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inside

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

french quarter fest celebrazzi trodding the boards gay mardi gras bead toss pics satyricon/bourbon st. awards 13th gay easter parade 11th drag extravaganza pensacola paparazzi

Join 2nd Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Party March 3rd @ Cutter's

he 13th Gay Easter Parade presents the 2nd annual Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Party Saturday, March 3rd, 4-6pm, at Cutter's, 706 Franklin. Easter Grand Marshals XIII Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget will be on hand to welcome all sponsors for the fun filled event, as well as Cutter's own Mac McAll. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, and over the past ten years, donations to charity have exceeded $111,187. All registered sponsors will receive free well cocktails and domestic beer during the party. Additionally Chef Jimmy Kilgour will provide one of his famous buffets for the occasion. Sponsorships are currently available in five categories: Presenting ($2,500+), Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250), or Bronze ($100). Get your sponsorship forms online at www.GayEasterParade.COM, or you can get one at the party from Gay Easter Parade Board's Rip Naquin-Delain. All sponsors are requested to check in with Rip at the door to receive your complimentary drink wristband. EGMs XIII Darwin Reed & There will also be several Easter TreaRhonda Roget sures auctions. Sponsors to date include Presenting-Ambush Mag; Platinum-EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier; Gold-EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & King Amon-Ra XLVII David Roget, Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters; Silver-EGM XIII Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters, EGM VIII Rona Conners & Bob Boler, Dwain Hertz Al Dugas & Gene Theriot; Bronze-EGM X Tony Leggio, Dawn Leggio, King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois; and Venue/In Kind-700 Club, Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, Club LAX, Cutter's, The Double Play, Michael's On The Park, Oz.

11th Drag Extravaganza brings Numerous Royalty Performances, "Put EGM Darwin Reed in Drag" & Other Fab Auctions March 10th @ Oz

St. Patrick's Day/Pre-Easter out Mar. 13th DEADLINE: Tues., Mar. 6th

the "official" dish

he 11th annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza will bring royalty performances from five Gay Mardi Gras krewes, along with Easter Grand Marshal XIII Rhonda Roget to the stage at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, on Saturday, March 10th, 8-10pm. There is a $10 door donation. Doors open at 7pm. Proceeds from the evening benefits the 13th Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends. One of the highlights of the evening will be the "Man I Feel Like A Woman Put EGM XIII Darwin Reed in Drag" auction with the assistance of King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois. Other auctions will include the Easter Big Basket Auction worth over $1,000 in liquor & prizes, plus several Easter Treasures Auctions including the huge (10” tall) Royal Elephant Faux Faberge’ Musical Egg with the prize inside being a framed gilded portrait of Czar Nicholas on one side and Czarina Alexandra on the other side, the last reigning Romanov's of Russia before their execution, donated by Easter Grand Marshal VIII Rona Conners. Emcees/auctioneers for the evening include Gay Easter Parade Board's Tony Leggio and Opal Masters, and Electra City and Tittie Toulouse. Under the direction of GEP Board's Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, they are proud to bring to the stage Royal Elephant Egg royalty performances by Nicole DuBois

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mobile paparazzi 22 a community within communities 22 armeinius/bourbon st. awards 24 under the gaydar 25 classifieds 26 lords of leather/fnbmg pics 32 ambush paparazzi/metairie/nola 34 pride new orleans 35

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com (King Cake Queen XIX), Sydney Williams (Queen Amon Ra XLVII). Aunt Ida Comeaux (Queen Armeinius XLIII), Bootsie DeVille (Queen Petronius L), Ms. Rizzo (Queen Satyricon X), Rona Conners (King Cake Queen XVIII, EGM VIII), Marsha Naquin-Delain (King Cake Queen XV, EGM I), Princesse Stephaney (King Cake Queen XIV, EGM V), Raven Kennedy (King Cake Queen XIII), and Lisa Beauman (King Cake Queen IX, EGM VI). For additional information, contact Rip Naquin-Delain, 504.522.8049, or email marsha@ripandmarsha.com.

Gay Easter Parade Carriages Now Available

he 13th annual Gay Easter Parade is Sunday, April 8th beginning at 4:30pm following its traditional route through the French Quarter. Carriages, wagons and trolleys are now available. Prices include: 2-4-6 passenger carriages-$365; 8, 12 passenger carriages & wagons-$455; 15-18 passenger wagons & trolleys-$750; and 4 person Cinderella Pumpkin carriages $750. The entry fee for each car, truck or marching/walking/riding group is $25. Current proof of liability insurance must be provided on each car, truck, motorcycle or motorized vehicle with parade application The parade rolls rain or shine. There are no cancellations or refunds. All Parade Entry Forms with payments must be received by Parade Entry Deadline of March 28, 2012. Lineup is determined by receipt of entry form/ payment. Forms are available at www.GayEasterParade.COM or at 828-A Bourbon St. For more info call 504.522.8049.

Remaining Gay Easter Parade Fundraisers

ther scheduled fundraisers for the 13th Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends include: Friday, March 16th, 8pm, Michael’s On The Park, 4th Eggstravaganza under the direction of GEP Board's Opal Masters;

Saturday, March 24th, 7-9pm, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, VIP Reception & Dinner; followed by 9pm, Club LAX, [continued on 8]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-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 OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

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 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Leggio, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL 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. ©1982-2012, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

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celebr azzi

ing Cake Queen XIX of Gay Mardi Gras Nicole DuBois led the 25th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss as The Samba Queen tossing thousands of beads to the throngs below the Ambush Mansion balcony at 828 Bourbon Street. The annual Krewe of Queenateenas affair welcomes 50 guests each Mardi Gras Day, and this year the krewe celebrated Carnivale in Rio. Next year's King Cake Queen will be chosen from one of the balcony revelers exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques by krewe co-captains Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain. Visit GayMardiGras.COM for more info. The bead toss followed the 48th annual Bourbon Street Awards hosted by Oz and Bud Light.

he presentation of King and Queen Satyricon X Brick Bishop and Stephen Rizzo brought to a climax the 10th annual Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque: The Armageddon Ball at the Sugar Mill in New Orleans. For more on the krewe visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM. The krewe's upcoming 11th Rush Party is Sunday, March 11th, 3:30-5:30pm at Michael's On The Park.

