Issuu

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

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

Gay Easter Parade's Pink Party/Eggstravaganza Raises $1,422, Drag Extravaganza Raises $3,860; Up Next Purple Party April 16 & Bunnies In The Big Easy April 22

he 3rd Annual Pink Party/Eggstravaganza hosted at Billy's in Slidell brought in $1,422 for the 12th Gay Easter Parade. Parade revenues minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital program of the NO/ AIDS Task Force. Under the direction of GEP Board-member and Easter Grand Marshal VII Opal Masters, the event boasted great entertainment, raffles, auctions and buffet courtesy of Billy's. Moneys raised included $438-stage performance tips, $170-door, $162-egg raffles, $56-50/50 raffle plus $56 donated back from raffle winner JohnPaul's John Vignone, $130-Bunny Basket Auction from Rhonda Roget, $75 Necklace Auction from Elizabeth Bouvier, $55-Action Bunny Auction from Rip NaquinDelain, $30-Retro Clock Auction from Chuck Turner, and a $250 Silver Sponsorship from Big Mama. Special thanks to all who helped make this great evening a success including Chuck Turner, Bill Miller and the Billy's Staff; and entertainers including EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier, EGM VII Opal Masters, Big Mama, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, Rhonda Roget, Amon-Ra's Miss America Deja Deja-Vue', Georgeanna Belle, Jay Cooper and Gizelle Bouvier. he 10th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, under the direction of GEP Board's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, brought in another $3,860 at JohnPaul's in New Orleans. The auctions went incredibly well with Bunny Easter Basket worth $1,000 raising $850 from Mona Lisa's Michael Ducote and Doug Minich, “Man I Feel Like A Woman” Put Gary Vandeventer in Drag raising $853 (with $135-take that dress off from Ron, $40blush & makeup from Dale, $80-lipstick from Mona Lisa's Michael Ducote and Doug Minich, $25-hairline from Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac, $60eyelashes from Gene's Poboys' Gene Theriot, $30-earrings from EGM IX Safonda Peters, $60-pantyhose from Cam, $50 wig from Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson, $50-put that dress back on from Lord King & Consort XXVIII Ben Bourgeois and Pat Johnson, $90-name that queen Nellie Edna from Rip NaquinDelain, $40-song from Lee Worrells, $60-shoes from Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, and $134-song performance tips), Faux Faberge’ Musical Bouquet Egg raising $170 from EGM VIII Michael Elias, Giant Floral Arrangement raising $270 from Gene's Poboys' Gene Theriot, and Pink Brocade Lace Purse raising $180 from Gene's Poboys' Gene Theriot. Another $640 came from the door, $596 from stage performance tips, $30 donation from Salon Versailles, $20 from the boy auction, and $250 Silver Sponsorship from Wood Enterprises. Emceed by GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Opal Masters, this show brought the talents of EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier, Queen AmonRa XLVI Tami Tarmac, Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, Queen Satyricon IX Sadie Sheperd, Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson plus King Cake Queens IX Lisa Beaumann, X Teryl-Lynn Foxx, XIII Raven Kennedy, XIV Princesse Stephaney, XV Marsha Naquin-Delain, and XVII Opal Masters. he next fundraiser is the 12th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception & Auction on Saturday, April 16th, 8-10pm, $5 donation, at Double Play, 439 Dauphine in New Orleans. The event celebrates bar owner's Chuck Turner and Bill Miller's 40th Anniversary and will feature a buffet,

inside

Jazz Fest, Mobile Pride Issue out April 26th DEADLINE: Tues., April 19th

celebrazzi the pink pastor under the gaydar obituaries pink party/eggstravaganza pics drag extravaganza paparazzi out & about in mobile mobile paparazzi

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classifieds acadiana happens/lafayette baton rouge acadiana paparazzi/lafayette trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie chop chop/nola restaurant guide

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

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raffles, prizes, spotlight entertainment and the following auctions: Bunny Basket, Purple Fleur de Lis Crown Egg, Pink Gay Bunny with matching purse, Mermaid Egg, two lace purses, and a floral Easter arrangement with Bunny Vase. he 2nd Bunnies in The Big Easy under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Rona Conners is the last fundraiser on Friday, April 22nd, 7-10pm at Harrah’s Masquerade Club in New Orleans. Advance tickets only will be available for this event at $30 with only 110 tickets to be sold. There are only 39 tickets left! Contact Tony Leggio or call Rip Naquin-Delain at 504.522.8049 for tickets. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, 42Below Vodka cocktails, Martini & Rossi champagne and wine, and beer. Featuring Guest DJ Tony Wilson, their will be a special Surprise Easter Auction, live performance by Jarret Mallon from the touring company of Hairspray and Brother of EGM XII Elizabeth Bourvier, Bunny Boys doing Egg Raffles, and six great live auctions including Bunny Basket with Liquor, Faux Faberge’ Musical Nutcracker Egg, Hummel Collector Century Plates, authentic Venetian Mask, and Brocade Lace Purses. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends and $80,825 has been raised for charity in the past nine years. Please join these fundraising efforts and help support Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force.

12th Gay Easter Parade Rolls April 24 with Pre & Post-Parade Parties

he 12th Gay Easter Parade rolls on Easter Sunday, April 24th beginning at 4:30pm on Rampart at St. Ann winding through the French Quarter. There are only two 8 person carriages still available for the parade. Parade Entry/Sponsorship forms are available at

GayEasterParade.COM. The parade is presented by Ambush Mag, LSGRA, Harrah's New Orleans, and Friday Night Before Mardi Gras. The Pre-Parade Party, Buffet and Line-up is at Michael's On the Park, 834 N. Rampart Street beginning at 2:30pm. Parade check-in is from 34pm with Steve Patrick inside the bar. Line-up begins at 4pm with the parade rolling at 4:30pm. The Post-Parade Party & Buffet is at 700 Club, 700 Burgundy Street, at 6pm where the parade ends. The parade route is N. Rampart to St. Ann, to Bourbon, to Esplanade, to Royal, to St. Louis, to N. Rampart, to [continued on 8]

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 AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist, Patrick Shannon, Frankie Wingerter-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

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM

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celebrazzi

(celebrations-paparazzi)

he 3rd Annual Pink Party/Eggstravaganza hosted by the 12th Gay Easter Parade (GayEasterParade.COM) at Billy's in Slidell raised $1,422 for Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Under the direction of GEP Board-member and Easter Grand Marshal VII Opal Masters, the evening boasted great entertainment, auctions, raffles and buffet courtesy of Billy's. (Photo: front-Jay Cooper, Amon-Ra's Miss America Deja Deja-Vue'; back-EGM V Princesse Stephaney, Gizelle Bouvier, Big Mama, EGMs XII Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer, Rhonda Roget, Georgeanna Belle, EGM VII Opal Masters & EGM X Chuck Turner)

ord King XXVIII Ben Bourgeois and Danny Calhoun join Nellie Edna (Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Vandeventer), along with Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy Powell and Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson for the "Put Gary in Drag" auction at the 10th Drag Extravaganza at JohnPaul's raising $853 for the Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends.

mbush Theater Editor Brian Sands presents checks totaling $1,335 to NOCCA Institute Director Sally Perry for NOCCA’s Theater Arts Artists-inResidence Program. The money was raised at the Ambie Awards ceremony in February at Le Petit.

riday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XII's Ed Chapman and Billy Henry present Phil Costa (center) with the Monster GaGa Raffle Grand Prize winning two premium seats for the April 9, 2011 Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour concert at the New Orleans Arena.

ason, Queen Satyricon IX Brian Peterson, Todd and Lui join the 10th Krewe of Satyricon Rush Party at Oz in New Orleans.

aster Grand Marshals turned out in full force for the 10th Annual Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza raising $3,860 for the 12th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends at JohnPaul's in New Orleans. Under the direction of GEP Boards Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, the festive evening presented reigning Easter Grand Marshals and Carnival Queens, former King Cake Queens, and five great auctions. (Photo: front-EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer, II Larry Bagneris, X Tony Leggio; back-EGMs XII Elizabeth Bouvier, V Princesse Stephaney, IX Safonda Peters, XI Chuck Turner, VIII Michael Elias, IV Electra City, I Marsha & Rip Naquin-Delain, XI Tittie Toulouse, III Timm Holt & Teryl-Lynn Foxx & VII Opal Masters)

aster Grand Marshals joined the 3rd Pink Party/Eggstravaganza at Billy's in Slidell helping raise $1,422 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. (Photo: front-EGMs XII Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer; back-EGMs V Princesse Stephaney, VII Opal Masters, I Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, X Tony Leggio, II Larry Bagneris, XI Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse, & IV Electra City)

ystic Krewe of Satyricon's Tony Leggio and George Patterson (right) receive the Business Recognition Award at the Gambit Big Easy Awards hosted at Harrah's New Orleans for all the theatrical performances the krewe has bought out over the years.

