Issuu

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

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the "official" dish

GAA Winners, Satchmo Summer Fest edition out July 31st DEADLINE: Tues., July 24th

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

celebrazzi/nola, baton rouge trodding the boards feature/southern decadence snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar dining out for life on the prowl

Make A Date To Make A Difference, More Than 90 Local Restaurants join Dining Out For Life

ver 90 local restaurants have already signed on to donate part of their sales from breakfast, lunch and dinner during Dining Out For Life 2012. Restaurant owners, chefs, servers and diners will join hands to support NO/AIDS Task Force. This international event, also held in over 60 other cities throughout the United States and Canada helps provide care, services and education to people affected by AIDS throughout North America. Diners in New Orleans will help NO/AIDS provide more than 30 critical serves to men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS in the New Orleans community and Southeast Louisiana. For more than 17 years, local restaurants and supporters of NO/AIDS Task Force have worked together to boost business during the slower summer months by doing what this city does best, enjoying good times with friends, coworkers and family in some of the nation’s best restaurants. “We are proud to serve as this year’s Dining Out for Life 2012 Honorary CoChairs, and invite you to join us on this evening celebrating great New Orleans food, while helping our neighbors and friends living with HIV and AIDS.” – Poppy Tooker & Tom Fitzmorris. Local sponsors for this year’s event include Shell, The Goldring Family Foundation, Chevron & Avita Drugs Specialty Pharmacy. Participating restaurants signed up this far include: 13 Monaghan, Acme Oyster House, Adolfo’s, Andrea’s Restaurant, Apolline Restaurant, Attiki Bar & Grill, Bacchanal, Barcelona Tapas, The Barley Oak, Basil Leaf, Between the ,Bread, Bistro Daisy, Bombay Club, Bosco’s Italian Café, Bourbon House, Byblos, Café 91, Café Amelie, Café at the Square, Café Degas, Café Nero/Who Date Café, Café Rani, Capedeville, Carmo, Chad’s Bistro, Chateau du Lac, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, The Country Club, Crepes A La Cart, Crescent Pie and Sausage Co., Dat Dog, The Delachaise, DISH on Hayne, EAT, Fatoush, Fausto’s Bistro, Feelings Café, Flaming Torch, Fresco Café, Galvez Restaurant, Gautreau’s, Gott Gourmet Café, high Hat Café, Iris, Italian Barrel, J’aime le Café, Jagerhaus, Jamila’s Café, jerk’s Island Grill, Joey K’s, Julie’s Little India Kitchen at Schiro’s Café, Jun’s Golden Dragon II, Katie’s Restaurant & Bar, La Crepe Nanou, La Peniche’ Restaurant, La Thai Restaurant – Uptown, Le Citron Bistro, Le Foret, Legal Perks, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen – French Market, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen – Uptown, Maison, Marigny Brasserie, Mark Twain’s Pizza Landing, Martinique Bistro, Mat & Naddies, Mayas, Meauxbar, Mike’s On The Avenue, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Muriel’s Jackson Square Restaurant, Nirvana, Nonna Mia Café & Pizzeria, One Restaurant & Lounge, Parasol’s Bar & Restaurant, Pier 4 at Boomtown Casino, Ralph’s on the Park, Red Gravy, Restaurant des Familles, Rooba’s Crescent Spoon Café, Sake Café Uptown, Salu, Sante Fe Restaurant, Serendipity, Short Stop Poboys, The Steak Knife Restaurant, Sukho Thai – Marigny, Sun Ray Grill, Vacherie Restaurant, Vega Tapas Café, Vianne’s Tea House. For the most current list of participating restaurants, please visit: www.diningoutforlife.com or noaidstaskforce.org. For over 29 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana. The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why our agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications, and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of our entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts. For more information, please visit http://www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601.

Are You A Winner?! Find Out @ the 25th GAA Gala

id you win? The wait is finally over for the 25th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalists selected by the readership of Ambush Mag. One of the finalist in each category will be announced as the winner at the 25th Gay Appreciation Awards Gala on Saturday, July 21st, 810pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. Doors open at 7pm. Door admission is $10 VIP Tables with four seats are $200 and there is only one table left. All proceeds benefit the William J. Fanning Foundation (Buzzy’s Boys & Girls). Since 1997, the gala has raised $42,672 for charity. Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049.

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ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 26 obituary/w.l. derle abel 27 classifieds 28 a community within communities 32 pensacola paparazzi 34 mobile/baton rouge paparazzi 37 krewe of divas ball paparazzi 38 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 39

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com Regina Ann Adams will receive the coveted 25th Lifetime Achievement Award. Selected by the GAA Board of Directors Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, Regina has been a main stay in the gay community for many decades entertaining in numerous troupes and shows as well as raising funds for numerous charities and causes. In 2005 and 2006, she reigned along with Lisa Beaumann as the first Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (33rd) to reign twice due to Hurricane Katrina which cancelled the 2005 Decadence celebration. Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain [Betty Buttons], the late Andy Boudreaux, the late Buzzy Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, the late Miss Fury, Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, the late Louise McFarland, Miss Dixie Fasnacht, the late Alice Brady and the late John Dodt, Gene Adams, the late Charlene Schneider, the late Steve Mettner, Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney, the late Donald “Donnie Jay” James, Kitty Blackwell, Michael “Fish” Hickerson, the late Marcy Marcell, Mary L. Lathouwers, Don Evans, Jean Redmann, and Chuck Turner and Bill Miller. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. Production numbers by the Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalists including Bourbon Pub Parade, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, Oz, and Tubby's Golden Lantern have been requested as entertainment for the gala. The exciting duo of Lisa Beaumann and TerylLynn Foxx will emcee the affair once again. Top 5 Finalists include: Circuit Party/Event of the YearGay Easter Parade, Gay Depreciation Awards, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, Halloween, Southern Decadence Hair Salon of the Year-Avalon, Bobby Blue, Head Quarters, Mickey

Nolan's Salon, Salon D'Malta Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the YearKrewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of [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 Blanche-Alabama Devin, Tony Leggio, Kyler Landry, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-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. ©1982-2012, 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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celebrazzi

he 13th Gay Easter Parade presented Food For Friends $36,252 at the annual GEP Sponsors Thank You Party at the Ambush Mansion on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The parade minus expenses has benefited charity for the past 11 years, bringing total donations now to over $147,439! The party hosted by the GEP Board of Directors thanks Easter Grand Marshals XIII Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget, as well as all of the sponsors and venues which made this huge success a reality. Presented by Ambush Mag and Ketel One Vodka, visit GayEasterParade.COM for additional information. Photo: GEP Boards Marsha Naquin-Delain, holding Rona Conners snow globe (who was unable to make the party), and Electra City with EGMs XIII Darwin Reed & Rhonda Roget, NO/AIDS Task Force Exe. Dir. Noel Twilbeck, Food For Friends Dir. Glen Kahrman, and GEP Boards Tony Leggio & Opal Masters

ance Club of the Year bar baron Johnny Chisholm welcomes internationally acclaimed DJ Wayne G from the UK spinning his magic at Oz's 20th anniversary celebration, Neon Party XX in New Orleans, OzNewOrleans.COM.

rewe of Divas Bal Masque VII culminated with KD Linkus’ walk as King Elect 2013 with Queen Elect Alli Walker at Union Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, KreweofDivas.COM.