he Krewe of Armeinius celebrated its 44th ball Makin' Groceries at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Queen and King Armeinius XLIV Aunt Ida Comeaux and Blanche DeBris brought the auditorium to their feet upon their arrival. For more on the krewe, visit KreweOfArmeinius.ORG. The krewe's 45th Rush Party is set for Sunday, April 1st, 2-5pm, at Michael’s On The Park.

he Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXIX: The Sci-Fi Ball presented Lord King and Consort XXIX Ed Azemas and Jason Alford at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. The charity number during the ball raised $1,765 for Buzzy's Boys and Girls. For more info visit LordsOfLeather.COM. Their 30th Rush Party is Sunday, March 4th, 6-8pm at the Phoenix.

oel Haas, with a perfect score, won the 48th annual Bourbon Street Awards Best of Show and Best Overall Costume, for the second year in a row. This year's costume, Willy Wonka, was direct from the 44th Krewe of Armeinius Ball. Best Drag went to Amon-Ra's Rhonda Roget, Best Leather went to Robert Cook, and Best Group went to Armeinius' Creole Tomatoes.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 10th Spring Fever under the direction of GEP Board's Electra City and Tittie Toulouse; Saturday, March 31st, 8-10pm, Double Play, 13th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception under the direction of the GEP Board; and Friday, April 6th (Time & Place TBA), 3rd Bunnies in The Big Easy under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Rona Conners.

13th Crack Whore Ball March 5th benefits NOSIDA @ Parade

he 13th annual Crack Whore Ball is set for Monday, March 5th upstairs at the Bourbon Pub Parade, 801 Bourbon Street. Crack in the Disco Ball is this year's theme. The ball benefits New Orleans Society for Infectious Diseases Awareness (NOSIDA) which actively promotes awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional effects that infectious diseases inflict on communities worldwide. The annual ball gives service industry personnel and their friends the opportunity to relax and party since most worked through Carnival. The highlight of the evening is when Irish Mike announces the new Crack Whore Queen at the stroke of midnight. The

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$40 ticket includes open premium bar from 9pm-1am. Tickets are available at Ninth Circle, 700 N. Rampart, and Voodoo Bar, 718 N. Rampart. Past Crack Whore Queens include 1 unknown, 2 Kabrina Watson, 3 Genevieve, 4 Janice Goodbee, 5 Wade Burnham, 6 Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, 7 Aletha Bryant, 8 the late Wendy Byrne, 9 Chris Morton, 10 Frankie Fierce, 11 DL Broadway, and 12 Sabrina.

Hidden Treasures: Decorative Arts Edition Presented by Friends of the Cabildo

oin the Friends of the Cabildo as the Louisiana State Museum’s impressive Newcomb Pottery Collection is opened for an exclusive behind-the-scenes viewing of one of the most significant American potteries of the first half of the 20th century. Katie Hall, Curator of

the Decorative Arts for the Louisiana State Museum, will guide you through an in-depth look at the distinct designs and artistry of the Newcomb potters, usually off limits to the general public. The tours will also provide a preview to the Newcomb Pottery exhibit at Madam John’s Legacy in late 2012. Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum: Decorative Arts Edition takes place Tuesday and Thursday, March 27th and 29th. Tours are at 6pm and 7pm at the Louisiana State Museum’s Collection Storage Facility, located at 1000 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Cost is $20 per person, or $15 for Friends of the Cabildo members. Reservations are required, and space is extremely limited. To reserve your space, please contact Rebecca Duckert at 504.523.3939. Future behind-the-scenes tours are planned focusing on the Museum’s visual arts, decorative arts, science and technology, Louisiana music, and [continued on 10] Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Amen Corner at the Anthony Bean Community Theater, March 9-11

wasn’t planning to review Anthony Bean Community Theater’s production of The Amen Corner as I saw its last performance and so didn’t take any notes. Three additional performances have been added, however, and all I can say is—Go see

it!

The Amen Corner tells the story of a fire and brimstone pastor of a small Harlem church who is haunted by her past. This first dramatic play by James Baldwin was written during the 1950s and debuted on Broadway in April 1965 produced by Mrs. Nat “King” Cole. Amen Corner is clearly the work of a dences in a fiery Sunday sermon, Matthews neophyte dramatist. At three acts and a 2 revealed Margaret’s more human side in ½ hour running time, it could certainly be small increments as she faces up to her shortened. With the exception of the main past. Her final monolog, by which point character, Pastor Margaret Alexander, the Margaret has been stripped of all pride, other characters tend to be drawn in black was a tour de force. and white. And while Alexander is supposDonna King, as Margaret’s sister edly ousted by her congregation based on Odessa, was a paragon of virtue with their perception that she unjustly ruined flashes of fierce loyalty when her sister’s her own family in the name of religion, a actions are questioned. Sheleta Burkekind of Ibsen-like reckoning, her fall seems Manuel gave a slyly comic yet steely perto be based on more melodramatic con- formance as the seemingly proper parishtrivances—one Elder wants to take over ioner who lusts after Margaret’s job. her position, another is chafing under Alfred Aubry gave his best perforAlexander’s stricture that he not drive a mance to date as the Elder who is foiled by truck for a liquor company as it would be Margaret in his efforts to better himself. He doing the Devil’s work (even though it was well-matched by Rhonda Dents, beauwould raise his socioeconomic standards). tifully dry as his dour wife who understandNo matter. This marvelous production ably puts finances before religion. held my attention throughout. Anthony In her two small but vital scenes, DoBean’s astute direction brought out minique Randolph was heart-breaking as Baldwin’s conviction that it was not prima- a young mother who asks for God’s help rily the societal prejudice of the 1950s that but then begins to question His will. Edwas to blame for the characters’ situations ward Buckles played David, Margaret’s but, rather, that their own personalities and son, as a typically taciturn and determined previous actions shape their destinies. teenager while Roddic Johnson endowed As Margaret, Vinnie Matthews was [continued on 12] superb. Beginning with just the right ca-

the "official" dish ...from 8 manuscripts collections. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.