he new officers of the Krewe of Armeinius were presented at the krewe's 44th Rush Party at JohnPaul's in New Orleans including Function Lt. Joel Haas, Captain Bruce Orgeron, Secretary Rick Mirabelli, Historian Albert Carey, King Armeinius XLIII Tim Goodwin, President Nick Weber, Function Lt. Charles Turberville, Ball Lt. Fred Arocho, and Treasurer Tim Jeansonne.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 Toulouse, to Burgundy, ending at Orleans. Parade Sponsors include: Platinum ($1,000)-EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/JohnPaul's; Gold ($500)-EGM XII Gary Vandeventer & Tim Lott, Rhonda & David Roget, Deja Deja-Vue' & Jim May, Krewe of Amon-Ra, Misael Rubio/ Quartermaster, Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Lord King & Consort XVIII Ben Bourgeois & Pat Johnson, Michael Ducote/Mona Lisa Restaurant, EGM IV Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse; Silver ($250)-Dwain Hertz - Al Dugas & Gene Theriot, JoAnn Guidos & Lisa Thomas/Kajun’s Pub, EGM VII Opal Masters & Darwin Reed, EGM VIII Rona Conners & Bob Boler, King & Queen Petronius L Jimmy deBlanc & Bootsie DeVille, Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, George Tresch, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/The Corner Pocket, Darrin - Robbie & 'Lil Debbie, Big Mama/Jerry Miller, Jr., Wood Enterprises, Oz, Phoenix/Eagle; Bronze ($100)-EGM X Tony Leggio, Bruce Orgeron, Dawn Leggio, Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Nina M. Clore, Don Dubay & Rusty Downing, Mark Givens/Givens Graphix, Barbara Ella, Darlene & Harvey Mallory, Randy Chauvin/Designer's Workroom, David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway, Vince & Ron Randazzo/Gallagher, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, EGM IX Orlando Aloe/ Society Page, Bobby Vallecillo & Andy Ehlers, Anonymous, Michael Albracht,

Jill Dolese, Glenn O'Berry & Roger Copenhaver, Craig Nero/Who Dat Coffee Cafe, FourPlay, Thomas Schoonenberg, Michael Strickland, King Amon-Ra XLIV Nick Olivares & Roy G. Smith, Mickey N. Hebert/Mickey Nolan Salon, Michael Sullivan; and Venue/In Kind-4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy's, Cutter’s, Double Play, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, 42Below Vodka, Martini & Rossi Wines. The Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors 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, II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, IV George Simons and Electra City, V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, and XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse.

Entertainment Lineup Taking Shape for Mobile Pride Weekend

“

A riviting and rewarding experience!” That’s what the Cincinnati CityBeat is saying about Kevin J. Thorton, the opening act for this’ year’s Mobile Alabama Pride Weekend, April 29, 20 and May 1. On Friday, April 29, Pride weekend kicks off with a VIP Kick Off Party in the

Skyview Lounge atop the Holiday Inn in Downtown Mobile (our host hotel). Comedian/Singer/Storyteller Kevin J Thornton it set to be the special guest performer. Thorton is currently touring to promote his latest album, January Dream. His website sums up his latest touring show “I Love You (We’re F*#ked)” this way: “It’s a tight, fast paced 60 minute show that showcases Kevin’s signature style of concert, storytelling and stand up comedy. It’s a tale of lost love spun into a hilariously absurd odyssey! The hero knows he must move on but must first look back and ask “how the hell did I get here?” Thorton’s work is widely featured on MTV’s Logo Network. Learn more about Kevin and sample his incredible music at www.kevinjthorton.com. A VIP ticket ($30) gets you into the show, and takes care of any cover charges over the weekend at any participating bar or venue. You can order them on line at www.mobilealabamapride.com or purchase yours at B-Bob’s, Gabriel’s, Bacchus and Midtown Pub. The committee continues to add new events and talent every week... and there are several key events. Saturday will feature the annual Mobile Alabama Pride Parade, which rolls on a route taking the procession around Bienville Square. That’;s also the location of Saturday and Sunday’s “Pride in the Park” celebration. Pride in the Park features a stage filled with entertainment, including performers God-Des & She www.god-desandshe.com , Lola Gulley www.lolgulley.biz , DJ Mel and The Rewind Band. Local participating bars will also feature a number of theme nights for different segments of the community. Mobile’s annual Pride Parade might not be as big as some of the city’s long Mardi Gras processions, but it has grabbed big headlines over the past few years. Two years ago, an off-again/ on-again commitment from a city council member caused quite a stir when he seemed to shy away from his pledge to take part. In the end, he did ride in the procession, as did his opponent in the upcoming election! Last year amid a budget crises, the parade was back in the headlines when the city reneged on a set price for a parade permit, traffic enforcement and other city requirements. The LGBT community set about publicly trying to raise funds for the increase. The subsequent television news coverage helped change the city’s heart, and it stayed true to the original agreement. In both cases, the media attention helped publicize Mobile’s Pride Weekend, and proved to be good for the event. It’s also important to note Mobile Alabama Pride has a very good working relationship with the City of Mobile. Once again, The Holiday Inn downtown will be the host hotel. For more information, check the Mobile Alabama Pride websites, which is being updated

weekly. There you can also download forms for entry into the parade, or to be a vendor in the park. www.mobilealabamapride.com.

9th Marigny Bunny Hop April 23

he 9th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, will be held on Saturday, April 23. Everyone is encouraged to don their most creative or outrageous Easter “bonnet” and join the bar crawl as it makes its way to 8 different gay businesses in the Marigny. At each stop, bonnets will be judged in various categories by the bartenders and staff, and trophies will be presented. This year, the organizers of the event, Marty Curtin, Jeff Mallon and Stephen Murrell, are delighted to announce that the 9th Bunny Marshal (BM) leading the festivities will be Tony Leggio. He will be responsible for guiding the Easter revelers along the route. Previous Bunny Marshals (BM’s) include: Lewis Routh I-III, Guadelupe IV, Poncho V, Fish VI, Rip & Marsha VII, and Kajun’s Pub Joanne and Lisa VIII. The organizers are introducing a new route for the crawl as well a new award category. The new category is “Sissiest Bonnet” and will be presented by Kajun’s Pub. The route will change

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the "official" dish ...from 8 slightly this year with the addition of Who ‘Dat Coffee Cafe on Burgundy St. The event will begin at 2pm at Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St. Claude Avenue, and will make stops at the following locations where the various trophies

will be presented: Kajun’s Pub - Sissiest Bonnet; The Phoenix - Butchest Bonnet; JohnPaul’s - Best Group (minimum of three members); Who 'Dat Coffee Cafe - Best Newbie (for first time participants); Cutter’s - Most Glamorous Bonnet; Big Daddy’s - Widest Bonnet; Mimi’s - Tallest Bonnet; and The Friendly Bar- Best Couple, Ambush Magazine - Best of Best, Event Organizers Meyer-Routh Spirit Award.