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard unveiled the "official" 2012 Southern Decadence Poster shot by Grey Cross Studios at Bourbon Pub Parade in New Orleans. They chose Starships by Nicki Minaj as this year's song and have set a goal of $10,000 for their chosen charity, Belle Reve. Additionally the grand marshals announced the "official" sponsors including Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.COM, Quartermaster Deli, Harrah’s, Scoots, Absolut, Bud Light, QT Pie, Panda Bear, Bayou Beau, Fifi Mahoney’s, Rathbone Mansions, and Grey Cross Studios. The theme is Peace, Love & Hope = Monkey Dance while the colors are white, purple and silver. Visit SouthernDecadence.COM for the complete SD lineup. Former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (below) join reigning SDGMs for the unveiling including (back) #25 Miss Love, #34 Electra City, #33 Regina Adams, #38 TJ Conard and Pat McArdle, #36 Julien Artressia, #35 Tittie Toulouse; (front) #37 Misael Rubio, #36 Toby Lefort and #37 Tiffany Alexander.

pal Masters, Ambush's Paul Melancon and Darwin Reed celebrate two big events in New Orleans. It was both Paul and Darwin's 4th of July birthdays, as well as Opal and Darwin's 37th anniversary, also on July 4th. Congrats to all!

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the "official" dish ...from 4 Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Neighborhood Bar of the YearCafe Lafitte in Exile, Club LAX/Metairie, The Friendly Bar, Good Friends Bar, Tubby's Golden Lantern Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award-Toby Lefort, Chris Leonard, David Mcray, Gay Easter Parade, NO/AIDS Task Force Bitch of the Year-Tiffany Alexander, Tony Leggio, Lance Pippin, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders Show Bar of the Year-Bourbon Pub Parade, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, Oz, Tubby's Golden Lantern Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award-La Familia Variety Show, Greater Tuna, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Next Fall, Running With Scissors Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year-Clover Grill, Eat, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Verti Mart Dance Club of the Year-700 Club, Bourbon Pub Parade, Drama Club/ Houma, Oz, Tubby’s Golden Lantern Bartender of the Year-Andy Ehlers/Tubby’s Golden Lantern, Bobby Fisher/JohnPaul’s, Lance Pippin/ Tubby's Golden Lantern, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Frankie “Fierce” Wingerter/Oz DJ of the Year-Chris Allen/Bourbon Pub Parade, E (Eddie Mitchell)/4 Seasons-Metairie, JRB/Oz, Myke Kolb/ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tim Pflueger/Oz Leather Bar of the Year-Club LAX/ Metairie, Le Roundup, Michael’s On The Park, Phoenix, Rawhide 2010 Cheridon Comedy Award-Zsa Zsa d’LaHor, Big Momma LaVouge, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders, Tittie Toulouse Fly Fashion Glamour AwardDusty Debris, Dominique DeLorean, Opal Masters Aubrey Synclaire, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy GLBT Business of the Year-Bourbon Pride, La Mina Sterling, Mary’s Hardware, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts, Scully’z Recordz

Leather Person of the Year-Jason Ashford, Cathy Fox, Pat Johnson, Toby Lefort, Gary Vandeventer Transgender of the Year-Regina Adams, Dee Cooley, Jasmine Essex, Joann Guidos, Jessica Vanderhurst Lesbian of the Year-Misti Ates, Marty Curtin, Pat McArdle, Debbie Rulh, Sandy Sachs Gay Man of the Year-Tommy Elias, Darrin Ferris, Ken Grandpre, Tony Leggio, Chuck Turner Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year-Elizabeth Bouvier, Dusty Debris, Monique Michaels, Monica SynclaireKennedy, Tittie Toulouse The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence, the "Drag Ambassador" award is presented by Marsha NaquinDelain. For additional information, visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA.

Wear A Condom, Save A Life! Benefit July 22 @ Michael's

he Wear A Condom, Save A Life! benefit is set for Sunday, July 22nd, 6-9pm, at Michael's On The Park, 834 N. Rampart. Benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force's CAN Project, there is a $10 suggested donation which rewards you with a buffet and first class show by local celebrities! Buy $1 raffle tickets for a chance or $5 for six chances to win fabulous prizes including bar tabs, fleur de lis book ends and many other items. All donations, door money, and tips to performers will be donated to the CAN Project. If you can't make it to this show, you can always leave your donation with Michael or Princesse at Michael's on the Park! "As we all know; the federal/state governments have cut millions of dollars from their budgets this past year. One of the cuts was made to the NO/ AIDS Task Force and they are in need of funds to purchase condoms and lube for Southern Decadence to help stop the spread of HIV and other STDs within our community." Please join Michael Cookmeyer and Princesse Stephaney on July 22nd.

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The horse, Joey, is first seen as an awkward foal; his transformation into a much larger stallion is thrilling. Among the other highlights is the exit of a horse through a theater aisle and the senseless death of an officer who is shot while riding his steed in battle. Cast members work together flawlessly to bring the horses to life, supplying

a range of neighs and whinnies as well, while Jude Sandy’s goose provides amusing comic relief. Paule Constable’s lighting, all browns and earth tones, and Adrian Sutton’s folk music add to the atmosphere while set designer Rae Smith ingeniously projects [continued on 27]

Summer in the City (the Big Apple that is) If you’re heading up to New York this summer and don’t have a timeshare on Fire Island (or a friend who does), there’s still a w-i-d-e range of things to do in the City That Never Sleeps. Here’re a few suggestions. Broadway’s featuring quite a menagerie these days. In addition to the invisible rabbit in the revival of Harvey (featuring openly gay Jim (Big Bang Theory) Parsons), and the wonderful creatures from The Lion King, at Lincoln Center War Horse continues its Tony Award-winning run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Originally produced by London’s National Theatre, War Horse is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel that tells the story of a boy in rural England whose beloved horse is sold to the cavalry by his weasely father and shipped to France during World War I. If the opening scenes are a slightly precious tale of country life—dramatic tension comes from a wager over whether a horse will be able to plow a field or not—things get weightier once the action shifts to the battlefields on the Continent. War has never been so hellish as Albert, now a young man, first encounters a group of injured soldiers that look like the living dead and then continues to serve his country, hoping to survive the carnage and be reunited with his horse. What distinguishes War Horse are the magnificent lifesized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company and the spectacular use to which Directors Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris put them.

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feature 41st Southern Decadence Expected to Bring in Over 135,000 Participants with Economic Impact of $160 Million or Better

arly indications reflect that the 41st Southern Decadence celebration of "Gay Life, Music & Culture" could very well attract over 135,000 participants this Labor Day Weekend running Wednesday, August 29th-Monday, September 3rd. Based on a conservative spending average of $1,200-$1,500 per person, this holiday could be a huge economic impact for New Orleans bringing in over $160 million in spite of the economic downturn across the country. The 40th celebration last year was estimated to bring in some 80,000 revelers with a projected economic impact of over $96 million to the local economy. Over 100,000 participants were expected for the 2011 holiday, but Tropical Storm Lee deterred some visitors from coming in for that weekend resulting in roughly 20% in hotel cancellations. As is so often the mantra in New Orleans, inclement weather did not deter those here from enjoying the festivities resulting in the cry that it was “raining thousands of men and women” in the city!

Southern Decadence Poster, Theme, Colors, Song, Charity, Sponsors

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard have set the tone for the 41st Southern Decadence with their selection of the "official" poster, theme, colors, song, charity and sponsors. Grey Cross Studios did the photo shoot this year for the poster with Studio 11's Jessie Matthew Elliot credited with graphic art and design, as well as original art by Jacey Frew. The theme is Peace, Hope & Love = Monkey Dance while the colors are white, purple and silver. Starships by Nicki Minaj is the song and Belle Reve was chosen as the charity with a goal of raising $10,000. The sponsors include Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.COM, Quartermaster Deli, Harrah’s, Scoots, Absolut, Bud Light, QT Pie, Panda Bear, Bayou Beau, Fifi Mahoney’s, Rathbone Mansions, and Grey Cross Studios.

Longest Running SD Events FREE for All!

es, it is true, the longest running Southern Decadence events are free for all to attend, well, those of legal age anyway. Many visitors are under the impression that you must have a Southern Decadence VIP Pass to attend all of the Southern Decadence events. That is incorrect, there is no such all access Southern Decadence VIP Pass. However, three clubs do issue Southern Decadence VIP Passes including Oz, Bourbon Pub Parade, and The Corner Pocket that allows you entry into that particular club's events, which you may very well wish to attend. The longest running free Southern Decadence events include: Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals' Drag Show on Friday, August 31st, 10pm, at Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby’s Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, featuring Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard with former SDGMs and many others. 9th Bourbon Street Extravaganza on Saturday, September 1st, 5pm, presented by Napoleon's Itch is the huge live free concert featuring big stars on the circuit plus many surprises attracting thousands to the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets. 38th Official Southern Decadence Parade celebrating the 41st Southern Decadence led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard on Sunday, Sept. 2nd, 2pm sharp, beginning at the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby's Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street. This walking parade is open for anyone to participate in, which is a glorified street march/bar crawl stopping at many of New Orleans famous gay bars. 19th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss also on Sunday, 4-4:30ish pm at the Ambush Mansion balcony, 828 Bourbon Street. Hosted by Southern

Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha, and sponsored by Ambush Mag and SouthernDecadence.COM, the bead toss brings SDGMs XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard following the parade out onto the famous Bourbon Street balcony to toss thousands of throws to the crowds below. 15th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl on Monday, September 3rd, 2pm, led by Cruise Director - Ted Mahaffy direct from Chicago, honoring SDGMs XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard, begins with snacks at The Corner Pocket, then to The Double Play, Le Roundup, Society Page, 700 Club, Ninth Circle, Voodoo, ending with a BBQ @ Michael’s On The Park. There are many other events at clubs and venues across the city which are currently listed with more to come before Labor Day weekend. For the complete events list, visit SouthernDecadence.COM, and Like F a c e b o o k . C O M / SouthernDecadenceNOLA.

Oz Presents All-Star Lineup Aug. 30-Sept. 2

ance Club of the Year Oz, 800 Bourbon, kicks off Southern Decadence on Thursday, August 30th when Chi Chi LaRue hits town to host Oz's Thursday Southern Decadence Strip-off as "Your Favorite Diva of Porn." Plus LaRue will guest DJ throughout the weekend. The club brings circuit greats DJ Roland Belmares on Friday, August 31st to spin his magic followed by DJ Joe Gauthreaux on Saturday, September 1st, and DJ Phil B. on Sunday, September 2nd. And of course, the hot Men of Oz will dance on the bar tops. Resident DJs Tim Pflueger, JRB, Bull, Brian Hartman, Devil on Ice and Robbie C. round out the weekend with illuminations by Johnny Eubanks. 2012 Oz Southern Decadence Weekend Passes are $70 and valid

Thursday, August 30th through Monday, September 3rd. Get your passes at OzNewOrleans.COM.

Bourbon Pub & Parade Kicks off Southern Decadence All-Star Lineup Aug. 29-Sept. 3

ne of the world's Top 10 Gay Bars and Clubs, Bourbon Pub & Parade kicks off Southern Decadence over Labor Day Weekend Wednesday, August 29th-Monday, September 3rd. Weekend Passes and VIP Weekend Passes are on sale now at: www.bourbonpub.com. Weekend Passes at $60 include all events Thursday – Sunday; Welcome Cocktail and Priority Admittance. VIP Weekend Passes at $100 include all events Thursday – Sunday; Welcome Cocktail; Hosted Cocktail Reception Saturday night; Express Check-In; Express VIP Entrance and Commemorative Tshirt. Your hosts for the weekend, direct from Los Angeles, are Billy Francesca and Rhea Litre! Upstairs, dance nonstop to Parade’s decadent DJ lineup, including: Thursday - DJ Sean Michael (NOLA); Friday - DJ Mike Bryant (Los Angeles); Saturday - Masterbeat DJ Brett Henrichsen; Sunday Tea - DJ Robbie Leslie (SiriusXM-Studio 54 Radio); Sunday Night - DJ Max Rodriguez (New York) and MondayDJ Jayskee (NOLA). Downstairs at the Pub, enjoy local VJ’s Brendan Thompson and Chris Allen. Also on Thursday night, don’t miss the infamous Big Dick Contest, hosted by The Bearded Lady herself Billy Francesca and the newly crowned King Cake Queen Miss Nicole DuBois. Register “your assets” upon arrival! At Sunday’s T-Dance, be there as Disco Diva legend, France Joli, performs her classic “Come To Me” and more, live on stage!

More SD Events on the Horizon

Your Favorite Diva of Porn Chi Chi LaRue

on't think that these are the only events for Southern Decadence. There are numerous others held at bars, clubs and venues across the city. The events listed previously were the only ones confirmed as of press time. There are wild kickoffs with the Wet Jockey Shorts Contest at Corner Pocket, Dick of Decadence at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, USDA Prime Aged Beef and Miss High Hair Contests at Good Friends, the Fetish Ball and crowning of King of Decadence at Rawhide, Leather Block Party at Phoenix, Bear Decadence, Dykeadence and a multitude of fab functions, something for every visitor and local alike. Don't miss it!

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King Amon-Ra David, EGM Rhonda, Marsha & Rip with EGM Darwin & GEP Boards Opal

GEP Boards Tip (Electra) & Gary (Tittie) with James Stevens

Double Play’s Bill Miller & Chuck Turner with Jim May Opal, EGM Rhonda, Josie Mae Cotton & (front) Larry Bagneris

NO/AIDS Task Force’s TJ, Beau & GEP Boards Tony

EGM Darwin with Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles

Cy Whitney & Oz bar baron Johnny Chisholm

Dusty DeBris & Frankie Fierce with Alexia, John & Pearson

Charles Pizzo, Oz GM Tommy & brother Corner Pocket’s Michael Elias

Leonard (Deja), Dwain & Al

Kajun’s Pub’s David Berni

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Steve Patrick & EGM Darwin

GEP Boards Tip & Opal flank Nick Marsha & Michael’s On The Park’s Mike Cookmeyer

Ranzy, Dwain, John, Al, EGM Rhonda & (front) Creig

Food For Friends Glen, with NO/ AIDS Task Force’s Noel & TJ

Todd Blauvelt & Miss Ashlee

Party host & Top 5 Bitch of the Year & Cheridon Comedy Award Finalist Persana Shoulders

International DJ Wayne G & Top 5 DJ of the Year Finalist DJ JRB

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Oz’s 20th Anniversary celebrated with Neon Party XX ~ New Orleans

13th Gay Easter Parade Sponsors Thank You Party presents $36,242 to Food For Friends @ The Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans

Easter Grand Marshals XIII Darwin Reed & Rhonda Roget, with Rona Conners under glass

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Good Friends Sack Race winners: 1st Danny, 2nd Emma & 3rd Wynne @ Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Good Friends

1st, 2nd & 3rd 2-Legged Race winners @ Rawhide’s Country Fair

Spencer feeds “Beggin' Strips” to Cha Cha during Good Friends Country Fair

CJ & Wood Enterpirses Mike await their turn to twirl batons @ Lafitte’s Country Fair

Latter & Blum’s Stace & Lee cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s

Bartender Richard turns down the lights @ Rawhide

Door guy Dennis welcomes you to Cafe Lafitte in Exile 700 Club bartender Justin poses with chef Cricket

Luke of Good Friends @ Lafitte’s 4th of July Country Fair Dereck preps for a busy night in the 700 Club kitchen

Good Friends Country Fair manager Neel

Lafitte’s manager Patrick serves up Popeyes fried chicken for Lafitte’s Country Fair

Rawhide bartender Lee having burgers @ Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Rawhide

Lafitte’s new bartender Jessie

Cafe Lafitte’s bartender Steve drops in @ Napoleon’s Itch

Auryn cocktailing @ Napoleon’s Itch

Robert & Paul having cocktails @ 700 Club

Clover Grill's Will & boyfriend Drew @ Rawhide’s Chuckwagon Cookout

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4th of July Excitement ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist SDGM 38 TJ gets ready for the SD Jeff @ Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of Poster shoot @ Top 5 Dance Club the Year Finalist Lafitte’s of the Year Finalist Oz

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

Dining Out For Life

ather your friends, coworkers and family for a fabulous meal in support of a great cause. On Thursday, July 19th, one of the largest dining out events in the city will occur benefitting the NO/ AIDS Task Force. Over 90 of the region’s most exciting restaurants will take part in this noteworthy fundraiser that raises much needed monies to help those who live with HIV and AIDS. This year’s honorary chairs are the delightful Poppy Tucker and culinary notable Tom Fitzmorris. The restaurants run the gamut on cuisine, location, price point and style, so there is some place to suit everyone’s taste, so to speak. And with 25 new places added to the list and growing, this year’s event is shaping up to be a huge success. Make your reservations right away. For more information, visit the Dining Out For Life website at www.diningoutforlife.com or call Michael Weber at 504.821.2601 ext. 256.

Book of the Month

ery rarely do I prefer a movie over a book; that is usually why I read the novel before going to see the film. The film hardly ever comes close to the book, because written text can say so much more in its descriptive both in scenery and character. The reader is allowed to use his or her imagination, something that rarely occurs in a movie. Now I am at a disadvantage for my next choice for August since I read the book, but have failed to see the movie as of yet. The Hunger Games trilogy is sweeping the nation, so I decided to pick up the first book in Suzanne Collins series, aptly titled The Hunger Games. The premise is very intriguing. North America lies in ruins except for the nation of Paneem, the shining Capitol City surrounded by twelve outlying districts. A long time ago there were 13 areas, but there was a revolt against the Capitol that was squashed. Because of this, a harsh and cruel law was enacted to keep the other districts in line. Each district is forced to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The heroine of the story is Katniss Everdeen who takes the place of her younger sister when her name is called at the lottery drawing. What follows next is an action packed character driven story that kept me enthralled to

the finish. Collins spins a masterful tale of survival and humankind. Even though this may be considered a young adult novel, I was completely entertained and not once felt that it was too juvenile. The characters are well thought out and it is amazing to see all their transformations as the story progresses. The suspense is high as the books brings readers on a harrowing journey of one girl’s fight to stay alive and still manage to keep some semblance of humanity. The love story adds a special twist to things, as you never quite know what is real or what is played out for the cameras. I highly recommend reading the novel before seeing the movie. It may give away the ending, but you will learn so much more about all the characters that will help you understand the film. I have already placed the last two books, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay, on my list so keep an eye out for their reviews in the near future.

Drag Racing!

he Krewe of Petronius is hosting their second annual Dragging with the Stars on Saturday, July 28 from 7 – 10pm at Michael's On The Park. If you have never been to this event, you are in for a hysterical evening of fun. Famous locals and drag queens will transform non-performers into stunning (and I use this word loosely) to win this ultimate title. All the monies go to the krewe to help with their Mardi Gras Ball. These contestants are judged on talent, drag ability, but most of all how much money they bring in. The person bringing in the most dollars wins. I was a newbie last year and came in second place. I had an incredible time and so did the audience. I do not know as of yet if I am a star this year or being dragged out, we shall see. So come out and support your favorite candidate and help them bring home the title. Tickets are $10 and Michael's On The Park is at 834 N. Rampart. For more information, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org.

Ambush on the Road: Baton Rouge

tella may have gone on a tropical vacation to get her groove back, but all I did was take a jaunt to our state capital of Baton Rouge to have a weekend of fun, frivolity and friends. I started my little excursion to the west on Saturday afternoon when I drove to the palatial estate of King Amon-Ra David Forth

and his lovely other half Easter Grand Marshal Rhonda Roget (aka Ronnie White). She met me at the door with my favorite libation of Ketel One, splash of water, extra twists of lemon and we were off and running. As we relaxed poolside, Guillermo, their swarthy Latin pool boy made us exotic cocktails while Gustav, a blond handy man just hired rubbed suntan lotion on our bodies. David sat in the high back white wicker chair under the gazebo smoking a cigar and making sure that Guillermo was not too overheated, so he frequently told him to remove bits of his clothing, while Rhonda showed off her latest designer one piece bathing suit. She performed several numbers poolside for our pleasure as spectators gathered on the golf course behind their home. “A star needs to be prepared for her fans at all times. It's hard, but I always have to go on,” she quipped. Okay, so maybe all of the above was just my vivid imagination running away; but I did have an absolute blast hanging out with the Rogets in their home. As evening settled we changed into our tuxedos for the Krewe of Divas Bal Masque VII in Baton Rouge. David drove as Ronnie and I enjoyed a bottle of bubbly. We arrived at the Union Hall on Government Street and met up with Jeff Mallon and Lance Baggert. We were guests at the King Elect 2012 KD Linkous’ table. The libations flowed as the ball got underway. After the National Anthem, the venerable Chica La Rouge took the stage as Ra (the Sun God). She also acted as emcee for the evening. The Krewe of Divas is best described as a Pride Ball. It was like having a Mardi Gras ball in the middle of the summer. And, this may have been a small event in size, but these people know how to throw down and have a good time. Jonathan Lamonte (who looked like King Herod from Jesus Christ Superstar and owned the stage) and the always delightful Amanda Rose Andrews came out next as returning royalty King and Queen Diva 2012. They were followed by an abundance of amazing talent including Rae Lynn, Andrew Bangcock, Aurora Isis, Lady Danisha Andrews, Adriana Alexander, Miranda Mann, Josalyn Royale, Ellie Marie and Kenli Andrews. Mr. and Ms. Capital City Pride 2012 Chad Truxillo and Lady Danisha Andrews also performed, as did Mr. and Ms. Diva 2012 Titan Black and Arilyn Roberts. If you are looking for a fun getaway close to home, I suggest making the trek out to this event next year; it is one of the best parties. For $25 dollars you get an open bar and an exhilarating show with some of the top entertainers in Baton Rouge. The ball culminated with KD’s walk as King Elect with the Queen Elect Alli Walker. What a wonderful entrance they made as royalty and they looked ecstatic. After the

fanfare was over, that is when the real party started as we decided to paint the town red; I mean the city’s name does mean Red Stick. Our first stop was George’s, which is part show bar, part neighborhood bar, and all enjoyable, and is the oldest bar in the city. We entered as part of KD’s entourage and were treated very well, since he is like family, because he also works part time there as a bartender. After a few drinks and lots of well wishes, we headed over to Splash which was alive with boys galore. God, you have to love a college town, I met the delightful owner Cory who gave us the regal treatment. It is easy to see why this is one of the more popular hot spots in the city. From the great dance tunes to the streaming shots, we partied into the wee hours of the morning; but unfortunately not too wee, since the city shuts down at 2am. Really, where does it say in the Bible or any other religious document to close all bars at a certain time? Those dumb rules are made up by cities without a good cab system. We closed the city down and we all managed to make it back to KD and Alli’s condo where we crashed for the night. I woke up the next morning and the New Orleans gang trekked back to the city, a little weary, but having had a spectacular time. There is one thing I noticed, that Baton Rouge has to have more drags queens per capita than anyplace else I have been, and that includes New York and San Francisco. So check out Baton Rouge for their gay landscape the next time you want a change of scenery, it might just be the thing to get your groove back.

Party Down

s crazy as my last article was, this week my partying took a hiatus and slowed down due to my heavy work schedule. I have to pay for my good times somehow. My week started on Thursday when I went to the sneak peek hard hat tour of SoBou, the new restaurant in the W French Quarter, owned and operated by the people from Commander’s Palace. Touted as a drinks focused eatery, the venue is spectacular. The bar side of the restaurant looks like a modern saloon. There is a garden, complete with tables equipped with their own taps, which is so way cool. There is also an Enomatic wine dispenser, first seen at WINO in the Warehouse District. This allows diners to serve themselves wine pours of varying sizes and prices. The large bar is the domain of the cocktail queen Lu Brow, the influential mixologist at Martin’s other restaurant, Café Adelaide. And their name is a abbreviation of their location, South of Bourbon. The food as expected was top notch and the atmosphere was trendy [continued on 24]

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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com

Interview with In Exile Authors

lthough the book has been reviewed in these pages, and the two authors are well known to many in the French Quarter, no one had gotten a sit down interview with the two in the months since the book was published, and this writer was happy to have the cooperation of both authors. The book is In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar.” I was able to meet up recently with Frank Perez at his tour business just off Bourbon Street on St. Ann. He has a tour promotion company that keeps tabs on all tours in the area and is a great service to querying tourists who want to know what to see while here. I asked Frank how he and Jeff had gotten together to write the book. “Most of my best friends have been bartenders," he says with a beat and then, “I wonder what that says about me?" (Laughter) I found Frank Perez to be a very intelligent, affable and good natured

under the gaydar ...from 22 with a Creole flair. It was a lovely evening with great friends trying new libations, although shockingly I had too many of the Proseco drink. Gin never plays well with me. I like to call these evenings, accidental intoxications, this was not premeditated, but boy did I suffer the next day. As you read before, I spent Saturday in Baton Rouge. The rest of the week was a blur at the office until Tuesday evening, when I had a slight reprieve from work and went to the Lords of Leather 4th of July Raise Your Flagpole salute at the Phoenix. Wow, I did not see any founding fathers that night but I did see a few All-American daddies. They have the best deals at their parties, pay $10 and it is house drinks and draft for the evening. The following day I continued the celebration of the birth of our country by having brunch with my mom, then going to my friend Laura Tennyson’s house for her 4th of July gathering. It was just the laid back evening I needed to get me ready for the big Essence weekend, of which I worked in its entirety. On Saturday night, I did manage to make it to the concert at the Superdome with my friend Nick Nevares and another friend also named Nick visiting from Corpus Christi. It was an incredible night of awesome music. We were lucky enough to get into the VIP Lounge with compli-

Palmquist said, “Somebody ought to write a book.” And we both laughed again. “I started thinking about that and looked around and found while others had done tours about the Gay History no one had ever written a book about the Gay history of New Orleans, nor had anyone written the history of Lafitte’s in Exile as a bar and how the bar came to be what it was. Well you know the saying if you want something done, then do it yourself, so we started to interview people and do research.” I asked him about how they researched the book. “We did some interviews, and also reviewed police records, interviewed some people over the phone and some by email. We used newspaper articles for historical events like the big bar fire that was set

guy who knows his history and has had a great time researching and interviewing people for the book. He is also passionate about Gay rights as a subject and active in working with local police and politicians to ensure our rights are protected. As to how he came to live in the Quarter, he stated: “I have lived in the Quarter since January of 2009. When I first moved here I got a place Uptown to start. I knew I wanted to live in the Quarter but I really had to find the perfect place which I finally did. I spent a lot of time drinking at Lafitte's in Exile and Jeffrey and I became good friends. I was sitting at the bar during a weekday afternoon and some crazy lady walked into the bar and said something totally crazy and it was so French Quarter-like, we both In Exile Authors Frank Perez & Jeff Palmquist laughed and Jeff mentary libations and stars galore. Some of my favorite acts that night were Teedra Moses who had some awesome backup singers who we hung out with in the lounge and the incomparable Stephanie Mills who sang all of her greatest hits. Capping off the night on the main stage was Mary J. Blige who always puts on one hell of a show. She was non-stop energy and she brought the house down. But what is always the part of Essence I love is the shopping areas (or tent city as I affectionately call it) set up outside the Dome. You can buy the best knock off designer goods there real cheap, as well as great jewelry, art and mementos. Also, if you are hungry, the food vendors are numerous. Anything possible you want fried they had, not the healthiest of fare, but definitely some of the tastiest. Sunday was more relaxed for me. I started out my evening by attending the Sponsors Thank You Party for the Gay Easter Parade at Ambush headquarters. It was a lovely soiree with lots of wonderful people. This year we raised over thirty six thousand dollars for Food For Friends, which allows 100 more clients to be helped for an entire year. That is amazing and thanks should go out to all the sponsors, the board of directors and this year’s grand marshals, Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget. After the party, my friend Beaux

and I had an evening of drag shows taking in both the Pub and Oz’s shows. There was boundless entertainment and the Essence boys were out in full force. So that wraps up my last two weeks. Be prepared for more excitement as the city heats up with some hot happenings. Until next issue, stay cool and keep yourself hydrated by always having a mixer with your cocktails.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

nd this is why we can’t have nice things! That is my mantra, when anything goes wrong in my life or someone does something crazy; that is my stock line. But is that really true? Of course not, I have many nice things, but there are always three things that hamper me sometimes, so I thought I would share them with you. The first reason I cannot have nice things is I drink. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the devil’s piss does touch my lips on occasion. Okay, on a lot of occasions but who is counting except for few evil queens out there. Drinking is the primary reason most people including me can’t have the finer things in life. Because we lose items, spill on them, break them, vomit on them, or leave them at a trick’s house. Let’s face it how many people have lost their car (one of my friends lost his Vespa)

by a disgruntled hustler who had been thrown out of the Upstairs bar. He came back and set a fire and at the end of the evening 32 people were dead. This was in 1973 and it was a beginning of activism for many in the Quarter. There is a lot more detail about it in the book and other events which changed the way Gay folks were treated." “At first the book was just going to be a history of the bar, but as we moved forward it became a story of the bar but also the larger history of Gay life in New Orleans." I asked him what most surprised him in the research done for the book. [continued on 27] before after a night on the town. Can you imagine if you lose your automobile, what chance does a pair of sunglasses have? But this can also work in your favor. How many of you have gotten some really cool swag from those drunk friends (okay tricks) who left stuff at your house. I got a pair of designer aviator glasses, ties, baseball caps and even some lovely cufflinks once. These days before I take anyone home, I always check out their accessories. The second thing is once I get something (or someone) nice, one of you bitter bitch queens take it (or him) from me. I have lost many potential suitors to someone I knew. It used to be I only had to contend with single guys in the gay market, but now with every gay man in the world having open relationships; everything is up in the air. There is one guy I liked currently dating a married couple. How exactly does that work again? You are in a relationship, but you are allowed to play. What makes you guys anything more than roommates? Oh, you own a house together, well; nothing solidifies your love than home ownership. Good grief, people! Basically it just changes your roommate status to a business partnership with benefits. But I digress, so that is reason number two. My third and final reason is I actually have a set of ethical standards. Now I know my moral compass does not exactly point due north, but I find it very hard to purposely do others wrong. Even at my meanest moment, the Catholic (and my mother’s) guilt comes out. So I find it very difficult to go after some of the things I want, because doing so would hurt other people. And hurting others is a bad mark on your karma card. And the last thing I need is the karma gods angry at me. Then, I really may end up not having nice things. Have a great July and here’s hoping you get all the nice things you want this summer! If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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Klorocks Bleachman performs @ Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist Michael’s On The Park

Cutter’s July Artist of the Month Michael Mulling

Chuc & Kevin cocktailin’ @ Cutter's

Wilhemina slingin’ cocktails @ Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Lords of Leather's 4th of July Party @ Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Phoenix

Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Dusty DeBris @ Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist Oz

Checking out the leather shop @ the Phoenix SDGMs 38 TJ Conard & Pat McArdle with First Lady Jacey Frew @ Oz

ambush

Cutter’s bartender Blake

papar azzi

Monster Cross in The Man Show @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Hot Cowboy at the bar in Napoleon’s Itch

Lipstixx’s Aubrey Synclaire @ Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist Bourbon Pub Parade

Bubbles Champagne in Cougar Cabaret @ Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist Golden Lantern

Cutter’s own Dudley & Jimmy

Darwin & Opal celebrate their 37th anniversary with Alvin @ Oz

Top 5 DJ of the Year Finalist Eddie Mitchell in The Man Show @ 4 Seasons

Raven Kennedy in Trois Femmes @ Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s

Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Jasmine Essex @ Bourbon Pub Parade

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Around the Circuit ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin, Tony Leggio

Winston & Darren cocktailin’ @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara, 1st Alternate Amanda Rose Andrews, Miss Gay Metairie America Ambrosia Ciara Black & former Miss Gay Louisiana America Dominique DeLorean @ Top 5 Leather & Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Club LAX

trodding the boards ...from 12 animated images, from country churches to war-torn fields, onto a strip of canvas above the stage. Despite all its accomplishments, however, War Horse never fully escapes its kiddie lit origins. There is an episodic quality to it and occasional stretches of “philosophizing” that slow its momentum. And while certainly moving, its happy ending that hinges on mere chance seems more geared to youthful sensibilities than a reflection of plausible reality. Still, even if its visually gripping images make a stronger statement than its “War is Hell” words, War Horse is a theatrical experience you’re likely never to forget. Next door at Lincoln Center, I saw Leos Janacek’s The Makropulos Case at The Metropolitan Opera in May. While the Season is now over, you can enjoy the Met’s Summer Recital Series beginning Wednesday, July 25. Dimitri Pittas, John Del Carlo, and Danielle de Niese, so marvelous earlier this year in The Enchanted Island, will be accompanied by Dan Saunders at Central Park’s SummerStage. The concert will be repeated July 27 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and then another program will be presented July 31-August 9 at various other locations around the City. And these evenings should be as easy on your wallet as on your ears as all the recitals are free! (Of course, if you can’t make it up to NYC, you can enjoy the Met’s Summer HD Encore broadcasts in a number of local theaters. Anna Netrebko is Lucia di Lammermoor on July 18 while Der Rosenkavalier features Renee Flemming on July 25.) As for The Makropulos Case, how wonderful it was to hear this life-affirming work with Janacek’s sweeping score of early twentieth century Romanticism, a harbinger of some of Philip Glass’ propulsive qualities. Elijah Moshinsky’s opulent production features people walking high above the stage on catwalks as this drama about a seemingly dry, 300 year old lawsuit reveals haunting passions of love and desire. While the staging, compared to Robert Wilson’s unforgettable production in Prague of the Karel Capek play on which the opera is based, was a bit static, each of the three acts was more involving than the previous one. As Emilia Marty, Karita Mattila’s splendid vocal qualities and fine acting abilities combined for a seductive, dynamic performance. If you’re less in the mood for the sublime than the down’n’dirty, check out any of Daniel Nardicio’s events. In May, he presented MAGNUM! at The Cock which featured the boys from Buff Maid who demonstrated their naked cleaning routine. For the summer, Daniel shifts locales out to The Ice Palace in Fire Island’s Cherry Grove with a phenomenal series of performers including Alan Cumming with special guest Liza

Minnelli (Aug. 4), Sandra Bernhard with special guest Lea DeLaria (Aug. 18) and Margaret Cho in her first ever full length comedy show on Fire Island (Aug. 19). Wow! Daniel’s always been a good friend to New Orleans so if you can’t make it to any of the Fire Island goings-on (which includes occasional underwear parties), give him a holler at danielnardicio@gmail.com so he can add you to his e-list for future fun stuff. Of course, there’s also Shakespeare in the Park which is presenting Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods (July 23-August 25); NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks; other events at SummerStage; and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival which will be featuring New Orleans’ own Stooges Brass Band on July 26!

Summertime and the Theater is...Busy!

t used to be that people, even theater people, took a vacation, or at least a break, during summer. Not any more!

[continued on 32]

on the prowl ...from 24 “I think what really surprised me was the extent to which guys lived in fear back then, and the police harassment, raids and arrests. What I found was that there were two things that began to change public perception of Gay folks in the United States. I think the AIDS crisis and the people who were reported to have died of AIDS from Rock Hudson, to Freddy Mercury of Queen, to thousands of sons and fathers and brothers who passed from the disease. A lot of Gay folk died during that time but a lot of publicity also occurred. There were many other factors. Here in New Orleans, Southern Decadence as it grew became a financial boom to the local economy. It started as a Labor Day party in 1972 put on by some bored college students. They were several roommates sharing a slave quarters apartment behind a dilapidated house at 2110 Barracks Street in Treme. Near the front door was a sign that read “Belle Reve.” The name of Blanch Dubois’ plantation in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. As Labor Day weekend of 1972 approached, the residents of Belle Reve decided to have a farewell party for one of their own who was moving away. The theme of the party was Southern Decadence. Guests were instructed to arrive dressed as their favorite southern decadent. About fifty people attended the party. The next year they

planned a repeat. This time the revelers decided to inaugurate a parade. The tradition grew every year and by 1997, 50,000 Gay people were coming to New Orleans for the event. By 2010, the number of revelers had grown to 120,000 visitors with an economic impact of 160 million dollars to the city. Over the years this has helped change perceptions of Gay people.” I asked Frank what was unique about being Gay in New Orleans, “Well part of it is the bar scene, we all see each other and its very out in the open now. The police raids of Gay bars had stopped by the end of the 1980’s. What makes the French Quarter unique I think is the lingering French and European Influence. This city was founded by thieves and prostitutes and named after a cross dresser. I’m serious the city was named after Philippe D’Orleans who would appear in public at important events sometimes dressed as a man and sometimes dressed as a woman. No one ever knew how he would show up. New Orleans existed for about 90 years before it became a US city, so it has retained some of that European and Spanish influence to this day." I asked about another book in the works? “Yes, due to the success of this book, we are looking to write a larger volume next, with interviews from all aspects of Gay life in New Orleans, including bears, drag queens, twinks, hustlers, lesbians, bisexuals, leather guys, young folks, and transgendered folks. It will be a much larger volume." Next I met up with Jeffrey Palmquist, and found him not surprisingly at the bar Cafe Lafitte in Exile. I ordered a beer and began our interview. Jeff moved to New Orleans to stay in December of 2001. Prior to moving here he would spend his summers here with friends. In the summer of 2001 he was working as a bartender at one of the daiquiri shops on Bourbon Street and decided he had had enough of life back in South Dakota. He returned there, sold his house, resigned his teaching position and moved his life to New Orleans. He describes his life as always being a wanderer. I asked him about his history here. “I have worked at Lafitte’s since I moved here off and on. I was working full time for the airlines, Jet Blue, and when Katrina hit we split the crew and sent half away and half stayed here. When it hit, we went to Beaumont, Texas and a lot of corporate people met us there. My partner’s parents had a place in Mississippi we were able to stay at for awhile. I have always moved on. If it wasn’t for a drag queen (his partner), a mortgage and a dog, I might not be here today." (We laughed). After 11 years, he works now full time at Lafitte’s and very much enjoyed coauthoring the book with Frank Perez. Both authors have been surprised at the good reviews, and overwhelmingly

obituary

W. L. Derle Abel

. L. Derle Abel, 76, died June 30, 2012 in Hendersonville, NC, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born April 17, 1936 in Vicksburg, MS, and lived most of his life in New Orleans. He graduated from Warren Easton High School, attended Louisiana College, Pineville, LA and was a US Air Force veteran. During his twenties he was active in little theatre in New Orleans. He worked with insurance companies and was a draftsman with oil and environmental firms. He enjoyed his travels to Alaska, Mexico and Europe. Derle was fun to be with and had a upbeat personality. He is survived by his longtime companion Gene White of Pooler, (Savannah) GA. Since 1974, they lived in MidCity, the Lower Garden District and briefly in Bywater. They were known for their costumed Mardi Gras parties on Camp St. at Coliseum Square. They last resided in New Orleans in 1994. Derle also lived in Asheville, NC, Charleston, SC and Pensacola, FL before retiring in Georgia. He enjoyed many summers in the North Carolina mountains. Other survivors include his best friend David Camp of Pooler, GA, two brothers , a favorite niece, a brother-inlaw and many other relatives in the New Orleans area. Remembrances to your favorite charity in honor of Derle may be acknowledged to 8 Cottingham Way, Pooler, GA 31322. positive response to the publication. The book is available from Amazon, also if you are in the French Quarter you can pick up a copy at Skully’z Recordz right next door to Cafe Lafitte in Exile at 907 Bourbon Street, in the Marigny at FAB, 600 Frenchmen, and it is also available at other local bookstores. If they don’t have it you can request they order you a copy of the trade paperback.

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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 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM

Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 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,

employment Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN! Dancers wanted, license required, George’s, 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Call for info @ 225.387.9798 between 12noon-4pm, Mon.-Fri or email georgesplace@bellsouth.net. New Orleans, LA [504] HELP WANTED - Cashier/backup needed at Club New Orleans. Drug test required. Submit application at 515 Toulouse St.

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

galleries

New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S NEW ORLEANS, 2441 Paris Rd., 270.9900

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

cable shows

guides

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

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

book stores

chiropractic

FI EL D S

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

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 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, 265.0953 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

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., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1612]

groceries/delis

circuit/events

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

Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 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, 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 Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, 14th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 24-27, 2013 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

hair salons

counseling Lafayette, LA [337] COUNSELING/THERAPY, James Huval, MSW, LCSW - Psychotherapy for individuals and couples/sliding scale. Lafayette office location. Accepting new clients. Day/evening appointment times available/For more information: www.HuvalMSW.COM or 337.356.1343

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

hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465

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

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking dis-

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Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 17-30, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

tance 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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! 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 [is2612]

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, Offi-

cial 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: 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, 1001 South Broad St., Suite 115, New Orleans, LA 70125, 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, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, 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.,

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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. ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org 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

Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

pets

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

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

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

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

plumbers 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 INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French

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., FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, #130, 504.371.5074 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, opening soon Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET

retail/shopping 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 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167

spas 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 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

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

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

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a community within communities

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

Gay Appreciation

hurch, it is often either too cool or too warm. Church, the organ is out of tune and the old soprano sounds like a wet cat at midnight. Church, too often have hard seats and uncomfortable backs that cause one to squirm like ants in our pants. Church, with smells that remind us of old times best forgotten when we had to sit still, be quiet, and not kick Mrs. O’Malley’s pew. Church is where the ignorant fools gather and talk about love and then assassinate that gaudy bonnet or too tight shirt that Mildred and Cecil wear. Church… Perceptions are the demon of life. So many of us draw conclusions about places like church or even people based on myth, a bad experience, or rumors and urban legends. Stereotyping is the illusion that allows us to find comfort in our uncomfortable place. We become us and “they” become them. It is risky to breach stereotyping because when we do, we threaten our claim on comfort, identity, and safety. Have you ever been called “those people” or “you people?” Stereotyping is a furnace that smelts individuality and dignity. “White men can’t jump” or “Gay men always have such good taste!” I can assure you that Larry Byrd jumped high. I can say for a fact that after looking for homes in the Bywater, some gay men absolutely have no taste at all. I know a gay man who looks a little like somebody out of Mayberry RFD. He loves Civil War history. His accent is a thick

as any deep south good ol’ boy could be. Short of chewing a piece of hay, he is the complete package of good ol’ boy. Gay, yes. This man is one of the most loving humans I know. He grinds no axes and he loves his faith, his family, and his partner. When he is vexed he prays; he has a good drink with good friends and is always ready to help the old lady down the street or a stray dog gone lost. He can’t sing a note and fashion is just not what he does. Nope, he doesn’t work as a hairdresser or in a clothing store. He is an excellent carpenter. Wow, that myth, that stereotype is or seems to be busted. Maybe in Ambush this comment seems like I am preaching to the choir on the diversity with just the Gay male below Canal Street community. But, move to the suburbs and my friend would not be recognizably gay – you know it and so do I. He doesn’t fit. No lisp, no “fabulous,” no swish, no glitter, just a wonderful man ready to help, with few axes to grind and a strong faith. Come to think of it, some churches have thermostats that work and are just right in the summer and winter. Come to think of it, some churches have a jamming soprano and not a bad baritone, too. I know a church that has a wonderful grand piano and it’s in tune! There are some churches that preach a gospel of love, then demand that people live it, intolerant of personal slights and digs at that gaudy hat, “it’s her hat and she loves it.” Some

churches have kids that dance in the choir or let out a yelp right in the middle of the sermon and with a sigh, the people say “amen.” Some churches gather and talk about a troubled spirit and then work to end that trouble. Like my friend, churches are families and like my friend, they deserve to be treated on their own merits, as individuals, and judged by the content of their character, not the characteristics of their content. In this sense, a church should be that place where we play out our lives, generation to generation. Births and baptisms, unions and counseling, healings and prayers, passings and mournings are all a part of Church. It is

the only living vehicle where life is fully played amongst a gathered people, who are both gathered and sent to set us free from stereotyping, hating, controlling, and deceiving. A good church is a place where one lives… find one, join one, begin a life in community. It will take time but don’t be caught up in urban myths or misdirected by extremes on either side of hate and love. Churches, good churches, are here and now and to be found and when found, cherished like my very good friend who with a twang in his speech will say, “love thy neighbor as thyself.” To those churches go LGBT, Straight, Rich, Poor, White, Brown, Yellow, Black, young, old, and unique APPRECIATION. God bless us one and all!

trodding the boards ...from 27 The theater scene is as busy now as at any time of the year. So read on, then go out and support live, local theater! A must-see for any Ambush reader, Standing on Ceremony is a compendium of ten short plays addressing the issue of gay marriage. Written by a roster of A-list playwrights, including Paul Rudnick, Mo Gaffney, Neil LaBute, and Moisès Kaufman (with 2 Pulitzer Prizes, 4 Obies, 1 Emmy, and 3 Tony nominations among them!), these writers offer their unique takes on the moments before, during and after “I do.” Witty, warm and occasionally wacky, these plays are vows to the blessings of equality, the universal challenges of relationships, and the often hilarious power of love. Featured in the cast are Ben Carbo, Nelson Gonzalez, Jeff Mallon, Frederick Mead, Rebecca McNeill Meyers, Doug Mundy, Veronica Russell, Karen Shields, Diana Shortez, and D. Michael Stevens. The individual playlets are directed by Frederick Mead, Glenn Meche, and Karen Shields. Standing on Ceremony has just two more performances on Friday/Saturday, July 20/21, at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church (1313 Esplanade). Tickets are $15.00 in advance online at http:// standingonceremony.eventbrite.com, or $18.00 at the door. Also having two final performances on the 20th and 21st is Cripple Creek’s production of The Shaker Chair by Adam Bock in which Marion finds solace in her routines. She is content to let the powers that be handle the wrongs of the world. That is, until a friend convinces Marion to join an overnight mission to protest a pig farm spewing sewage into the community’s ground water. Eventually, she is awakened to the call of social justice, and in the end vows to do something with her life. Kristen Gremillion directs Mary Pauley, Claudia Baumgarten, Brandi-lea Harris, Glenn Aucoin, Greta Trosclair, and Jim Wright. The Shaker Chair plays at the AllWays Lounge & Theatre (2240 St. Claude Ave., Marigny St. entrance). Tickets are $15. Additionally, following each performance, a representative from an environmental organization will hold a post-show informational session. The final two organizations are The Gulf Restoration Network and The Louisiana Bucket Brigade. Also at the AllWays is a tenth anniversary return engagement of Waiting Around (the Restaurant Musical) which depicts life in the service industry with humor and heart. Original cast member Chris Wecklein returns along with Tracey E. Collins, Jason Kirkpatrick, and Darcy Malone who were in last year’s revival; Composer Harry Mayronne will once again be at the piano. The show runs Mondays through August 27; tickets are $20. When the lights go down at The Shadowbox Theatre (2400 St. Claude), the schooling begins. In Urban Education Smackdown, writer/performer Jim Fitzmorris climbs into the ring against the public education system and takes on all comers including NPR Democrats, Creationist Republicans, razor wielding students, confrontational parents, and in the main event of the evening, the hall monitor himself: Governor Bobby Jindal. Directed by Mike Harkins, Smackdown runs Fridays and Saturdays through August 18. Tickets are $15. Let’s see if Fitzmorris will give you an A or an F. Also at the Shadowbox, on Wednesday nights, is Michael Martin’s Verbatim Verboten which is an ever-changing revue of word-for-word performances of noted and notorious folks saying things they never intended the public to hear: surveillance tapes, wiretapped conversations, forgotten live mics, on-camera diatribes, released emails, private correspondence, 911 calls, and the like. Culled from almost 400 such pieces, new material is being added to the mix all the time so no two performances are exactly alike. Directed and emceed by Shadowbox proprietor Richard Mayer, Verbatim Verboten runs through September 12. Over at the Mid City Theatre (3540 Toulouse St.), they’re doing a show a week through August 5. In Rob Keefe’s The Cortez Method, an older brother brings comedy, drama & tragedy into a younger brother’s seemingly wellordered life. Michael Santos directs John Neisler, Mark Routhier, Andrea Watson & Kerry Cahill. (July 20, 21, 22) Seen from the author’s own unashamed experience in strip clubs, Cyd Casados’ Still Life at the Sushi Bar is part comedy, part drama, a little interactive, and wholly intriguing as it gives us insight into the life of a stripper. Starring Andrea Watson and directed by Mikko. (July 27, 28, 29) Cherry Docs by David Gow is a complex series of meetings between the skinhead perpetrator of a vile hate crime and his Jewish legal-aid lawyer. Fred Nuccio directs Dane Rhodes and Chris Ramage. (August 2, 3, 4, 5) And for the really adventurous, check out Playmakers’ production of Little Shop of Horrors in Covington (19106 Playmakers Road) through July 29, and Promises, Promises at Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell (747 Robert Blvd) which runs July 27-August 18.

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Fun Times @ Emerald City & The Other Side ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

pensacola paparazzi

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36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Bacchus Patio Party with John & Miss Cie

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Krewe of Divas Queen Alli with friends @ George’s

papar azzi A hottie & Splash bar baron Cory

Hello Cory & Timothy

Celebrating @ George’s

Behind the bar @ Splash

”Chad is Rad” with Steven Krewe of Divas King KD & friend @ George’s

”Enough is Enough” with Miss Venus & Toni Dee @ Midtown Pub Cocktailing @ Splash

Hello Boys @ Midtown Pub

Hello Boys & Amanda

baton rouge papar azzi

All smiles @ George’s

Chad Michaels with B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen

Always fun @ Splash

B-Bob’s Miss Cie with RuPaul Drag Race’s Chad Michaels @ B-Bob’s

Miss B-Bob’s, the beautiful Nadja Simone

A toast to y’all @ George’s

Another hot one with Splash’s Cory

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George’s, Splash ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

Hot, Beautiful, Enough ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cie Anne & John

B-Bob’s hot stuff Jerry!

baton rouge

Krewe of Divas Bal Masque VII @ Union Hall ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

papar azzi

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

ambush

papar azzi

Can’t Get Enough! ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

Bobby cocktailin’ @ Le Roundup

Princesse Stephaney gives a 4th of July salute @ Michael’s On The Park

Guido welcomes you to The Corner Pocket

Bartenders Otis & Will celebrate the 4th @ Double Play

Maggie welcomes you to Le Roundup

New bartender Howard & bar baron Paul @ JohnPaul’s

Bartender Dee & Tim celebrate the 4th @ Michael’s

Fatoush’s staff invites you for breakfast, lunch or dinner

Catch Ryan behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Jerry & Kenny join Michael for the Corner Pocket’s July 4th Cookout

Ryan slings cocktails @ Double Play Regina & Darwin celebrate their Amon-Ra b-days @ The Country Club

Jay bartends @ Ninth Circle

Ninth Circle & Voodoo manager Tadgh

Host Barry Bareass looks on as Corner Pocket’s Wet Jockey Shorts Contest moves into high gear

Contestant Beaux in Corner Pocket’s Wet Jockey Shorts Contest

French Quarter Suites/New Orleans Courtyard’s Blake & Patrick @ Bourbon Pub Jamaal welcomes you to The Country Club

Bartender Chris does Happy Hour @ Top 5 Dance Club of the Year Finalist Bourbon Pub

Lee, Elizabeth, Anthony & Lester @ Country Club Sunday Brunch

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM