2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
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purchased in advance for $12 from any NOGMC member, by calling 504.322.7007 for New Orleans tickets or 225.387.4281 for Baton Rouge tickets, or online at NOGMC.COM. Tickets will also be available for $15 at the door.
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
It's Carnival Time!
W
ith two balls already under the belt, the 2011 Gay Mardi Gras schedule explodes onto the scene with even more Carnival balls, coronations, parades and block parties in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Mobile and Pensacola. And don't forget the culmination of the season with the 47th Bourbon Street Awards Costume Contest and 24th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Fat Tuesday, March 8th direct from World famous Bourbon Street. You can keep up with all of the action at www.GayMardiGras.COM. The remaining schedule includes: Saturday, February 5th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLVI, St. Bernard Civic Center, New Orleans Saturday, February 12th... ~9pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque L (50) featuring Varla Jean Merman & Princesse Stephaney, St. Bernard Civic Center New Orleans Saturday, February 19th... ~6:30pm, Krewe du Vieux: 25 Years Wasted, New Orleans ~8-10pm, 18th King Cake Queen Coronation of Rona Conners as The Chrysanthemum Queen, by invitation only, New Orleans ~9pm, Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette, Bal Masque XXXV: Apollo’s Body Art, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette Friday, February 25th... ~7pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque VIII, Sugar Mill, 1101 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans Saturday, February 26th... ~7pm, 8th People of Substance (POS) Ball, Westwego Civic Center, 1220 Avenue H, Westwego Friday, March 4th... ~9pm-12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XII, New Orleans ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather
present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans Saturday, March 5th... ~12noon, Annual Spanish Town Parade, 5th & Spanish Town Road, Baton Rouge ~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIII, New Orleans Sunday, March 6th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVIII, St. Bernard Civic Center, New Orleans MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), March 8th... ~12noon, 47th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 24th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XVIII Rona Conners, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
classifieds paparazzi/mobile out & about/mobile, pensacola under the gaydar acadiana happens/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette chop chop/nola restaurant guide ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie
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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
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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
T
he New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (NOGMC) will perform their annual Valentine’s concert, Eat, Prey Pray, Love, February 11 and 12. Eat, Prey Pray, Love will celebrate all that we hold dear and all we dearly love in songs and words of love about our lovers, our losses and our lattes. With classics from Cole Porter to contemporaries such as Jason Mraz, NOGMC and its soloists will croon their way into your hearts just in time for Valentine’s Day. Words of love from everyone from Mae West to Maya Angelou will round out the evening of classic, if not always classy, sentiments. Eat, Prey Pray, Love will take place in New Orleans at the Recital Hall of UNO’s Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 11, at 7:30pm and at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge on Saturday, February 12, at 7:30pm. Starting February 1, tickets may be
inside
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elebrate Lovers’ Weekend with America ’s Favorite Gay Sweetheart, Reichen — author, activist and winner of CBSTV’s Amazing Race and star of LOGOTV’s A-List.
NOGMC Eat, Prey Pray, Love Feb. 11 & 12
Pre-Mardi Gras/KCQ Coronation Issue out Feb. 15th DEADLINE: Tues., Feb. 8th
commentary, the pink pastor spotlight feature/gar williams obituary/ralph marchetti celebrazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans kcq coronation paparazzi/salt lake city, nola
Win Valentine's Day Cocktail Date with Reichen @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Petit). No credit cards but cash and checks are fine. The evening will feature musical numbers from many of the nominated shows including Into the Woods, The Producers, The Threepenny Opera, Evita, Hairspray, The Wiz and Lisa Sings Lee. The Ambies is the season’s most inclusive award presentation as we recognize outstanding work in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes, as well as the area’s universities, high schools and youth theater. In addition to the major categories, whose nominees were listed previously, we shall continue the tradition of acknowledging some special achievements that don’t fall into any of the
Reichen Drop by Bourbon Pub & Parade, 801 Bourbon Street, on Friday, February 11, buy a drink ticket and enter the Reichen Raffle to Win a Valentine Date! The more tickets you buy, the better your chances to win some one-on-one face time with America’s sexiest hunk. Winner receives a Valentine’s Day cocktail date with Reichen himself on Monday, February 14 upstairs at Parade Disco, located directly above Bourbon Pub. Says owner Sandy Sachs, “The Bourbon Pub has played such an important role in my career and my life; this is just one very special way of creating a memorable Valentine Weekend experience for a lucky patron.” Visit www.BourbonPub.COM for more information.
Eighth Ambie Awards
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he Eighth Annual Ambie Awards for Excellence in Theater will be presented at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré on Monday, February 21. Bar service will begin at 6:30pm, doors open at 7pm, and the ceremony will begin at 7:30pm. There is a $20 suggested donation ($5 for nominees/performers/presenters), more if you’re feeling generous—monies raised will benefit NOCCA High School’s Theater Department (though proceeds from the bar will go to Le
6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, 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 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, 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. ©1982-2011, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
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the "official" dish ...from 6 standard categories with our tonguein-cheek Glammie Awards. Some of the categories to be presented are Most Tattooed Cast, Outstanding Performance in a One Act Play, Cheesiest Special Effects, Best Abs, Nastiest InLaws, Best Gunfight, Best Performance by Non-Living Creatures, Outstanding Bartop Dancer, Filthiest Mouth and many more. Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré is located at 616 St. Peter in the Quarter. Seating will be unreserved, so we advise you to get there in a timely manner. Attire? Tennis to tuxedo, but dressy casual is fine. Parking? The Omni Royal offers 3½ hours for $6 with validation. There are also lots at Jackson Brewery and the French Market.
Exhibits at Longue Vue
L
ongue Vue House and Gardens, which is accredited by the AAM, features exhibits that further its mission to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives. All That Glitters: Carnival Jewelry from the Golden Age runs through March 13. All That Glitters, a fabulous treasure-trove of Carnival jewelry from the Golden Age, the dazzling period
Counseling and Psychotherapy project commissioned by the Arts Council of New Orleans with support from the Joan Mitchell Foundation. View both exhibits with paid admission to Longue Vue. Contact Longue Vue at 504.488.5488 or info@longuevue.com for more information.
Harrah's Presents MC Hammer for One Show Only Feb. 25
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1914 Comus Cup in All That Glitters from the late 19th century to 1930, runs through March 13. This glittering exhibit, which includes Rex crowns, scepters, and ducal badges, Comus cups, and numerous krewe and court favors, is guest curated by Henri Schindler, Carnival historian and designer. Untitled #6209 by Eric Dallimore closes on February 28. Stroll the grounds of Longue Vue House and Gardens to view artist Eric Dallimore’s sculpture, Untitled #6209. The piece, crafted largely of found wood, is featured on the East Lawn as part of a
arrah’s New Orleans is proud to present platinum recording artist MC Hammer for one show only at Harrah’s Theatre, Friday, Feb. 25 at 10pm. Hammer is best known for his hit songs “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit,” along with his flashy dance moves and trademark Hammer pants. Hammer’s rise to fame began with the release of his 1987 album Feel My Power. The album gained attention of recording moguls at Capital Records which contracted Hammer a reported record-breaking advance for a rap artists at that time. Hammer’s first album after under his new contract, Let’s Get it Started, sold more than three million copies and his 1990’s follow-up album, Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em, sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.
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5 0 4 .8 3 6 .0 0 0 0 3001 Fifth St. Metairie, LA 70002 David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT His career as a world-class entertainer is validated by a number of awards, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, The People’s Choice Award, Image Award, the prestigious Billboard “Diamond Award” and The International Album of the Year award. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000. Things get jazzy every Thursday from 6 – 9pm at the live Jazz Happy Hours inside Harrah’s Masquerade. This free and open to the public event features some of the best local jazz New Orleans has to offer including Tonya Boyd-Cannon on February 3, BRW on February 10, Real Love on February 17 and Gina Brown & Anutha [continued on 10]
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the "official" dish ...from 8 Level on February 24. More information about entertainment at Harrah’s New Orleans is available at www.harrahsneworleans.com.
