly wonder about. It’s our thing, and it’s difficult to share a connection like this. For Claudette and other friends I’ve made along the way, I can only say how appreciative I am of their input into my life. I hope all of you realize how important friendships are. Think about it. Have you hugged a friend today?

bohemian life style through its moments of glittering parties, fads, and high fashion wealth of Café Society in New York’s Roaring 1920s. When her orphaned nephew, Patrick Dennis, comes to live with her, she shows unconventional parenting skills. Mame and Patrick bond, and with an extended family of friends and household staff, that become more than just staff, they face the low down moneyless years of the Great Depression of the 1930s, personal grief and loss, then more prosperous times of the beginnings of The International Set. With an understanding of life’s banquet, instilled into him by his Auntie Mame, the adult Patrick allows his son, Peter, to be swept away by the magical

The Cast of Mame influence of Auntie Mame who will “open a new window, open a new door” on “vistas you never dreamed existed...” The beauty and success of this well directed musical was greatly enhanced by the light, lyrical, airy sets of Rick Paul who can transcribe dream thoughts and ideas with what appears such ease of execution. He creates spaces with elegance and grace, from Mame’s New York Beekman Place home to Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside’s plantation Peckerwood. B. Michael Howard gave polish and style to a textbook production of this life affirming and sentimental old musical with the aid of his technical staff who I have praised in past reviews. The Pied Piper enchantment of the show was seen in the lighting of Daniel Zimmer, the sound balance of Stewart Becnel of Roger Grodsky’s expert conducting. Diane Lala’s choreography was period appropriate, as were Charlotte Lang’s costumes. A top drawer, in the best sense, performance was given by the beautiful Elizabeth Argus as Mame. She created a woman of elegance, compassion, and tenderness. One of the best Vera Charles, Mame’s best bosom buddy, I’ve ever seen was Beverly Trask. Ms. Trask has true range, and is really one of the great ladies of New Orleans theater. Katherine McClain was the absolute best Agnes Gooch (Patrick’s protector who becomes part of Mame’s household) ever to do the role changing from a “country mouse” to a “city mouse.” The most important “man” in Mame’s life, Patrick as a boy and a young adult were played with charm by Donovan Bendana and Aaron Thaker, respectively. Mame’s Southern Prince Charming, Beauregard Burnside, was the dashing Daniel Garvey. The conniving Southern Belle, Sally Cato, was wickedly played by Amy Pfrimmer as a true Steel Magnolia. Louis Q. Barroso and Jo-Ann Testa perfectly skewered the foolish pretensions of Mr. and Mrs. Upson, respectively, while peering down their noses. Space does not allow me to compliment the rest of the cast by name and character, but this omission

does not reflect on the talent displayed. The large cast and dancing ensemble were energetically wonderful. Not a weak link in the chain of performers as they became the characters of the fairy tale world of Mame Burnside Dennis. This Summer Lyric Theater Production of Mame was extraordinary! It was magically illuminated both from within and without. It was unforgettable. It was what the American musical theater is all about, or should be.

Zombie Town: A Documentary Play

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n 1968, film director George A. Romero created what has come to be regarded as rather good little black and white horror film about modern zombies created by that Cold War bugaboo, radioactive nuclear mutations, Night of the Living Dead. (This was in contrast with the old fashioned zombies created by Voodoo in Val Lewton’s classic film - also in atmospheric black and white - I Walked With a Zombie.) Mr. Romero completed the film on a budget of $114,000.00, and though dismissed by critics, the film found an audience. After a decade of cinematic re-releases, it grossed some $12 million domestically and $30 million internationally. It, and its sequels, have influenced countless contemporary writers and directors. It’s always been one of my favorites in its now much imitated genre. Well I don’t think the very clever topsy turvy parody Zombie Town: A Documentary Play written by Tom Bauer will make that kind of money, but it definitely found a New Orleans audience. It recently played as a Southern Rep and Le Chat Noir co-production at Barbara Motley’s Le Chat Noir; and the night I attended it played to an appreciative full Le Chat Noir house. The audience thoroughly enjoyed this excellent little mock-umentary as demonstrated by their constant laughter, not only of the zany script, but elicited by the fine talents of the performers who all possessed a sense of excellent timing. They also had the remarkable ability to switch character roles in an instant with convincing acting abilities. The clever plot, pays homage to modern films of brain munching hoards of zombies, and also sends up earnest acting companies/ensembles who behave as if the play is the only thing. A group of actors - The Catharsis Collective - from San Francisco decides to heal a community that has suffered a zombie uprising/ infestation. They travel to the tiny Texas town of Harwood to aid the town and encounter evil. The actors in Zombie Town: A Documentary perform scenes taken from The Catharsis Collectives interviews. Gory things happen as the struggles of the Harwood residents against the brain consuming zombies are depicted. Mark Routhier directed the play with great comic skill getting pitch perfect performances from his actors and actresses. The performers were so good not only did they have the audience laughing at line after line, but they literally “ate it up.” They were able to tickle the funny bones and jive and jiggle the brain cells of a delighted audience. And now on to our intrepid actresses, in alphabetical order: Natalie “Mammary Glands Galore” Boyd recently finished a very good performance as the buxom sexy female lead, Maxine Faulk, in Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana. The play was presented at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre during the literary festival held in his honor yearly. For one so immature, she was almost as good as sultry and sensuous Ava Gardner in the film version of the play. As Actor 3, she was again excellent in her role as an earthy character in this play, only this time demonstrating her skills as a comedienne. Kerry Cahill is an actress of great skill and technique and as Actor 5, she did so many characters, each one totally convincing, that I was really impressed. I look forward to anything she does in the future. I first saw her playing Mary Magdalen’s BFF in a fine staged reading of Mary of Magdala: A Gnostic Fable by contemporary Portuguese playwright Armando Nascimente Rosa, from a translation into English by Alex Todd at the Venusian Gardens.

(Please see the review that follows this review.) And now to our intrepid actors, also in alphabetical order: Gamal Abdul Chasten as Actor 2, Chris Kaminstien as Actor 1, and Zach Rogers as Actor 4 did wonderful work in their various parts all of which added considerably to the professionalism of this production. The boys kept up with girls at every shocking and scary laugh filled turn. Zombie Town: A Documentary Play was almost too good to be untrue. Stage Manager Andrea Watson kept the earnest/ghoulish action on the right horror heart felt healing track. Sarah Zoghbi’s scenic, properties, and costume design were zombie-licious. As a Harword survivor would enthuse great “Rock’n roll” fun, great acting, great tech work, especially Su Gonczy, Le Chat Noir’s Aurora Borealis, on lights.

Mary of Magdala: A Gnostic Fable A Commentary

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ary of Magdala: A Gnostic Fable is a work in progress written by the contemporary Portuguese playwright Armando Nascimente Rosa, from a translation into English by Alex Todd. The script - with a clever use of all forms of theater from farce to drama - was performed as a staged reading at the Venusian Gardens Gallery in the Marigny, an elegant venue in which a certain kind of mystery and mystical ambiance was added to the enchantment of the play by the softly glowing artworks of glass on exhibit such as a collection of jelly fish hanging from the high ceilings of the gallery. Mr. Rosa, the playwright, and his wife were in the audience and seemed well pleased by this production by The Archetypal Theatre Company. The play occurs on a winter night in 54 AD in Marseille at The Fisherman’s Inn, a guest house which was given to Mary Magdalen by the wealthy Joseph of Arimathea who paid for the burial place of Christ according the Bible. Mary Magdalen has survived after witnessing the cruxifiction of Christ; and the playwright describes her as the widow of Christ. We come to know that she bore his son two decades ago but she believes he is no longer alive. This is a familiar idea that has been suggested in several recent films and in books like The Davinci Code. History describes Mary Magdalen as a whore who washed the feet of Christ after being saved by Him. She has been vilified for centuries by the patriarchal Christians who have ruled the ideas of Christianity since His death. In the early days of the Catholic Church people would have been burned at the stake and/or excommunicated for suggesting any such blasphemous ideas. The idea that Christ was ever involved with carnality of any women is considered vile and sinful. The staged reading was well directed by Constance Romero with excellent readings given by the cast consisting of Morrey McElroy who in the role of Mary Magdalen as a strong forceful independent woman full of spirit. Kerry Cahill played her maid Epiphany as an equally strong, brave woman ,and close friend. Ian Scheen playing Godfried, created a convincing and mysterious character as a young man who seeks refuge at the Fisherman’s Inn. (It seems he has the power to cure illness by a laying on of hands. Could he be the missing son of Mary Magdalen and Christ?) Other cast members also gave top notch readings. They were David Romero as the brave Centurius, Michael Indest, Jr. as the vile Onagrus, and Lucie Magnus as the troubled spirit of Martha, Lazarus’ sister. Steve Kubick who played Lazarus’ spirit also wrote and sang some original beautiful music for the Godfried’s drunken song show’s hymnal with a lovely clear tenor voice. He also read the offstage voice of Joseph of Arimathea and Jesus Christ. On stage in the role of Lazarus he gave a very moving and tenderly spoken speech pivotal to the plot. This was a thoughtful, sophisticated, and elegant reading given in a very chic venue.

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ambush

papar azzi

Mgr. Neel with the guest of honor in the Good Friends Country Fair Chicken Drop

Divas R Us is a showstopper @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Blanche & Joe celebrate their birthdays during Sunday Dingo @ Oz

Hot men celebrating the 4th @ Bourbon Pub

Corner Pocket bartender Anthony

Raven, Larry & Monica @ Starlight’s 7th Anniversary Show Matt, Cody & Michael welcome you to 700 Club

Emcee Coca with the winners of the Country Fair Egg Toss @ Lafitte’s

Gary swallows a wiener on the 4th at Opal’s Follies @ JohnPaul’s as Lord King Alan & Opal look on

Rickie Gee (right) with friends @ 700 Club

Hot boys @ Starlight By The Park

Elvis & Jesus live @ Oz 4th of July

Monique in Divas R Us @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

A patriotic Princesse Stephaney in The Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s

Lisa & Michael with some of the New Meat Night Dancers @ The Corner Pocket

Josh Duffy (right) @ friend @ Oz for Tuesdays Concert Series

Jeff (right) celebrating @ The Corner Pocket

Princesse Stephaney in Starlight’s 7th Anniversary Show

Coca, Jeff (aka Elizabeth), Persana & Tommy celebrating @ Oz

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 20-Aug. 2, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Celebratin’ in Style ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Pride Grand Marshal Cathy Fox welcomes Dining Out For Life guests @ K-Joe’s


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The friendly men @ Cutter’s

Becky & Bill with bartender Chris (center) @ Bywater Patio Bar

Le Roundup bartender Chris

Lafitte’s Country Fair Baton Twirling Winners: 1st Passion, 2nd Jessica & 3rd Zach

ambush

Big Daddy’s bartenders Wayne & Christophe

Double Play bartenders Eddie & Brad

Happy Hour bartender Stephen @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Rawhide mgr. Joe & Good Friends mgr. Neel serve up Good Friends Country Fair Cookout

Sylvia & Pat in for Buzzy’s Bastille Day fundraiser @ The Friendly Bar

DJ Myke in for Rawhide’s July Birthday BYOM Night

Wayne & Billy celebrate @ Big Daddy’s

4 Seasons bartenders Chuck & Brad with bar baron Chuck (center) @ Double Play

Joe & Robert behind the bar @ Oz

1st Place in Rawhide’s Country Fair 3-Legged Race

Corner Pocket’s own Barry Bareass

Stephen & Justin serve it up @ Good Friends Bar

Charlie enjoys Rawhide’s July Birthday BYOM Night 2nd Place in Rawhide’s Country Fair 3-Legged Race

Bartender Jeff gets his Country Fair fried chicken @ Lafitte’s

3rd Place in Rawhide’s Country Fair 3-Legged Race

46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 20-Aug. 2, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

The Bars & Holidays ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

papar azzi


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