Stars & Stripes benefits NO/AIDS Task Force

n Friday, March 9, Protect and Defend (PAD) will host, “Stars and Stripes in the Big Easy.” The fundraiser, held at the Bourbon Pub Parade, 801 Bourbon Street, will consist of a raffle benefitting the NO/AIDS Task Force. Several great prizes including flat screen televisions, complimentary hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, and bar tabs will be raffled off. Over 100 Members of the Fire, Police, Emergency Medical (EMS), Public Safety, and Military community from across the United States will be on hand to support the NO/AIDS Task Force. In 2011, the fund raiser raised over $2,100 for the

NO/AIDS Task Force. The public is invited to come out and help raise even more money this year. Founded in 1983, NO/AIDS Task Force is one of the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organizations in the Gulf South. They have been providing hope, dignity and care to men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS for over 25 years. Protect and Defend is a nonprofit support organization for gay and lesbian peace officers, firefighters, EMS workers and military service members. Chartered in 2006, PAD holds fundraisers for LGBT community charities throughout the country. Protect and Defend hosts an interactive website for both its membership and the general public, offers a peer support group and other benefits to its membership including a death benefit for partners. Protect and Defend has members in 32 states, partnering with gay and lesbian police and fire associations throughout the United States. Protect and Defend also hosts the Party in the Desert, an international party of public safety, military members from throughout the world. To find out more about the “Stars and Stripes in the Big Easy” or where the cops, firefighters and military members will be all weekend, check out the website at: www.protectanddefend.org.

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trodding ...from 10 Margaret’s ex-husband with an earthy dignity. Maybe some day, someone will transform The Amen Corner into an opera; it would seem a natural with its dueling characters and intense monologs that could be easily translated into arias. Until then, don’t miss this opportunity to see this work of grand passions.

Soon to Come

hat with Mardi Gras madness, most of the theater has been in the streets these past few weeks. The Spring season, however, is now blooming with shows all over the area. In the hope that you haven’t given up theater-going for Lent, here are some of the options to consider for the next few weeks: —When I saw Charles Busch’s The Divine Sister in New York last year, I expected Ricky Graham to be starring in the local premier of this loving homage to every nun movie ever made, with enough risqué unholy jokes to bring every denomination to their knees. Instead, Graham has directed Varla Jean Merman as a Rosalind Russell-esque Mother Superior who’s trying to raise funds to save her down-on-its-luck convent. Busch’s script provides steady laughs with references to nearly every film featuring nuns of all types of habits, from The Bells of St. Mary’s and The Sound of Music to Agnes of God and Doubt. Given to bold red lipstick, the nuns of St. Veronica’s are a varied bunch. There’s

tough Sister Acacius, Sister Walburga, a newcomer from Berlin complete with a hissing accent, and the goony novitiate Agnes who sees saints’ faces in urine stains. Starring with Merman in this Theatre 13 and Magna Puella presentation are Olive Another, Tari Hohn, Gary Rucker, Molly Ruben-Long, and Michael Sullivan. This shimmering web of intrigue and hilarity continues Thursdays-Sundays through March 10 at The Mid City Theatre. To miss it would be a mortal sin indeed! —In Beauty, a solitary prisoner, confined to his cell, creates an imaginary world of erotic and spiritual fulfillment for himself. Steven Patterson’s acclaimed one man show invokes the prison writings of Jean Genet in a full-frontal assault. Beauty was inspired by themes and images that recur throughout the early works of Jean Genet, among them such novels as The Thief’s Journal and Querelle; the poems The Fisherman of Suquet and The Man Condemned to Death; and the 1950 silent film Un Chant D’Amour. Drawing on the autobiographical elements of these works, Beauty creates a spiritual biography of Genet’s prison years, a distillation of his concerns and obsessions, and an examination of the circumstances which shaped his artistic sensibility—a sort of Genet Primer. Michael Martin directs Levy Easterly in this hypnotic, waking dream of a show with the stink and sensuality of a seedy backroom. Playing Fridays-Sundays through March 10 at The Hatchery’s Garret Theater, Beauty promises a brutal, raw, and

transcendent experience. —Those who missed God of Carnage, at Southern Rep last Fall, have another chance to catch Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play at The Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell. In this comedy of bad manners, a playground altercation between two eleven-year-old boys brings together both sets of parents for a meeting to resolve the conflict. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the discussion progresses, the liquor flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off as Reza asks “How ‘civilized’ are we, really?” God of Carnage is directed by Brian Fontenot and stars Gary Mendoza, Lisa Castro, and real life husband & wife David Jacobs and Mary Lee Gibbons Jacobs. It plays Friday and Saturday nights through March 10. —If you liked Forever Plaid, The Taffetas, and The Marvelous Wonderettes head over to The Westwego Performing Arts Theatre as Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) presents the local premiere of The Bikinis, a new musical “beach party” about a fictional girl group that got its name in the summer of 1964 when four inseparable friends won the Belmar Beach Talent Contest wearing just their bikinis. Karen Hebert directs and choreographs Amy Alvarez, Meredith Long, Danielle Mathis, and Wendy Miklovic in this nonstop celebration of song filled with hits like It’s In His Kiss, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Heat Wave, Mambo Italiano, Under the Boardwalk, These Boots are Made for Walkin’, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma, I’m Every Woman, I Will Survive, It’s Rain-

ing Men and many more! Performances are Fridays-Sundays through March 11 in Westwego followed by one on Friday, March 16, at the Fuhrmann Auditorium at the Greater Covington Center and a matinee on Sunday, March 18, at The Temple Theatre in Meridian, MS. JPAS follows this with another local premiere at Tulane’s Dixon Hall with the Tony Award-winning The Light in the Piazza featuring a score by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas. This adaptation of a novella is set in Florence in 1953. With her daughter Clara, Margaret Johnson is traveling in Tuscany to escape her crumbling marriage. When a handsome young Italian captures Clara’s heart, Margaret must decide if she’ll risk revealing truths that could threaten her daughter’s happiness. Despite critical acclaim, audience members have been divided on Piazza with some loving it while others walked out (or wished they had). Still, a number of Guettel’s songs have already become cabaret standards. I missed it on Broadway so I’ll be keen to catch up with it here. Roland “Butch” Caire directs a cast including Nancy Ross, Ariel Assaf, Richard Arnold, Celeste Veillon, Lindsey Noelle Brown and Wayne Gonsoulin. The Light in the Piazza plays Friday-Sunday, March 16-18. —Jonathan Mares Productions presents the local premiere of Gina Gionfriddo’s off-Broadway success, Becky Shaw. In this dramedy, a newlywed couple fixes up two romantically challenged