Celebrate Tennessee Williams’ 100th Birthday at 25thTennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
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011 is a banner year for the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, March 23-27, overlapping with its eponymous playwright’s 100th birthday on March 26. The five-day fête honors the legendary Tennessee Williams, his works, and literary life in the adopted city he called his “spiritual home” and features two days of master classes; a roster of lively discussions among distinguished panelists; celebrity interviews; theater, food and music events; a scholars’ conference; comedy improv and a poetry slam; an erotica reading; short fiction, poetry and one-act play competitions; a breakfast book club; French Quarter literary walking tours; a book fair; special evening events and parties; and even a shouting contest. “We hope you’ll join this year’s amazing group of best-sellers, emerging talents, acclaimed actors of stage and screen, world-class musicians and culinary experts as we honor our Festival’s namesake and celebrate his 100th birthday in the manner he deserves,” said Executive Director Paul Willis. The lofty list of participants includes Carroll Baker, Academy Award nominee for her provocative performance in
Williams’ controversial 1956 black comedy Baby Doll; Shirley Knight, Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actress in Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth and star of his one-act play A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur at the Hudson Guild Theatre in 1979; and Zoe Caldwell, who won one of her four Tony Awards for her role in Williams’ Slapstick Tragedy in 1966. Harriet Harris, popular stage and screen star (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Frasier), who played Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie at the Guthrie Theater, and New Orleans native Grace Zabriskie, who just released her first collection of poetry, yet is best known for her roles in many popular films and television series (Twin Peaks; HBO’s Big Love), round out the grand group of leading ladies. Literary luminaries include Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler (A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain), who will judge the Festival’s 2011 short fiction contest; critically acclaimed author Winston Groom (Forrest Gump; Vicksburg, 1963); Armistead Maupin whose new Tales of the City novel, Mary Ann in the Autumn, debuted in November; Jason Berry, author, reporter and film director (Vows of Silence); Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque; film critic and raconteur Rex Reed; syndicated advice columnist and author Amy Dickinson; best-selling mystery writers John Connolly, Laura Lippman and Nevada Barr; National Book Award finalists Dorothy Allison and Susan Straight; Bryan Batt, widely known as Salvatore Romano in AMC’s Mad Men, whose “momoir” She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother details his childhood growing up in New Orleans; and — almost a category all by himself — inimitable filmmaker, writer and artist John Waters, who delighted audiences at the 2007 Festival. Theater highlights include “Bright, Beautiful Things: A World Premiere of Tennessee Williams One-Acts.” Hosted by Zoe Caldwell, this special evening presentation, produced by Southern Repertory Theatre, kicks off the Festival and includes The Pretty Trap (a comedy that later developed into The Glass Menagerie), The Magic Tower and Every Twenty Minutes. The following night, “Remembering Tennessee,” the Festival’s Gala celebration, features readings and reminiscences by Baker, Caldwell and Knight. Rex Reed will lead the discussion. The University of New Orleans [UNO] theater department will stage The Glass Menagerie with veteran New Orleans actress Janet Shea as Amanda Wingfield. Additionally, Theatre West of Pensacola, Fla., presents 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, Williams’ one-act Mississippi Delta comedy of lust, arson and survival during the Great Depression, parts of which he later adapted to his screenplay for Baby Doll. New York playwright/actor Jeremy Lawrence, who has
mesmerized audiences with his three previous portraits of the famed playwright, returns to the Festival with a new rendering entitled Tom and Rose: My Sister Was Quicker at Everything Than I. Rose, who had been institutionalized for schizophrenia at an early age, “emerges not as the victim but as the life force who was at the very center of so much of Tennessee’s work,” said Lawrence. In celebration of Williams’ birthday, “Happy Birthday, Mr. Williams: Tennessee’s New Orleans Homecoming” features readings, remembrances, and other surprises that focus on his connection to the Crescent City. The star-studded roster of participants includes poets Darrell Bourque and Mona Lisa Saloy; authors Dorothy Allison and Armistead Maupin, filmmaker John Waters; actors Bryan Batt, Harriet Harris and Grace Zabriskie, among others. A special champagne toast and birthday cake cap off the evening. Hungry for more? New Orleans’ All Kinds of Theatre debuts the fifth installment of the wildly popular monologue series, Native Tongues, created and directed by Carl Walker. “Food, glorious New Orleans food” fuels this one and features the original works of a smorgasbord of saucy writers – novelists, nonfiction authors, journalists and playwrights – with ties to New Orleans. Literary programs include eight Master Classes for writers and readers conducted by leading authors, agents and editors. The Festival’s staged conversation series features interviews with Berry, Groom and Maupin. Panel discussions cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from Southern humor to writing about New Orleans music; from the state of the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the BP oil spill to the beloved New Orleans Saints; from the anatomy of the celebrity memoir to media bias and the difference between a journalist and a commentator. In two sessions, specific books take center stage. The late Walker Percy’s iconic novel The Moviegoer, which marks its 50th anniversary, is the theme of a panel discussion by noted authors Sheila Bosworth, Valerie Martin and Chris Wiltz, who will also share memories of the writer. And Tennessee Williams’ Memoirs is the focus of the Breakfast Book Club, whose participants are invited to read the book before the event in anticipation of a group discussion of the work over a light breakfast of coffee and pastries. Other highlights include a lecture and film presentation by John DiLeo based on his new book, Tennessee Williams and Company: His Essential Screen Actors. In another session, the costumes designed by New Orleans native Lucinda Ballard for Williams’ most iconic plays will be discussed by scholar and costume designer Peggy Rosefeldt. Taste Matters - Literary buffs and food lovers will get to double dip at a special event – part intimate tasting, part symposium – held at The Bistro at the Maison de Ville with the authors and contributors of Dinner With Tennessee Williams, the newly-published memoir/cookbook by Troy Gilbert, Chef Greg Picolo, Dr. Kenneth Holditch and Poppy Tooker. Wine, wit and hors d’oeuvres will be served at culinary expert John Mariani’s session on the latest national restaurant trends. He will also discuss his new book, How Italian Food Conquered the World, which debuts at the Festival. And “Quintessential Brunch” is the title of acclaimed chef John Besh’s cooking demonstration and discussion the following day. The Sazerac, named the Official Cocktail of the City of New Orleans, takes center stage at a special Sazerac Academy, presented by Tales of the Cocktail. While soaking up its storied history, attendees will
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the "official" dish ...from 10 learn how to make, pour and enjoy this lofty libation. Music - On another note, the Festival’s Sunday “Drummer and Smoke” music program at the Palm Court Jazz Café presents “By George!”, consummate jazz singer Banu Gibson’s fresh renditions of George Gershwin’s timeless classics, backed by David Boeddinghaus on piano, Ray Moore on tenor sax and Kerry Lewis on string bass. In addition, celebrated jazz trumpeter, bandleader and New Orleans Cultural Ambassador Irvin Mayfield will read from and discuss his new book and CD titled A Love Letter to New Orleans, followed by a performance. And much more - Festival-goers won’t want to miss Drawn to Life: Al Hirschfeld and The Theater of Tennessee Williams at The Historic New
Orleans Collection’s Williams Research Center. The exhibit features rare items from The Collection’s rich holdings related to “America’s greatest playwright” combined with drawings of
characters in Williams’ theatrical productions by legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. The public is invited to get into the act at the Festival’s riotous closing ceremony – the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest, in playful homage to the bellowing mates in Williams’ masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire. Most of the events take place in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Sites hosting events include Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Royal Sonesta Hotel, Southern Rep Theatre, Williams Research Center, Hotel Monteleone, Muriel’s Jackson Square Restaurant, Palm Court Jazz Café, Windsor Court Hotel, The Bistro at the Maison de Ville, Chateau Bourbon Hotel and One Eyed Jacks. A Festival Panel Pass is $75 ($60 for students); a One-Day Pass is $30;
theater/special events range from $5$100; master classes are $25; the Scholars Conference is $20; walking tours are $25. Group rates on request. Group rates are 20% off for groups of five or more and available on request by calling 504.581.1144. For more information, call 504581-1144 or visit www.tennesseewilliams.net for regular updates and information on how to become a “Friend of Tennessee.”
Girl Bar Dinah Shore Joins Forces with The Truck Stop Girlz
P
alm Springs, CA - This year Girl Bar takes the party to the Palm Springs strip and joins forces with The Truck Stop Girlz to put the action into high gear for Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week 2011, happening March 30-April 3. For event information and updates, visit: www.dinahshoreweekend.com. All new for 2011, Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week happens at the center of the action, the landmark Palm Springs Hyatt Regency Resort, located in the heart of the world famous Palm Springs strip downtown on Palm Canyon Drive! In addition, highly sought-after VIP packages are again available at Hotel Zoso, just a block away on Indian Canyon Drive.
Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week passes and VIP Weekender packages are on sale now, along with Hyatt and VIP Hotel Zoso reservations at www.dinahshoreweekend.com. Purchase early and save! “We’ve got a hot new spot for this year’s Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week host hotel,” said co-founder Sandy Sachs. “We’re thrilled to head over to the stunning and newly remodeled Hyatt Regency right at the center of all the downtown Palm Springs girl action.” “We’re putting this year’s event into overdrive by hauling out Linda Fusco & Michelle Agnew and The Truck Stop Girlz to grind gears and rev it up with our world-famous Girl Bar GoGo’s!” exclaimed co-founder Dr. Robin Gans. “The Truck Stop Girlz are always ready for some high octane fun. So when the women behind Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week asked us to join the party, we couldn’t resist,” added Michelle Agnew, co-founder of The Truck Stop Girlz. “We’re working with Girl Bar to bring you just the ‘right’ amount of ‘wrong’ in the desert this spring.”
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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: pastor@bigeasymcc.com BigEasyMCC.COM
Back to Eden
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t is impossible to pursue human happiness without having some idea of where we came from, and what the ‘natural’ environment of our species is. Until fairly recently it was nearly impossible to get an unbiased view of this simple fact. Anthropologists and historians have projected their own ideas upon the huntergatherers peoples that most closely resemble our own ancestors, and have been blind to what was actually going on - because of their strong ideas as to what SHOULD be going on. The story of the prehistoric peoples that lived for nearly 240,000 years before the beginning of agriculture is both fascinating, and potentially life changing! From a Christian point of view it may force us to completely re-examine our ideas of what is ‘human nature’. This could easily get a bit technical, but I will try and make it as plain English as I can manage (yes, I know that is not saying much), I have been reading an amazing book called ‘Sex at Dawn: The prehistoric origins of modern sexuality’ by Christopher Ryna and Cacilda Jetha, and I literally have NOT been able to put it down. We all know that Chimpanzees are our closest living relative right? Well, we have another, the Bonobo is equally close to us genetically (about as close as African and Indian Elephants) but is the only other ape besides us (and we ARE apes) that has what is known as ‘hidden ovulation’ and constant female sexual receptivity. What this means is that the male has no idea when the female is fertile, and they shag ALL the time! In Bonobos, sex is used as a social bond, and also for recreation – tensions are released through sexual activity, and it goes on indiscriminately between males and females, females and females and males and males. There is little hierarchy, virtually no violence and Bonobos record the lowest stress levels of any great ape. Even chimps, it turns out, are not the war crazed monsters we have been led to believe – on the rare occasions they are observed in genuinely undisturbed places they appear a pretty relaxed and peaceable bunch. Their behavior change=s radically when they are trapped, mistreated, captured, or suddenly given a concentrated food and artificial food supply – all these things make them highly stressed and very aggressive. Saying greed, fear, violence and the crushing burden of unchosen mo-
nogamy (originally conceived as a kind of legal ownership of women) is human nature is like saying that pacing end-
lessly back and forward is natural behavior for tigers, though they ONLY ever do this when confined in cages. It turns out that the closest thing we have to our ancient, pre-agricultural ancestors all have certain things in common – whether we find them in the outback of Australia, in the Amazon jungle or in Africa. They are strictly egalitarian (practice a very strict form of universal equality), they are highly promiscuous within the tribe/social group, and generally they spend only two to three hours foraging every couple of days in order to gather enough protein for their needs. The biggest crime is hoarding and not sharing, and that extends to sexuality – there is an expression that translates as ‘stingy with their genitals’ that is applied to the prissy! This only applies to hunter gatherers by the way, not to societies that practice farming, or herding. Prior to 10,000 years ago virtually ALL human beings were hunter gatherers, and there is very little evidence in the fossil record of either major disease or famine before the start of agriculture – before people starting OWNING stuff, and hoarding food and resources (it is interesting to note that almost all the major pandemic illnesses that afflict humanity have jumped from our domestic livestock). Prior to this there was nothing to fight over, everyone had equal ownership of everything else, and food and sex and affection would have been freely available. When there was hardship, it was equally shared by everyone, and the group would move until it found better circumstances. Even children are often communally raised
in these societies, and many of these groups have the quaint idea that children can have numerous fathers, so a woman will seek out a tall man, a handsome man, a clever man, a kind man etc, and have sex with them all during her pregnancy to try and instill those virtues in the child. It also means that numerous men have an interest in looking out for and protecting the child. This is called fractional paternity, and is a remarkably widespread belief. This is not a fairy tale; this is how
some hunter gatherers STILL live. The fear of each other that leads to violence and greed only came when we starting living in settled and large communities where we didn’t know each other – the Eden that Genesis uses as a metaphor for the human condition in paradise may well have been our innocent life as foragers, and suddenly we pick the apples we have planted, and notice we are naked and need clothes, we notice we are poor and demand possessions, and we turn OURSELVES out of Eden. God says to us in Genesis ‘who told you you were naked?’ To God our nakedness is how we were created, our sexuality and our joy in each other is as we were created, and we are the ones who have problems with it. Our sexuality has become mixed up with social pressures because it is now part of OWNERSHIP. We live in fear and stress and desperately desire to own things and people, even our partners that we claim to love, too often we seek to control and possess. We are like the chimp in the cage that screams and screams and thinks its life has always been like this – as the fodder for factories and offices and faceless spreadsheets, when in reality we were made for Eden, but chose to live in jail.
commentary Mr. President, Washington & Franklin Thank You by Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News Publisher, mark@epgn.com hen President Obama signed the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he might have felt the ghosts of Founding Fathers George Washington and Benjamin Franklin smiling over his shoulder. They might have even whispered in his ear, “It’s about time.” History clearly recalls that the Revolutionary Army was a rag-tag band of men with little to no military training. We fumbled through the beginning of the war of independence with lack of training, conduct and organization. Washington knew that, without help, the Colonies would lose. Since Washington himself was the best this nation had, he looked to Europe for someone who could bring order to the troops. To that end, Washington wrote the Colonies’ representative in Paris at the time, Franklin, to see what he could find. Franklin learned of a Prussian military genius, Lt. Gen. Friederich von Steuben, who’d had a string of successes with numerous armies across Europe. There was one problem: Various kingdoms of Europe had asked von Steuben to depart because of his “affections for members of his own sex.” And while Franklin was interviewing him, the situation became somewhat hectic as members of the French clergy decided to make a crusade and drum him out of France. Franklin had a choice here, and he decided von Steuben’s expertise was more important than his sexual orientation. He and another colony representative, Silas Deane, acted quickly before the clergy could deport von Stuben and sent him to the Colonies to serve with Washington. Once the lieutenant was here, Washington was concerned about von Steuben’s lack of English, so he appointed two of his officers who spoke French to work as translators. One of those officers was Alexander Hamilton and the other was his close friend Henry Laurens. Some historians claim the two were lovers — but that’s another column. Washington and Franklin’s trust in von Steuben was realized as he taught the troops the essentials of military drills, tactics and disciplines, including how to effectively use a bayonet and organizing a military camp. He authored the “Revolutionary War Drill Manual,” which became the standard drill manual until the War of 1812, and served as Washington’s chief of staff in the final years of the Revolutionary War. He was part of Washington’s inner circle, and a major factor in the victory of the Colonies. And that, my friends, is why gay history is important. And a fun read.