Bourbon Pub & Parade Heating Up New Orleans

s the days get longer and the nights get warmer, The Bourbon Pub & Parade Disco is heating up New Orleans like never before. Located on the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, ages 18 and over can party while 21 and over with ID can drink. The Parade balcony (upstairs) is now open for TGIF-Friday cocktails starting at 4pm and on Saturdays & Sundays beginning at 3pm. Get ready for some exciting new & exciting nights downstairs at Bourbon Pub: Monday-All New! COMEDY NIGHT featuring S.!.N. (Service Industry Night) “Laughter is the Best Medicine” with VJ Chris Allen. Present your recent paycheck stub from any bar, restaurant or hotel in the French Quarter and receive employee prices all night! Tuesday-GLEEfollowed by… CREATIVE 80S VIDEOS VJ Chris Allen. Calling all Gleeks! Join us for our weekly GLEE viewing party, then stick around for the best Creative Videos from the 80s! Enjoy $2 Kamikaze and Fuzzy Navel shots all night! Wednesday-SHOWTUNES - Come sing along with us as we shine the spotlight on all your favorite movie and Broadway musicals with VJ Brendan Thompson. Choose your favorite diva with drink specials including “The Judy,” “The Barbra,” “The Liza” and “The Doris Day!” Thursday-REQUEST NIGHT - Haven’t seen your favorite video in a while? Just write down your request and if we have it, we will play it…just for you! Friday & Saturday- THE BEST MUSIC VIDEOS IN TOWN for the past 35 years featuring VJs Jayskee, [continued on 12]

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM

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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: revcrawshaw@yahoo.com

Easter Transfigured

e human beings are symbolic creatures – we process the world around us, our language, our histories and experiences as symbols, tools to grasp what is often ungraspable. We find ways of comprehending the incomprehensible. Our language itself is symbolic – a single sound or group of sounds denotes a complex reality. The word ‘tree’, for example, allows us to reference an object and then move on, without being lost in wonder at the exquisite reality that is in fact, a tree. Sometimes these symbols diminish a thing, and sometimes they exult a thing. Usually, by naming a thing we seek control and a degree of ownership over it. It is for this reason that the Hebrew peoples created the unpronounceable

the "official" dish ...from 10 Brendan Thompson Chris Allen and more. Sunday-RETRO VIDEOS – It’s a blast from the past, down memory lane with all your favorite videos from the 80s, 90s and more! Come on down and sing along! The heat continues to rise upstairs at Parade. Wednesdays-DRAG OUT! with your hosts: Tiffany Alexander, Jasmine S/X and DJ Dorian Grey. Wednesdays are fierce! So invite all your friends and drag out your best drag! 12 contestants get to enter and compete until there is one left. Winners chosen by audience ballot. Win a paid guest appearance on the “Lipstixx” Show. $200 Cash Prize! Doors open 9pm. Contest starts promptly at 11pm. $1 draft from 9pm-11pm. For more information on how to enter, please contact us at: www.facebook.com/ bourbonpub Thursday-SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SING! Karaoke with host Jasmine S/X. $100 Grand Prize to best singer, plus runner-up prizes. Sign ups start at 8pm. Performances start at 9pm. Then it’s… STUDENT BODY CONTEST. Do you have what it takes? Best body wins $100! Hosted by Tiffany Alexander. Music by Blair Quintana. Lighting by Poodle. Happy Hour Prices from 8pm – Midnight. Friday-POPSTARZ If you can’t hum it, we don’t play it! Every Friday night upstairs at Parade. Drinks specials and $1 Schnapps shots all night! Saturday-NOT YOUR AVERAGE SATURDAY NIGHT! Club DJs Dorian

name of God, the tetragrammatton; written in your bibles as Yahweh or Jehova, but an orthodox Jew passes over that name, and says ‘Lord’ instead of pronouncing what must never be pronounced. ‘Lord’ is an attribute, not a name. Since the enlightenment in the eighteenth century we have become used to another language, a language that navigates facts and functions, figures and findings – the empirical language of science. Science does not attempt to go further than its realm, it does not plumb the human soul, it does not ask the why, but generally restricts itself to the how. It seeks mechanisms, not meanings. Science has outshone all our ‘magic’, all our ancestor worship, all Grey and Blair Quintana with spotlight performances at: 12:30 and 1:30. Sunday-DRINK & DROWN featuring free well drinks from 6pm-8pm with $5 cover! Then at 8pm... LIPSTIXX – New & Improved! Featuring new hostess: Nicole Dubois. Show coordinators: Tiffany Alexander and Jasmine S/X and other guest appearances with the return of the Big Production Number. DJ Jayskee. Lights by Poodle. $5 Late Night Happy Hour! And it’s never too early to begin making your SOUTHERN DECADENCE plans for Labor Day Weekend, as there are a limited of bar VIP passes available - get them NOW at www.bourbonpub.com. Last year they went quickly!

FNBMG Monster Gaga Raffle Winners Announced

riday Night Before Mardi Gras, Inc. is pleased to announce the winners of the FNBMG Monster Gaga Raffle. The winning tickets were pulled by Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac on the Friday night before Mardi Gras during FNBMG’s Extravaganza XII at the Audubon Tea Room. The Extravaganza XII theme this year was Mardi Gras Gaga at the Tea Room and all of the 300 plus guests were totally gaga about the whole affair. It was a splendid evening with great music, dancing, fabulous Miss Tarmac entertainment, delicious cuisine catered by the Audubon Tea Room and magical potions provided and created by Glazer’s Distributors and Per-

our local deities – all our attempts to control our environment through esoteric means. Science is STRONG MAGIC, and as such we have sought to apply its methods to everything, not just to the material world it is concerned with. Instead of reading scripture as allegory and nuance, as a sophisticated system of symbolic meaning, we now try and read it off like a textbook, or as a letter written to modern evangelical Americans by a God that is nothing more than a machine for processing our desires, dreams and prejudices. Few ‘worship’ this God in silent adoration; few allow this God to be Godself - to be whatever is and may be, but see worship as another fix, another way of getting a ‘high’, of escaping from what Aldous Huxley called ‘our sweating selves’. This God has no existence outside of our projections onto it, it is just a means of escaping what we are, instead of making peace with, and coming to love what we are. A society that hates itself like this will not easily love others. What it cannot give itself it will begrudge the neighbor. Comfort with, and peace with one’s fect Vodka. It was the perfect evening. The perfectly gorgeous, muscle-bound Perfect Vodka servers with the awesomely perfect bodies served those colorful Perfect Vodka elixirs and turned the evening into a Martini Madness not to be missed. FNBMG thanks all who participated and helped make the raffle a success. The FNBMG Monster Gaga winning ticket numbers, winners, their winnings and generous sponsors are announced below: *GRAND PRIZE - two premium seats for the April 9, 2011 Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour concert at the New Orleans Arena – #5489 – Phil Costa, (anonymously donated by FNBMG Board Members) *One night at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street - #5874 – Sibyl M. White, (donated by the New Orleans Royal Sonesta Hotel) *La Thai Uptown gift card – #5017 – Craig Nero, (anonymously donated by FNBMG Board Members) *Natchez Riverboat dinner cruise and cocktails for two – #5528 – Jason Gill, (donated by Natchez Riverboat Company) *House of Blues Gospel Brunch for two – - #3624 – Nicole Guidry, (donated by New Orleans House of Blues) *Two nights at the Esplanade Avenue Five Continents Bed and Breakfast - #2114 – Will Griffin, (donated by Five Continents Bed & Breakfast of New Orleans) *Omni Hotel Rib Room lunch for two - #5249 – George Hester, (donated by the Omni Hotel New Orleans Rib Room) *International House Hotel Loa Bar

own selfhood is not a vain fancy, it is an acceptance of reality at the heart of which MUST lay the unseen God. The endless flight from what and who we are is guided not by ethics or morals or a perception of ‘godliness’, but rather by the ingrained conditioning of a dysfunctional and fearful society which we take to be immortal and unchanging, but in truth is the recent product of recent events – filtered through the lens of nostalgia and status quo. Jesus saw to the heart of our misery, Jesus saw the structures of power, wealth, control, deceit and hypocrisy that masquerade as virtue. Jesus dared to name them and was killed. In Jesus’ self we have the problem and the solution; he is not to be worshipped like some distant deity, divorced from most of the challenging things he said, but honored as living and breathing and valid and to be emulated. The frippery of modern cultism around Jesus allows people to loudly say they ‘love Jesus’ without having any real idea of what he said and why, let alone making any attempt to follow his example. WWJD (what would Jesus do?), a noble question, seems often to be found written on rubber bands around the moralizing wrists of modern Pharisees, shouting judgment from the comfortable mainstream of capitalist society to the chilly margins where Jesus himself chose to dwell, and wherein Jesus saw beauty and dignity. Good Friday was the indictment of this model of human control, born of fear it seeks comfort through the subjugation of others, it fears so many things, it fears truth above all, and truth is what the bible often characterizes as judgment. Judgment can hold no terror to those who seek the truth, but to those who have build a life fleeing from it, then the disclosure of all things must [continued on 14] gift card for cocktails - #3287 – Erin Cloherty, (donated by International House Hotel of New Orleans and Loa Lounge) *One night at Isle Casino Hotel #4859 – Jansen Vanderveer, (donated by Isle Casino Hotel, Biloxi, MS) *Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – #4590 – Sibyl M. White, (donated by Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville of New Orleans) *K-Joe’s Creole and Cajun Cuisine Restaurant gift card - #1403 – Ginger Bouvier, (donated by K-Joe’s Cajun & Creole Cuisine of New Orleans) The FNBMG Monster Gaga Raffle is registered and licensed by the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. Raffle proceeds will be distributed to the following charities: Belle Reve of New Orleans, the Gay Easter Parade for Food for Friends, the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans, the NO/AIDS Task Force, and Project Lazarus.

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spotlight feature by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Bartender of the Month

am basically a city boy at heart. Growing up, I lived in the suburbs and even though it does have its benefits, I was ready to move to New Orleans which had more excitement to offer. And, once I became entrenched in city life there was very little reason to go back. But now I found a very cool motivation to return to the burbs. Recently I attended the Gay Easter Parade Pink Party/ Eggstravaganza fundraiser at Billy’s in Slidell and had an absolute blast. I also found my bartender of the month. His

Bartender Robert

the pink pastor ...from 12 be a hell indeed, or maybe it will be the redemption they could not find in life? Fear is the root of most hatred, prejudice, cruelty and violence, and Jesus, above all other things, told those he met ‘Do not be afraid’. So, what does Easter mean? Not the story we have been told since childhood – what does it REALLY mean? Our ancestors in the faith were little moved by facts, we know few of the things a modern biographer would find essential, they knew however that they were custodians of something greater than events, they were custodians of truth and meaning. The modern way of reading the bible is a little like taking an onion and eating the skin, it is distasteful and gives no nourishment. Our ancestors wrote their testimonies with each layer of the onion laden with flavor and nourishment, and we need to look beyond the skin in order to understand what they had experienced in the man called Jesus. The man called Jesus who was, in the realest terms, the child of God. The ego always seeks to defend, and once begun, can never stop. It will build barricades around itself using anything to hand, other people dreams

name is Robert and he is a doll of a guy. And talk about the hotties that were a plenty across the bridge. I have reevaluated my opinion of the Northshore, but back to Robert. Attitude is everything in life, but is a necessity in being a bartender. First you need to be able to handle yourself confidently while managing a rich assortment of characters that patronize your bar with speed. Robert managed this wonderfully. First he had a large number of somewhat jaded “City Folk” descend upon Billy’s like a swarm of locusts when our group arrived. Could you just imagine a bus load of drag queens and handlers arriving at your establishment in full force and tipsy. Talk about a bartender’s nightmare. He handled us with the ease of a professional who knows his trade and most importantly his bar. Robert was quick, courteous and very efficient. He is also very adorable which makes traveling to the burbs for a cocktail another treat. So if you are looking for a different night out on the town; take a ride to Billy’s in Slidell and have a few libations with Robert. Who knows you may find Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Right Now, either way you will not regret it. Billy’s is located at 2600 Hwy. 190 and hopes notwithstanding. In its last stand it is capable of any enormity. Witness Colonel Gadaffi building walls around himself out of the bodies of his own people. Jesus turned away from this mechanism, and did not seek the life of a single human soul to save his own. He did not rally his supporters, or line them up as canon fodder to defend himself. He did not claim the safety of a single other person to keep his life. I think this is the real lesson of Good Friday – not the pseudo magical transaction between a pagan ‘devil’ and a cruel God to ransom the ‘sins’ of a people God had made, warts and all. Easter shows the cost of valuing others as you value yourself, of seeing the world as the creator God sees the world – grace is not cheap, it is deeply costly. God sees us as all created equal, but more than that, God sees all REMAINING equal. The vagrant huddled in his sorrow, or the bag lady shouting at empty space are treasured as glories just as much as The President or her majesty the Queen. My equality carries with it the insistence of the equality of all others – we are not to be judged according to how successfully we navigate our system of dollars and cents, debt slavery or status. Easter points the way to the prob-

West

Hop To It @ 9th Marigny Bunny Hop

just wanted to remind everyone that the 9th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, will be held on Saturday, April 23. And I will be the fabulous Bunny Marshal (BM) IX which means this will be a crazy year filled with new places, exciting new categories and some special surprises along the way. As Bunny Marshal, I lead this rollicking group of merrymakers in home-made bonnets and hats through the streets of the Marigny as we stop at eight different gay businesses. At each stop, bonnets will be judged in various categories by the bartenders and staff, and trophies will be presented.

Bunny Marshal IX Tony Leggio lem in the behavior of the Pharisees and the cowardly masses that praised Jesus one day, then hid in fear the next. It also points the way to the solution, to life, to dignity, to something NEW. It points the way to a retreat from possessiveness, ownership, jealousy, hatred, and the belief that MY life is worth more than anyone else’s, which justifies the exploitation and death of others for my comfort and security, in MY name. In Easter Sunday we have a choice. Do we challenge and remake our system with it’s grotesque iniquity and its devaluation of vast masses of humanity? Or do we stand up for a vision glorious and new? Such a vision was Jesus’s vision, and can be ours this Easter season. Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is an ordained Anglican priest and a minister in Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). In New Orleans, The Big Easy MCC meets every Sunday at 5pm at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue as a loving and affirming Christian community. To contact Rev. Clinton email to revcrawshaw@yahoo.com. To contact The Big Easy MCC call 504.214.4340 or go to their website at www.bigeasymcc.com.

The event will begin at 2pm at Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St. Claude Avenue. So get creative with your hats, outfits or just come on out and join the fun. So no matter if your chapeau is butch, glamorous or just plain silly, you will have an incredible time and meet some of the most raucously fun people in the city.

“Winning” at Gambit Big Easy Awards

harlie Sheen is not the only won “winning” these days. On Monday, March 28, Gambit New Orleans presented the 2011 Big Easy Awards at Harrah’s Casino. Actor Bryan Batt served as emcee for this fabulous evening celebrating all the talented actors and actresses in our city. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon even came out as a winner as we were bestowed the Business Recognition Award in theatre for all the theatrical performances we have bought out over the years. The award was accepted in honor of Mickey Gil, our captain, who we lost last year. Thanks to him and his love of the stage, we have worked with groups such as Theatre 13 and Running With Scissors regularly and have hosted opening night shows at Le Petit, Le Chat Noir, NOCCA, and Southern Rep. Both, his partner, George Patterson and I, were on hand to receive this incredible honor. And this may seem silly, but what an amazing rush it was to go on stage and receive this trophy. It was just like being at the Tonys. And another winner of the night was Satyricon’s own Queen IX Brian Peterson for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy. Our emcee for this year’s ball, Ricky Graham, also won Best Director of a Comedy. This was a wonderful night of entertainment, food, drink and good people. All the proceeds of the event benefit the Foundation for Entertainment Development and Education. My thanks go out to Gambit for not only recognizing the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, but being a supporter of our entire gay community.

Don’t Feel Rejected

he Krewe of Amon Ra is holding one of its more fabulous events this month. The “Playboy Bunny Reject” Pageant will happen on Sunday, July 17 from 2 – 5pm at JohnPaul’s. Tickets are only $10 and the winner receives some cool prizes like a carriage in the Gay Easter Parade and a crown. And this year a new male bunny category has been added to the night. You definitely want to come and check out this event especially since I hear from a good source that Antoinette Ella Chardonnay may be entering. For more information, call Leonard at 504.482.1467. John Paul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

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under the gaydar ...from 14

Putting the Good Back into Good Friday

aster is almost here and that means the Gay Easter Parade is just around the corner. The previous events have been widely successful thanks in part to the board of directors, the grand marshals and more importantly the gay community. On Saturday, March 26, a group of us boarded a bus bound for Slidell to attend the 3rd Annual Pink Party/ Eggstravaganza. The event itself was a blast, but the bus ride to and from the

location turned out to be far more entertaining than expected. Fill up a bus with drag queens, add vodka and mix well and you are in for one highly amusing ride. The evening was hosted by GEP board member Opal Masters, who along with Big Mama kept the show running at a good pace. From the live auctions to the delectable buffet, the evening was just lovely raising $1,422. Next up we had the 10th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza at JohnPaul’s on Saturday, April 2. What a fun time the crowd had as Board Members Opal Masters and I were masters of ceremonies for the show. Performances included current royalty

obituaries a hand in any situation and do it with love and sincerity. He had a great sense of humor and was usually the life of the party. Well, the party goes on today in your honor. We love you, and will miss you always. There will be a Celebration of Life Party on Sunday, April 17th, 2-4pm, in The Balcony Bar above Lafitte's.

Jerry Billiot

n March 28th, 2011, a staple and friend to this community, Jerry Billiot passed away at the very young age of 56. He leaves behind family and a community who loved him, and is devastated by the untimely passing of this fun loving man. Jerry is originally from Raceland, but made New Orleans his home for many years. He began his work in the French Quarter as a waiter for Muriel’s Restaurant, where he stayed for many years. It was after his stint with Muriel’s when he became the manager of Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Jerry had many shining moments while managing Lafitte’s, but no instance shined more than his direction during Lafitte’s Oktoberfest Celebration. He was most proud of his charity work for such organizations as Belle Reve and Children’s Hospital; where he actually took money from his own pocket to buy toys for the children. But he would really shine when singing his favorite song, Before The Next Teardrop Falls by Freddie Fender, while co-hosting Lafitte’s Karaoke Night. Always a good soul, and a lover of his treasured Harley Davidson motorcycle, Jerry would give you his last dollar if you asked for it. He would lend

Alan Keith Kelley

lan Keith Kelley, age 57, of New Orleans, passed away on February 14, 2011 at Canon Hospice, Kenner, LA surrounded by dear friends. Born October 7, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama, Alan earned a BS in Nursing from the University of Alabama. He served as Director of Nursing at Canon Hospice and received a Louisiana Top 100 Nurses honor in 2006. Before relocating to New Orleans, Alan lived for several years in Atlanta, Georgia with his partner Mike, who preceded him in death. An avid supporter of gay & lesbian community fundraising efforts, Alan was a member of The Lords of Leather and was crowned Lord King XXVII in 2010. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Bilgere of Roseburg, Oregon. A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at a future date.

for the krewes as well as the current grand marshals and former King Cake Queens. I have to say each of these performers were on point and delivered a great show. I need to give a shout out to my Queen Satyricon IX, Sadie Sheperd. Your Diana Ross brought the house down. The true highlight of the evening came from the “Let’s Put Gary in Drag” live auction, where people bid on different parts of a drag ensemble to place on Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Vandeventer. The panty house and lipstick were the best. Who knew Gary looked so pretty as a woman. Gary, along with his coGrand Marshal, Elizabeth Bouvier, has just been amazing during this entire season. Gary especially being the Captain of Lords of Leather was a great sport that night. I mean he donned a wig and Tami Tarmac’s heels all for Food for Friends, the division of the NO/AIDS Task Force that receives all the proceeds from the parade fundraisers. This event brought in $3,860. But the good times are not over. We have two more Easter fundraisers left to go. The 12th Annual Purple Party will be held at the Double Play on Saturday, April 16 from 8 – 10pm. And get ready for the final Easter event before the parade. The 2nd Annual Bunnies in the Big Easy, hosted by GEP Board members Tom “Rona” Connors and myself, will take place on Good Friday, April 22 from 7 -10pm at Masquerade in Harrah’s Casino. Tickets are $30 and include food and a limited open bar of beer, wine, champagne and vodka cocktails. We will also have scorching hot DJ Tony Wilson spinning great dance music, an egg raffle with fun prizes, a special live performance from Broadway star Jarrett Mallon, and the super sexy 2011 Bunny Boys. We are also doing live auctions as well as a special one that is sure to have tongues wagging. Because we try to make this event so distinctive, tickets are limited. We are only selling 110 tickets, so make sure you order yours before they are gone. To order tickets, call 504.522.8049. And after the event, stay for the Men of Masquerade as Harrah’s premiers its first LGBT night. And last but not least, come out for the Gay Easter Parade starting at 4:30pm on Easter Sunday, April 24. Give a shout out to me, I will be on a very large trolley of zany (read the subtext of drunk) people.

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

or the next few columns I wanted to delve into the funny quirks that go with dating in the gay world. Since I am now back on the market, brushing up on the things that I need to know seemed like a good idea. Relationships are hard enough, but if you are gay, they seem

to be especially challenging. You think the iron man triathalon is tough, try finding a monogamous gay man in this city then come talk to me. Let’s look at the ups and downs of queer courting. The first big bad no-no is never steal someone else’s boyfriend or girlfriend. Besides the entire bad karma aspect of it, you have something more sinister to deal with. A woman scorned is one thing, but a homosexual man will cut you and I do not even want to tell you what a lesbian will do to you if you start sniffing after her partner. I know you are lonely and then suddenly you think you’ve found the man or woman of your dreams. But alas as fate would have it they are with someone else. A minor little nuisance, you know they would be better off with you, so you decide to remedy the situation and take them for your own. After all you are entitled. Okay, why don’t we break down the flaw in this line of reasoning. I can easily talk about this because I used to be this type of person. Although, I never really wanted a boyfriend and all the implications that go with it, I believed it would be kosher if I just borrow someone else’s significant other for a short time. I could not see why people got their feathers ruffled; it is not like I did not give them back at the end of the night. Really no harm no foul. Well it seemed that some people did not share my cavalier approach to this. Well, after one or two bad choices in that realm (alright it was more like eight or nine), the error of my ways suddenly became blatantly visible. I stopped getting invited to parties especially those where couples were involved. I guess that hosts did not want one of their guests absconding with another friend’s boyfriend before dessert. I can see where that would be awkward, and up until now, I do not think Heloise has any helpful hints on what to do if one of your dinner guests pilfers another guest’s husband. So onto the virtuous train I started to travel. I mean my moral compass still does not point exactly due North, but at least it is not in the red danger zone. No more men who are involved in another relationship, only single guys. So lesson one, if he is not yours, keep your hands off him. The gay karma police will retaliate in a big bad way. And trust me from someone who knows just how vicious a pissed off “Fairy” Godmother can be. You will go from being Cinderella at the ball with Prince Charming to an Ugly Stepsister with no man in just a snap of the fingers. If you would like your event mentioned in my article, or have something of interest, please email me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

1 2 t h Ga y Ea s t e r P arade Pa Su n ., A p r i l 2 4 , 4 :3 0 p m Ga y Ea s t e r P a r a d e .COM Pa

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Gold Sponsors Rhonda & David Roget EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier on stage Gold Sponsor Rhonda Roget Eggstravaganza Director, GEP Board & EGM VIII Opal Masters with Easter Grand Marshals XII Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer EGM II Larry Bagneris & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse Gold Sponsors & partners Tim Lott & EGM XII Gary Vandeventer EGM XII Gary Vandeventer sings live

Silver Sponsor Billy’s own Big Mama

Bronze Sponsor Michael & OMG EGM XII Elizabeth

Hot men join the action

Bronze Sponsor Gizelle Bouvier

snap Gold Sponsor Deja Deja-Vue’

paparazzi

Georgeanna Belle Eggstravaganza Director Opal Masters

Joining in the celebration

EGM V Princesse Stephaney

Gold Sponsors Tim, Pat & Ben with Platinum Sponsor JohnPaul’s John

Bronze Sponsor Jay Cooper

EGM XII Elizabeth & EGM IV Princesse on board the shuttle

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Gay Easter Parade’s 3rd Pink Party/Eggstravaganza raises $1,422 for Food For Friends @ Billy’s ~ Slidell, Louisiana

Billy’s bar barons Bill & Chuck (EGM XI) join EGM IV Electra City

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KCQ XVII & EGM VII Opal Masters KCQ X & EGM III Teryl-Lynn Foxx

snap paparazzi

Emcee’s GEP Board’s EGM VII Opal Masters & EGM XI Tony Leggio

Queen Amon-Ra XLVI & KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac

Gene’s Poboys’ Gene Theriot wins top bid in Purse & Easter Arrangements auctions

KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy

Silver Sponsor David with GEP Board’s Gary & Tip

Queen Satyricon IX Sadie Sheperd as Dianna Ross Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille Easter Grand Marshal XII Elizabeth Bouvier Queen Satyricon IX Sadie, Princesse & Todd

EGM IX Safonda Peters buys earrings for “Put EGM XII Gary in Drag” auction

King Cake Queen XV & EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain

Miss Louisiana Leatherette Bubbles Champagne & KCQ XIII Raven Kennedy

KCQ XIV & EGM V Princesse Stephaney

KCQ IX & EGM VI Lisa Beaumann as Liza Minelli

Bubbles Champagne & Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson

Tony puts on shoes for Bootsie in “Put Gary in Drag” auction

Amon-Ra Capt. John Zeringue & Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille

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Gay Easter Parade’s 10th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza raises $3,860 for Food For Friends @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans

Drag Extravaganza Hosts & EGMs I Marsha & Rip Naquin-Delain

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out & about in mobile by Bob Brunson Email: bobbrunson@mchsi.com

many other titles across the nation. This will be one hell of a show. Can’t wait to see you all at B-Bob’s and on the beach in Pensacola. It’s going to be a great summer on the Gulf Coast! Big Hugs, Bob

Pensacola Beach Bash May 27 & 28

ircuit events take back Pensacola Beach Memorial Day Weekend 2011. New Orleans own Mary Pappas and BBob’s of Mobile18 year owner, Jerry Ehlen have teamed up to create two amazing parties on Friday and Saturday night, May 27th and 28th of 2011. They are pulling out all the stops and featuring some of the countries best circuit DJ’s including Kimberly S. and The Perry Twins... and two of the music industries hottest International Recording Artists, Abigail and Kristine W. Located at the main entrance of the Pensacola Beach boardwalk at the “ALL NEW” multi level waterfront venue, Castaways. You will walk through an entrance of newly designed torch lit totem poles onto a sandy beach walkway lined with beautiful palms to experience magnificent lights and pulsating sounds, with tiki bars in full swing and a beachfront dance floor putting you right in front of an incredible stage filled with top notch world renowned entertainment. On Friday and Saturday night the party will get started at 7pm to the sounds of B-Bob’s house DJ, DJ Chromatic spinning from 7pm till 10pm. At 8pm you will enjoy a high n’rgy drag performance put together by none other than the fabulous Asian Goddess herself, Regine Phillips with hot male dancers and special guests, emceed by the incomparable AJ McKay.

Mary Pappas and Jerry Ehlen at private beach entrance on Pensacola Beach Boardwalk by Castaways

DJ Phenomenon Kimberly S will be spinning @ Pensacola Beach Bash 2011 On Friday night from 10pm till 2am you will experience the House Beats of Los Angeles Billboard Reporting DJ’s, The Perry Twins, with a special midnight performance from International Recording Artist, Abigail, a devastating Diva with a difference, giving you incredible vocals from some of her chart topping high N’rgy dance hits such as “Let The Joy Rise”, “You Set Me Free”, and also her new single with The Perry Twins, “We’ll Never Know”. On Saturday night from 10pm till 2am you will dance to the sensational sounds of DJ phenomenon Kimberly S. Kimberly specializes in soulful house, pulsing tribal beats, trance and vocal club anthems. Kimberly performs at some of the nation’s largest parties including New Orleans Mardi Gras, One Mighty Party in Orlando, Miami’s Winter Party and Chicago’s Fireball. Kimberly Currently holds one of the much sought after positions of Club/Dance reporter for Billboard Magazine. At midnight on Saturday, holding the worlds record for the most consecutive #1 billboard club hits (9 consecutive and 15 #1’s) International Recording Artist Kristine W will rock your world. In December, 2009, Billboard published both their Year End and Decade End charts announcing Kristine in the third place position on the Decade’s Best of 2000s Dance Club Play Artists list, trailing only Madonna and Beyonce. This is a show that you will not want to miss! All artist and DJ’s in association with Bob Brunson Presents. For more info and online ticket sales go to http:// pensacolabeachbash.com. One more thing... Coming to BBob’s on Thursday, April 14 and Saturday, April 16 it the incredibly talented drag diva, Dana Douglas. Dana is a former Miss Gay Florida and holds

International Recording Artist Abigail will be performing @ Pensacola Beach Bash 2011 International Recording Artist Kristine W. will be performing @ Pensacola Beach Bash 2011

Billboard Reporting DJ’s The Perry Twins will be spinning @ Pensacola Beach Bash 2011 Former Miss Gay Florida Dana Douglas

B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen & AJ McKay

Billboard Reporting DJ DeWight Barkley @ B-Bob’s Lady GaGa Party

(Right) Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s J-Lo promo party

Next Edition

Mobile Pride Advert ise in Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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The Three Jager Stooges of BBob’s: Jawakatema Davenport, Bartender Leon & Regine Phillips

The girls come out for a great drag show @ B-Bob’s

DJ Chromatic & Corey hanging @ B-Bob’s

Judson, Rob & Company along with Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s

Fav Sightings ~ Mobile, Alabama

Weston & Jason just back from New York with Christian & Kimberly

Brenda & Wendy, door ladies of B-Bob’s

Jack & DJ Leroy @ B-Bob’s

mobile

papar azzi

William & Kyle @ B-Bob’s Thursday College Night

Ryan & Al partying @ B-Bob’s

Jayme with the Ebony Goddess Venus Shantae Da’Viss

Timothy & Jordan

Rick, Virginia & Amanda partying down @ B-Bob’s

Maury & Travis @ B-Bob’s Cocktail Party

B-Bob’s new fav bartender Wiley serves up the best cocktails!

Rob & Cary with Sean & Company

Tyger with Gabriel’s owner Carl Lady GAGA Taylor Heart performing @ B-Bob’s along with show cast

Beautiful & talented Mercedes Alexander from Knoxville performing @ B-Bob’s

B-Bob’s Bartenders Jerry & Joey

Former Miss Mobile Gay Pride Chloe Van Trapp from Montgomery performing @ B-Bob’s

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CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

500 TOULOUSE

600

RAMPART

ST. LOUIS

BURGUNDY

400

DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800 19 FR

M A R IG N Y

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

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

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave., 246.8317 GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807

body rubs New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is911]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 KB Adult Video,your one stop shop for all your XXX needs, 900 Chef Mentuer Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70127; 504.241.1876 [is811] 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

RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 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 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

casinos New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

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

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

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 Quar-

circuit/events 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 Feb. 17-21, 2011, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000

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ter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily 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

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol

Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w. G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax:

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC.,

PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, 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: NOLA SOFTBALL LEAGUE, nolasoftball.com 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

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

theatres

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

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

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 Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 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, 719 Toulouse St. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 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

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acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583

o if you’re stuck hibernating in the confines of your humble abode then what is wrong with you? It’s time to come out and enjoy the many events of the spring season. Odds are that you’ve already missed out on so much. If so, that’s okay. There’s still much more to come. You’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl!

Recapping a Night Cap

he past two weeks have been very eventful and if you’ve missed any part of it then here’s your update. Tonic’s Tuesday Night Talent Show has recently changed hands. The weekly talent show, originally founded by Kira Foxx, has now been taken over by Brodie Meche. Don’t queen-out too much because this does not mean that Kira will be leaving the scene. Tonic’s newest bartender is the ever-popular Miss Kira Foxx. With the passing of the torch to Brodie Meche aka Miss Mess, the Tuesday Night Talent Show continues to get

better each and every week. Recently monthly finals occurred. Many talented contestants graced the stage but in the end there could only be one winner. Congratulations to Miss Venus Monroe for taking on the title. If you have yet to experience Tonic’s Tuesday Night Talent Show then I very strongly recommend you come check out what all the excitement is about. Jules recently walked the line on the kinky side. On Saturday, March 26th, Jules encouraged patrons to take a walk on the dark side with their Black Party. Leather, lace, black lights, and DJ Wugga all helped to set the tone for a very original evening. On Saturday, April 2nd, Hunter Mannies boldly and very bravely opened his house to many select persons. The party, Polos & Pearls, was both a housewarming party and a party to usher in the spring season. The estimated 75 attendees styled themselves in polo colors from purple, pink, light blues, and whites. The open bar allowed for any lush to never have to worry about wetting his or her whistle. Thanks to

Hunter for his amazing hospitality.

Chez Gisele

’ve discussed this time and time again. If you didn’t experience it then you definitely missed out. Chez Gisele recently wrapped up its 2011 season and as always, was not a disappointment. The cast members included Stephanie Broussard as Gisele Carriiton and Jack Robertson as Clarence Dupuis. Tonic’s Tuesday Night Talent Show participant, Beyoncea, also made her debut in this year’s production. Other cast members included Blaine Peltier, Gavan Willis, Katrina Auzenne, John Bess, Michel Moity, and playwright Dennis Ward. This drag comedy takes audiences back to the height of the Civil Rights Movement right here in Lafayette. More importantly, it tells the true story about the struggles of the Lafayette LGBT community. Love, devotion, comedy, heartbreak, and even murder mixed in with a few lovable drag numbers helped set the stage. Audience members, as always, were completely diverse with members stretching from gay to straight and of all races. The lucid message of the play helped to spotlight that though many things have changed in the LGBT community, we still have much more to accomplish. More importantly, the loving embrace of such a community is able to come together as one and help to fight for that goal of acceptance in a modern day society.

Community Events

baton rouge First Annual Red Hat Run Event to Benefit HAART

he HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two is hosting its First Annual Red Hat Run Sunday, May 15th in Lafayette Park at the Shaw Center. A benefit to support HIV/AIDS awareness, it will be held at noon in conjunction with The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s Sunday in the Park. The event will consist of a 1K Fun Run and 5K Race, in addition to Sunday in the Park headliner, Lil’ Malcolm and the House Rockers. Runners and spectators are encouraged to wear their favorite red hat, or decorate their own. Prizes will be given to the most creative. There will also be a Parade of Hats, Spring Fashion Show presented by The Loft 3h and The Time Warp, and an after party with food and drinks. For more information visit: http://www.haartinc.org. HAART is a nonprofit agency serving individuals in the Baton Rouge area affected by HIV/AIDS. In recent years, Baton Rouge has been among the top three cities per capita in the nation in terms of new HIV/AIDS cases. HAART

n Sunday, April 17 th , Acadiana CARES will hold a Tobacco-free living LGBT Bingo Game from 6pm to 9pm. The event will offer door prizes and fun and entertainment for all members and allies of the LGBT community. This free event will be held at Acadiana CARES Community Center, 809 Martin Luther King Drive right here in Lafayette. For more information, contact 337.233.2437. For more information about Acadiana CARES, its mission, its services, and HIV/AIDS testing times you can also visit www.acadianacares.org.

Bar Spill

s always, Jules Downtown invites guests to its weekly karaoke night with host Black Duhon. Friday nights alternate with Drag host Valerie Sugarbaker followed by Saturday night where you can dance, dance, dance, and dance even offers assistance to individuals through testing, treatment and housing and, ultimately, to promote self-sufficiency and re-integration. HAART also works to further educate the community about HIV/AIDS and to stem the spread of the epidemic.

Stephanie Broussard as Gisele Carriiton

more! Daily drink specials are called out and as always don’t forget the surprise of free shots on the bar. Besides the ever popular Tuesday Talent Show, Tonic also features many drink specials. Monday night is Customer Appreciation Night with bartender Mario serving up $1 wells, $2 domestics, and $3 premiums. On the exact same night Brodie Lee Meche hosts his weekly beer pong tournament. Anyone 21 and over with a $5 entry fee is eligible to participate and win money. For constant updates on all venues, don’t forget to follow the following groups on Facebook: Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, Tonic, Jules, and Acadiana CARES. Don’t forget that Ambush Magazine can always be reached via www.ambushmag.com.

Festival Time

he return of Lafayette’s famous Festival International will return on Wednesday, April 27th and last through Sunday, May 1st. This is the event of all events that each year attracts hundreds upon thousands of people. This free event showcases music, food, culture, crafts, and people from all around the world. Start making plans now. For more information you can visit www.lafayettetravel.com and www.festivalinternational.com.

Closing Out

pril is here and believe it or not before you know it the month of May will already be here as well and that means summer is already in the works. Guess the time to start booking tanning beds has arrived. Shorts will soon get shorter and dress shoes will be replaced by flip-flops. This puts me in the mood for a nice cool margarita. Though I could never abandon my vodka drinks, they know where my real love stands. Here’s to a very eventful, safe, and memorable spring season. As always, keep the party going Acadiana.

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The OWI Group: Ryan, Nick & Amy The wonderful cast of Chez Gisele

Ryan & Joey using the evening to make a statement

Steven Rogers is Black Swan

Ryan Powell & DJ Wuga @ Jules Black Party

Messy @ Tonic

Spencer & Philip looking fabulous @ Jules Eddie, Kasi & Hunter @ Jules

Troy poses for Jules Black Party

Miss Steven Reed serving up drinks @ Tonic Another gaggle of gays @ Hunter’s Polos & Pearls Party

Bisquita Stevens making her money @ Tonic Jason & Colin @ Jules

David & Marcus celebrating @ Tonic

Thomas vogues it out @ Jules

Lake Charles very own Tonya Alexander performing @ Tonic

Divas enjoying their time @ Hunter Mannies’ Party

Jason Crooks & Michael Kennedy @ Polos & Pearls Party

Margo surrounding herself by a gaggle @ Polos & Pearls Party

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Parties, Parties & More Parties ~ Lafayette, Louisiana

Brian Stoddard enjoying a cocktail @ Polos & Pearls Party

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Parallel Lives at The Shadowbox Theatre through April 16

o Gaffney and Kathy Najimy’s Parallel Lives, a series of vignettes that offers occasional wry amusement, takes a while to get going, but the wait is worth it as its final two slice-of-life scenes achieve a Chekhovian bittersweet humor that melts the heart and sends an audience contentedly out onto St. Claude Avenue. The first is set in a gay bar 20+ years ago. A bartender (Kevin Smith) banters back and forth with a wannabe Liza (C. Patrick Gendusa). She sings New York, New York. They talk some more. Simple as this sounds, it creates a snapshot of life in the late 1980s, capturing with understated grace both a gay man’s paranoia-filled life at a time when an HIV+ diagnosis was still a death sentence, and the timeless impulse some people have to be in the spotlight, any spotlight, even if for only a few minutes. This is followed by a scene in a country-and-western bar. It’s late. A bighaired blonde (Gendusa) of a certain age and her would be boyfriend of about the same age (Smith) play a game of flirting they’ve played many times before. They’ve had a few rounds. Suddenly she gets serious and the usual rules don’t apply any more sending them both off-balance. She lets him off the hook and he goes back to telling her, with the shallow conviction of a poseur, “You look very, very pretty tonight” but for a few moments their defensive armor evaporated to stunning effect. On the way to these two wonderful moments we encounter Gina and Annette, teenage pals on Long Island watching West Side Story on TV who deem it a “rip off of Romeo and Juliet”; two long ago angels deciding what colors people’s skin tones should be; and a riff on how guys would talk if they had to use tampons. These and the other earlier segments amuse (I especially liked the description of a BLT where the “B” was held as a “dinner salad on bread.”) but lack both a necessary fizziness and depth to really pull one in the way the last two do. Could it be that the material has aged? Perhaps. But having debuted offBroadway in February 1989, one is less surprised that some of the humor has become dated than that overall most of it has held up fairly well. I suspect, however, that I may not have been blown away by it back then (though I do recall enjoying its predecessor, The Kathy & Mo Show). Nevertheless, it should be noted that the women in the opening night audience at the Shadowbox Theater found virtually all of Parallel Lives funny and laughed steadily. Could it be then that whether guys or gals perform this material (Gaffney & Najimy originally appeared in Lives), there’s such a thing as women’s humor that appeals more to ladies than men? Who knows? (I’d be interested to see this done with a pairing of such local actresses as Lara Grice & Mandy Zirkenbach.) Notwithstanding all that, Smith & Gendusa convincingly transform themselves from one character and one sex to another. If Smith comes off slightly better, it’s because he embodies his characters from drunken good ol’ boy to trashy hooker to Catholic school girl even more naturally than Gendusa does. They work extremely well off each other, however, and both are excellent in the final two scenes which give them the most well-rounded characters to work with. Glenn Meche’s smooth direction fills the stage with easily recognizable people as he approaches this playful material with the same conviction he brought to The Glass Menagerie and Frozen.

Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD and HD Encores at AMC Elmwood Palace 20 through June 1

ulture continues to come to Harahan in the guise of the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD broadcasts and subsequent HD Encores. Now in its fourth season, one could easily take for granted the visual clarity, the fine acoustics and the you-are-there camera work. One could, but one shouldn’t. How lucky we are to have this in our midst. The series recently presented Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride yet another chapter in the House of Atreus, possibly the most dysfunctional family of all time. Though this was overall another triumph, for the first time that I can recall in one of these broadcasts, there were a few too many confusing visuals and camera angles. With its vast set design, viewers lost something from not having the whole stage picture and certain moments were deprived of overall meaning in

Kevin Smith and C. Patrick Gendusa in Parallel Lives their isolation. For example, in the final scene, with all the close-ups, it was difficult to tell who exactly was killing whom. But I can readily overlook all that when Gluck’s beautiful music remains compelling and emotionally thrilling 232 years after its premiere (what have you heard lately that will still be around in 2243?!). Susan Graham, often a hostess for these broadcasts, despite a cold was in beautiful voice as the title character and displayed a keen acting ability. The same could be said for co-star Placido Domingo as Oreste, who was also under the weather. Though Domingo is now 70 he remains in peak form, but the visible difference in his and Graham’s ages did make the brother-and-sister nature of Iphigénie and Oreste’s relationship somewhat visually confusing. As always, backstage intermission segments, led by hostess Natalie Dessay, had an incredible immediacy. We got to see the black hanky that was hidden in Graham’s gown that the costume department had made for her in case she had to cough or sneeze as well as the make-up department applying bloody scars and wounds to Paul Groves (Pylade) who seemed quite satisfied with the amount of oozing blood. Speaking of Pylade, from the libretto and the music, it’s pretty clear that he and Oreste have a romantic relationship or, as the New York Times’ Anthony Tommasini noted, “among great operas of the past, this one has as close as there is to a gay love story at its core” and other productions of Iphigénie en Tauride have stressed this. Stephen Wadsworth’s otherwise fine production would have none of this making their relationship a mere bromance. Okay, fine. I probably wouldn’t have wanted to see Domingo and Groves getting it on anyway. And their gorgeous singing was fine compensation. But still... If the next time the Met offers Iphigénie en Tauride and different singers are engaged for these roles, perhaps Wadsworth should re-

think this part of his staging. Till then, we can look forward to Rossini’s Le Comte Ory with that cute (and awesomely talented!) Juan Diego Flórez (Encore on April 27) and Capriccio with Renée Fleming (April 23/ May 11), both of which have received rave reviews, as well as Il Trovatore (April 30/May 18) and the new production of Die Walküre with Bryn Terfel and Deborah Voight (May 14/June 1).

NOBA presents Parsons Dance with East Village Opera Company

he phenomenal Parsons Dance returns to New Orleans with a program featuring the critically-acclaimed dance/ rock opera Remember Me, a collaboration with the Grammy-nominated East Village Opera Company (EVOC), on April 16 at 8pm at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Choreographed by the always innovative David Parsons, Remember Me is a high-energy mix of contemporary American dance, opera and rock music. Parsons teams up with EVOC lead vocalists Tyley Ross and AnnMarie Milazzo to transform a tragic tale of star-crossed love into a “wholly new and visually arresting” evening of highvoltage dance that is “one of the most ambitious pieces created by Parsons.” (Broadwayworld.com) Theatermania raves “it is highly theatrical, often compelling, and sometimes breathtaking.” The story follows the age-old tale of two brothers, Marcus and Luca, who are in love with the same woman, Maria. When Maria only returns the love of Luca, the rivalry between the brothers grows, jealousy overcomes Marcus, and tragedy strikes. The drastically modernized arrangements of familiar operatic classics like “Habanera” from Carmen and the “Flower Duet” from Lakme thread this story together, and by combining the intense athleticism of ten remarkable dancers with exhilarating live vocal performances and the

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Former King & Queen Satyricon Paul & Stephen @ Satyricon Rush Party

King Armeinius XLIII Tim, John, Andre & Freddie join the Armeinius Rush Party @ JohnPaul’s Armeinius Ball Lt. Fred & Captain Bruce @ Armeinius Rush Party

You just have to love Oz bartender Blake @ Satyricon Rush Party

Armeinius, Satyricon, Mwindo ~ New Orleans

David, Michael, Kevin & Robert @ Satyricon Rush Party

Michael & Curtis @ Armeinius Rush Party

Craig, King Petronius L Jimmy, new Armeinius member Brett & Randy @ Armeinius Rush Party

King & Queen Mwindo XIII join the Mwindo Royal Tea @ JohnPaul’s

Am rn u eis, Freddie & Kevin @ Armeinius Rush Party

Celebrating @ Mwindo Royal Tea

Brick, Richard & Ben join the Satyricon Rush Party @ Oz John’s best feature @ Satyricon Rush Party on the balcony @ Oz

David & Daryl with their baby @ Satyricon Rush Party Captain Bruce Orgeron & King Armeinius XLIII Tim Goodwin

Ben & President Ted @ Satyricon Rush Party

Armeinius Secretary Rick & President Nick @ Armeinius Rush Party

Michael, Jerry & Ryan @ Satyricon Rush Party

Performing @ JohnPaul’s for Mwindo Royal Tea

Lui & Chris @ Satyricon Rush Party

King Mwindo XIII Reuben, EGM XII Jeff & bartender Kristy @ Mwindo Royal Tea

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700 Club’s Mike Cookmeyer

Society Page’s Trux & Vaughn Manager Lance welcomes NOLA Pride to Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Lafitte’s manager John & bartender Aletha

Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Dusty DeBris & Coca Milan @ Oz’s Lady GaGa Pre-Party

Strip-Off during NOLA Pride fundraiser brings in $$$ @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Persana Shoulders MCs Oz’s Lady GaGa Pre-Party

Ambush’s Tony & Mr. Gay Pride Travis Bergeron @ NOLA Pride fundraiser Harrah’s staffers Nick & Richard flank Becky Allen during Gambit Big Easy Awards @ Harrah’s

700 Club & LPK’s Geaux Cup Softball Team @ JohnPaul’s Bartender Sidney on Wednesday’s BYOM Night @ Rawhide

Marty, Pat & Koo @ The Friendly Bar

Theres & Jeff @ JohnPaul’s

Avita’s Softball Team @ JohnPaul’s

Rikki Redd hosts NOLA Pride fundraiser @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Hot Chris behind the bar in the Ruby Slipper @ Oz

DJ Tim Pflueger & GM Tommy Elias @ Oz’s Lady GaGa Pre-Party

Starr LaRouge in Passion Hour NOLA Pride fundraiser @ Club LAX in Metairie

Miss Gay Louisiana America Zhane Kennedy joins Passion Hour NOLA Pride fundraiser

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Big Easy Adventures ~ New Orleans, Metairie

David behind the bar @ The Corner Pocket

trodding the boards ...from 38 unexpected marriage of rock music and classical opera, Remember Me melds a classic dance performance with the feel of a rock concert. In addition to the hip soundtrack of classic arias, the production also showcases costumes by Project Runway designer Austin Scarlett, dramatic video projections by Jason Thompson, and brilliant lighting effects by Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley. The Dallas Examiner claims “the expressive choreography is enhanced by large screen projected images of the dancers,” and another review claims “the lighting scheme of Howell Binkley contributes greatly to the mood. An illusion that makes the dancers seem to be appearing out of nowhere is especially well done.” Also on the evening’s program is David Parsons’ unforgettable signature work, Caught (1982). This stroboscopic movement features a single dancer defying gravity and flying above the stage who performs more than 100 leaps in less than six minutes. “It was simply one of the coolest things I have seen a real person do in real life, and the effect was beautiful.” (Broadwayworld.com) Caught has been performed hundreds of times, worldwide, for more than 28 years and was described by one critic as “one of the great pieces of recent times.” The troupe will include company member and New Orleans native Abby Silva Gavezzoli, who will dance the lead role of Maria in Remember Me. Gavezzoli, who graduated from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in 1998, joined the company in 2002. “I’m excited about heading home to New Orleans and performing Remember Me, especially since I was so involved in the creative process of this phenomenal dance work,” said Gavezolli. “It’s a great feeling to go to my home town and share it with my community.” Remember Me marks the company’s third appear-

ance in New Orleans since 1999. In 2006, Parsons Dance opened NOBA’s Main Stage season and donated all of their services as the first company to be presented after Hurricane Katrina. “In 2006, David Parsons did not hesitate when we asked him to help us bring our Main Stage Series back to the city, and with extraordinary compassion and dedication, donated all the company’s services to make it happen. He traveled to the hardest hit areas to provide inspiration to students in NOBA’s free after-school ballet program in St. Bernard Parish. And from the stage, he welcomed a very emotional and appreciative New

Orleans audience back to dance.” Tickets for the performance range from $20 to $80. Students and seniors (65 and older) receive a $6 discount off the regular ticket prices. Group discounts also are available. For tickets or information, call the New Orleans Ballet Association Box Office at 504.522.0996. Tickets may be purchased online through www.nobadance.com, or via Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

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An Array of Gelati & Sorbetti including Watermelon, Pistachio, coconut, strawberry, sugar free chocolate, and stracciatella along with gluten free, sugar free, and dairy free @ Little Vic's Gelateria, reopening soon 719 Toulouse St.

chop chop

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.

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

New Orleans Restaurant Guide

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

Custom Breakfast @ Krystal, Bourbon St. @ Canal St.

12 oz. Blackened Ribeye @ Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.

700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving lunch and dinner. Now under the direction of Executive Chef David Duvall, the restaurant is open 11am-10pm Mon.Tues., Thurs.-Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. with brunch 9am-3pm, closed Wed. MasterCard/ Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965, CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.Sat. with lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6-9pm, Sun. brunch 11-3. Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY, is a new upscale dessert & specialty food store, open 7 days & weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. 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, 719 Toulouse St., will serve over 40 inventive flavors of gelato, including stracciatella, amaretto, bacio de gama, and limoncello, as well as fresh-made panino, pastries, and Lavazza espresso. Re-opening soon. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. 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. 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 7am10pm daily.

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

Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.

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

Red Velvet Cupcakes @ Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St.

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44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 12-25, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM