2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
King Cake Queen XVIII Rona Conners Leads 24th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss March 8
K
ing Cake Queen XVIII of Gay Mardi Gras Rona Conners will lead the 24th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss March 8 from the 828 Bourbon Street balcony of Ambush Headquarters at 2pm. Reigning as the Krewe of Queenateenas' Chrysanthemum Queen, Conners celebrates the krewe's theme of The Imperial House of Japan Boards The Orient Express. Each year the King Cake Queen chooses 10 individuals, and the Queenateenas Co-Captains choose 40 individuals to join the festive affair. Limiting the guest list to 50 allows greater access to the balcony so that all can particiapate in the bead toss. King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Again this year the krewe will XVIII Rona Conners toss thousands of throws from one of the most famous balconies in the French Quarter. For additional information, visit GayMardiGras.COM.
Oz & Bud Light Present 47th Annual Bourbon Street Awards
T
he 47th Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras Day, March 8 at 12noon. In 2009, for the first time in 23 years, the contest actually took place back on Bourbon Street. Since 2002, Oz New Orleans has presented the contest on St. Ann at Bourbon. 2009 saw the contest outside Oz on Bourbon Street down from Ambush Headquarters at 828 Bourbon. The awards were previously held outside of Cafe Lafitte in Exile on Boubon until 1985 when it was moved to the corner of Burgundy and St. Ann outside of Rawhide in 1986. Johnny Chisholm and Oz New Orleans, and Bud Light brings us this fantastic contest. Award categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group, and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. A $500 cash prize goes to the grandest award, Best Overall Costume. Celebrity emcees will once again feature the talents of mega circuit star Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris.
inside
The parade of costumes will originate down Bourbon at Dumaine passing both Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill, the original site of the awards, heading past Ambush Headquarters towards Oz at 800 Bourbon. The Bourbon Street Awards, well into its fourth decade, has hosted some of the most exciting and extravagant Mardi Gras costumes ever seen.. The 47th Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of
St. Patrick's Day Issue out March 15th DEADLINE: Ash Wed., March 9th
gay mardi gras proclamation celebrazzi snap paparazzi/kcq coronation snap paparazzi/kcq coronation 47th bourbon street awards snap paparazzi/nola, metairie 8th ambie award winners trevor project brunch classifieds
4 12 14 16 17 18 24 25 30
under the gaydar 34 vandeventer/bouvier egms xii 35, 42 snap paparazzi/petronius ball 36 chop chop/nola restaurant guide 40 obit/lloyd sensat 42 acadiana paparazzi/lafayette 44 acadiana happens/lafayette 46 paparazzi/mobile 48 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 50
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Mardi Gras.”
Gay Carnival Season Wrapping Up
E
leven events are already under the belt for the 2011 Gay Mardi Gras season. There are still more Carnival balls, 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: 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.
Krewe of Orpheus Celebrity Monarch Jennifer Coolidge at Trevor Project Brunch Benefit at Bourbon Pub
O
n Monday, March 7th, Bourbon Pub owner Sandy Sachs will host a Celebrity Brunch benefiting The Trevor Project with Krewe of Orpheus Celebrity Monarch Jennifer Coolidge from 11am1pm, prior to the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras 2011 Parade that afternoon. Benefit brunch tickets ($35.00) are available online at www.thetrevorproject.org and the door; VIP tickets ($50.00) include a meet & greet and photo opportunity with Coolidge and just added; dance music legend Taylor Dane, star of film and TV Jonathan Silverman and from LOGO’s
Jennifer Coolidge The A LIST- N.Y actor, author and speaker Reichen Lehmkuhl. Said Sachs, “I’m very excited to [continued on 10]
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-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
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9
1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe
Ch a l m e t t e , L A 7 0 0 4 3 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service
5 0 4 .2 7 9 .6 3 1 2 24 Hour Beeper : 5 0 4 .2 5 9 .8 0 6 1
A proven community leader in value and customer service!
the "official" dish ...from 9 not only be hosting Trevor’s benefit brunch at the Bourbon Pub & Parade, but also to be working with all the great community organizations that make the city a better place.” Adding, “Catering will be provided courtesy of Diamond Jacks Casinos and proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project.”
Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.
We care. We understand.
A Co u n s e l i n g Co o p e r a t i v e
5 0 4 .8 3 6 .0 0 0 0 3001 Fifth St. Metairie, LA 70002
• We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare
David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT
Ro d n e y Cu l o t t a , RPh
OPEN
9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat..
Taylor Dane
Reichen Lehmkuhl The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including a nationwide 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, a digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone. Said Trevor Executive Director Jonathan Silverman
10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
[continued on 20]
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11
M
embers of the King Cake Queen Royalty Club joined the 18th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation of Rona Conners as The Chrysanthemum Queen on February 19 at the Ambush Mansion. Celebrating the 2011 Krewe of Queenateenas theme: The Imperial House of Japan Boards The Orient Express, some 226 guests were in attendance for the festivities including the royalty and representatives of the
krewes of Amon-Ra, Armeinius, Lords of Leather, Petronius and Satyricon; as well as celebrities and dignitaries. KCQ XVIII Rona Conners will lead the 24th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss March 8, 2pm sharp, from the balcony at 828 Bourbon Street. For more info, visit GayMardiGras.COM. (Photo: KCQs IX Lisa Beaumann, X Teryl-Lynn Foxx, XIII Raven Kennedy, XIV Princesse Stephaney, XVIII Rona Conners, XV Marsha Naquin-Delain, XVI Tami Tarmac & XVII Opal Masters)
celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
B
artender Matt Mueller, bar baron Toby Lefort, DJ Eddie and bartender Chris Brannon welcomed guests to the grand opening of Club LAX, Metairie's newest night club at 2301 N. Causeway.
E
va Las Vegas, Zsa Zsa d'LaHor and Regina Adams celebrate the 3rd Anniversary Party for the Golden Age Revue at Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans.
T
he presentation of Queen and King Petronius L Bootsie DeVille and Jimmy deBlanc brought a dramatic climax to the 50th Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque at the Frederick J. Sigur Convention Center in Chalmette, Louisiana. Celebrating The Golden Jubilee, New Orleans City Council Persons Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Susan G. Guidry presented an official proclamation in honor of the occasion.
S
idney and Thor prepared authentic dishes in celebration of Bring Your Own Meat Nights salute to Black History Month at Rawhide, 740 Burgundy Street in New Orleans.