[continued on 15]

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papar azzi

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25th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss: Carnavale in Rio led by King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois, The Samba Queen @ Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans

ambush

trodding ...from 12 friends: wife’s best friend, meet husband’s sexy and strange new co-worker. When an evening calculated to bring happiness takes a dark turn, crisis and comedy ensue while asking the question “What do we owe the people we love and the strangers who land on our doorstep?” Leon Contavesprie, Caitlin Clifford, Angela Papale, Joe Seibert and Mary Pauley will be directed by Ben Clement at The Shadowbox Theatre, Thursdays-Saturdays, March 1 – 17. —A musical look at the courage it takes to follow your dreams, tick, tick...BOOM! is Jonathan (Rent) Larson’s autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion. tick, tick...BOOM! takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to his Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster. Director Frannie Rosenberg Buchtel and Two Left Feet Productions will bring the show to Café Istanbul, the performance space at the New Orleans Healing

Center (2372 St. Claude Ave.). “This show appeals to the young generation of musical theatre goers that love the musical Rent. It has outstanding music that will make you leave the theatre singing its provocative songs,” says Buchtel. “Its message is powerful and will make you think about your own life.” The cast of three features P.J. McKinnie (Holy Ghosts at UNO, Altar Boyz at Southern Rep/ Le Petit), Janie Heck (an Ambie-nominee for Violet at NOCCA), and Jeff Springmann (Songs for a New World, Le Chat Noir). tick, tick...BOOM! will begin performances on Friday, March 9 and will play Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 18. —Out in Covington, Playmakers offers Ken Ludwig’s comedy Moon Over Buffalo. Set in 1953 when television has captivated the nation, only a very small audience is left for the live touring company of George and Charlotte Hay, an acting couple who are not exactly Lunt & Fontanne. We find them performing Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives in Buffalo,

NY—the end of the world for these cosmopolitan actors—and running into all sorts of problems, including reduced box office receipts and the just-announced pregnancy of the newly cast ingenue (Hmmm...could George be the father?). But good news is on the horizon as Frank Capra is coming to the matinee to audition the couple to replace Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson in his next film. Directed by Kay Files, Moon Over Buffalo runs March 9-25, Fridays-Sundays except March 11. —Ed Simpson’s comedy of errors, The Battle of Shallowford, is about what happens when the residents of the small town of Shallowford (based on Lewisville, NC) believe Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” to be legitimate news. They fall hook, line & sinker, and grab their pitchforks & hunting rifles, and run out to do battle with the invading Martians and save the world. Dane Rhodes directs this endearing play at Rivertown Repertory Theatre which runs Fridays-Sundays, March 16-April 1.

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48th Bourbon Street Awards hosted by Oz & Bud Light ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Nawlins Pics

Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque X: The Armageddon Ball ~ The Sugar Mill ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

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pensacola papar azzi

All dressed up for Emerald City

The newly crowned Emerald City’s King of Hearts Sincere

Drag Bingo @ The Other Side Miss Order of Zeus Sapphire Mylan

Emerald City’s Masquerade ball

Miss Nadya Simone & Lauren Mitchell

Drag Bingo @ The Other Side

Emerald City for Mardi Gras Emerald City’s Masquerade ball Emerald City’s Masquerade ball

The whole Heart Clan: Valerie, Monica & Taylor

Always a good time @ Drag Bingo Emerald City’s Masquerade ball Emerald City’s Masquerade ball

Emerald City after the Zeus Ball

Newly crowned Emerald City’s Queen of Hearts Miss Janiylah Dazzin

Emerald City’s Masquerade ball

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Bingo, Hearts, Masquerade ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Emerald City’s Masquerade ball

Daniel & Lisa @ Drag Bingo

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Feb. 28-Mar. 12, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

A Reminder of Measured Time!

Performance, Appearance, Games ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

Joe Cain at Bacchus

Miss Gay Biloxi 2012, Miss Mercedes Alexander

Miss B-Bob’s 2012, Miss Nadya Simone

mobile

papar azzi

Miss Davenport hosting the games @ B-Bob’s

"LENT BY T.S. ELIOT lessed sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit of the garden,/Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood/ Teach us to care and not to care/Teach us to sit still/Even among these rocks,/Our peace in His will/ And even among these rocks/Sister, mother/And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea, Suffer me not to be separated/ And let my cry come unto Thee." The beads still draped our old oaks. Costumes lay about the house in disarray. The day is unusually still and quiet lacking laughter, muses, and music. Some may still be pretending to continue the revelry that was Mardi Gras 2012 but that too will end; usually with two aspirins and a long sleep. The feast of Mardi Gras began simply as gatherings of people to empty their larders and consume the meats of the household – always a good occasion for fun and festivity. So it is the larder is now empty and to what end? So many communities in New Orleans know the idea of measured time and loss. For LGBT community it is the memory and sometimes returning specter of HIVAIDS, a gentle generation lost. For our African-American community it is a holo-

B-Bob’s Jerry Ehlen (r) @ GodDes & She performance

King Stevie with the Boys Happy Birthday Cory Welcome home Nicholas

Happy Mardi Gras

Hello Jason & Barbie

Joe Cain makes an appearance

The Presidential Council

Hello Brandon

caust of urban violence killing more than a hundred almost two hundred young people a year because of some misguided notion of “respect.” For so many dozens of fishermen and coastal workers it is newly acquired breathing ailments and illnesses. For all of us who have stayed in New Orleans and not left since Katrina it is now settling down into some sort of chronic PTSD rife with depression and anxieties from now where. We measure time and loss and time in New Orleans is measured by the seasons of festivals and seasons of quiet. The party, for now, is over it is time to think of time itself. Ash Wednesday is an ancient custom. We do not know when it started but it can be significant. We know in New Orleans it is as much a part of our culture as it is faith, “where ya gonna get ya ashes?” Humility is not a strong suit in our community these days. I was recently told that it is the birth right of every gay man to be dramatic and to accessorize. My experience tells me this may be so (I say with a slight nod and smile). No, humility is not strength in our community today: not in straight community, gay world, black world or even church world. It seems that we are all so fixed on “being me” or claiming our places that we have little time for self critique. This makes sense when the world is already such a harsh critic about who and what we are even by the clothes we wear, the bars we hang at, the way we walk or talk or carry ourselves, even church liturgies. The world seems to stand in judgment so why would I want to self examine, self critique and bring any sort of negative thoughts or feelings in an intentional way into my life? The fact is we are broken. Paraphrasing Paul, “We do those things that we wish we would not do and those things that we wish we would do we do not.” Ash Wednesday acknowledges just such a state of being. When the ashes are placed on the forehead we acknowledge that we have but a measure of time in this life. When we pray the prayers we seek some form of humility that we are no better nor worse than our brothers and sisters who inhabit this planet and that indeed we share one great thing in common – our time is measured. Have you lost a lover, howsoever? Is he or she gone and perhaps things left unsaid? Ashes tell that story. Have you lost a child, innocent, to an errant bullet? Ashes tell that story. Have you lost a child to the streets with a “9?” Is his voice and shooting his expression? Ashes tell that story. Have you lost a loved one too early to illness and the longing still remains? Ashes tell that story. Have you lived in anger and resentment because of rejection born out of who or what you are? Ashes tell that story. Has the one you thought you loved damaged and hurt you, beaten or abused you, taken you for a ride? Ashes tell that story. Are you so much in love that you cannot imagine

[continued on 25]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 28-Mar 28-Mar.. 12, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

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24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 28-Mar 28-Mar.. 12, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

48th Bourbon Street Awards hosted by Oz & Bud Light ~ New Orleans

Krewe of Armeinius Ball XLIV: Makin’ Groceries @ Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Armeinius, Paul Melancon

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

Book of the Month

love a good murder mystery and a gay one is even better, so I was very excited about reading Josh Aterovis’ Bleeding Hearts, a Killian Kendall mystery. This is the first book in the series and reads like many young adult mystery/thrillers just with a gay protagonist. It is an interesting novel, albeit very predictable; with the murderer being pretty easy to figure out early on. But all things aside, Bleeding Hearts is a fast escapist read, and did win a StoneWall Society Whodunit Award. The plot borrows heavily from teen horror movies such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer; which is fine by me, since I like both of those flicks. Basically, the story revolves around average teenager Killian Kendall who lives an uneventful life until a dashing new openly gay boy enrolls in his school. He soon finds himself drawn to him and agrees to meet him in the park one evening. When he arrives, he finds his newfound friend murdered and he himself is attacked viciously. The police quickly write off the crime as a mugging, but Killian begins to investigate. With the help of the boy’s father, who is also openly gay, Killian begins to realize that the killer may be someone he knows. As he gets closer to the truth, the danger intensifies, coming to a bloody climax. Many of society’s current issues are introduced in the

book, such as coming out and gay bashing, and are handled very well. The characters are for the most part likeable, if not a little one-dimensional, but I figure they will be fleshed out and explored more as the series progresses. If you are a mystery fan, Bleeding Hearts will not disappoint. For more information on Josh or his other works, go to www.joshaterovis.com. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the others in the series.

Hakuna Matata Y’all!

he Lion King is almost here. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see this show. Disney’s The Lion King is the city’s most awaited stage production ever to be featured at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts’ stage from Wednesday, March 14 to Sunday, April 15. The talented cast of more than 40 actors includes a local connection; Maurica Roland (Ensemble/Understudy Nala, Shenzi & Sarabi) is a Pensacola, FL native and graduate of the Louisiana State University music education program. Recently, Roland appeared in American Vybe at Walt Disney World in Orlando and Hairspray First National Tour (swing, u/s Dynamite). The sardonic and deviously cunning “Scar” is played by J. Anthony Crane. Dionne Randolph is “Mufasa,”

the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Buyi Zama is the wise baboon shaman “Rafiki.” Mark David Kaplan portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird “Zazu.” Adam Kozlowski is the carefree warthog “Pumbaa” and Nick Cordileone is the wisecracking meerkat “Timon.” Mufasa’s son, “Simba,” the lion prince born to be king, is played by Jelani Remy and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness “Nala.” The three evil hyenas are played by Keith Bennett (“Banzai”), Rashada Dawan (“Shenzi”) and Robbie Swift (“Ed”). The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Zavion J. Hill and Adante Power and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Sade PhillipDemorcy and Kailah McFadden. In New Orleans, The Lion King will play Wednesday, March 14 through Sunday, April 15. Ticket prices start as low as $30.25. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Tickets are available in person at the Mahalia Jackson Box Office, via phone at 800.982.2787 (ARTS), and online at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 504.287.0372. The North American touring production of The Lion King has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers and grossed over $875 million to date. Having already played more than 60 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its New Orleans premiere at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. I thought everyone would love a few fun facts about the show. In its 15th year, The Lion King remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural

phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 63 million people, grossed over $4.7 billion and have, cumulatively, run a staggering 89 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 14 different countries on five continents. The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, and in Tokyo, London’s West End, Hamburg and Madrid. The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. On stage, Taymor’s creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has

created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Steve Canyon [continued on 30]

a community ...from 22 living without the one you love; you dread that day of ages when they may not be here; you’ve made a deal that they must die first. Ashes tell that story: “From dust you came and to dust you shall return,” the words during imposition of ashes. Ash Wednesday is a great symbol of life and speaks to all things that are not perfect, all things hoped for, all things denied, and all things. By acknowledging that we come from dust, we acknowledge that we are part of the Big Picture, the cosmos, this earth, always and everywhere. By saying that we shall return to dust, we acknowledge that time is measured and we will continue to be a part of that Big Picture. In receiving ashes, we seek and find, just for a moment, humility and in so doing, acknowledge the value of all people and things around us and indeed our own value – without make-up or cover-up – just as we are. For just a moment, we let something else be bigger than us – call that thing GOD, call that thing ALL IN ALL. Those ashes in cruciform upon the forehead say, “I live, I love, I am who I am, I am imperfect, I have a measure of time, how shall I be?” and most importantly, “I am loved by the force of all nature – the first cause – GOD.”

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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 MIDTOWN 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] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson,

body rubs New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is312]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 Mr. Binky's Boutique, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 Mr. Binky's Boutique of Harahan, 301 Funston St., 305.2160

cable shows RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

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MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 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 VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0950 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Bay St. Louis, MS [228] CLUB RED, 317 Reese St.,, 467.5920, ClubRedBSL.COM Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340

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

casinos Lake Charles, LA [337] L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, 337.395.7777 or 866.580.7444, ldlcasino.com New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS, GayHarrahsNOLA.COM

chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is312]

circuit/events Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 25-28, 2012, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2012 41st 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. 25-28, 2012 Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM

Feb. 8-12, 2013, 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

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

for sale Bay St. Louis, MS [228] NIGHTCLUB FOR SALE, Bay St. Louis, MS: For Sale first Gay Friendly nightclub in Bay St. Louis, due to relocation must sell. It is newly renovated, large, VIP room, dance floor, stages, custom bar, only nightclub in Hancock County. We want serious inquiries only please. Can be a 24 hour operation. Possibly owner financing available. MsMorena10@gmail.com or 228.424.9542 [is512]

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

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM DIETY ARTS OF THE EXTREME ORIENT, 830 N. Rampart, DietyNOLA.COM TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266, HauntingArt.COM

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] FRADY'S ONE STOP GROCERY & DELICATESSEN, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hair salons Mandeville, LA [985] RESTORATION HAIR DESIGN, 1800 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 119, 626.4353 New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782

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

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 28-Mar 28-Mar.. 12, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0712] 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. [0812 FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email 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. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. 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. [0113] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. 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 [is2611]

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

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Feb. 28-Mar. 12, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.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. 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 NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. 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] 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] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 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

retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., TheJoyTheater.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

travel

photography

New Orleans, LA [504] Adventures Actually, Kate Alexander, 220.5503, AdventuresActually.COM

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

websites

plumbers

OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM

New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] LATTER & BLUM, Agent Steve Richards, 712 Rue D’Orleans @ Rue Royal, Cell: 258.1800, Office: 948.3011, SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace

Ambush Ads Pay 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Deadline Tues., March 6th

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 28-Mar 28-Mar.. 12, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Feb. 28-Mar. 12, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

under the gaydar ...from 25 Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.” For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com. The New Orleans engagement of The Lion King is presented by arrangement with East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans and is a subscription offering of the Broadway Across America Series. The Mahalia Jackson Theater is located in Armstrong Park at 801 N. Rampart Street. Information on the Broadway Across America - New Orleans series and venue policies and accommodations may be obtained online at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.

Interview: Jason Dottley

ecently I had the opportunity to interview Jason Dottley as he prepares for his debut one man show XXX: My First 30 Years (Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter) in New Orleans on March 2 at the Allways Lounge. The city welcomes Jason back after his stint last year as the 2011 Honorary Grand Marshal of Gay Pride. His show has received rave reviews across the country. Known on stage and television as “Ty” in Sordid Lives, as well as for being a Top 20 Billboard artist, Jason Dottley plans an evening of unforgettable entertainment. From stories about how the tragically sudden death of his father at 18 influenced his music at 28, to meeting Madonna, stalking Britney Spears while at a Christmas party at Olivia Newton-John’s home, and even getting the hives from a diva’d-up Rue McClanahan, XXX exposes both the humor and the sadness of Jason Dottley’s first thirty years on this lovely little planet we call Earth… with a touch of magic. This talented young actor/singer has been very busy recently. Dottley produced one of Los Angeles’ most glorified and award nominated new

plays, Del Shores’ Yellow. After a 100show run, the play is now closed as it transitions itself for what’s next. In March of 2010, Dottley’s first single spent three months on the Billboard charts and peaked at #19 earning Jason his first Billboard Top 20 Record. It was appropriately titled Party Round the World – a duet with Debby Holiday. His last single Hit Play! earned Jason another Top 30 Billboard hit and 9 weeks on the charts at the end of 2010 and through the beginning of 2011. Dottley’s record company JD3 Records produced (and he starred in) the national tour of A Sordid Affair with Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, Leslie Jordan and more of his Sordid Lives cast mates in 2009-2010/11. He also produced Del Shores’ one-man national tour Del Shores: My Sordid Life in over 30 cities and the DVD of the show which was filmed in January 2011. In 2007, Dottley spent the summer readying, and the Fall filming his first TV series as a lead, a regular! Sordid Lives: The Series was aired in over 17 countries to rave reception. It’s achieved cult status, and stars legendary icon Rue McClanahan, superstar Olivia Newton-John, Caroline Rhea, Leslie Jordan, Beth Grant and even Margaret Cho. He filmed 12 episodes. As of February 2011, two Sordid Lives movies are rumored to be being filmed this year. And he is very excited that “Pop It” is the UK’s #2 Club Breaker on their Music Week Charts, and #42 debut on the UK Club Upfront Charts (2/3), in addition as of 2/10 “Pop It” was the #2 Billboard Club Breakout single landing 2 slots HIGHER than Madonna’s new single “Give Me All Your Luvin’”. TL: We are very excited about your show; can you tell people what they can expect from XXX. JD: People who come to the show are going to have fun. It is a very untraditional one man show. It is not a balls to the wall hysterical routine and it is also not a memorized monologue. It is a very spontaneous show that gives people the big picture of my life. From growing up in a conservative small town in Mississippi to being an out gay male in Hollywood, I cover it all. These two worlds are very polar opposites and I treat this dichotomy with humor. TL: What is one of the most unique aspects of this show? JD: There is also a sprinkling of magic involved in my show. Many people do not know that when I was a teenager, I wanted to be a magician. I had all the tools of the trade, so I felt this would be an interesting element to add to the show. TL: With a title like XXX, how rated R is your show? JD: Well, in the title it says get your mind out of the gutter, but after I tell some of my stories, I am just going to place it right back there. TL: I am sure you have some great

celebrity stories. JD: Definitely, you will hear about Britney Spears, Madonna, Rue McClanahan, Elizabeth Berkley, Margaret Cho and some other random “celebrities” like Reichen Lehmkuhl. TL: Will you have any of your music in the show? JD: It really depends on if I am drinking or not, we’ll have to let Jack Daniels decide that one. No honestly, when I designed the show, I kept my music separate. My dance music is very produced so I am afraid not. But I am having fun doing this, and it combines two things I love to do dance and sing. But I am definitely having a good time with my music. Recently, I was in London and heard two dance remixes if my song “Pop It” in two different clubs. It is a very cool experience. The embarrassing part was at one of them I did not realize it was my own song until a few minutes into it. TL: You were great last year when you performed at Gay Pride. Tell us what you love about New Orleans. JD: I love your city. And I definitely know what you mean when you say the long hot summer, because boy did I sweat when I performed during Pride. What is so special about your city is that you can grab some great food on one corner and a cock on the next. New Orleans has such a vast liberal landscape and if you have even the smallest party bone in your body, this city will bring it out in you. The French Quarter is a very rare pocket in the country as far as cities go where gay, straight, tourists and locals tend to get along nicely. Most cities gay areas are so divided from the other neighborhoods. But New Orleans is truly a melting pot of all people; that is what I love about it. After speaking with Jason, I am exhilarated about seeing his show. Also, he is very easy on the eyes. Entertainment and eye candy all rolled up into one, you can’t go wrong. For tickets, go to www.nationofjason.com. Tickets are $10 for regular admission and $15 for VIP. The show starts at 10pm. The Allways Lounge is located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue.

Party Down

id everyone survive this Mardi Gras? It was a tough non-stop rollercoaster of parties, parades and profuse drinking. Picking up immediately where I left off last issue, my Carnival experience amped up several notches as I prepared for my ball. In case many of you did not know, I am the captain of the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon and we held our ball on Friday, February 10 at the Sugar Mill. Along with many other amazing krewe members we put on hopefully one entertaining ball for the over six hundred guests we had present. There were costumes, musical performances and the wonderful

Varla Jean Merman at the helm as emcee. Dorian Rush’s ode to the Titanic was one of the night’s show stoppers. And I have to admit my turn as the Poseidon Adventure with Natasha and Princesse Stephaney and the hot first Mate Jared was a majorly good time. Kudos should also go out to Opal Masters, Dusty Debris and Princesse Staphaney for their rendition of “Tragedy” which brought the house down. It was a lot of hard work but we managed to pull it off, but talk about tired, I needed the entire next day for resting. But on Sunday, I was up and moving early as I went to Michael’s on the Park to catch the Barkus parade. Man’s best friend also got in on the fun as they presented Mission Impossible: Canine Protocol. Afterwards, I spent the entire day tooling around the French Quarter enjoying the beautiful weather. I ended my day, at least I think I did, (way too overserved) at JohnPaul’s for Tittie and Electra’s Outrageous show. All, I have to say is thank god, Paul wasn’t around with his little camera again, or he would have gotten some great shots he could have run in the magazine. Hell, he could have done a featured spread. The following evening, was filled with many fetes. This is why I love this city; where else in the country would there be three different parties on a Monday evening. I began the night attending a special celebration for Aletha upstairs at Lafitte’s in Exile. Aletha, who is one of the more flamboyant and wonderful characters in the city, was honored by the city of New Orleans with a special recognition for her service in both the gay and hospitality communities. Wood Enterprises hosted this event where there was a wonderful spread and drinks flowing freely. After departing, I hurried off to Craig Nero’s housewarming/birthday party at his new home in the Marigny. Craig is the owner of the wildly successful Who Dat Coffee Shop and Café Nero. As you can expect, the food was absolutely delicious and his home is a showplace. There were many locals from the neighborhood that I got to connect with more than just a brief hello in the morning. Congratulations to Craig on his home and the new opening of his second location in Old Towne Slidell, sometime in the near future. My final place of the night was the magnificent Esplanade Avenue home of Brick Bishop and Chris Santilli, who were celebrating the Satyricon King’s party. King Satyricon X Brick Bishop and his lovely queen Stephen Rizzo greeted guests on this lovely evening. Their home is a masterpiece and the night was just filled with great friends from other krewes, supporters and well-wishers. Now that is what I call a wonderful Monday night. Wednesday, the ever exciting [continued on 31]

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under the gaydar ...from 30 Frankie Fierce and I attended the Mayor’s Ball at Gallier Hall for the krewes of Nyx and Druids parades. What a fun night mingling with the political world of the Big Easy while listening to great musicians like Jeremy Davenport. The food was provided by different caterers and restaurants around the city. Both parades were lively and fun. Knowing how to become a chameleon in any environment is a great attribute I learned early. So after attended the black tie Mayor’s Ball, we went to the drag show at Oz which as always was an engaging experience. The following night, more parades filled my evening, when I attended Contessa Breaux’s Muses Party at her exquisite Uptown Mansion on the route. This one is just a casual mix of friends and neighbors to watch three fun and exciting parades. I left with my Muse shoe this year, so I was very happy. Not wanting to go home, I went to the Peacock Party at the Phoenix, and get your horrible minds out of the gutter, it was not some weird sex party to my disappointment (just kidding), it was a kick-ass dance party with lots of hot men and DJs on both floors. It was hosted by Akrum who did a brilliant job in transforming the Phoenix into a new look. I had so much fun and hope that they will do something like this again often. The Mardi Gras weekend rolled into this city quickly and the final countdown to Mardi Gras had begun. On Friday, I attended one of the best parties of the season, the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras at the Audubon Tea Room. My friend Jared and I dressed in full costume to go to the Immortals Ball which boasts incredible costumes, delectable cuisine, hot bartenders, and dancing all night. There is even a costume contest, in which I won best costume in the theme of the night, yeah! Always fun when you get a prize at the end of the night. Saturday was a blur of a day. I worked the beginning part of the day then got home in time to change and attend the Armeinius Ball with friends at the Frederick J. Sigur Center in Chalmette. Everyone had fun “Makin’ Groceries” that night with Bianca Del Rio and Blanche Debris as emcees for the night. Unfortunately, I could not stay for the entire event and was whisked off with my friend Nick to the Endymion Extravaganza at the Superdome. To me, this is one of the most exhilarating events of the year with the parade rolling into the dome throwing lots of great stuff. The entertainment of the night was Big & Rich and the fantastic Maroon 5 with the hotness Adam Levine. If you have never been before, words are hard to describe this wild ride of dancing, drunken bead catching and unbridled festivity. Suffice to say, when the parades come in, keep your hands up, your head down and your drinks safe. Sunday, I strolled into the Quarter for a small impromptu gathering at Rip and Marsha's. We tossed a few beads, and had a relaxing time before the Mardi Gras crowd would fully overtake us. After that, I did a quick change and attended the Lords of Leather Sci-Fi Ball at the Chalmette Civic Center. My friends, Nick, Jared, Laura and James joined me as we blasted off to galaxies unknown. And what a wild ride the krewe showed us, with Darwin Singleton and Bianca Del Rio as emcees, it was a non-stop laugh riot. I loved all the costumes but one of my favorites was Lance’s Jurassic Park, simply wonderful. But all the costumes were fabulous not just at this ball but all of them. Congratulations to all those who participated in the Gay Mardi Gras balls this year. Has everyone noticed how Lundi Gras is slowly becoming just as big a party day as Mardi Gras. Between the balls, parades and parties, there rarely is a break before the big day. My day started out with work for most of it, but I managed to get back in time to change into a tuxedo and stop briefly at the Bears and Bubbly party at the Sweet Olive Guest House. Their Lundi Gras party and Decadence parties are always fun to attend, filled with lots of hirsute men. Then my friend James and I were guests at the Orpheus Ball, so we met up with my friend Nick at his Warehouse District Condo for pre-party cocktails with a few other friends, then off to the ball at the Convention Center. My God, the Orpheus Ball was like one huge gay social. The gays must love some Harry Connick, or at least be in charge of this event, because there