W
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spotlight feature Gar Williams: A Movietown Update
A
mbush went to Gar Williams at The Gar Williams Show, sat down with the genial, chatty blond and probed. For those who do not watch his TV outings (or you live on the moon) its gay Hollywood nostalgia with plenty of myth’s dispelled, shy humor, cheeky expose, clever production value and splashy
mail bag (my own favorite) over coffee (Yum Yums too), we asked our questions (reporting at its best). Question: Besides being an entertaining half hour - what's up? Gar: Well I want to brag about the contributions to film by gay people-and it's long been overlooked! Only now is it really coming to light. Years ago Elizabeth Taylor said, "Without gays there’d be no Hollywood," and she was rightpartly. Oh there’d still be movies, but with less imagination and style. Do I sound like I’m preaching ? I meant too! Question: Of the old stars who is your favorite ? Gar: I have many - Monroe is number one - luminous! Star quality where you can’t take your eye’s off her. Bette Davis before she went over the top melodramatic and Garland before she got drugged out. On the gentlemen’s side I like Bogart, Cagney, Lancaster, but my ultimate is Edward G. Robinson-of the crazy wife,
art collection and fear of guns. An unlikely star - short, chubby, not the Flynn type, but could act his way around everybody. His Rico gangster and Sea Wolf (1944) are marvelous. Question: In old Hollywood did gay’s really get drummed out of pictures? Gar: Only if they did not play the hetro game. Patsy Kelly and William Haines come to mind - too butch, too fem. Question: Who was the most beautiful? Gar: The Bi Dietrick and Bi Hedy Lamoor were probably the most beautious and the straight Lana and Ava right behind. Question: Who hid behind the screen the most? Gar: The same sexer’s are endless - Claudette Colbert (saffic with two show husbands), Brando (very Bi), James Dean / Sal Mineo (very gay), Clift (very gay), Liz Scott, a lesbian till Confidential magazine exposed her life - Good-bye 50' career. Question: Who were the most under rated ? Gar: Easy, the costume designers, an early province of homosexuals, but according to the moguls there true sexual vent was hard to conceal, so they were seldom identified. There talents were copied everywhere though. Hidden talents not credited because of there sexual orientation. Sad really, but a tinder of the times. Question: Of the newcomers who’s showing best ? Gar: In the last ten years- Jude Law! In Road to Perdition (2004) he was the best villain I ever saw, truly scary! His Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes (2010) stole the show. Ironically, in life he’s a straight guy chasing girls (and marrying many) God forbid! Question: Who was the most ruined by Hollywood ? Gar: Many; but I don’t think it was Hollywood. Most would have been unhappy if they were bookkeepers, bricklayers or brain surgeons. Unstable people populated the movies like all professions. The glorious Marilyn was delicate and truly crushed by the burden of fame. Character star Charles Laughton hated being homosexual, and his self hate could not adjust to his sexuality. 40’s boy next door Tom Drako never found the right role (and mumbled - the right man either) and by the time he woke up his fame was long gone. Monty Clift hid his sexuality behind alcoholism and it destroyed him. It would be the same in Hoboken as well as Hollywood! Question: Any last words about the movie scene ? Gar: Well - movies are an unstable but fascinating industry, but its fleeting quick silver - audiences are fickle. Has been fever is always on the horizon. It was in old movietown and it’s still there today. I see movie personalities now and know we won’t know most of them
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obituary
Ralph Marchetti III
R
alph Marchetti III passed away on December 21, 2010. He was the life partner of Peter Tiskus. Ralphm originally born in Watervillem Maine, moved to New Orleans in 1980. He worked as a waiter for many years, mostly at The Gumbo Shop and Bacco. Ralph was well known in the Quarter for the costumes he made for their dog Marigny, which she wore while riding in her K&B carriage, or sitting on the bench at tea dance. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 2pm. The service will be held upstairs at JohnPaul’s bar, located at 940 Elysian Fields. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA. a few years from now. It transitory but at least in old Hollywood contracts guaranteed exposure - gone now! New moviegoers do not know Faye Dunaway, Kevin Costner but history remembers Harlow, Gable, Bogart and a few others, and so do I. And finally, FINALLY, sophisticated new audience’s are awakening to the talents of gay artists - it's about time!
AmbushMag.COM N e x t Ed i t i o n :
Pre-Mardi Gras Runs Feb. 15th-28th
DEA DL I N E: Tues., Feb. 8th
5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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H
idden Treasures of The Louisiana State Museum: Carnival Edition behind-the-scenes showing was presented by Curator of Costumes and Textiles of Carnival Collections Wayne Phillips at the museums’s storage facility on Chartres Street in New Orleans. It was a rare opportunity to view historic costumes and other rarely seen artifacts. It was an in-depth firsthand look at Carnivals of years past through a tour of the storage rooms of the Museum, usually off limits to the general public. Phillips took small groups on the tour ending up at his huge work table where he had costume sketches, headdresses, historic crowns, jewelry, invitations, books and gowns. Also of interest was the crown and scepter of a past queen of Apollo New Orleans (now defunct) showcasing the GLBT influence on Carnival. For more on the museum, visit http://lsm.crt.state.la.us. (Photos by Rip Naquin)
celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
T
he Krewe of Petronius' Late, Late Gospel Brunch & Show brought a bevy of beauties to the stage at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The event raised funds for the krewe’s 50th bal masque slated for Saturday, February 12 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. For additional information or to obtain ball tickets, visit KreweOfPetronius.ORG or call 504.430.6695. Photo: Queen Petronius XLIX Natasha Sinclair, Queen Petronius L-Elect Bootsie DeVille, King Cake Queen XIV Princesse Stephaney, Maybelline Mascara, Zsa Zsa d’LaHor, Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella, King Amon-Ra XLV Justus Pretty, and front-Miss Gay Vieux Carre America Tami Tarmac)
R
obert Moxsy and Mike Hilderbrand are the new management team of C&B Enterprises comprising the three bars under the direction of proprietor’s Chuck Turner and Bill Miller. Moxsy will manage Billy’s in Slidell, while Hilderbrand will manage both 4 Seasons in Metairie and Double Play in New Orleans.
M
s. Jenkins and Deja Deja Vu celebrated their joint Masquerade Birthday Bash in the Victorian Galleries above JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. Guests all wore mask while enjoying the camaraderie of the occasion with both cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
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KCQ XIV Princesse Stephaney, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac & Queen Petronius L-Elect Bootsie DeVille in Petronius’ Late, Late Gospel Show @ JohnPaul’s
Ambush’s Marsha & Bourbon Pub & Parade’s Sandy
Jerry & Kenny celebrate @ Deja & Ms. Jenkin’s b-day bash
Queen Petronius XLIX Natasha Sinclair on stage in Petronius’ Late, Late Gospel Show Paul & Chris behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub
Kyle with Baby BD & Justin with JC @ Corner Pocket
Kim, Jimmy, Ronny, Jim & Angel @ Good Friends Kocktail Karaoke
Petronius’ Late, Late Gospel Show brought Zsa Zsa d’LaHor to the stage
Packer fans cheer on their team @ 700 Club
Miss Ashlee welcomes you to Corner Pocket
snap
Oz bartenders Blake & Tommy
paparazzi
King Amon-Ra XLV Justus Pretty in Petronius’ Late, Late Gospel Show
700 Club’s Mike serving up NFL play-off fans
Queen Petronius L-Elect joins Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella in Petronius’ Gospel Show
Cheering on their teams in the NFL play-off games @ 700 Club
Jim joins Deja for her Masquerade Birthday Bash @ JohnPaul’s Having cocktails @ Good Friends Bar
Robert & John in for Deja & Ms. Jenkins’ Masquerade B-day Bash
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Cocktailin’ Fridays @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
It Never Stops... ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, DevinBlack, Tony Leggio
Kevin joins bartender Will @ Double Play
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Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Rush Party @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio
paparazzi
Jim & Ron
KCQ XIV Princesse Stephaney & 4 Seasons’ Chuck
Marilyn
FourPlay’s Elizabeth Bouvier with Lords of Leather’s Pat & Ben
Wendy Kennedy
Dancer Nickolai
Miss Gay Vieux Carre America Tami Tarmac
Judy & Mel Kossover The Dallas Boys Safonda Peters, Stuart, Jimmy & Randy
Dancer Pearson
Sam & KCQ XIV Princesse Stephaney
Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier
Dancer Dan
Monica St. Clair & KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy
George Tresch, Marshall Fisher & Billy Henry
Miss Elysian Fields Barbara Ella
Delacroix St. John
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Dancer Ryan
Barry Bareass Striptease @ The Corner Pocket ~ New Orleans
snap
JohnPaul’s Paul, Double Play’s Chuck & 4 Season’s mgr. Mike
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ambush
papar azzi
The gays find a friend in Salt Lake City
Inside Temple Square Snowing in Salt Lake City
NOH8 Staff prepare San Antonio’s Sergio & Family for NOH8 Shoot
Ambush Staffers Joey & Devin after the NOH8 Campaign photo shoot
Utah Cyber Sluts (non profit camp drag group) Ida Slapter, Fonda Dixx, Ivonna Cox & Shanweda Darieyair @ gay bar Try Angles
Okay, Tony could not help himself, he had to make a snow angel!
Sergio helping Bobby, while a staffer takes care of Devin...
Kelly, Devin & Josh @ NOH8 after party Greg, Tony & Sid @ Faustina’s
Tony & his special Salt Lake City friend Josh
Devin being shot by Adam Bouska for NOH8 Campaign Devin & Kris NOH8 after party
Bartenders Jim & James @ Try Angles
As you can see none at the NACE conference obeyed the alcohol laws of Salt Lake City
The view from Tony’s room
Devin Black & Ryan Exsterstein @ NOH8 photo shoot
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Debi Landry & friends @ Bourbon Pub
NOH8 Campaign in NOLA ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin Black
Travel ~ Salt Lake City, Utah ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Andrew, Buttercup & Nimesh at the W New Orleans for photo shoot
Devin, Jeremy & Ronny join NOH8 after party at Bourbon Pub
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CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
200 BIENVILLE
300
500 TOULOUSE
600
RAMPART
ST. LOUIS
BURGUNDY
400
DAUPHINE
ROYAL
CHARTES
DECATUR
CONTI
BOURBON
ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
900 ST. PHILIP
1000 URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
1300
classifieds
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1800 19 FR
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FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D
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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 Baton Rouge, LA [225] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave., 246.8317 GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807
bookstores
RT PA M A R
Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 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, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 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, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM
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
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
New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
cable shows
hair salons
New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
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
casinos New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS
chiropractic
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
antiques
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
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is0211]
circuit/events March 4-8, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 24, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 26-30, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 40th Official Southern Decadence 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. 27-30, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM
computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center,
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groceries/delis
insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] 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. [0711] 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. [0811] 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. HOTEL LE MARAIS, 717 Conti St., New Orleans, LA, 800.535.9111 or visit NewOrleansHotelCollection.COM, is the newest boutique hotel property in the French Quarter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily
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newspaper, complimentary Wi Fi in all areas and all rooms, complimentary extended continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, complimentary business center, and complimentary welcome drink. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0112] 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 & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1312]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
models/escort New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY NEW ORLEANS #1 MALE ESCORT Pics/Rates/Info @ www.rentboy.com/ mikey9nola1, 504.756.9443 [is311]
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161
Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER 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
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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, w w w.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 SPRING SEASON
BEGINS AFTER MARDI GRAS. Recruitment day for the NOLA Softball League is February 13, 2011. All skill levels welcome, including beginners. Visit nolasoftball.com for more information. THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 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
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] FRENCH QUARTER REALTY, Agents: Gary R. Williams 251.2047, Sandy Preston 319.7500; Office 949.5400 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Free Instant Access to New Orleans and the Nations Top Gay & Lesbian Realtors. On-line: www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683)
restaurants 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 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Cooyon's Cajun Cooking, New Orleans French Market, 1100 N. Peters St., 337.339.1131, CooyonsCajunCooking.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742
Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, CreoleCuisine.COM The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse, bakery, cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., 309.8236 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 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
retail/shopping
websites
Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 3209 Edenborn Ave., 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, 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 RAZZLE DAZZLE, the newest sensation in a very old place, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM Slidell, LA [985]
spas New Orleans, LA [504] SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier Street, 566.8088, SpaAlantis.NET CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539]
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] 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
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, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PRIDE NEW ORLEANS, NOLAPride.ORG
Ga y M a r d i Gr a s .COM
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out & about Mobile Alabama Pride Announces Theme, Dates for 2011 Celebration
You Never Know What You’ll See! ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Leon Weekley
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Sexy skin @ B-Bob’s
Gabriel’s bartender Chris, Wendy, Brenda, B-Bob’s owner Jerry, Asian Goddess Regine Phillips & B-Bob’s bartender Leon sharing a warm moment together
parade, celebration in the park... a softball tournament and even a VIP party overlooking historic downtown Mobile! These are just a few of the special events being planned for Mobile Alabama Celebrates Pride Around the World! The Mobile Alabama Pride (MAP) Committee is proud to announce this year’s celebration is set for the weekend of April 29, 30 and May 1. MAP is a member of Interpride.org, an international association for organizations that produce pride events around the world. Its member organizations are dedicated to producing Pride events for the global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) community. Interpride chose this year’s theme, which will be shared by organizations around the world. Mobile Alabama Pride has made headlines in recent years in positive ways... securing a member of the Mobile City Council as a rider in the annual Pride procession, diplomatically restoring funding for our parade in the face of city wide budget cuts... in other words, making sure our celebration retains it’s rightful place in Mobile’s long list of community events. But the most important mission is involving Mobile’s LGBT community in a display of camaraderie and purpose... and just plain fun! Your group or organization is also encouraged to take part in the annual pride parade through downtown Mobile. Be watching for ways to get involved and more events soon to be announced. Once again, the Holiday Inn, Downtown Mobile Historic District will serve as the host hotel. Details and special rates will be announced soon. You can help support Mobile Alabama Pride Weekend by sponsoring an event, or by advertising in the annual Pride program. For details, visit the MAP website at www.mobilealabamapride.com. PRIDE is a COMMUNITY event!! Mobile Alabama Pride invites you to give feedback and help shape the Pride Events for 2011’s Pride Festival and Parade! They are seeking motivated people who are interested in being on the board as well as volunteering. Pride meetings are held at the Mobile Arts Council, 318 Dauphin Street, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Order of Zues Puts 19th Annual Ball On The Radio! Feb. 26 in Pensacola
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B-Bob’s favorite Miss Amy showing off her dress
B-Bob’s bartenders Leon & Joey
mobile
papar azzi
ver the past few years, they’ve taken over Broadway, read you their favorite fairy tales, and even gathered Under The Big Top! But for their 19th annual ball, the Double O Z’s have now taken over the broadcast world with this year’s theme, On The Radio. In fact, the entire tableau will take on the personality of a radio broadcast. The emcee will, instead, be your friendly radio announcer, taking you on a musical journey that could land you anywhere... from the golden age of radio, to Donna Summer’s own classic (On The Radio) to today’s hot hits! If you’ve never been to Zues, it’s uniquely intimate, with each costuming member extending that theme to his own table. Table settings compete to be more outrageous that the costumes! Here’s how Zeus describes its organization on Facebook: “Pensacola’s Most Diverse Mardi Gras Organization - Since 1992. Each year, the Order of Zeus (OOZ) participates in all local mardi gras festivities from the downtown parades, to hosting their own large private party complete with catering, open bar, and entertaining tableau. Come Join the Fun!” Hosted at Pensacola Fair Grounds, ticket information is available by contacting any member of The Order of Zeus or email Info@OrderOfZeus.com. You can see photos and OOZ History by visiting orderofzeus.com or checking out southernrenegades.com.
Krewe of Phoenix Enters Second Carnival with Tributes! Feb. 4 in Mobile Wicked Witch DJ Scotty flying around B-Bob’s
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n 2010, Krewe of Phoenix (KOP) became Mobile’s newest Mardi Gras organization, and members knew they had to make a big splash. Well, after the surge swept through Fort Whiting Armory, the Krewe of Phoenix
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was the talk of the town! All in attendence were in agreement: the inagural ball exceeded expectations for a new organization. But in reality, many of those in KOP are seasoned Mardi Gras vets, having spent years crafting their carnival skills with Mobile’s iconic Order of Osiris. Having set the standard for excellence in their first year, the KOP’s will try to outdo themselves in their second tableau. Once again, the art deco interior of Fort Whiting will play host to the Rising of the Phoenix, the iconic firebird that is KOP’s emblem.
And what follows royalty will be each costuming member’s loving tribute to an American icon. Ok, so ABBA isn’t really from America, but we claim them, don’t we? Visually dissect the above promotional poster and you’ll get a sneak peek of this year’s show. On their website, members of The Krewe of Phoenix describe themselves like this: “...a new, all inclusive, alternative Mardi Gras Organization in Mobile, Alabama. We have nine founding members who started the organization in January 2009. Our first general meeting with charter members was held March 22, 2009.” “Our main objective is to give viable support to the community. Our hope is to make a comfortable environment that will be fulfilling to all of us. Our dream is to not be complacent, but to grow and become a vital part of the community.” Tributes is set for Friday, February 4 at Fort Whiting Armory, 1620 South Broad Street, Mobile. To reserve tickets or request further information go to kreweofphoenixmgo@yahoo.com Learn more about Mobile Mardi Gras at southernrenegades.com.