12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13
Robert Cook, KCQ Rona & AmonRa Ball Lt. John Zeringue
King Amon-Ra XLVI Jerry Scavo & KCQ Rona Conners
KCQs X Teryl-Lynn Foxx, XVIII Rona Conners, XV Marsha & IX Lisa Beaumann
KCQ XVII Opal Masters, KCQ XVIII Rona Conners & Darwin Reed
Lords of Leather Capt. Gary Vandeventer & KCQ Rona
French Market Corp. Executive Director Frank Pizzolato & KCQ Rona Conners Queen Amon-Ra XLVI & KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac & KCQ XVIII Rona
Cameron, KCQ Rona, Marsha & Mayor’s Rep Larry Bagneris
KCQ XVIII Rona Conners & makeup artist Nicole DuBois
KCQs XVIII Rona, XV Marsha & XIV Princesse Stephaney
Petronius King L Jimmy deBlanc, KCQ Rona & Petronius Capt. Randy Chauvin
KCQ XVIII Rona Conners & KCQ's Official Photographer Larry Graham
Petronius Queen L Bill McCarthy & KCQ Rona Conners
Dawn Leggio, KCQ Rona, Marsha & Satyricon Capt. Tony Leggio
KCQ Rona, King Satyricon Paul Metoyer & Marsha
Lords of Leather’s Pat Johnson & Ben Bourgeois flank KCQ Rona
JohnPaul’s Paul & John, KCQ Rona, Marsha & Armeinius Capt. Bruce Orgeron
KCQ Rona, Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier & Lords of Leather Pres. Michael Albracht
King & Queen Amon-Ra XLV David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway flank KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
18th King Cake Queen Coronation of The ChrysanthemumQueen: Rona Conners @ The Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans
Queenateenas’ Co-Captains Marsha & Rip Naquin-Delain flank KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15
Amon-Ra’s David Richerson & Jessica Matherne flank KCQ Rona
Robert & Joe Dunlap flank KCQ XVIII Rona Conners & Marsha
Tim, Charlie Bear & KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
Stuart Nettles, Amon-Ra’s Safonda Peters & Gar Williams
Bryan Drude, KCQ Rona Conners, Marsha & Carlos Trujillo
The Chrysanthemum Queen Rona Conners & Eva Las Vegas Wood Enterprises’ David Blazak & Gary Agee flank KCQ Rona
Lafitte’s DJ Joe, Barbar Ella, KCQ Rona & Marsha Amon-Ra’s David Forth, KCQ XVIII Rona Conners, Amon-Ra’s Ronnie White & Marsha Naquin-Delain
Pride Grand Marshal Kevin Donahugh & KCQ Rona Conners
Frankie Wingerter, KCQ Rona & Channing Blakemoore
Chris Linwood, KCQ Rona Conners & Marsha Naquin-Delain
Max Peinado-Kolb, DJ Myke Kolb, KCQ Rona, Patricia & Roland Kolb Club LAX Bar Barons Al Herrera & Toby Lefort (Southern Decadence Grand Marshal) flank KCQ Rona
Amber Stone, Devin Black & KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy
Sam Woodroof, Will Bennett & KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
Justin Moffatt, KCQ XVIII Rona Conners & Starr Daniels
Amon-Ra’s Gizelle Bouvier & Jay Cooper flank KCQ Rona Conners
16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Billy’s mgr. Robert Morsy, KCQ Rona & 4 Seasons/Double Play mgr. Michael Hilderbrand
18th King Cake Queen Coronation: The Imperial House of Japan Boards The Orient Express @ The Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans
Robert Fudge, KCQ XVIII Rona Conners, Marsha & Frank Perez
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17
Joe Truxillo, KCQ Rona Conners & Society Page’s Orlando Aloe
Louisiana State Museum Curator of Carnival Collections Wayne Phillips, KCQ Rona & Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy Powell
Quartermaster’s Miseal Rubio & KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
Rikki Gee & Princesse Stephaney host NOLA Pride’s Male Auction @ Good Friends Bar
Rick Ramos, Princesse Stephaney & Kelly Vincent @ Club LAX Grand Opening
Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy Powell & another hottie in the NOLA Pride Male Auction @ Good Friends
Cheryl Clancy & Le Roundup’s Collette Ambrose & Candise Holman flank KCQ Rona Conners
NO/AIDS Task Force’s Chad Stelly & Cheryl Grace flank KCQ Rona
Corner Pocket’s Michael Elias & KCQ XVIII Rona Conners
KCQ Rona & Bourbon Pub & Parade GM Louis Sachs
Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Julien Artressia, Brad Robbert & KCQ Rona Conners
KCQ XVII Opal Masters & AmonRa Miss America Deja Deja Vu
Applentini Revue’s Dee Cooley & Stephanie Lee join Club LAX Grand Opening
Auction boys in NOLA Pride’s Male Auction @ Good Friends
Celebrating @ Club LAX Grand Opening Nicole DuBois in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Rikki Redd, Jessica Hare & Monique Michaels, direct from Tubby’s Golden Lantern
18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Lipstixx special guest Sweet Savage @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Grand Opening, Fundraisers, Shows ~ Metairie, New Orleans
The ChrysanthemumQueen Rona Conners reigns over 18th King Cake Queen Coronation @ The Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans
Oz GM Tommy Elias & KCQ Rona
Bar Baron Toby Lefort, Devin Black & Mayor’s Rep Larry Bagneris @ Club LAX Grand Opening in Metairie
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19
the "official" dish ...from 10 Charles Robbins, “We are honored to be a beneficiary of this event and look forward to expanding our visibility in the South which will support our efforts to save young lives.” Citywide community sponsors of the Bourbon Pub’s Trevor Project benefit include: Krewe of Orpheus; Human Rights Campaign; NO/AIDS Task Force; PFLAG (New Orleans); MardiGras.com; NOLA.com; Project Lazarus; AmbushMag.COM and the LGBT Community Center. All of this is part of a busy week’s schedule, celebrating one of the world’s most incredible parties at the Bourbon Pub & Parade which will rock non-stop from Thursday, all the way through Fat Tuesday with superstar DJs, dancers and spectacular entertainment. Weekend Party Passes and VIP Party passes are on sale now. (Trevor benefit NOT included). Regular Weekend Passes are $60 and include: entrance to Pub events Thursday through Sunday; Welcome Cocktail; and complimentary Sunday Mimosas (10am-12noon). VIP Weekend Passes are $100 for: VIP entrance: Thursday through Tuesday; Welcome Cocktail; VIP Open Bar Cocktail Party Friday Night (911pm); Complimentary Sunday Mimosas (10am-12noon, upstairs at Parade); Balcony Access on Fat Tuesday and
VIP Gift Bag. $4 charge added to online purchase. www.bourbonpub.com.
Exhibit Celebrating Carnival Season
J
ust in time for Mardi Gras, the Louisiana State Museum’s crowd-pleasing exhibition It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana has reopened at the Presbytere on Jackson Square. The Carnival exhibition temporarily closed last summer for minor renova-
tions and to allow installation of the $7.5 million permanent exhibition Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond. “It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana presents the authentic history of the celebration from colonial times to the present, while capturing all the fun and merriment,” Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne said. “We’re delighted to bring back this wonderful show for visitors and locals alike.” On display at the Presbytere are nearly 1,000 rare artifacts: elaborate costumes and gowns, jewelry, krewe favors and lavishly printed materials such as ball invitations, dance cards, and parade posters. Museum staff recently restored a bejeweled 1923 Krewe of Rex tunic that was added to the exhibit. The Presbytere is open daily (except Mondays and major holidays) from 10am to 4:30pm. Admission is $6 for adults (children under 12 free) and includes the exhibit, Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond. The museum is wheelchair accessible.