were homos aplenty. The parade as always was spectacular and we caught lots of throws. Harry Connick, Jr., Cindy Lauper and Brett Michaels were all very entertaining. So all and all, it was a successful night, after which I dragged myself to bed at three in the morning. It was finally Mardi Gras and I was up moving early. I donned my costume and started my day with mimosas, bloody marys and a full breakfast at my friend Laura Tennyson’s St. Anne party in the Marigny. Her husband is a chef, so the spread was delectable, from braised short ribs and fried chicken to turkey bacon and shrimp and cheese grits. After laying a good foundation for the day and having a few champagne cocktails, I slowly made my way into the French Quarter. I was honored to be asked to judge for the Bourbon Street Awards so Oz was my next stop. They outfitted me in my robe and white wig, and I was ready with eleven other of my peers. We had a great time and Bianca and Blanche were enjoyable. Kudos to Tommy Elias for producing this event/costume contest which also added entertainment elements from his show Glitz into it. Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Dusty Debris and Lisa Beuamann all performed as Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga and Liza Minelli respectively. Once the contest was over, I fought the crowd to the Ambush balcony for the annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, led by King Cake Queen Nicole DuBois who looked ravishing. What a wonderful afternoon spending it with friends throwing beads, sipping libations and enjoying the day. After a few hours there, I left and made my way to a few gay bars before taking the long walk home in platform shoes. But all the weeks of work and play finally caught up with me as I was in bed and sound asleep Mardi Gras night by 7pm. That concludes my Mardi Gras adventure, I hope everyone had just as splendid a time as I did. What’s next, well St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day and Easter celebrations. So get that party dress dry cleaned, we are in for a busy Spring.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

hope everyone had fun at all the Mardi Gras balls this year. Each one was just as spectacular as the next, from the grandeur of the costumes to the lively shows. But it takes a lot to put on these events, they are not cheap, trust me. As Captain of the Krewe of Satyricon, I know, so all the balls need your help, not only in attending the many events we have, but actually becoming a member. Gay Mardi Gras is an art form and one that needs to be kept alive. So the krewes need your help by becoming members. These social organizations are wonderful chances to be a part of a time honored tradition in the gay community. This is a way to meet people and strut your stuff in front of hundreds of people. I cannot tell you what a rush it is when you are on stage in your costume, you are a star, and for that moment in time, you are gay glamour personified. All the krewes have membership drives, so I wanted to list them for the readers. Before making your decision, I suggest you go to all of them. Finding the right krewe that fits your needs is important, sort of like pledging a fraternity or a sorority, except we do not have hazing; although that might be fun. So please come out and play a role in one of the most dazzling of the gay carnival season. Sunday, March 4th... ~2-4pm, 52nd Krewe of Petronius Rush Party, Micheal’s On The Park ~6-8pm, 30th Lords of Leather Rush Party, Phoenix Sunday, March 11th... ~2-5pm, 49th Krewe of Amon-Ra Rush Party, Good Friends Bar, Upstairs in Queens Head Pub ~3:30-5:30pm, 11th Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Rush Party, Michael’s On The Park Sunday, April 1st... ~2-5pm, 45th Krewe of Armeinius Rush Party, Michael’s On The Park If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 28-Mar 28-Mar.. 12, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XIII: Immortals Ball @ Audubon Tea Room~ New Orleans

Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXIX: The Sci-Fi Ball @ Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by AL Dwain, Grey Cross

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ambush

Mardi Gras Highlights ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Nawlins Pix

papar azzi

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pride: beyond the rainbow

here are many exciting events coming up for Pride 2012 that we encourage you attend! Come out and meet the new Board Of Directors, ask questions, and have some input for this year’s Pride! The Pride Grand Marshal Announcement Party and Gala is April 7, 7pmMidnight. Come out to the Hotel Monteleone 2nd floor, 214 Royal. All former Pride Grand Marshals will be presented, and the 2012 Grand Marshals will be announced! Advance tickets on sale now for $20 at www.prideneworleans.org. This gives you: entry to the gala, a concert by Amanda Shaw from 9pm-midnight, food, and raffle items. A cash bar is available. There are only three VIP tables left at the party, and this is the only seating available at the event. Get your tickets today. The Mr./Miss Pride Pageant 2012 is May 20 at 6pm. Come on out to Harrah’s Hotel, 228 Poydras. There is a $25 contestant entry fee and $5 donation at the door. Other information: Visit www.prideneworleans.org to: Nominate someone for Pride Grand Marshal, enter the Pride Pageant, purchase tickets for Amanda Shaw/Grand Marshal Party, enter the Pride Parade, or donate to Pride 2012 Make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on twitter @NewOrleansPride. Anyone interested in becoming a Pride sponsor, please email us at nolapridesponsorship@gmail.com For all other questions, please email nolapride@gmail.com Hope to see you out there! Stay tuned for the next issue of Pride: Beyond the Rainbow.

St. Patrick's Day Ad Deadline Tuesday, March 6th

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