Reach the Market
Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Satyricon Hosts a Valentine Day’s Treat
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ell, technically it is not on Valentine’s Day, but close enough. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting a night of sultry music by one of the sexiest men on the cabaret scene today. Todd Murray is bringing his ultrasensual show to New Orleans on Sunday, February 13 at Le Chat Noir (Valentine’s Day Eve). This devastatingly handsome baritone exudes an energy that will have gay hearts melting in their seats as he performs his new cabaret act Croon. The show starts at 6pm. Ticket prices are $30 and Le Chat Noir is located at 715 St. Charles Avenue. For tickets, call the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon at 504.525.4498. This is the perfect date night to celebrate the holiday. And just think, you can make a night of it and do the show with dinner afterwards and not have the crowds that you typically find on Valentine’s Day (sounds like a win/win to me). So whether you are on a date, hanging with some friends or just want to come by yourself to listen to a delightful night of music, make it a point to catch Todd Murray.
Bad Romance: Just in Time For Valentine’s Day
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have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day for many reasons. First it is an overly commercialized holiday that only serves the purpose of making restaurants, florists, greeting card companies and jewelry stores more money. It is a holiday that celebrates couples: gay, straight, happy, not, whatever you are, you are at least a couple. Millions of people around the world will get boxes of heart shaped chocolates, floral arrangements, or my favorite is the little teddy bears that play Endless Love. Because nothing says I love you more like a music playing stuffed animal, which retails for $9.99. Well to all you couples, I have one thing to say. WTF! What about the rest of us? You remember us, the ones who are not in a relationship. It is not like there is a Thank God I am Single day? Although I think there should be. So we have to endure watching a parade of delivery men stopping at our offices and drop off flowers to everyone but us. But we are not bitter, at least not entirely. So if you are one of the many single people looking for an
escape from this tedious holiday, or you are a couple that wants to do something unique, have I got the place for you. JohnPaul’s is hosting a Valentine’s Day event that celebrates the holiday from a more twisted viewpoint. Bad Romance is a night of revelry celebrating love gone wrong. The festivities will begin at 7pm. There will be the usual special bar fare provided complimentary in addition to some marvelous drink specials such as $1 champagne and $2 Broken Heart Shots. At 8pm, I will be your emcee for a special Valentine’s Day Drag Show featuring Elizabeth Bouvier, Princesse Stephaney and many more. Elizabeth will co-host this event with me, as she and the other ladies all perform numbers of unrequited love, obsessive passion and wronged lovers. There will also be representatives from the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras selling raffle tickets for the Lady Gaga concert. This night promises to be an evening of great entertainment. So come single and mingle, or come paired and share. Either way, this Valentine’s Day, party with the other “Bad Romantics” at JohnPaul’s located at 940 Elysian Fields.
The Color Purple Returns to New Orleans
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fter a highly successful run in New Orleans last year, Broadway’s Best Loved Musical The Color Purple returns to the Crescent City for a special engagement. Broadway Across America is proud to announce that The Color Purple, The Musical about Love, will be in New Orleans at the Mahalia Jackson Theater from February 11-13 for 5 performances only. The original Broadway musical opened on December 1, 2005, and was nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. The Color Purple ran for over two years on Broadway followed by a three year First National Tour. The play is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous, GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about hope and the healing power of love. This production has some special ties to the Crescent City. The following cast members are from New Orleans:
Taprena Augustine (Shug Avery), Kadejah One (Church Soloist, understudy for Sofia) and Donald Jones, Jr (Ensemble, understudy for Preacher). The Mahalia Jackson Theater is located in Armstrong Park at 801 N. Rampart Street. Information on the Broadway Across America - New Orleans series and venue policies and accommodations may be obtained online at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Group Sales information is available at 504.287.0372. Box Office information is available at 504.287.0351.
Bartender of the Month: February
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s it just me or is time flying already his year. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, there are so many celebrations in the city, that you do not finish partying for one, when the next one is right in front of you. And with the nightlife in New Orleans hopping, the bars are crowded and the boys (and girls) are aplenty. My next bartender of the month is someone we have to enjoy for a limited time because after Mardi Gras he will be moving to Los Angeles, The City of Angels. It is only fitting since he is leaving the City of Sinners, he needs to be revitalized. When I first met Stephen at Good Friends sporting his hot, muscular body and Mohawk, I said now that is a bartender who will beat you like Ike Turner if you leave a bad tip. So I made sure I had plenty of cash when ordering my drinks from him, but as time went by and I got to know him, I realized he is not like that at all. He would cut you not hit you. My bad. All kidding aside, I find Stephen to be a friendly, jovial and humorous bartender. Like all the bartenders at Good Friends, his customer service skills are excellent. He moves behind the bar with the prowess of a skilled hunter. I have seen him handle an entire crowded bar by himself with minimum wait for the clientele.
Bartender of the Month Stephen His demeanor is perfect for this job and this city. He has an overwhelmingly handsome smile and the body of a gladiator. Go Sparta! Sorry, I digress, but his body is amazing, just
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saying. Anyway, the other day I had some clients in Good Friends for a few drinks while we discussed an upcoming event. Not only did Stephen handle his bar, but he made it a point to come to our table in the back and check on us and deliver drinks when needed. Customer attention like that does not come easily. So next time you are in the Quarter, go to Good Friends at 740 Dauphine Street and get a fabulous cocktail from Stephen. We do not have that much longer to appreciate him, although I hear he will be making guest appearances behind the bar for holidays like Southern Decadence. Los Angeles’ gain is New Orleans lost.
Movie Review: Another Year
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am always excited to see an Oscar nominated movie for one main reason only: to decide if I agree that the film is Oscar worthy. Writer and Director Mike Leigh has been nominated for Best Original Screenplay. His other award winning credits include Happy-Go-Lucky and Vera Drake. In Another Year, Leigh has once again created another ensemble drama that looks into the lives of ordinary people. The storyline follows a happily married couple Tom and Gerri, played by the wonderful Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen, as they muddle through another year in their lives. Like moths
to a flame, broken people seem to congregate around them. First there is Mary, Gerri’s co-worker who is a borderline alcoholic who is facing a sad and lonely life. Lesley Manville nails the role of Mary, and her acting is on par with any of the other Oscar contenders on the list. Then there is Tom’s boyhood friend Ken who also abuses alcohol and bemoans his desolate existence. Tom and Gerri’s son Joe (Oliver Maltman) is another source of frustration for the couple as they wish he would find the right girl to settle down with and start a family. A central theme of need runs through the entire movie as the characters succeed and fail in their attempts to make a connection with someone. Jealousy, anger and despair linger with several of the characters as the movie plods along. Adding to the drama is a death in the family that brings another layer to this overly melodramatic movie. Okay, so I am definitely in the mi[continued on 36]
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under the gaydar ...from 34 nority when I say that I honestly was not all that satisfied after seeing this film. Yes, the actors are top notch and some of the performances are stellar. Unfortunately, I found Another Year wearisome in areas and extremely heavy handed. Imelda Staunton, who I adore, is absolutely wasted in a cameo as one of Gerri’s patients. I felt the film never really went anywhere. I understand that Leigh wanted to convey a glimpse of the lives of these characters over a year, which he did. Whether or not it was entertaining, that is a personal viewpoint. For me, I just found it nonmemorable. If ensemble slice of life dramas are your thing, then this movie is for you. For me, I would probably rate this movie somewhere between a small and medium bag of popcorn.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
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ave you ever wished that there was someone who could have saved you from those embarrassing moments in your life? You know those times when you wish you had a little angel on your shoulder whispering good advice to you before you made that bad choice. Well, I am hardly an angel, and I am not quite sure that any of this advice will be useful to you, but I thought I would take a shot at it anyway. Each issue I will give some sage instruction to my gay brethren in hopes that that they can learn from my years of making erroneous decisions. The first thing I would like to tackle is social media, Facebook to be exact. I will get to Twitter later, but first things first. Facebook is a wonderful way to stay connected with people who live around the world. You can get advice on just about any subject under the sun. The beauty of Facebook is that it has so many useful purposes that I cannot believe we lived without it for so long. From education, business applications or just finding people from your past, Facebook has become an integral part of our society. I alone have over 1,400 friends so I am very aware of the people in my life. But recently, I have become cognizant of an increasing number of people who do not quite understand the concept of Facebook and have been abusing it. The postings have gone from the inane to just plain annoying. Here is a piece of advice, before you sit down at your computer and post something. Ask yourself, does anyone really care about what you are about to say? I mean really, I do not need to know what you are making for dinner or where you are at every freakin’ moment of the day. Are you that narcissistic, that you think people are dying to know your every move? When Facebook first came about, I added everyone to my friend list so I am up to high numbers, and
have realized it is way too many. Because with that many people on your list, you know a few crazies will make their way into the total so I decided to weed out those people by answering their Facebook posts with some of my tidbits of wisdom. Someone actually put on her Facebook page “name three words that best describe me.” So I answered her post with these three words “Desperate for Attention.” I got a barrage of posts that ranged the gamut from calling me an uncaring monster (that one was quite creative) to LMFAO. Most people got the joke and the truthful nature for which it was delivered. Besides if you are posting that request on a national social media outlet, how can you not be desperate for attention? Anyway this girl was horribly offended and said she had never been so hurt in her life so she was unfriending me. I really think people (and Facebook) have that friend concept wrong. First off, do you think by hitting one button you are no longer friends with a person, now honestly? I get you are desperate for attention; please do not add plain stupidity on top of that. All of the people I accept on my friend wall are not real friends, some are, but for the most part they are casual acquaintances that I feel would be interesting to know what they are up to. So the next time you post the question, what should I have for dinner? Do not be offended if someone answers, “how about good helping of self-respect.” Take it in the manner of which it was given; a piece of helpful advice from a gay voice of reason.
A Gay Among the Mormons
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ast month I traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah (Mormon country) for a leadership conference for the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), for which I am the current president of the New Orleans Chapter. This was my first time to the city; in fact, this was my initial visit to the entire state of Utah. And I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the city and the gay scene. Although, it does not compare to New Orleans by any means, Salt Lake City still had several, let’s say distractions that kept my interest. Talk about mountain man central. I flew in on Thursday morning and immediately checked into one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at in my life. The Grand American is just stunning. From the moment I entered the lobby with its soaring ceilings, magnificent chandeliers and 17th century Flemish tapestries, I was in awe of its refined European style. The hotel is also Salt Lake City’s only AAA Five Diamond Hotel. I had some time on my hands when I first got there, so I decided to walk around downtown and get the lay
of the land. I went to Temple Square which is the world headquarters of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I went straight into the heart of Mormon territory. The grounds itself is very pristine and the architecture is amazing. I toured around the facility noticing that everyone from the volunteers, or missionaries, as they are called, to the people visiting looked very well kempt. Even the tourists there were dressed in their Sunday finest. I mean we are talking Stepford. Either way it was truly an enlightening experience to learn more about the Mormon culture. After touring the facility, I made a quick stop at the Gateway outdoor mall for some retail therapy. It was a very nice mall with dozens of stores to help me kill some time. After helping the local economy, I went back to the hotel and got ready for a cocktail party NACE was hosting that evening. The party was at Squatter’s Pub, a microbrewery with a rustic décor scheme, hearty food and a great crowd. I was able to mingle with a lot of locals who gave me the lay of the land and where to visit. The party was lively and afforded me the opportunity to taste all of their different beers they had available. Since I normally do not drink beer, this was quite a treat. I mean when in Salt Lake, do what the Romans do and all that nonsense. My favorite was Polygamy Porter, which has the tag line “why have just one.” That night on the way back to the hotel it started snowing. Suddenly my inner child came out and I started running around downtown throwing snowballs, making miniature snowmen and diving onto the ground, flapping my arms creating a snow angel. I even wrote my name in pee in the snow. I am just kidding, I never made a miniature snowman, that would be just plain silly. After acting like I was twelve again, I went back up to my room, because for some sick reason, they close this entire city down at 1am. I mean really in NOLA, we are sometimes just going out at that time. So I decided that the next night, I needed to start my evening earlier to get the full effect of the nightlife. The following day I woke up and met some fellow attendees for lunch at a great Mediterranean style restaurant downtown called Lamb’s. Their lamb burger was just out of this world. The
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remainder of my day was filled with leadership seminars. After a day of class, a group of us went for dinner at a trendy little restaurant called Market Street Grill. The crowd was a mixed bag of mostly Utahns and their service was excellent. When dinner was done, my friend Sidney and I left the others and checked out the gay nightlife. We went to Try Angles, which was a fun little neighborhood bar with great drinks and a decent atmosphere. One thing this city does not lack is a gay male population. They are hot, beefy mountain men who make you want to become a frontier wife. Not really, but the men are fit and very ready to meet a new friend. We met a hilarious troupe of drag queens when we first walked into the door. It seems no matter where I go, the drag queens always seek me out. The bartender was a cute, attentive young man who was heavy with his pour and quick to fill our glasses. If you are looking to get buzzed in Salt Lake City, better be prepared to drink much more than you usually do, their pours are normally smaller than a regular shot and many of the beers are 3% alcohol. After five shots, four vodka drinks and two local beers, Sid and I were ready to retire for the night. And I still was not drunk. The following day was a grueling schedule of all day meetings. That night, the entire group of us went to dinner at Faustina, a chic bistro that had some enjoyable dishes, but the standout was the service. There was one waiter in particular, who made my dining experience worthwhile. Josh, our reddish blond waiter with a devilish smile and tight body took great care of us. Since, this was our last night to hit the town, the gays in the group were ready to go out. As we left, I asked Josh for a go-cup and he laughed. I told him there would be a big tip, if he figured out how to make that happen. Before I knew it, I was drinking my refilled cocktail in a Styrofoam soup container. If I would have been stopped by the police, I would have explained to them it was gazpacho. Now that is a boy who can think on his feet. Our little escapade into the night brought us to the gay bar Jam, which was crowded wall to wall with some of the fiercest men I have ever seen. The [continued on 37]
under the gaydar ...from 36 exceedingly pretty DJ stood above the dance floor shirtless spinning some great tunes which kept most of our group on the dance floor the entire night. And the boys in that bar made it a flirter’s paradise. The club had a steady stream of gay men entering up until closing time. After that bar, I struck out on my own to
a small little tavern near the hotel called Bar Deluxe to see my special new friend Josh perform with his band. I have always had a weak spot for musicians, and when he walked on stage and started performing, I began channeling the song, “Killing Me Softly.” It felt like he was singing every word directly to me. Albeit, the actual song was “Blame It On the Alcohol,” but I am not one to be picky. This definitely was one fun night. The following day, I went to classes in the morning, and then to brunch with Sidney at a great little restaurant near the hotel called Graci. Their Bloody Mary’s were divine and the food was
scrumptious. After a leisurely cocktail filled meal, we returned back to the hotel and collected our bags and were off to the airport to catch our evening flights back to our respective cities. All and all, I think Salt Lake City may not be the gay mecca New Orleans is, but given some searching, you can find that it has its share of alternative excitement.
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acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583
C
hill out Acadiana! With temperatures averaging around 40 degrees I guess that isn’t too hard. I guess I need to begin with saying, “Warm it up, Acadiana!” Warming up may be easier than you think when you indulge yourself in the upcoming events between now and Mardi Gras. It’s time to wrap yourself in that purple, gold, and green feather boa, tighten that bowtie, and slip on that cocktail dress and get ready for the ride. You’re listening up with Joey Collins!
Carnival Events
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irst things first, do not forget about the monthly 2nd Saturday Artwalk which comes alive in the downtown area when independent galleries, studios, and art houses open their doors for this free event. Come and become inspired by many of Lafayette’s local artists. For more information you can visit www.downtownalive.org. Looking for an outlet to give back to the community during Carnival Season? Tie those laces on those running shoes and get ready to help support a wonderful organization, the Children’s Shelters of Acadiana Youth. On Saturday, February 19th in River Ranch Town Square, King Cake 5k will commence as a fundraiser to support the needy children of Acadiana. Race day registration time is from 7:30am to 8:15am. Pre-day registration is $25 and raceday registration is $30, the race begins at 8:30am. Participants are welcome to all you can eat King Cake which will be provided by local Acadiana bakeries as well as New Orleans area bakeries. For more information you can visit http://www.acadianayouthinc.org/ site19.php. The Children’s Shelter of Acadiana Youth provides a safe environment for the children of the eight parishes that make up Acadiana. Many of these children come from homes where food is scares, living conditions are poor, and children fear for their safety. For more information or for ways that you can help, you can visit www.acadianayouthinc.org. The Mystic Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette will be hosting its annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 19th at 8pm at the Cajundome Convention Center, doors open at 6pm. This year’s theme, Body Art, is ready to raise the bar and impress you with even more creative endeavors. The ball, held at the Heymann Center the past few years, has finally returned to the Cajundome and in my opinion will display the gran-
deur times that we once knew. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.kreweofapollo.com. If you have yet to discover a unique Lafayette Mardi Gras then you’re in for a real treat. I must suggest that you come to Lafayette where the music can prove to be hotter; the Mardi Gras is friendlier, where you can enjoy parades, balls, festivals, and cultural traditions throughout the season. During the Carnival Season Acadiana displays the “joie de vivre” that we are so famously known for. One can experience Mardi Gras doggy style when you attend the annual Krewe des Chiens Parade on Saturday, February 26th at 2pm in downtown Lafayette. Krewe des Chiens is a Mardi Gras Krewe that specializes in honoring man’s best friend, dogs. The Krewe is open to dogs of all breeds, sizes, and origins. The only requirement is a good temperament and a desire to help less fortunate animals. A completed membership form and $25 dues in advance are required for membership or $35 on parade day. For more information you can visit www.paradefordogs.com or look them up on Facebook. On Saturday, February 26th at 6pm, Krewe de Rio will roll with a Latin-style Carnival experience. This is a local krewe that is known for pulling out all of the stops. The parade will begin to roll downtown and end in Cajun Field. To become a member or to join the Krewe you can visit www.kreweofrio.com. For more information about Lafayette Mardi Gras, parade routes, and other tourism information visit www.lafayettetravel.com. We all hope to see you soon!
Return of Chez Gisele
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ast Spring we were given the delightful treat of an amazing performance that took us to a different time in Lafayette. This was a time when the LGBT community was not free and open to walk downtown as we do today. Chez Gisele reminded the Acadiana community about the origins of the advancement of the LGBT community right here in our own hometown. Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy with a tribute to the lovely Gisele Carriton, a French woman who owned and operated the first gay cabaret nightclub in Lafayette during the late 1960s and early 1970s. We are automatically taken back to an era where Civil Rights were at the forefront of American culture. Gisele saw the need to create a place that was accept-
ing of all people regardless of your race, sex, religion, and more importantly, your sexuality. In order to continue this creed, Gisele had to create her club into a private membership only establishment. This act was instrumental in keeping her establishment hate-crime free yet unfortunately, due to lack of police protection of such an establishment, failed to be effective when a patron was murdered one night. Unfortunately during this time period it was culturally acceptable for local police to not give much attention to such crimes as they do today. The murder of the bar patron since then has remained unsolved by the Lafayette Police Department. In memory of Gisele, her friends and patrons, and the LGBT community a production written by Dennis Ward, Chez Gisele, will commence at Cite des Arts (located at 109 Vine St, downtown Lafayette) on Thursday, March 17th at 7:30pm and run till Sunday, March 27th at 2pm. For more information you can visit www.citedesarts.org.
Bar Spill
J
ules Downtown has recently re-turned with Thursday Night Karaoke and has switched things up with a new host, Blake Duhon. Jules also plans to change up its lineup during the weekend. Many more details are soon to come. Do not forget that the best way to keep up with Jules,
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upcoming events, and specials is to follow them on Facebook. Tonic is still buzzing with Kira’s Tuesday Night Talent Show hosted by Brodie Mess. This American Idol style of show allows you, the spectators, to vote for the finalist who will lead the following week. Tonic recently unveiled its Happy Hour and Ladies Night which both seem to be a success. Happy Hour is observed on Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm and features 2 for 1 everything. I can’t see a better deal to observe! Ladies Night is every Friday and features $5 well drinks, $2 for any beer, and $2 domestics for everyone else. As always, it’s best to keep in touch by following these groups on Facebook: Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, Jules, and Tonic. Don’t forget that you can view Ambush online at www.AmbushMag.COM and in Lafayette you can pick up your free copy at either Jules Downtown or Tonic.
Closing out
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don’t know about you but I am grow ing very giddy as Mardi Gras ap proaches. Despite much effort to fight it, the “To Go Cup Ordinance” was passed banning open containers in the downtown area. Luckily city council members felt as though the right to a drink is only valid during holidays. I’m not sure how that is logical but again it’s our elected officials who decided such. So remember that during Mardi Gras it’s okay to walk around with your drink, just don’t get crazy.
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acadiana
papar azzi
Cheers! Steven & Brian @ Jules So much love @ Tonic!
Joey delivering Ambush to Tonic Who invited all of these people? John Theriot & Joey enjoying Jules
Beware: Rick has become a pyro!
Tayler & Natalie posing downtown Lafayette
Such a chic couple! Salem & Dillon
What happens downtown Lafayette...
Justin serving free shots on the bar @ Jules
Jason enjoying a Saturday night after-party Kasi, Spencer & Brian @ Jules Jaia & Jacob @ Tonic
DJ Chad Evans & company @ Tonic
Sam, Jay, Steven, Joey & Trey
What beautiful smiles @ Jules
Kim harmonizing karaoke @ Tonic
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I’m going to Vegas!!!!!
Beware, Cheers ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins
Darren just loves his customers @ Jules
chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green beans @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
3-Layer Carrot Cake @ Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon St.
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving lunch and dinner. Now under the direction of Executive Chef David Duvall, the restaurant is open 11am-10pm Mon.-Tues., Thurs.-Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. with brunch 9am-3pm, closed Wed. MasterCard/Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965, CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.-Sat. with lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6-9pm, Sun. brunch 11-3. Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY, is a new upscale dessert & specialty food store, open 7 days & weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Cooyon’s Cajun Cooking! 1100 N. Peters St., 337.339.1131, CooyonsCajunCooking.COM. C’est Bon! This new open air restaurant in the Historic French Market is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best Cajun cooking. Come get “U” some! Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM, opened in May 2009 with a progressive menu that blends New Orleans sensibilities with a globetrotting sampling of ingredients, all emanating from the small open kitchen where chefs Chris DeBarr and Paul Artigues make it happen. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., 309.8236, is a gay owned and operated family labor of love in the works since owner Vic Caracci learned at age 11 to make real Italian gelato from his family, three generations of Sicilian-Americans who first immigrated to New Orleans's French Quarter in 1911. Pulling from almost a century of family experience in the food industry, Vic, 23, enlisted the help of his uncle from Messina, Sicily to train he and his cousins in the detailed and fine art of gelato making. Little Vic serves over 40 inventive flavors of gelato, including stracciatella, amaretto, bacio de gama, and limoncello, as well as fresh-made panino, pastries, and Lavazza espresso. Open 11am-10:30pm 7 days. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo’s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 6pm 7 days a week. Moms Mini Mart, 902 Poydras, 596.2223, is a quick stop in the CBD for hot dogs, nachos, snow balls, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, Icees and groceries. Open Mon.-Fri. 6am7pm, Sat. 7am-7pm, open later & Sundays during special events. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360, offers Fair Trade gourmet coffees, teas, cupcakes, scones, coffee by the pound, gift baskets, art & merchandise by local artists, stamps & mail box rentals, along with outdoor seating & Wi-Fi. Open 7am-10pm daily.
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
Occo Buco, braised veal shank in a garlic, thyme and white wine demi with asparagus & potatoes @ Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
12 oz. Blackened Ribeye @ Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.
Red Velvet Cupcakes @ Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St.
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ambush
papar azzi
Keith and Chris @ 4 Seasons
Oz GM Tommy & partner Carl welcome you to Oz Showing love from the Men of Oz
Ambush’s Marsha gets her VIP Card from Bourbon Pub & Parade’s own Sandy Sachs
Mark & Marc with a blast (Impact) from the past @ Bourbon Pub
Charles, Martha & Samson in the Parade for the Pub’s VIP Card Party
Men of Oz hot in red
Chris & John @ 4 Seasons
DJ Rusty Lazer spins for Big Freddia’s Big Gay Birthday Bash @ Oz Bourbon Pub & Parade VIP welcome committee: Kat, Tiffany, Cracker Craig & Brandon Bar Baron Toby with DJ Eddie @ Club LAX in Metairie
One of the hot Men of Oz Joel works the VIP entrance @ Oz
Marsha, Shay (from Thibodaux) & Rip in for Bourbon Pub & Parade’s VIP Card Party Kel, Valerie & Kelly @ Club LAX
Robert & Woggie behind the bar @ Oz
Allen slings cocktails @ Oz
Sammy working Bourbon Pub & Parade’s VIP Card Party
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Wild Times @ Club LAX
Night Life in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black
Bar Baron’s Chuck & Bill welcome you to 4 Seasons in Metairie
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