French Markets 28th Annual Mask Market March 5-7
F
or the 28th year in a row, the historic French Market welcomes mask vendors from around New Orleans and the country to sell their handmade masks the weekend before Mardi Gras, March 5-7 alongside the Farmers and Flea Markets. Nearly 20 local and national mask artists converge at the French Market to share their leather, feather, fabric, and neoprene pieces just in time for Carnival. Several of the visiting mask vendors have been coming to New Orleans annually for over two decades from Oregon, Virginia, Illinois, New York, Florida, and Mississippi, serving last-minute Lundi Gras buyers and serious collectors alike. Visit http://www.frenchmarket.org/ events/ for a list of and links to local and visiting mask makers, from New Orleans Masks and Dante’s Masquerade to Feathers for Pleasure and Maskerville. In addition to shopping for a one-of-a-kind mask to adorn oneself or one’s home, visitors to the French Market will enjoy plenty of local food and music during this three-day Mardi Gras festival. Food booths will be serving up everything from crab cakes to funnel cakes, and the new Farmers Market eateries will offer their full menus, including fresh produce and festival favorites like muffalettas, po-boys, gumbo, and alligator on a stick. While at the Market, shoppers can scour the always festive Flea Market searching for other Mardi 1923 Rex Tunic
[continued on 22]
20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21
the "official" dish ...from 20 Gras items and bargains, including local artwork, jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
Mission to Musicians Returns to "Keep The Music Playing"
I
n the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, ‘the little stone church’ at 1313 Esplanade Ave. in collaboration with The New Orleans Musicians Clinic provided a wonderful music venue when there was little or no music to be had in New Orleans. The Mission to Musicians concert series is back! It is hosted through March 23 on Wednesday evenings with a full gospel mass at 6pm followed by some of New Orleans most beloved musicians starting at 7pm, In order of appearance, they are: The Panorama Jazz Band; Miss Sophie Lee; The Storyville Stompers Brass Band; Sunpie Barns and the Sun Spots; concluding with Wilson and Moore. The concerts will also offer dinner and as usual free medical and stress relief support. Musicians and artists eat free; all medical services are free; for others a simple donation of $10 is suggested. The first “M2M” concert was held in April 2006 featuring the Storyville Stompers Brass Band. For the next three years this intimate venue provided music, food, medicine, and community care to both residents and visiting volunteers. In December 2009 the ongoing concert and cultural education series was reworked to provide better use of generous grant funding from The New Orleans Musicians Foundation. During that time special concerts were also held at Grace Church Mid City, All Souls Church Lower 9th Ward, and St. Joseph’s on Tulane Ave. In addition, funding and income generated from the Mission to Musicians has provided cultural concerts at Christ Church Cathedral in collaboration with Anna’s Arts for Kids outreach program. The series is an ideal place to absorb New Orleans best music and is a good event for children of the appropriate age. The event also offers local residents the opportunity to show their gratitude to the thousands of volunteers that have come to help “Renew, Restore, and Rebuild” the city of New Orleans. For further information regarding the concert or to make a reservation for parties of over ten please contact Arthur Terry, Program coordination at 504.947.2121.
Exhibits at Longue Vue House and Gardens through April 12
L
ongue Vue House and Gar dens, which is accredited by the AAM, features exhibits
1914 Comus Cup in All That Glitters Exhibition @ Longue Vue 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, a fabulous treasure-trove of Carnival jewelry from the Golden Age, the dazzling period from the late 19th century to 1930, now runs through April 12. 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. Cost: View with paid admission to Longue Vue.
1891 Rex Badge in All That Glitters Exhibition @ Longue Vue nativeNOW: Historical Flora of Southeast Louisiana is Saturday, March 5 from 9am and 10am. Cost: $8 for members; $10 for nonmembers. Join Longue Vue’s native plant specialists in the Wild Garden to learn about the beauty and adaptability of Louisiana plants, as well as to discuss local habitat, biodiversity, and the ecological impact of gardening with native
22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
[continued on 29]
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23
spotlight feature The Eighth Annual Ambie Award Winners by Brian Sands & Patrick Shannon n February 21, Co-The ater Editor Brian Sands presented the Eighth Annual Ambie Awards for Theatrical Excellence at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré. An enthusiastic crowd of theater luminaries, their friends and family members brought life back to Le Petit after nearly two months of quiet there. While we crowned a “Best” in 24 categories, with nominees of such outstanding caliber, no one was a loser. We also gave out some Special Ambie Awards as noted below as well as
O
many Glammie Awards in categories both tongue-in-cheek and heartfelt. Many thanks to all our presenters, particularly City Council Member-at-Large Jacquelyn Clarkson; City Councilperson (District C) Kristin Gisleson Palmer; Oliver Thomas; and Kyle Wedberg, President & CEO of NOCCA. The evening benefitted NOCCA’s Theater Department and over $1,000 was raised for it. Proceeds from the bar went to Le Petit and, as Wedberg observed, “with this crowd Le Petit will probably make more money than NOCCA.” A huge round of applause to Musical Director Alan Payne and all our performers (Julie Montalbano & Jade Coates of Into the Woods; Pandora Gastelum, Monica Harris & Harry Mayronne, Jr./The Threepenny Opera; Janet Shea & Leslie Castay/Grey Gardens; Kesha McKey and friends/Hairspray; Ximone Rose & Dylan Troost/Urinetown; Janie Heck/Violet; Larry Johnson & John Giraud/Evita; Lisa Picone & Jesse Reeks/Lisa sings Lee; AJ Allegra & Chris Wecklein/The Producers) who gave of their talents so generously.
The evening could not have happened without the tremendous support of Le Petit’s Casie Duplechain and Anna Constantine and their phenomenal staff of volunteers. Thanks, too, to Brian’s co-host Tara Brewer, Stage Manager Jamie Montelepre, and our two lovely and talented “Miss Ambies” Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth and Ralshella Washington. As we salute the best of the best who trod the boards in 2010, we are already enjoying the 2011 Season and look forward to many more wonderful shows this year! Best Production of a Musical: The Producers, JPAS Best Production of a Drama: The Twilight of the Golds, Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans Best Production of a Comedy: Little Murders, Cripple Creek Theatre Company Unique Theatrical Experience: Fantastic Mister Fox, The CAC and HI-YAH! Best Original Work: Laugh, Cry, Scream & Shout, Tabitha Bethune & Stylist B Best Director of a Musical: Dennis Monn, The Threepenny Opera Best Director of a Play: Ashley Sparks, Go Ye Therefore... Best Actor in a Musical: (tie) A. J. Allegra, The Producers; Chris Wecklein, The Producers Best Actress in a Musical: Jade Coates, Into the Woods Best Actor in a Play: Keith Launey, Frozen Best Actress in a Play: Diana Shortes, Frozen Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Armando L. Leduc, The Producers Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Jennifer DeLatte, Singin’ in the Rain Best Featured Actor in a Play: Tim Bellow, Jr., To Kill a Mockingbird Best Featured Actress in a Play: Janet Shea, Steel Magnolias Best Ensemble: Forbidden Broadway (Leslie Castay, Dianna Duffy, Vatican Lokey, Cliff Thompson) Best Costume Design: Katie Gelfand, The Madwoman of Chaillot Best Lighting Design: Joan Long, In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play Best Set Design: Martin Andrew, afterlife: a ghost story Best Choreography: Griffin Collins, The Wiz Best Music Director: Harry Mayronne/Walter McClements, The Threepenny Opera Best Sound Design: Mike Harkins, afterlife: a ghost story Best Original Music: Ratty Scurvics, The Madwoman of Chaillot Best Hair/Wigs/Make-Up Design: Chris Arthur, The New Century ”Someone to Watch Out For” Special Ambie Award: Bill Mader, Jr., Ximone Rose Special Ambie Award to Anthony Bean Community Theater and N.O.R.D. Summer Youth Arts Camp for giving their camper/actors the opportunity to work with experienced adults including Irma Thomas, and former Ambie Winners Brittney James and Josh Kagler. Special Ambie Award to Barbara Motley for all she did to help nurture the Ambies since our first ceremony at Le Chat Noir in 2005, and her staff including Su Gonzcy, Thad Griffin, Kerry Cahill, and Brian Johnston among others, for making them run soooo smoothly for so many years there.
24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25
26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
the "official" dish ...from 22 species. "This month, as we approach the tricentennial of the founding of New Orleans and the bicentennial of Louisiana’s admittance into the Union, we will consider the plants and habitats of the greater New Orleans area prior to significant landscape alteration by logging, canals, levees, roads, and other agricultural, industrial and urban developments. We will explore what traces and remnants are left in our neighborhoods today." This program is possible thanks to the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans. Contact Hilairie Schackai at 504.293.4726 or hschackai@longuevue.com for information. Longue Vue House and Gardens is an 8-acre Country Place Era estate comprised of a Classical Revival-style mansion surrounded by beautifully landscaped formal and informal gardens, including the interactive Lucy C. Roussel Discovery Garden for children. The former home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue now serves as an educational and cultural resource. Longue Vue offers tours daily and hosts numerous events, exhibits, and community programs that fulfill 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.” Longue Vue, a designated National Historic Landmark, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and included on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in New Orleans at 7 Bamboo Road, Longue Vue is open from 10am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 1 to 5pm on Sunday. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. For more information, call 504.488.5488, or visit www.longuevue.com.
The Fabulous Beekman Boys Are Back with Season 2 Premiering in March
P
lanet Green announces the greenlight for season two of The Fabulous Beekman Boys, the docu-series following urbanite couple Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell in their attempt to become “gentleman farmers.” The second 10-episode season will air in March, with Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s World of Wonder again producing for Planet Green. The first season of The Fabulous Beekman Boys originally premiered June 16, inside Planet Green’s VERGE primetime block. The initial season followed Josh, a best-selling author and advertising executive, and his partner, Brent, a physician and former vice president at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, as they left Manhattan behind for the country life at the Beekman 1802 farm. Season two will follow them along with viewer favorites Farmer John and Polka Spot the llama as they juggle their relationship, along with a burgeoning home business and a rapidly expanding working farm. From raising a barn to hosting a Sotheby’s auction to shopping for sheep with Martha Stewart, season two will offer complete access to Brent and Josh’s second year at Beekman 1802. “It’s official—Polka Spot’s 15 minutes of fame will continue in 2011,” said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager of Planet Green. “Brent and Josh both possess huge, endearing personalities that America is falling in love with. The Fabulous Beekman Boys has quickly established itself as a cornerstone franchise for Planet Green and our VERGE block—we can’t wait for season two.”
Viewers who missed parts of season one or those eager for an encore will have an opportunity to catch up on Wednesday, August 11. Planet Green will air episodes one through nine in order, beginning at 12pm (ET) and then again at 4:30pm (ET). This all leads up to the world premiere of The Fabulous Beekman Boys season finale at 9pm (ET). The Fabulous Beekman Boys is executive produced by Planet Green’s SVP of Production & Development Jeff Hasler and Executive Producer Lynn Sadofsky. Executive producers from World of Wonder are Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell. Angela Rae Berg is co-executive producer. Planet Green is the multiplatform media destination for people looking for something new. Launched on June 4, 2008, Planet Green is following the evolving conversation about sustainability and is the entertainment brand that champions the visionaries who move our world forward in small and large ways. Planet Green and its two robust Web sites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, insightful and inspiring content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green’s original programming, digital tools and content will entertain, educate and activate.
Facebook Adds ‘Civil Union,’ ‘Domestic Partnership’ Options to User Profiles
T
he Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, applauded Facebook for adding ‘In a Civil Union’ and ‘In a Domestic Partnership’ options to user profiles. The option is now available for users in the U.S., Canada, the
United Kingdom, France and Australia. “Today, Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “By acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed samesex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new standard of inclusion for social media. As public support for marriage equality continues to grow, we will continue to work for the day when all couples have the opportunity to marry and have their relationship recognized by their community, both online and off.” GLAAD was among the organizations that met with Facebook to advocate for this change. In October 2010, Facebook partnered with GLAAD and other national LGBT organizations to create “Network of Support,” an educational initiative that works to combat antiLGBT cyberbullying. GLAAD also worked with Facebook to reshape the way that the site responds to hateful, anti-LGBT comments posted on public pages. Facebook’s “Network of Support” is comprised of five leading LGBT advocacy organizations in conjunction with MTV’s “A Thin Line” campaign, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, PFLAG and The Trevor Project.. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29
CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
200 BIENVILLE
300
TOULOUSE
600
RAMPART
500
BURGUNDY
400 ST. LOUIS
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
ESPLANADE
1800 19 FR M A R IG N Y
23 ES TR R A H C
24
00
FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D
00
EL YS IA N
22
00
00
EN 2 0 0 0 C 2 1 HM E 00 N
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
body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] CHARLIE-NOLA'S BODY RUB SPECIALIST: Pics/Rates/Info @ www.men4rentnow.com, search by ID#235049, 504.430.7413 [is511]
bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE OF HARAHAN, 301 Funston St., 305.2160
cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
casinos
FI EL D S RT PA M A R
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
antiques
LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St 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. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
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
New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS
FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com
insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833
chiropractic
lodging/accommodations
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is0711]
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
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
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225]
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
“nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily 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 [is511]
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;
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31
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 activ-
ism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for
PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE 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 Sante Fe Restaurant &Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave., 304.9915 Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
retail/shopping 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] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
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
websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Next Edition St. Patrick's Day
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
The Trevor Project Gets Some “Bend and Snap” This Mardi Gras
T
he Trevor Project is getting some star power this Mardi Gras season thanks to the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge. On Monday, March 7, the Bourbon Pub Parade will host a celebrity brunch benefitting the Trevor Project with the Krewe of Orpheus Celebrity Monarch Jennifer Coolidge from 11am to 2pm. Coolidge has been a favorite actress of mine for many years playing iconic roles like Stifler’s mom in the American Pie series, the stepmother of Hilary Duff in A Cinderella Story and my favorite, Paulette Bonafonte in Legally Blonde. She is always a part of the regular cast of the ensemble movies of Christopher Guest such as Best in Show and For Your Consideration. I recently was lucky enough to get a phone interview with her before she returns to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras. TL: How did you get involved in the Trevor Project? JC: I got involved in Trevor Project years ago when it was just getting started. I thought it was one of the smartest ideas and believed in it from the beginning working with James Lecesne and Peggy Rajski as it was getting off the ground. As an actress, you get called upon to do many charities, but this one has been one that I have supported through the years. I have been a presenter at their events as well as handled live auctions. They have a gala every December in Los Angeles right before the holidays that I usually participate in. TL: What do you feel is the importance of their message? JC: When you live in big cities, you are spoiled because being gay is accepted. But we forget in small towns all over this country, people are not as evolved. Being gay is not accepted and young people are enduring verbal and physical abuse every day. Each year at this fundraiser in L.A., a young person tells their story of how the Trevor Project saved their life. There is never a dry eye in the house when they are done. To think that one phone call can be a lifesaver to a young gay person. This 24 hour help line is just a smart idea. To know that when you make one call, a person is there to help you. TL: How did you get involved with this brunch at the Bourbon Pub? JC: I have known the owner Sandy Sachs for some time. In fact she just came to my recent birthday party. I have done her Dinah Shore event in Palm Springs before and we even go to the same hairdresser. It is weird because we seem to be getting our hair done always at the same time. It is funny how I can see her one day in L.A. then later in the week in New Orleans. You cannot say that about many people I know. TL: How did you come to have a home in the Crescent City?
JC: This city celebrates life, the parties, the costumes, the food and drinking. You feel a joy in this city that is very rare. I cannot believe there is a place in the United States like New Orleans. It is so incredibly unusual. It does not matter what time of the year it is, there is always someone walking down the street in a costume. I remember one time sitting on my porch around midnight and this guy on a bike dressed like a dragonfly came speeding past. It was not near any holiday and I just thought to myself what a beautiful vision that I will remember always. I have never had a bad time in this city. This is definitely where I want to retire. TL: What are you working on currently? JC: Stifler’s mom will be coming back for the final American Pie movie in May. American Pie, one of my guilty pleasures. I for one cannot wait. Get your tickets now for the celebrity brunch at the Bourbon Pub on the 7th. Also joining Coolidge at the event will be musical legend Taylor Dayne with all the proceeds benefiting the Trevor Project. Brunch tickets are $35 and are available at the door, as well as online at www.thetrevorproject.com. There are $50 VIP tickets available that include a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the stars. I know where I will be on Lundi Gras. Come out and hang with the stars and support a great cause.
Baton Rouge Pride Fest Jennifer Coolidge JC: Well, my sister lives down here; in fact I live a few houses down from her in the Garden District. I initially came down here for her graduation from Tulane and instantly became obsessed with this city in a good way. When you are an actress, you work real hard; then you have large chunks of time off, so I found myself coming to New Orleans more and more. And I always looked at real estate when I was down here. I eventually bought a house in the French Quarter that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. I ended up selling that and buying my current home I am renovating Uptown. TL: Have you experienced Mardi Gras before? JC: I have but this is my first ride ever on a float and I cannot wait, you have no idea how excited I am. I had to miss Mardi Gras last year and this way makes up for it. TL: Any other holidays that you like? JC: I love the Halloween party that you do down here for Lazarus House. One year I think me and my two friends were the last people on the dance floor when they were turning on the lights. TL: Tell me what you enjoy most about New Orleans?
O
ur state’s capital has just announced the date for the 2011 Baton Rouge Pride Fest. The day-long event will be held at the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium downtown by the river at 102 France Street on Saturday, June 25 from noon to 6pm. There will be entertainment, food, a resource fair, relationship blessings, a kids’ area and many other festivities. This year’s entertainment line-up includes the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, Toni O and Blue Haze, Daphne Mushatt with Miss Jane, Laurence LaSage and Michael Sandlin. There will also be a step show by Gamma Alpha Psi and a special performance by the Krewe of Divas. For more information, go to www.BRPridefest.com or connect with them on Facebook.
Mardi Gras GaGa is Here
T
he Friday Night Before Mardi Gras is almost upon us and I can already feel the anticipation building up inside of me. Extravaganza XII will be held at the Audubon Tea Room on Friday, March 4 from 9pm to midnight. This is the premiere costume fetes of the Mardi
Gras season and one of the best parties of the year. There is a costume contest, an open bar, a scrumptious buffet, music and dancing and one of the best raffles around. And the fact that you are in the Audubon Zoo at a lovely venue just enhances the beautiful ambiance of the evening. This year the featured prize is two premium tickets to Lady Gaga’s April 2011 concert. There are also hotel stays, dinners and other special surprises in store. All the proceeds of this wonderful evening benefits local AIDS charities around the city. There are still some tickets left but they are going quick. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 504.733.3311 or by major credit cards or PayPal on the FNBMG web site. For ticket and event information, please visit www.FridayNightBeforeMardiGras.com.
Movie Review: I Am Number Four Very rarely do I get flustered by a leading man but this Alex Pettyfer is hotness personified. I mean this is definitely a new heartthrob in the making. But I digress, let’s talk about the new movie I Am Number Four, a science fiction, action, thriller, romance all rolled up into one. The story revolves around alien teenager John Smith, played by Pettyfer, who is on the run from ruthless killers from his home planet set out to destroy him. Nine kids escaped his planet and came to Earth before these enemies destroyed everyone on it. Now they are being hunted one by one in numeric order. Three have already been dispatched and John is next, hence the title. Who knew aliens had a numbering system. And I am not sure they quite explained why they are killing these kids in order instead of just grabbing the first one closest to them, but there are always plot holes in these types of movies that you have to sort of excuse. John is protected by his guardian Henri, who is portrayed by one of my favorite actors Timothy Olyphant. He seems to take any role he is given and
make it his own, no matter what the movie genre, but he is especially great in action. And in case he does not know this, he has a huge gay following out there and his latest look in this movie will have DILF Lovers’ hearts skipping a beat. As John’s new abilities becomes
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
[continued on 38]
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
snap paparazzi
Returning Queen & King Petronius XLIX
Diamonds Pearls
Groceries Fruit & Appliances Captain: Personal Shopper
Groceries
China
Orchids Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille
Furniture Opals Cotton
Wood
Opticals
Co-MC Princesse Stephaney
King Petronius L Jimmy deBlanc
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque L: The Golden Jubilee
Co-MC Varla Jean Merman
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37
under the gaydar ...from 34 clearer to him, he also discovers first love. For all those Glee fans out there, Dianna Agron plays Sarah. She brings naïve innocence to the role. There are some great comedic lines both by Olyphant and Callum McAullife, who is wonderful as Sam, John’s new best friend. There are plenty of thrills and even though the movie is nothing new, this young cast does the most with their roles to keep audiences interested. What makes this movie standout is that the characters are more than onedimensional. Director DJ Caruso has blended nicely the right mix of action and plotline to make it enjoyable for all. Caruso has helmed other thrillers such as Disturbia and Eagle Eye. This movie is pure entertainment from start to finish and leaves you wanting more. I Am Number Four is definitely a large popcorn movie with extra butter. To find out more about the movie check out their website at www.findnumberfour.com.
My Dog Tulip Premieres in Chalmette
C
halmette, the butt of many jokes, is coming back with a vengeance since the devastating blow it received from Katrina. One of the best things to return is the Chalmette Cinema. This suburban theatre started life in 1974 as the twin screen Chalmette Cinema 1&2, located in the Cinema Mall shopping center on West Judge Perez Drive. Thru the years, a third cinema was added in former retail space, then the original twins were each split into 2, then former Chuck E. Cheese space was taken over for 3 more, ultimately becoming a nine screen complex at the time of its demise caused by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The entire mall flooded with well over 10 feet of water, and all that remained were the steel girders and framing. These were demolished in 2008. On July 30, 2010, it re-opened to the public with six screens. It is now showing some of the best films around and becoming very progressive in their movie selection. Opening on Friday, March 11, is the new movie, My Dog Tulip, an animated film starring Christopher Plummer, the late Lynn Redgrave and Isabella Rossellini. The movie tells a story of a lonely gay man and his fifteen year relationship with an 18 month German Shepard who he adopted when he was in his late middle ages. I think this is definitely a movie worth seeing and especially for the LGBT community. I am also very proud to see how far the Chalmette Cinema has grown since the years I remember it. I am not sure if a movie like this would have ever been shown there. Look for the review in my next issue. The Chalmette Cin-
ema is located at 8700 W. Judge Perez, for more information call 504.277.9766.
Over The Rainbow
W
e are not finished one holiday when we are onto the next one. St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and you can find your pot of fun “Over the Rainbow” at Project Lazarus. Darragh McGann, New Orleans own singing taxi driver and lyrical baritone, is hosting a benefit for the NO/AIDS Task Force and Project Lazarus on Sunday, March 14 from 3pm to 5pm. Tickets are $25 each and include an open bar. Project Lazarus is located at 2824 Dauphine Street. To reserve seats, call 504.821.2601 ext. 216.
Bartender of the Month
I
t is Mardi Gras and it is a good time to be a bartender in the city. One of the busiest holidays in the New Orleans gay bar world is Carnival time, and it takes a special type of person to handle the crowds and the insanity that comes along with this holiday. My bartender choice for March is not only magnificent at his job, but he is also a total hottie. Damon at Lafitte's can handle large crowds with ease, all the while keeping a good demeanor. That is so important when you have to manage the capacity of customers that come through the doors of your establishment over Mardi Gras. The volume of your business literally triples during this time. I find that Damon’s winning personality makes him an asset behind the bar.
Bartender of the Month Damon, Café Lafitte in Exile His ability to remember faces and orders in a large crowded bar is an amazing skill, one of which will keep him rolling in the tips. A bartender who can master serving many drinks quickly will make out like a bandit over the next few weeks. Also, if I have not stressed before, he is very easy on the eyes, which is another selling point. Another feature of this multi-faceted guy is his creative side. Damon writes poetry,
which I have read and it is not bad at all. Can you imagine him fixing you a cocktail while he whispers poetry in your ear? Now I may not be a romantic, but even that would make my knees go weak. So over Mardi Gras stop by and let Damon service you. You definitely will not be disappointed. Café Lafitte in Exile is located at 901 Bourbon Street.
Mardi Gras Royalty: Part 2
T
his season has turned into a major success for all the gay Mardi Gras krewes. I have been to four so far and slowly becoming an expert at juggling balls. Please get your mind out of the gutter, because there is not enough room in there for your thoughts and me. Continuing on with providing great entertainment, the Krewe of Petronius presented its 50th Golden Jubilee Bal Masque on February 12 at the Fred Sigur (St. Bernard) Civic Center. The theme this year was anniversary presents and the tableau did an outstanding job in setting the atmosphere. There was the presentation of colors and the national anthem was performed by local actor/singer Marshall Harris. There was an invocation by Father Bill Terry then the past royalty came out. Or should I say they were rolled out in wheelchairs. I told everyone they were real old, but no one believed me. Last year their ball fell on the night of the final Saints’ playoff game that guaranteed their spot in the Super Bowl. I still remember distinctly the winning field goal that brought the crowd to their feet for about a ten minute dance and hug-athon in the middle of their ball. The past royalty came out to the Saints’ Crunk song, which was a pleasant reminder of the great time we had last year. Following the past royalty was Emeralds and Rubies, your very own Personal Shopper, Leather and Crystal and Orchids. We were also surprised by two special guest stars of the night in the tableau. Opal Masters came out as what else, Opals and Tami Tarmac followed her as the gift of Furniture. We were treated to a Pinocchio themed costume entitled Wood, then the fabulous Groceries. We also discovered anniversary gifts I had never heard of like Opticals and Fruits and Appliances. Rounding out the costumes were Diamonds, Pearls, China and the very clever Cotton. The evening ended with the presentation of the Royal Highnesses King and Queen L, Bootsie deVille and Jimmy deBlanc. They were absolutely stunning and all my heartfelt happiness goes out to both of these wonderful men. May you have a great reign. The next week on Saturday, February 19, I attended the 18th King Cake Queen Coronation at the Ambush
mansion. Rip and Marsha rolled out the red carpet as we celebrated King Cake Queen XVIII Rona Connors, The Chrysanthemum Queen reigning over The Imperial House of Japan Boards The Orient Express. The co-captains of the Queenteenas presented a feast fit for a royalty. There was Peking Duck and Gourmet mini sausage, Yamato Dynasty Sushi, Wild Boar Teriyaki, Imperial Oyster and Hog Pyramid, Pagoda Noodles with Rabbit & Chicken, and Cream Cheese King Cake. The crowd was in a festive mood, many coming from the first Carnival parade in the city, Krewe du VieuX. The parade even rolled past the balcony on Bourbon Street treating us to another fabulous show. And I have never seen Rona so happy and lovely than the other night. She just sparkled and I cannot think of a better person to kick off Gay Mardi Gras 2011 than her. Congratulations in joining the KCQ Royalty Club. Don't forget the Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen Rona March 8, 2pm sharp, at 828 Bourbon Street following the 47th Bourbon Street Awards.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
M
y entire gay being sighs heavily when I discover a queen who does not costume for Mardi Gras. You know who you are. New Orleans is a city where we can play dress up several times a year and how ridiculous of you not to take advantage of these opportunities. In this city we just do not have a costume; we devote entire closets or rooms for our outfits. As gay men, it is in our genes to costume in fabulous over the top garments. That is why we love drag queens, because they are glamorous (at least most of them are). They are dripping in jewels, wear diva like clothes and have larger than life personalities. Show me a gay man who does not like to costume and you are showing me a homosexual with limited scope and imagination. Costumes are a way of expression, a small telltale sign of who you are, a chance to become someone else for a night. Who wouldn’t like to change their persona for a day? You do not need to have a lot of money to costume, hell the Naked Cowboy has made a living out of less. Tighty whities and a cowboy hat and you are good to go. For those gays who believe it is not cool to wear a costume, I just laugh, because most of them are mindless fools who believe Abercrombie and Fitch is formal wear. So embrace your inner child this Mardi Gras and don your gay apparel, and most of all become that person you have always dreamed of being. Have a safe and happy Carnival. If you would like your event mentioned in my article, or have something of interest, please email me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide 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.
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.
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 11am10pm 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. 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 globe trotting 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, 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 11am10:30pm 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. 6am-7pm, 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 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. 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. Sante Fe Restaurant &Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave., 304.9915, serves sensational Southwest and Tapas Cuisine with Happy Hour daily 4-6pm. Call for reservations. Open daily 11am-11pm 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.
Santa Fe Ceviche: Gulf Fish, Jumbo Shrimp, Calamari in a citrus marinade served with Avacado, Cherry Tomatoes, Radishes & Baby Greens @ Sante Fe Restaurant & Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave.
Custom Breakfast @ Krystal, Bourbon St. @ Canal St.
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
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41
breaking news Gary Vandeventer & Elizabeth Bouvier To Lead 12th Gay Easter Parade April 24 as EGMs XII
G
ary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier have been selected as Easter Grand Marshals XII, and will lead all of the festivities for this year’s celebration. The 12th Official Gay Easter Parade is Sunday, April 24 beginning at 4:30pm sharp. Vandeventer, who is Lords of Leather Captain, and Bouvier, who is Entertainer of the Year, have ridden in the parade for several years which is a requirement in order to become Grand Marshal, and both have been generous sponsors for the past several years. Additionally they have also been top bidders in the yearly fundraisers. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Past parades have raised over $80,825 for charity. The 2011 fund-raisers and events include: Saturday, March 26, 10:30pm, The Pink Party/3rd Eggstravaganza Show &
obituary Lloyd Lester Sensat, Jr.
L
loyd Sensat, who imbued his work as a teacher and tour guide with a combination of encyclopedic knowledge, flair and wit, died of blood poisoning at Ochsner Medical Center February 18. He was 66 writes The Times Picayune's Martha Carr. “He was the most joyous person I’ve ever met,” said Rob Florence, owner of Historic New Orleans Tours Inc., the company that employed Mr. Sensat to lead walking tours through historic neighborhoods and cemeteries after he retired from a 30-year teaching career in 2001. The cornerstone of Mr. Sensat’s work and life was his passion for historic architecture and preservation. He incorporated architecture and architectural history into his high school art classes, and he and Eugene Cizek, his partner of 34 years, restored two houses in Faubourg Marigny. Besides letting him restore houses to their former glory, historic preservation helped Mr. Sensat understand how people and places developed, said William Hyland, a close friend and historian for St. Bernard Parish. “He felt very strongly that historic settings were the best places to learn because there were so many lives in them,” said Cizek, an architecture professor at Tulane University who is director of its Preservation Studies Program. “He had a mastery of subject matter, and he was a stickler for accuracy,” Flo-
rence said, “but he enjoyed conducting the tours so much. He was having such a good time that you couldn’t help having one as well.” Tourists loved him, and they said so in comments on the website for Sun Oak, the home Mr. Sensat and Cizek shared. “He made the Quarter come alive as the buildings told their stories through his narration and observation,” Peggy Tordoff wrote. “Even though I was dreading a walking tour in the sweltering July heat, I soon forgot about the heat and focused on the interesting information I was hearing,” Connie Erdely wrote. Mr. Sensat, whose white hair and beard made him look like Santa Claus, was hardly inconspicuous. In summer, he showed up in a white shirt and white pants that were held up with vintage suspenders.
He topped off his ensemble with a straw pith helmet. He occasionally dressed as Bernard de Marigny, the developer who became the namesake for the part of New Orleans just below the French Quarter. Around Christmas, Mr. Sensat put the Santa Claus resemblance to good use when he dressed as Papa Noel in a golden brocade coat. A native of Crowley, Mr. Sensat earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and, after serving in the Air Force, a master’s degree at LSU. During his teaching career in Acadia and St. Charles parishes, he was named U.S. Art Educator of the Year in 1988 by the National Art Education Association. In 1991, the Disney Channel dubbed him its Visual Arts Teacher of the Year. Mr. Sensat and Cizek established the Education Through Historic Preservation Program, in which students were assigned to historic sites to understand their art and architecture. For that project, the pair received the Honor Award in 1981 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mr. Sensat was a former member of the boards of the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association, the River Road Historical Society and the Louisiana Landmarks Society, which gave Mr. Sensat and Cizek its Harnett Kane Award. In addition to Cizek, survivors include his mother, Marcella Stagg Sensat of Crowley. Donations may be made to the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association and/or National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, 919 Josephine St. New Orleans, LA 70130 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in the name of Lloyd Lester Sansat, Jr.
Auction, under the direction of Opal Masters, Billy’s, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, Slidell;
EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer & Elizabeth Bouvier Saturday, April 2, 8-10pm, 10th Annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, under the direction of Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields, New Orleans; Friday, April 8, 10:30pm, 9th Annual Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Gala & Auction under the direction of Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, 4 Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, Metairie; Saturday, April 16, 8-10pm, 12th Annual Purple Party: Official Easter Grand Marshals Reception, Buffet & Auction, hosted by the Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors, The Double Play, 439 Dauphine, New Orleans; Friday, April 22, time and place TBA, 2nd Bunnies In The Big Easy, [continued on 43]
42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
breaking news ...from 41 under the direction of Tony Leggio and Rona Conners; Easter Sunday, April 24, 3-4:30pm, Pre-Parade Party, Line-up & Buffet, Michael's On The Park, 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans; 4:30pm, 12th Gay Easter Parade, through the streets of the French Quarter; and 5:30pm til, PostParade Party & Buffet, 700 Club, 700 Burgundy, New Orleans. You can get your parade entry forms online at GayEasterParade.COM or by calling 504.522.8049, or picking one up at Ambush, 828-A Bourbon Street,10am-3pm, Monday through Friday. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade includes Electra City, Rona Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGMs II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, EGMs III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, EGMs IV George Simons and Electra City, EGMs V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, EGMs VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, EGMs VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, EGMs IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, EGMs X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, and EGMs XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse.
$5,750 Launches Gay Easter Parade Sponsorships
T
he 12th Gay Easter Parade is off to a good start with sponsorships already totaling $5,750. LSGRA donated $4,500 which was raised by Mr. and Miss LSGRA Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain at Magnolia Cotillion 2008, which was earmarked for LSGRA's first rodeo. Since the rodeo
did not materialize, LSGRA's Lance Pippin donated the funds to Food For Friends via the Gay Easter Parade. Easter Grand Marshal XII Elizabeth Bouvier has signed on once again as a Platinum $1,000 sponsor while Dwain Hertz, Al Dugas and Gene Theriot signed on as a Silver $250 sponsor. The goal is to raise over $20,000 for Food For Friends. Sponsorships are available at $2,500-Presenting, $1,000-Platinum, $500-Gold, $250-Silver and $100-Bronze. Please visit GayEasterParade.COM for a sponsorship form.
Next Edition
St. Patrick's Day
Ambush 504.522.8049
cont act
marsha@ripandmarsha.com
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43
acadiana
Apollo de Lafayette Bal Masque XXXV: Body Art ~ Lafayette, Louisiana
papar azzi
44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45
acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583
T
hough you may think a dull weekend is upon you, you will be surprised. Mardi Gras is right here! Regardless if you took the opportunity to attend the Apollo Ball, you have not missed out on the festivities. Much more has yet to come and is right around the corner. Paint your face, throw on that fabulous costume, and get ready because Mardi Gras is here and you’re listening up with Joey Collins!
Recapping a Night Cap
T
he Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette held their annual ball on Saturday, February 19th. The theme this year was Body Art. The ball almost returned to its roots when it was held at the Cajun Dome Convention Center venue. Spectators enjoyed the return of larger than life costumes, dance numbers, and a sold out crowd. For the first time in years attendees very proudly proclaimed that they were a part of an amazing event which boasted the creativity of a proud community. Many of the past royalty were presented to an over overwhelmed crowd. The elegance of this crowd was mesmerized with fabulous display of attire as members paraded around the room on magnificent floats with krewe members raining beads and happiness. If you were not in attendance, I urge you to make it your point to be so at next year’s event. Remember to buy your tickets early because this year sold out very quickly. Before the ball I had the opportunity to attend the cocktail party of John Landry. Mr. Landry’s party was made up of style and elegance. It was apparent that all stops were pulled when he planned such an event. Men were dressed in such extraordinary formal wear and women were the belles of the event. This was the representation of true Mardi Gras when a time was present when Southerners rolled out their best and celebrated such a carnival event. The bartender, Steven Rogers, did an amazing job at being very attentive to each attendees needs. Mr. Landry “wowed” his patrons with hors d'oeuvres, décor, and lighting that was fit for any Queen or King of Mardi Gras. I noticed that as many of the guest left the party to attend the Apollo Ball, many had the sense of royalty; royalty that is often displayed in carnival season. Much gratitude should be given from all those who attended John Landry’s cocktail party as well as his latenight party that went on until the sun began to shine its light through his well-landscaped yard. As of Monday, February 14th, Tonic has begun a new tradition of observing Customer Appreciation Night. Former Sound Factory bartender, Mario, has revised his role as the very infamous bartender that many of you once grew to know. This vivacious character that is very well-known in the local scene is back. Mario always seems to set the scene when he is quick with his wit and charm. It’s been always a talent to all of us who have been treated by his skills. The tone is set each
and every Monday night when he offers such drink specials as $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 premiums for all patrons.
Mardi-Lafayette Style
B
reak out that alcohol-filled thermos, that purple featheredboa, and prepare yourself to pass a good time. Such a waited event for many of us is Mardi Gras. Lafayette is the hub of the area where one can experience such a grand event that is so comparable to New Orleans. Though many natives may flock to New Orleans during the weekend before Mardi Gras, many still return for the festivities which occur on both Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras. Proven time and time and time again, crowds will flock to the downtown, UL, and Johnston Street areas. One must remember that to attain the perfect spectator spot along the route, one must wake up pretty early. Before we begin on Mardi Gras day, let us not forget those who remain in the Lafayette area during the entire festivities. Beginning on Friday, March 4th and continuing through Mardi Gras day, Cajun Field will host such events as Cajun cuisine, live entertainment, and carnival rides fit for all ages. For more information one can visit www.gomardigras.com. On Saturday, March 5th, the Children’s Parade will begin to roll at 12:30pm. Don’t abandon the parade route too soon, unless of course you need to take time to refill your drink. Keep in mind that on the same parade route at 6pm the Krewe of Bonaparte will begin its march. At this point, Sunday will have snuck upon us and will offer the opportunity to recover from the weekend events. As many of us sleep the morning away and then begin to welcome in the new week, we cannot forget that much lies just around the corner. Lundi Gras is always expected to welcome a plethora of festivities. At this point one should already have returned to the Lafayette area. Lundi Gras will begin with the Queen’s Parade rolling at 6pm. Remember that both Tonic and Jules will be open during these events. Don’t forget that if one is in the downtown area, it is now okay to purchase a drink at your favorite downtown establishment and carry it to your Mardi Gras experience. Finally the day has arrived. Whether you awake with a hearty breakfast or a simple shot of liquor to keep the buzz going from the previous night, it’s time to gather your close friends and head to the parade route for a day of celebration, tradition, food, and fun. The King’s Parade will roll at 10am and will be followed by the official Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade at 1pm. Don’t think of going astray just yet because the final parade is yet to come. The Fox 15 Independent Parade rolls at 2pm. By the time the final float has passed and you find yourself in a sea of carnival beads be sure to make note of your surroundings. Odds are that the day was
passed with wonderful friends and memories of another successful Carnival season. The day is yet to be over because you can always make your way to either Tonic or Jules for a continuous celebration. Please always remember to drink responsibly and be safe. Happy Mardi Gras and do not forget that more good times are around the corner as Festival International will arrive before you know it.
Bar Spill
W
hile downtown for the Mardi Gras festivities, don’t forget that Jules will be expanding its hours. Though you’re accustomed to Jules being open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7pm to 2am, Jules will be open on Lundi Gras for the 6pm Queens Parade. On Mardi Gras day the hours will be from 9am till 2am. Need a break from the downtown scene? Tonic plans to open at noon on Mardi Gras Day. As always, check out their Happy Hour and Ladies Night specials. Don’t forget to follow the following groups on Facebook: Ambush Magazine, Tonic, Jules, Lafayette Gay Men, and Lafayette Lesbians. These pages are always the quickest and most up to date information on Acadiana events.
That’s Sexual!
S
o living in the dorms during a college experience can really dictate a life of much sexual experience. Attending a university that is well-known for its party scene does not excuse such an experience. During my sophomore year of college I once had a roommate who was very appreciative of such experience. For this particular story we will refer to him as Will. It was not unusual to find Will engaged in a relationship, particularly online. I guess you could say that he much enjoyed such websites as Manhunt.com. One boring night as Will and I sat in our drafty dorm, he began to chat with me about one of his recent experiences. It was late and I had just finished studying for one of my mid-terms. As he began to speak I walked across the cold linoleum floor and climbed into my small twin bed. The street light peered through the blinds and reflected off of my Justin Timberlake poster. It presented just enough light to keep me awake for a story that I was not so sure if I were in the mood to hear. Nonetheless, I decided to entertain my roommate, Will. I was used to being the prude who didn’t necessarily engage in the plethora of sexual activities in college yet it always somehow became my duty to have live vicariously through the life of my roommate. Will began to explain that one recent night he was up late chatting on his computer via one of those many random hookup sites. Will had many contacts that he had established. One in particular was of much interest because it involved a nearby dorm. This was not just a dorm in our building but it involved a dorm room in a building across campus. Will was allowing his hormones to dictate his procrastination with an English paper that was due the very next day. As he logged onto any usual gaymale site, his eye was caught by another user who was interested in something very similar to Will. Their conversation simply began with the usual, “hey, what’s up?”
followed by Will with, “not much, what about you?” The small talk quickly developed to an invitation to a night of lust. Will being Will very quickly obliged. The directions were very simple. He was told to cross campus to a certain dorm and enter the window of a first-floor dorm and there the guy would be waiting. Will hurriedly threw on some pajama pants, a t-shirt, and rushed across campus. He was told the window would be open. Once Will arrived to the building, he found an open window and immediately began to crawl in. Once inside the darkened room, he found a guy lying there half asleep. The guy was awakened and startled by Will’s presence. Will was filled with confidence and excitement. Without question, Will immediately began to touch the guy’s body. The guy did not reject Will’s presence and allowed Will to work himself up to the guy’s lips. Will began to embrace the guy and kiss him passionately with no questions. No words of dismay were exchanged and body language only proved that the guy accepted Will’s every move. As the moonlight shined into the room, Will immediately began to fool with foreplay. As the guy began to grasp for air, Will made his way to create a night of passion. Will had no question in his mind that this was the exact guy whom he had just spoken with online. I mean who would? The guy didn’t resist. The night went on with, well you know. I will leave it to the imagination. As morning came Will awoke and found himself within the guy’s embrace. As he turned to take his first full look of the guy’s face he questioned as to why the face did not exactly meet the profile that he had seen online. The guy then awoke and smiled. Will took the smile as a compliment and then was startled by the guy’s verbal response, “What is your name?” To his surprise, Will laughed and told the guy his name and then replied, “What is your name?” For discrete purposes we shall now call the guy Robert. Robert and Will started to laugh as Will thought to himself; this can’t be the same guy. They don’t look alike and do not have the same name. Will was beside himself and began to explain. “Were you not the guy whom I spoke with last night online?” Robert replied in much innocence, “I do not know what you’re talking about but last night was amazing.” The two laughed at the confusion yet Will instantly jumped out of bed. “What do you mean that you don’t know what I’m talking about?” So long story short, Will apparently climbed into the wrong window. To Will’s dismay, he learned that you never know which window you may crawl into and what it may bring you.
Closing Out
T
here are many open windows in life. Some we are afraid of and others are so easy to jump into. At times windows we want to be opened are sealed shut. Sometimes in life a window closed pushes us to find another open window full of surprises. It may not be exactly the window that we were looking for yet in the end our pleasure is satisfied. You get what you give. There is a window open. Keep the party going, you’re listening up with Joey Collins.
46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 47
mobile
papar azzi
B-Bob’s Jerry Ehlen with Rupaul Drag Race favorite Nina Flowers
Steven & company party at the No. 1 Dance Club in Mobile, B-Bob’s
2011 Krewe of Phoenix King & Queen Denny & Veronica
Emerald City/Pensacola Show Director Lauren Mitchell performs @ B-Bob’s
News Center 5 Favorite Weston with Jason & O’Brian @ B-Bob’s
Biloxi’s very own Sophia Lucianni performing @ B-Bob’s Travis & Jarrid attend Osiris Ball
Mark & company @ B-Bob’s Crayton & Christian @ B-Bob’s Thursday College Party O’Brian & Bryant dancing the night away
Celebrating, Dancing, Performing ~ Mobile, Alabama
Taylor Heart performs @ B-Bob’s
Gemini with Miss Gina celebrating Mardi Gras
Miss Gay Louisiana America 2010 Bambi Bexter with Order of Osiris Queen Michelle Brown
Eugene, Mack, Jasyn & Maury enjoying the Drag Shows @ B-Bob’s
Judson & Travis cut up on the dance floor of B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s welcomes their new handsome bartender Wiley
The Heart Sisters performing @ B-Bob’s Miss Raven St. James performing @ B-Bob’s with MC & Host Jay
Mobile’s Blonde Bombshell Miss Cie with Robert
Jeremy & Jason with the Boys
48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 49
Joe & David join Rawhide’s BYOM salute to Black History Month Cast members of “The Color Purple” @ Bourbon Pub Parade
ambush
papar azzi
Mickey Hebert, Katie Curry, Yvonne M. Bruneau, Katie Hoff & John Curry in Krewe deux Boobs parade @ Good Friends
Good Friends' Neel, Wood Enterprises' Ken & Glazers' Ashley @ Rawhide’s BYOM salute to Black History Month
Cheryl, TJ & Noel test their stamina blowing up balloons for Gayrage sale benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force Lance joins the Lords of Leather 70s Night at the Tubs @ The Eagle
Double Play’s Chuck joins Mother Moses for DP’s Valentine’s Potluck Dinner Even Josh & Jeff make it in for Rawhide’s BYOM salute to Black History Month
Chuck serves Sweetheart Meat Loaf @ Double Play’s Valentine’s Dinner
Thor serves up hot sausage for Rawhide’s BYOM salute to Black History Month
Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Baby Bear & Goldilocks join 3rd Anniversary Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s
Hot men were a plenty @ Gayrage sale benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force
Bartenders Jeff, Michael & Nigel welcome you to Lafitte’s
Joining the Gayrage sale benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force
Chris & Ryan welcome you to Bourbon Pub
Bartender Vito returns to Oz
Barbara Ella hosting Karaoke @ Lafitte’s
Becky Allen & Todd Murray at his show @ Le Chat Noir
50 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM
Across The Spectrum~ New Orleans
Krewe deux Boobs’ Yvonne M. Bruneau joins Blake Miller @ 700 Club
Pat & Ben @ The Eagle above the Phoenix for the Lords of Leather 70s Night at the Tubs
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Marc h 1-14, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 51
52 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 1-14, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM