Issuu

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

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

Art In The Hood Benefits Buzzy's Boys & Girls through October @ Cutter's

he annual Art In The Hood exhibition takes place the entire month of October at Cutter's, 706 Franklin, in New Orleans. Donated works of art are sold with all proceeds benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls. Named to honor the significant work of William J. “Buzzy” Fanning, Buzzy’s Boys & Girls is a 501(c)3 fundraising organization based in New Orleans which works with local HIV/AIDS support agencies such as the NO/AIDS Task Force, the FACES (Family Advocacy, Care and Education Services) program at Children’s Hospital, and the HOP Clinic (HIV Outpatient Clinic) to serve people in the New Orleans and surrounding areas living with HIV/AIDS. The organization accepts requests from licensed social workers at these and other agencies for help with the medical and other needs of their clients. The big night is Saturday, October 20 beginning at 7pm when for only $5 you will be treated to a great dinner at Cutter's. Then at 8:30pm Cutter's will auction off pieces of art which have not yet sold to the highest bidder. It's a great opportunity to help a great cause. Since 2003, Art In The Hood has raised over $34,800 for Buzzy's Boys & Girls. Visit BuzzysBoysAndGirls.ORG for more information on the charity.

Oz Kicks Off Halloween Weekend with Annual Horror Turn-A-Bout Oct. 24th

t's that time again for the haunted kick-off of Halloween Weekend when Oz presents its hit Employee Halloween Horror Turn-A-Bout on Wednesday, October 24 at 800 Bourbon Street. It's not going to be pretty when all the employees turn out in drag with the entertainment and show beginning at 10:30pm. It will give you another chance to see why Oz is both Show Bar and Dance Club of the Year. They rise to every occasion. Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders and the bigger-thanlife Blanche DeBris will be at the helm as DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger takes to the booth. And Ambush has been told of one giant surprise...you won't believe who will be in drag and whom he impersonates! Oz is also the Official Bar Sponsor of the 29th Halloween New Orleans blowout. Visit OzNewOrleans.COM for more information.

Halloween New Orleans (HNO 29): The Ultimate Benefit Weekend MONSTER BRAWL Oct. 25-28

he 29th Annual Halloween New Orleans circuit party brings you to the ultimate benefit weekend, and this year, get ready, it's MONSTER BRAWL! For four days, Thursday-Sunday, October 25th-28th, you will join the excitement of the season ring side. Halloween's in New Orleans provides funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. In its 28 year history, the organization has raised over $4.5M for Project Lazarus. Halloween is one of the only 100% donation/volunteer event weekends left in the United States For 2012, taking a stand against bullying, which has had such tragic consequences over the past year, Halloween’s in New Orleans, with the support of Project Lazarus, is pleased to announce that The Trevor Project will be an additional beneficiary of the fundraiser. Join Halloween’s in New Orleans as it presents The Lazarus Ball to kick-off the weekend for Halloween 29 at Ogden Museum of Southern Art Thursday, October 25th, 7:30-11pm. This year’s black tie preferred function will feature live entertainment, food, and silent auction with items from many local businesses, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Open bar included with admission. Ogden Museum of Southern Art is located at 925 Camp Street. Think you have what it takes to compete in The Monster Brawl. Well come on down to the legendary New Orleans House of Blues Friday, October 26th, 9pm-3am, for Weigh In’s: Strip Down and Size Up. You will have a chance to weigh in, check out your monster competitors, have a drink, and dance the night away to incredible tracks you know and love by New York’s own DJ Corey Craig. So train hard and strong. See you at the scales. Open bar included with admission. VIP Host Lounge for Halloween 29 Patrons, Benefactors and Hosts provided. House of Blues – New Orleans is located at 225 Decatur St.

inside

Halloween edition out Oct. 23rd DEADLINE: Tuesday, Oct. 16th

celebrazzi 6 gay history month 10 a community within communities 12 halloween (hno 29) 15 snap paparazzi/new orleans 16 snap paparazzi/new orleans 18 pensacola paparazzi 20 reVIEW 22 real estate 22

under the gaydar out & about in mobile mobile paparazzi/facespot classifieds trodding the boards facespot ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie ambush paparazzi/new orleans

23 24 26 30 34 35 36 38

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com Prepare yourself for a Saturday night like you’ve never experienced before. Darker. Tougher. Grittier. Costume or Gym clothes required. It's Monster Brawl, the main event and costume party on Saturday, October 27th, 10pm to 4am, at CAC Sheds, 900 Camp Street. Come dressed or change in the “Locker Room” as you enter the party! There's a coat check for your clothes. 11:30pm-12:30am is the Costume Contest with celebrity judges. 12:30am is a show like you’ve never seen before featuring the “celebrity bitch fight of the century,” New Orleans Bounce, and continual surprises throughout the night! Open bar included with admission. VIP Host Lounge with viewing area for the show and VIP bar is provided. Lighting by the amazing Brian Holcombe and music by DJ Mike Cruz (NY) is in store for you. Back by popular demand and sure to sell out is the Halloween Brunch on the Steamboat Natchez which this year is CHAMPIONS CRUISE on Sunday, October 28th. Boarding begins at 2pm, boat leaves PROMPTLY at 2:30pm. Steamboat Natchez is located at Toulouse Street and the River in the French Quarter. It's a 90-minute cruise with brunch, music, friends (new and old) and an amazing view of the city from the Mississippi! Don’t miss the boat! Open bar included with admission. Halloween tickets include: Four Day Weekend Pass-Includes entry to ALL FOUR weekend events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $285, advance ticket: $260. Three Day Pass-Includes entry to FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $215, advance ticket: $195. Dance Pass-Includes entry to FRIDAY and SATURDAY events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $155, advance ticket: $140. Thursday Only-Admittance to Thursday's event at Ogden Museum of Art. OPEN bar at all events. Door price: $70, advance ticket: $65. Friday Only-Admittance to Friday's event at House of Blues - New Orleans. OPEN bar at all events. Door price: $60, advance ticket: $55.

Saturday Only-Admittance to Saturday's Monster Brawl at CAC [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

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 5

celebrazzi

he 23rd annual NO/AIDS Walk (NOAIDSWalk.COM) brought 3,500 participants to Audubon Park raising an estimated $195,000 for the NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans. The GLBT community can be proud of the Top Individual Walkers this year, Club LAX’s Toby Lefort raising $20,865 and Ambush Theatre Critic Brian Sands raising $12,185. There were also numerous other participants from the GLBT community on teams and as individual walkers from throughout Louisiana. Congrats to all a job well done!

elle Reve Executive Director Vicki Weeks accepts a $3,000 donation from GM Patrick Berthelot representing Blake Miller’s French Quarter Suites Hotel and New Orleans Courtyard Hotel. Opening its doors in 1993, Belle Reve New Orleans (BelleReveNOLA.ORG) provides permanent and transitional housing along with full support services to adults and families living with AIDS or HIV related infections. Hidden behind garden walls and antique shutters lies French Quarter Suites (FrenchQuarterSuites.COM) and New Orleans Courtyard (CourtyardNewOrleans.COM), where European charm meets New Orleans elegance and the echoes of Jazz greats join with the melodies of trickling fountains. This family of historic French Quarter homes have been converted into beautifully appointed rooms, suites and multi-bedroom townhouses. (Photo by Rip Naquin)

ar Baron M i c h a e l Cookmeyer hosted his annual NO/ AIDS Walk benefit at Michael’s On The Park in New Orleans raising $1,640. In addition to a 32" flat screen TV raffle, spaghetti dinner, and prize raffles, the bar presented an entertaining show with emcee Princesse Stephaney, Miss D, Tru Demille, Klorocks Bleachman and Reinita Newman.

eals, Dares and Dancers kicked off all new Friday afternoons at Oz in New Orleans with dancers Mike and Chris, plus bartenders Frankie and Blake. Every time you buy a drink, you get a ticket and maybe a chance to spin the prize wheel to win a fab prize or take the dare, and win an even more fab prize. Catch it every Friday 6-8pm.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 82 8

rtist Tadgh Weekly joins bar manager Drew Kingswell for his opening reception at The Country Club in New Orleans. His works have been described as compelling, evocative, powerful and magical; and will hang through November.

he Renegade Bears of Louisiana are joined by Club LAX’s Toby Lefort as they kick off their Saints Game Bar Crawl arriving by bus with first stop Club LAX in Metairie. From there it was off to 4 Seasons down the road, back to the Marigny, ending in the French Quarter.

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7

the "official" dish ...from 4 Sheds. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $95, advance ticket: $85. Sunday Only-Admittance to Sunday's Champions Cruise on the Natchez Riverboat. Includes brunch and open bar. Door price: $60, advance ticket: $55. Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of Halloween New Orleans 29. For tickets and additional information, visit HalloweenNewOrleans.COM.

2012 New Orleans Film Society presents LGBT Film Showcase, OUTakes Oct. 11-18

he New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) is proud to present OUTakes, a sidebar that features LGBT-related films from around the world, from narrative shorts to documentary features, as part of the 2012 New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF). Guest lecturer Jonathan Pope Evans, film professor from Chapman University, will discuss the queer film industry and introduce a new shorts program on queer experimental film, which includes In Search of Avery Willard, a NOFF OUTakes film. Set for October 11th-18th, showings will be at various venues. This year, the following films will be screened as part of this series: Love Free or Die is about a man whose two defining passions are in direct conflict: his love for God and for his partner Mark. Gene Robinson is the first openly gay person to become a bishop in the historic traditions of Christendom. His consecration in 2003, to which he wore a bulletproof vest, caused an international stir, and he has lived with death threats every day since. Screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Keep the Lights On chronicles an emotionally and sexually charged journey of two men in New York City through love, friendship, and addiction. Documentary filmmaker Erik (Thure Lindhardt) and closeted lawyer Paul (Zachary Booth, Damages) meet through a casual encounter, but soon find a deeper connection and become a couple. Winner of the Teddy Award at the Berlin Film Festival. In Search of Avery Willard is a portrait of one of queer art’s most fascinating and elusive innovators. Broadway photographer, physique artist, gay activist, experimental filmmaker, drag historian, leatherman, pornographer, creator of NY’s first gay newspaper: New York City artist Avery Willard produced a lifetime of historically significant work that has remained widely unseen for decades. Call Me Kuchu describes the life of David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay activist, who was murdered in 2011. His was a life constantly pervaded by fear of attack, but also characterized by moments of happiness and celebration. Winner of dozens of major awards at film

festivals worldwide. Quiet is a narrative short film inspired by the true story of Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond, in which Janice had to lie and say she is her wife’s sister, so she can be with her in the hospital as she spent her final days. The Buried is a fractured and experimental investigation into a gay hate crime that occurred in Alabama in 2004. Scotty Joe Weaver, a young 18-year-old Waffle House employee was brutally murdered by his roommate and friend. A taxing meditation on masculinity and violence in America. Screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Gayby is an irreverent comedy about friendship, growing older, sex, loneliness, and the family you chose. Jenn and Matt are best friends from college who are now in their 30s who decide to fulfill a youthful promise to have a child together… the old-fashioned way. Premiered at the South By Southwest Film Festival. Entry Denied is a documentary about the struggles with US Immigration faced by gay and lesbian Americans in relationships with foreign citizens. While the immigration law allows American citizens to sponsor their spouses, or other qualifying family members for immigration to the US, the law has no provisions for same-sex couples. Charlie is a documentary-style narrative short about a 40-year-old transsexual who lives alone in New York City. He has given up everything to become his true self. As Charlie’s male-to-female operation is near, a filmmaker starts a documentary about Charlie, who reveals his city-fueled doubts and tribulations, and his much regretted life choices. World Premiere at New Orleans Film Festival. For further details on the films above and more, visit www.neworleansfilmsociety.org/festival. Tickets may be purchased now on the website by New Orleans Film Society members and non-members: www.neworleansfilmsociety.org. Since 1989, the New Orleans Film Society has engaged, educated and inspired through the art of film. This year, 2012, marks the 23rd anniversary of the New Orleans Film Festival. NOFS hosts special events throughout the year: the French Film Festival, the New Orleans International Children’s Film Festival, and other events designed to benefit local film audiences, artists, and professionals. NOFS partners with local organizations to present monthly film series. NOFS reaches 15,000 people through its programming.

Forum For Equality's 14th Acclaim Awards Gala Oct. 13

orum For Equality (FFE), Louisiana’s largest LGBT and human rights organization, is pleased to announce that its annual Acclaim Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, October 13th at the

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

[continued on 10]

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9

gay history month Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben by Mark Segal, National Gay History Project "There are few historians today who would doubt that Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was gay..." hat’s how this article began last year, and since its publication, no accredited historian has refuted its main theme that without von Steuben there would be no United States of America and that von Steuben, in today’s terms, would be considered a gay man. In this update, we add new historical material to the growing list of details that support these claims. These additions to his story could make von Steuben the first case of the American military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” And very well, by his own deeds and actions.

To appreciate the contributions von Steuben (1730-94) made to the American Revolution, consider this: Before his arrival in Valley Forge in 1778, the Revolutionary Army had lost several battles to Great Britain and, without

him, the United States of America might still be the British colonies. Before Valley Forge, the Revolutionary Army was a loosely organized,

the "official" dish ...from 8

Orleans’ own stage, screen and television star Bryan Batt as Master of Ceremonies. Big Easy Award winners Dorian Rush and Bob Edes, Jr. best known for their work with Running with Scissors, will provide musical entertainment. And Bounce Superstar Katey Red will close out the evening with what is sure to be a fabulous treat. The evening will also include a silent auction with artwork, Saints packages, theater tickets, gift certificates and many more wonderful items. Glazer’s Distributors is the official Acclaim Awards Gala sponsor for beverages and cocktails throughout the event. Ticket are $150 with discounted tickets for members and young professionals under 35 at $120. Tickets can be purchased online at www.forumforequality.com or by calling the office at 504.569.9156.

JW Marriott located in downtown New Orleans. The Acclaim Awards Gala, now in its fourteenth year, honors those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight for equality in our state. This year FFE will be honoring the distinguished members of the community with the following awards: Political Activism: Adrienne Critcher of People Acting for Change and Equality, Shreveport Political Leadership: Rep. Austin Badon, New Orleans Faith & Equality: Dr. Rev. Welton Gaddy of Northminster Church of Monroe and President of the Interfaith Alliance Health: Ginger Bouvier, NO AIDS Task Force, New Orleans Chairs’ Award: Patrick Lee, New Orleans Forum For Equality, founded in 1989, is concerned with the welfare of Louisiana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population, with the mission to achieve full equality through education, outreach and advocacy about issues that affect the community, advocating for fair and equal treatment and promoting the health and wellbeing of all. This year’s gala will feature New

[continued on 12]

Mr. Louisiana Leather Weekend Oct. 19-21

he Lords of Leather invite you to the statewide leather event of the year- Mr. Louisiana Leather October 19th-21st. Contestants will compete for the prestigious title of Mr. Louisiana Leather 2013 and will go on to represent Louisiana at IML (Intenational Mr. Leather) in Chicago on Memorial Day weekend.

There will be a “Meat” and Greet beer bust at the Phoenix on Friday, October 19th starting at 9pm, where you can meet the contestants and show off your own leather collection. The big event is Saturday, October 20th, at Oz starting at 8-10pm. A night of hot men, hot leather, and fetishism will ensue for all. Tickets and contest information are available at LordsOfLeather.COM. Contestants should email via the website, or contact a member of the krewe for information regarding entering the contest. Leather attire is not required to attend, but encouraged. So polish up that vest, wrangle those chaps, kick on your boots, and come down to support your local Louisiana leather community.

Friends of the Cabildo Ghostly Galavant Weekend Oct. 26-38

riends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, will host its 26th annual Ghostly Galavant fundraiser, October 26th-28th. The threeday event kicks off with a Friday night “Gala” at the Cabildo from 8-11pm. The Saturday and Sunday Ghostly Tours leave from the 1850 House on Historic Jackson Square. The tours will run every half-hour from 10am until 3pm each day. The Ghostly Galavant weekend begins with the “Gala,” a Halloween costume party at the Cabildo on Jackson Square. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to dress up in costume and get in the Halloween spirit! Tickets include food and drink (beer and wine) from restaurants in the French Quarter, including Muriel’s Jack-

son Square, Joel Catering and the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. Entertainment will be provided by Los Po-Boy Citos. Tickets for the “Gala” are $40 dollars in advance and $45 dollars at the door. On Saturday and Sunday, Friends of the Cabildo tour guides will take guests on a haunting and hilarious tour of the French Quarter. Ghosts, such as Louisiana Governor Earl Long, voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and the Baroness Michaela Pontabla, may all be happened upon in French Quarter buildings and courtyards. Tours begin at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are only $20 for adults (+21), $10 for students and children are free. To purchase your “Gala” or tour tickets, contact the Friends of the Cabildo office at 504.523.3939 or online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) is 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Louisiana State Museum (LSM). The FOC assist the LSM through a variety of functions including providing volunteers and financial support to all State Museum properties in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. The Friends of the Cabildo are located on Historic Jackson Square in the Cabildo at 701 Chartres Street and can be contacted at 504.523.3939.

Am b ush bush H a llo ween llow De a dline : T ue sda y, Oc t . 1 6 t h

Ca ll 5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

a community within communities

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

What is a horizon of hope?

es it is true the Saints are 0-4 and yet somehow many still hope. It is true that murders this week went up and yet somehow we still hope. We live in a city tossed about with tempest and storms and yet every hurricane season we hope; maybe with an anxious spirit but we hope. A young man recently told me of a remote possibility that he may be diagnosed with ALS. “It occurred to me that if I am diagnosed with this I will know the time and how or when I will die.” His hope in this event is evident by his equanimity. So what is this “hope?” The first gleanings, I believe, can be found in scripture. The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews says,” Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

gay history month ...from 10 rag-tag band of men with little military training. The military fumbled through the beginning of the war for independence lacking training and organization. Gen. George Washington and the Continental Congress knew that without help from additional seasoned military experts, the colonies would clearly lose. Since Washington himself was the best the colonies had, they looked to Europe for someone who could train the troops. To that end, Washington wrote the colonies’ representative in Paris, Benjamin Franklin, to see what he could come up with. Franklin, a renowned inventor, was treated as a celebrity in the French court. This would be pivotal in achieving his two major objectives in France: winning financial support for the revolution and finding military leaders who could bring a semblance of order to the Revolutionary Army. Franklin learned of a “brilliant” Prussian military genius, Lt. Gen. Baron Frederich von Steuben. Von Steuben had a string of successes (some selfembellished) with the Prussian army. There was one problem. He’d been asked to depart because of his “affections for members of his own sex.” This became urgent in 1777 when he literally escaped imprisonment in what is now Germany and traveled to Paris. In Paris, Franklin was interviewing candidates to assist Washington back in the colonies when he discovered von Steuben. During the interview process, Franklin discovered von Steuben’s reputation for having “affections” with males and the issue became pressing as members of the French clergy demanded the French court, as in other countries, take action against this sodomite. They had decided to make their effort a crusade and run him out of France. Franklin had a choice: He decided von Steuben’s expertise was more important to the colonies than his sexuality.

At the same time, another colonial representative was in France with the explicit job of recruiting experienced military personnel from Europe to train the Continental Army. He was Silas Deane, a former representative to the first Continental Congress and friend of Franklin. Deane is best known for recruiting the Marquis de Lafayette. He also had a side job as a spy for the colonies. Besides being intelligent themselves, Franklin and Deane knew how to spot intelligence. It would have been impossible for either to not know about the reputation of von Steuben. Franklin, working with Deane, decided von Steuben’s “affections” were less important than what he, Washington and the colonies needed to win the war with England. Deane learned of von Steuben’s indiscretions – and that the French clergy was investigating – from a letter to the Prince of Hechingen, his former employer, which read in part: “It has come to me from different sources that M. de Steuben is accused of having taken familiarities with young boys which the laws forbid and punish severely. I have even been informed that that is the reason why M. de Steuben was obliged to leave Hechingen and that the clergy of your country intend to prosecute him by law as soon as he may establish himself anywhere.” Deane, along with Franklin, acted quickly before the clergy could deport or imprison von Steuben and plotted to send him to the colonies to serve with Washington. Von Steuben was given an advance for passage to America and began as a volunteer, without pay. Once he’d arrived in Valley Forge, Washington was concerned about von Steuben’s inability to speak English so he appointed two of his officers who spoke French to work as his translators. One of those officers was Alexander Hamilton and the other his close friend John Laurens. Within months, von Steuben gained Washington’s confidence and began to transform the colonial army.

Hope is without regard linked to faith and faith is linked to the spirit. We talk about the “Human Spirit” and often glorify it. It is a lofty phrase. We talk about “high aspirations,” “great masters of art,” and of our ability to create. What makes us like God but certainly not God is the ability to create. What makes us like God but not God is our ability to dream. What makes us somehow different is our ability to hope and if to hope to have faith and if faith then spirit. The question may then be asked, “What is this human spirit?” Is it simply intuitive? Is it who we as humans are? Is it part of our grandeur? Perhaps, and certainly we have profound value. We have such value as to seek a “higher power” who will love us and acknowledge us. Many do. Some not so much; some simply say that they are who they are without any help from spiritual forces – yet even they hope. Bitterness and hatred are the antidotes of hope. It robs us of our future and our present. Hope is forward looking. It believes that something is next. It believes that something can or may happen. Hope is the culmination of faith. For years many gay men and women have hoped that Civil Unions would someday be a reality. This thought or dream was a fantastic notion even ten years ago. Yet, through the hurt, pain, disenfranchisement, bitterness, and oppression somewhere deep inside was faith. Faith that somehow someone would do what is right. That somehow someone would understand what is natural. That somehow someone would see the truth of it all. That who we are is who we are and we are often very different. Faith expressed

in the midst of anguish. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The closest thing to hope and faith is love. It is not seen. It has no outward substance. You can’t drink love (NO ladies and gents I am not talking about tonics and libations at midnight – that’s not love). Love is a residential spirit that can be directed and moved about to some degree. But, genuine love between two persons that is like hope and like faith. It has outward and visible signs of interior grace. It is palpable to the heart and mind. Love. Love therefore is conceivably the brother/sister of hope which is the outcome of faith. So, if ones faith is genuine if ones spirit can soar; if we can by dynamic in this state of being we have faith. We, in New Orleans, have a lot of faith. We have faith that we will somehow survive the storm; the Saints will be back; we will find our lover; that the roux won’t burn; and that this year will be the best Halloween ever. In New Orleans we live by faith. Faith can and must be fed by more than hopes flowing out of circumstance but rather hope flowing out of faith itself. What am I saying is simple: join a church, a safe church, or do a church where you work, play, and then pray. Faith needs food, not a roux, but the food from which all faith flows it needs the source of all goodness to flow into you and I. Find a place and share your faith in community a community of believers in faith and the life-force that faith flows from the Creator and Sustainer.

Washington and Franklin’s trust in von Steuben was rewarded. He whipped the rag-tag army of the colonies into a professional fighting force, able to take on the most powerful superpower of the time, England. Some of his accomplishments include instituting a “model company” for training, establishing sanitary standards and organization for the camp and training soldiers in drills and tactics such as bayonet fighting and musket loading. According to the “The Papers of Von Steuben,” the following is a timeline of his achievements. February 1778: Arrives at Valley Forge to serve under Washington, having informed Congress of his desire for paid service after an initial volunteer trial period, with which request Washington concurs. March 1778: Begins tenure as inspector general, drilling troops according to established European military precepts. 1778-79: Writes “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” which becomes a fundamental guide for the Continental Army and remains in active use through the War of 1812, being published in

over 70 editions. 1780-81: Senior military officer in charge of troop and supply mobilization in Virginia. 1781: Replaced by Marquis de Lafayette as commander in Virginia. 1781-83: Continues to serve as Washington’s inspector general, and is active in improving discipline and streamlining administration in the army. Spring 1783: Assists in formulating plans for the postwar American military. Washington rewarded von Steuben with a house at Valley Forge which he shared with his aide-de-camps Capt. William North and Gen. Benjamin Walker. Walker lived with him through the remainder of his life, and von Steuben, who neither married nor denied any of the allegations of homosexuality, left his estate to North and Walker. His last will and testament, which includes the line “extraordinarily intense emotional relationship,” has been described as a love letter to Walker. Speculation over who von Steuben slept with abounded from Prussia to

Peace... Fr. Bill+

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

[continued on 13]

gay history month ...from 12 France to the United States. Yet he never once denied it. The closest he came to the topic was to ask Washington to speak on behalf of his morals in a letter to Congress that would authorize the disbursement of his pension. And why did he ask Washington? Since his arrival in Philadelphia to assist the Revolution, von Steuben had financial issues caused by a Continental Congress that often didn’t keep its funding promises, a challenge compounded by his own personality: von Steuben at times could be cold and aloof, which was problematic when diplomacy was needed with an important member of Congress. He also had a tendency to live and spend extravagantly, especially on his uniforms, which were often emblazoned with epaulettes and medals of his own design. Due to his financial picture — and

misconceptions about his association with Deane, who, along with Franklin, brought him to the Revolution, but who was later disgraced as traitor to the United States — von Steuben had to fight for his pension. Adding to that were the constant rumors about his sexuality, which by 1790, reached one of the revolution’s first families, the Adams of Massachusetts. Charles, the son of John and Abigail Adams — the second president and First Lady of the new union — was what today would be called the black sheep of the family. Early on, Abigail considered him “not at peace within himself.” His biggest problem was alcoholism but, as revealed in letters among the various members of the family, the Adams had other concerns. As John Ferling writes in his biography “John Adams: A Life,” “there are references to [Charles’] alleged pro-

clivity for consorting with men whom his parents regarded as unsavory.” One of these men was von Steuben, who, as Ferling writes, many at the time considered homosexual. Charles had become infatuated with and adored von Steuben. It is clear in the family letters that the Adams were concerned about a relationship between Charles and von Steuben. Von Steuben’s sexuality was an open secret, one that he himself never challenged, other than to ask Washington to defend his moral character. Washington, always the diplomat, wrote of the general and friend, rather than of von Steuben’s personal life, practicing today’s notion of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The Baron is a puzzle. At first, I really didn’t like him: The man himself was pompous, cold and theatrical, and [continued on 14]

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

gay history month ...from 13 his uniforms and title were stage props for an officer who didn’t even speak English when he got to Valley Forge. But I respected Him for what he did to help Washington’s rag-tag army to defeat the British, eventually leading to the creation of our country. His knowledge created the first sense of military discipline in the colonies. My appreciation for him came from his most recent biographer Paul Lockhart, whose book The Drillmaster Of Valley Forge offers a complete look at von Steuben’s work. There is one story in the book that could be considered rather scandalous in today’s terms: Von Steuben most likely threw the first underwear party in the United States military, at his house in Valley Forge. As Lockhart writes, “The Baron hosted a party exclusively for their lower-ranking friends. He insisted, though, that ‘none should be admitted that had on a whole pair of breeches,’ making light of the shortages that affected the junior officers as they did the enlisted men.” You can see, however, that von Steuben’s humanity and love of his troops underlied his actions. The nation that von Steuben helped found has memorialized him with numerous statues, including those at Lafayette Square near the White House and at Valley Forge and Utica, N.Y. (where he is buried) and German Americans celebrate his birthday each year on Sept. 17, hosting parades in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. If George Washington was the father of the nation, then von Steuben, a gay man, was the father of the United States military.

Kay Lahusen: The woman behind the lens by Jen Colletta ay Lahusen has seen a lot in her 82 years of life — much of it through the lens of a camera. Lahusen, hailed as the first out LGBT photojournalist, spent decades capturing some of the most seminal moments in the LGBT-rights movement, crafting a stockpile of photographs that can be used to trace the pitfalls and progress of the community. While her photos documented a wealth of historic moments in American LGBT activism, the pursuance of those pictures was, in itself, a bold act. “I wanted to show our great diversity and to give viewers someone they could identify with, some positive role models. After all, role models were badly needed in the 1960s when most gay people were afraid to be photographed,” Lahusen said. Lahusen, born 1930 in Cincinnati, developed her interest in photography

at a young age. She began coming to terms with her orientation while in college and said she long held a “deep conviction that prejudice and discrimination against GLBT people is morally wrong.” That ideal led her to join Daughters of Bilitis, the nation’s first lesbian-rights organization. At a DOB picnic in 1961, Lahusen was introduced to Barbara Gittings, a meeting that sparked a decades-long pairing — prompting Lahusen’s move to Philadelphia and influencing her photojournalism career. “[Barbara] was always a joiner and was inclined to join social-change groups, wanting to, as she said, ‘fix things,’” Lahusen said. “We were reformers and basically good ACLU supporters.” Gittings took the helm of DOB’s magazine The Ladder — the first national lesbian publication — from 196366, and Lahusen served as photographer. The magazine previously used drawings or cartoons on the cover, but Lahusen was committed to photographing real women. “It wasn’t easy for me to find many subjects back then,” she said. “I wanted to change that, to bring those willing out into the sunlight and especially to show gay couples and gay love.” Although Lahusen and Gittings subtitled the publication A Lesbian Review, Lahusen said they sought to appeal to the wider LGBT community by presenting “intellectually stimulating discussions of the major issues holding back the struggle for gay equality. Especially hard on us was the allegation by most psychiatrists that homosexuality was a form of mental illness.” Lahusen said that the “male chauvinism” that still permeated the community at the time kept most men “from taking The Ladder seriously and from even reading the issues we worked so hard to produce.” Outside of her work on The Ladder, for which she also served as a reporter, Lahusen was the unofficial photographer of many of the earliest gay-rights actions. She was on hand with her camera at what came to be known as the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall in the mid-1960s, which called for the acceptance of gays and lesbians in mainstream society. While she documented the occasions, Lauhsen was also a part of the action. “Some participants were fearful, some were proud, others were simply marching in the belief that they had to come out if things were going to change,” she said of the atmosphere at the pickets. “It’s been said that all social-change movements find they ultimately have to take to the streets. Think of the early suffragettes, for example. Of course, when you’re marching, you have no crystal ball to tell if you’re helping make changes but you

hope so, even believe so. I certainly believed we were doing something historically significant, something to help lift GLBT people as a class in our society.” Lahusen said one of her favorite photos she ever took was from the second Annual Reminder in 1966. It depicts Gittings marching with a sign that read, “Homosexuals should be judged as individuals.” “The word ‘gay’ was not popular in our cause until about 1970,” Lahusen noted. At the Philadelphia actions, held until 1969, and at other demonstrations staged in Washington, D.C. that urged the lifting of the ban on open gays and lesbians in federal employment, marchers were kept to a strict, conservative dress code. Lahusen said the code was necessary for the cause, but she embraced its eventual lifting. “Our thought was, if you want to be employed, look employable, and conventional dress was the order of the day in that era,” she said. “Fortunately, times changed and by our 1970s demonstrations, the dress code was abandoned in the midst of the turmoil over anti-war protests and the hippie and free-love movements. I know I certainly was glad when the dress code was abandoned. It was appropriate for us to move with the times.” Lahusen was not present for a protest that came to be regarded as one of the most pivotal turning points in the LGBT-rights movement: the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Lahusen and Gittings were on vacation at the time but Lahusen said that, when word spread that the LGBT community had rebelled against police discrimination in New York, she was thrilled. “I don’t like violence but I was pretty elated to hear that GLBT people were standing up and fighting back in the midst of a police riot on a seedy, mafiarun gay bar,” she said. “Gay people were largely outwitting the police. News of their bravery galvanized gay people in New York and across the country really. The riots were a flashpoint, Barbara used to say, in the gay-rights movement and inspired gay people to get further organized and step up their efforts to improve the lives of their minority.” She noted that the late Frank Kameny, a contemporary of Lahusen’s and Gittings’ who helped organize the Annual Reminders, always pointed out that their actions predated Stonewall and were undoubtedly influential in encouraging that action. “Early picketers inspired gay people to go a step further and fight back at Stonewall,” she said. Lahusen was also involved with the efforts to remove homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental illnesses, led by Gittings and Kameny. She lob-

bied the APA to include a gay panelist in its 1972 forum on psychiatry and homosexuality, and captured shots of that historic discussion that many credit with moving forward the APA’s evolution on homosexuality. Lahusen also supported Gittings’ efforts with the American Library Association to introduce gay and lesbian materials into libraries. In their activism work, Lahusen said she and Gittings always came to agreement on the right approach, sometimes “after long hours of discussion.” And they worked as a complementary team, she said, with Gittings possessing the “higher profile” and Lahusen working in a “support role.” “We brought different talents,” Lahusen said. “Barbara was a terrific public speaker, she could always rally the troops. I especially loved photography, making exhibits and doing what you might call promotion work. Barbara was a terrific editor, and I was a pretty good reporter. The ideas we advanced were generally the same and summed up in our friend Frank Kameny’s simple, but inspired, motto, ‘Gay is good.’” The principles of the early activists were illustrated in Lahusen’s book The Gay Crusaders, published by Paperback Library in 1972. The work, which contains in-depth biographical sketches of 15 early activists, was published under Lahusen’s pen name, Kay Tobin. While Lahusen was lead author for the book, Randy Wicker was brought on as a co-author, as the publisher believed that having a male name on the book would help its sales, she said. Lahusen sees the book, her reports for The Ladder and her vast collection of photos, as her greatest contributions to the LGBT-rights movement. “It’s been said that I’m the first gay photojournalist, since I kept at it sporadically over decades. There was no way I could be at every event, every time, but I believed it was a way of preserving gay history.” Her photo collection and she and Gittings’ papers are now housed in the Archives Division of New York Public Library, which has published many of the photos online. Gittings died in 2007 of breast cancer. “Together, we had a wonderful life,” Lahusen said. The evolution society has undergone since Lahusen began her activism work more than a half-century ago gives her hope for the future. “I believe most Americans have come to accept the fact that ‘black is beautiful’ and most are coming to accept the fact that ‘gay is good.’ I believe our movement is on the right side of history. Meanwhile, let’s keep on marching for gay equality.”

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

Dancer Chris on the bar for Deals, Dares & Dancers

Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders MCs Wednesday show night Tami Tarmac in the Cougar Cabaret

snap paparazzi

Dancers Chris & Mike join 2nd winner Tim with the Planet Beach prize

Drag Ambassador Dusty DeBris in Wednesday show night

Kyle & Johnathan @ Deals, Dares & Dancers

Cougar Cabaret’s Gizelle Bouvier & Jay

Colbi Montrese in Wednesday show night Dancer Mike with Ranzy & Creig @ Deals, Dares & Dancers Eva Las Vegas in Cougar Cabaret

Rick celebrates his b-day with Mike @ Deals, Dares & Dancers

The Oz family: Frankie, Tommy, Persana & Blake Blake & Frankie strip down for Deals, Dares & Dancers

1st winner CJ with Dancers Mike & Chris wins $200 in gifts from Lush

David celebrates his b-day with Tony @ Deals, Dares & Dancers

Gia GiaVanni in Wednesday show night

Lisa Beaumann in Wednesday show night

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

Gregory & Chuck @ Cougar Cabaret

Al joins Cougar Cabaret’s Bubbles Champagne

Neighborhood Bar of the Year Tubby’s Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Al & Dwain

Dance Club & Show Bar of the Year Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin

Dancers Mike & Chris in Deals, Dares & Dancers new of Fridays

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

Princesse, Miss D, Tru, Klorocks & Reinita raise $$$ for Michael’s On The Park's NO/AIDS Walk benefit

Eric cocktailin’ @ Rawhide Danny & Bobby @ Le Roundup

Davyd & Patrick @ Le Roundup Myers & Dee help out NO/AIDS Walk benefit @ Michael’s

Head Quarters’ Clint does Country Club Drew’s cut

Seth with Kajun’s Pub’s own Joann & Lisa @ Kajun's Pub

DJ Prodigy @ Rainbow Room

Scott, Janice & Scott raising $$$ for NO/AIDS Walk @ Michael’s

Rawhide bartender Lee

Keny & manager David @ Kajun’s Pub

Rob, Lani & Miss Love @ Ninth Circle

Rainbow Room manager Pinkeee Opal, Princesse, Darwin & King Petronius-Elect Lee join NO/AIDS Walk benefit @ Michael’s

Cathy Fox joins Dwain @ JohnPaul’s

snap paparazzi

Bartender Steve & Don @ The Friendly Bar

Mr. Southern Renegade Bill Naquin @ JohnPaul’s

New Napoleon’s Itch manager Wess

Tony Leggio’s Mom Dawn celebrates her 70th birthday @ Commanders Palace

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

It’s All Good ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin

Jim & Robbie cocktailin’ @ the Phoenix

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

papar azzi

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

Drag Bingo & Trailer Park Party @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

pensacola

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

hen I pulled up to my building one afternoon last week I noticed a large box from FedEx at my door. I was curious as I hadn’t ordered anything. The last time I received a package this big, the Saints had won the Super Bowl and a certain past grand marshal had gone shopping at the NFL store. It turned out to be a box of new books from the AMBUSH office. New books are always welcome here in lower Alabama, especially books with a gay theme. Thank you Rip and Marsha. ZOMBIE EYE FOR THE LIVING GUY: Look Undead, Cook Undead, Dress Undead & Live Undead (Marion Press, October 2012) is a tongue-incheek look into zombie life. It could be a coffee-table book, a bathroom library book, or a primer for those wanting to “effect” the zombie lifestyle...and zombies are everywhere. Montgomery, Alabama just had it’s 2nd Annual Zombie Walk and Prom to benefit the local food bank. With text by J. M. Hewitt, make-up by Peter Swords Stevens, and photography by Alexander Colby the book guides you through the inner preparation, teaches you how to achieve the look, develop the lifestyle, and master the social skills necessary to be a zombie. You must first do a self-examination. Do you like wandering around the Quarter late at night in corpse-like make-up, wearing dirty, greasy, ripped clothes? Do you want your partner to see you as a zombie? Will you spend your weekends perfecting your zombie walk? Then you must decide which zombie lifestyle is right for you...the zombie imitator, every once in awhile...the drag zombie, it’s all about the performance...the transzombie, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week...or the zombie, where you actually become one, legally no one can condone this choice. As in coming out of the closet, you must accept yourself and the category you choose. Next you must develop your look, starting with your hair. The less you shampoo, the more terrifying the "do." Keep it long, always air dry, get an uneven razor cut, and never comb or brush it...use your fingers for that exaggerated bed head look. Moving on to make-up. Hire a pro if you can and learn tips from him. Always start clean and clean-shaven. Buy leftover makeup after Halloween and practice; go online for tips. Develop your “look,” the gorier the wounds the better. Develop your own recipe for fake blood...you can never have enough.

How do you dress like a zombie? Wear a size too big, you will look shriveled. Distress your clothes...run over them with your car, screech on your brakes for that runned-over look. Put motor oil on rusty chains and beat them. Use hammers, anything. Then hang them up to dry. Don’t mix and match...what was stressed together, pair together. Wear smaller shoes...feet swell on decaying bodies. Distress your shoes until they're comfortable...more fake blood. Remember, zombies don’t sweat so bathe normally. But you must smell like a zombie...put your clothes in a bag for three days with rotten eggs, carry stinky cheese in your pockets, soak in a bath of stinky tofu brine. Develop a corpse breath...gargle with garlic water...chew durian gum, available at Asian markets...or chew on asha root, taste like burnt rubber and makes your breath smell the same. The decision on body and breath odor will depend on the type of zombie you are and the occasion. You should develop your zombie lifestyle. Eating human flesh and sucking human blood is not only illegal, it’s dangerous. Cocktail recipes in the book include the Braingarita, the Burnt Manhatten, and the Eyeball Martini. Appetizers include the Cracked Open Head Salad, the Skewered Brainstem, and Blood Drop Soup. Entrees are Skin Stew, Roasted Intestine Delight, and the Juicy Brain. Desserts include Baby Fingers, Coagulated Blood Sorbet, and Bone Brownies. Keep around some Karo Syrup, pomegranate juice, cauliflower, peeled grapes, blueberries, manicotti pasta, and black-eyed peas. No zombie kitchen would be complete without a hacksaw, industrial scissors, a nail gun, a blowtorch, a machete, a butcher block and some bleach for cleaning. All-important is mastering the zombie walk. Techniques include the boundfeet drag, the toddler two-step, the Frankenstein stomp and the arthritic

joint stumble. You must practice, practice, practice. Design elements in a zombie abode include a black and white television set tuned to static, a rusty, broken shopping cart, crumbling bricks by the fireplace, a freestanding toilet, buckets filled with mysterious liquids, old metal coat hangers, heavy chains, dead plants, a pile of mannequin body parts, smashed vases and old, broken furniture. Last but not least are your zombie social skills. When hanging with a mixed crowd you will not want to smell like a zombie. No zombie body odor or breath. Keep things fun and playful and most activities will be open to you. When in a horde of zombies, you can look like a zombie, smell like a zombie, groan like a zombie, and work yourself into a frenzy. Outdoor activities and events in large spaces are recommended. Wandering the French Quarter scaring people could be fun, but be safe. Other activities include a graveyard picnic, riding the bus...though some people

might not notice you, going shopping, and a rooftop cocktail party. Again body and breath odor vary according to the situation. Places to avoid are beaches, military bases, hospitals, nursing homes, and the airport. Coming out as a zombie to family and friends may be risky. Tell your mother first and you will be home free with everyone else. Get friends really drunk; going on a long trip is good. Try having children, puppies, or old people around. ZOMBIE EYE FOR THE LIVING GUY is a fun read. It could be a coffeetable book, a gift, a guide for your Halloween preparations, or a blueprint for your life. Remember, real zombie activity is dangerous and illegal. Enjoy yourself but play safe. COLUMNIST NOTE: My how time flies when you're having fun. 30 short years ago, IT’S RAINING MEN was released by the WEATHER GIRLS, Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes Armstead (1942-2004). YOU GO GIRLS...

real estate Pay Off Your Mortgage in Half the Time with Bi-Weekly Payments

ne way to pay off your mortgage faster is to make bi-weekly mortgage payments instead of monthly ~ this can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the long-term as well as allow you to make paying off the mortgage less of an endurance test. If your mortgage is amortized correctly over the 26 weeks, then you can take years off of the time it would normally take to pay your 30 year mortgage off and save a huge amount of money in interest payments. As times are a little tougher more and more lending institutions are trying to help consumers by offering bi-weekly and even weekly options to homeowners so they can pay off the mortgage faster. Here is an example of how this can work; let’s say your mortgage payment is $800 dollars per month, so you’re paying $9,600.00 per year. If you pay biweekly payments (26 payment of $400.00) you actually end up paying an additional $800 per year, or one full extra payment that comes directly off of your principal. On a $200,000 mortgage at 5%, you’ll pay off the loan in 25 years, vs. 30 and shave off more than $34,000 in interest cost! Many lenders offering bi-weekly payments have mortgage calculators right on their sites that can help you figure out if shortening the length of your mortgage by paying biweekly will work for you. This is a simple plan to quickly reduce your mortgage debt offering you additional equity/security to make it through future rough periods, like the period we’re just coming out of. Keep in mind most lenders also allow you the option to make lump sum payments towards your mortgage principle if you come into extra money. Check with your lender to see if there are any restrictions, and always ensure your extra payment is marked “principle only” to ensure it is applied as a principle reduction vs. an interest payment. With today’s low interest rates its always tempting to refinance, and refinance again, and refinance again… with each refinance may come a slightly lower payment, but it also comes with a new “30 year term”, you’re starting over again. It may be much more prudent to use a bi-weekly mortgage plan or additional principle lump sum payments to reach your goals. There are sites like www.GayMortgageLoans.com that are free databases of gay, lesbian and gay friendly mortgage lenders and brokers if you need assistance, and always check with your financial planner or CPA for the best path to meeting your financial and retirement goals. Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of www.GayRealEstate.com.

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

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

Bartender of the Month

here is something to be said about Jacks of all Trades, people with many talents. My choice for bartender of the month of October is just one of those people. He is a witty, talented and professional guy who makes going to his bar an absolute delight. I am talking about the one and only Cha Cha at Good Friends. Not only is Cha Cha one of the most lovable bartenders in the city, but he is a pretty skilled singer. You can catch him showing off his vocal prowess upstairs at Good Friends on Sundays or at Karaoke at Lafitte’s on Wednesdays. I think that flair along with his happy go lucky demeanor makes it easy for people to gravitate toBartender of the Month ward him. I reCha Cha, Good Friends Bar

member very vividly one of the first times I hung out at Cha Cha’s bar. Hot in Cleveland was on the television and he was dressed in a velour jumpsuit and grey wig impersonating Betty White to a tee. Since then I have been a regular to his bar. As a bartender, Cha Cha is efficient, friendly and quick. He knows his regulars and immediately makes newcomers feel right at home. His endearing personality creates an atmo-

sphere of warmth. You can actually sense genuine happiness coming from him. Bars in general, but especially gay ones, should always help patrons feel safe and secure. Cha Cha creates [continued on 24]

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

out & about in mobile B-Bob's 20 Year Anniversary Celebration Oct. 11-13 by Bob Brunson his will be a very exciting weekend in Mobile, Alabama as B-Bob’s will be celebrating 20 incredible years! YES, the PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY!!! Three days of wonderful parties with spectacular entertainment and loads of fun and drink specials planned for everyone! Mobile is barely over BayFest where approximately 200,000 people flock from all over the country to see performances by Journey, Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, Rose Royce, Al Green, Grace Potter, etc… and B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen has another big party weekend already in motion. After twenty years of business in Mobile, Jerry continues without hesitation to offer our community continuous weekend entertainment and party after party keeping the downtown Mobile entertainment district jumping. On any given day throughout the year, you can only imagine who’s in-flight to Mobile to perform at B-Bob’s. We have seen top Billboard recording artists including Martha Wash, Tiffany, Abigail, Expose’, Amber, Bonnie Pointer, Kristine W, Pepper Mashay, Jeanie Tracy, Amuka, Vicki Shepard, Thea Austin, Cover Girls, Cynthia Manley, Ultra Nate’ and the list goes on and on... We have also seen drag talent from everywhere; the likes of Australia’s drag phenomenon Courtney Act, San Francisco’s Drag Diva Donna Sachet, RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants, Sharon Needles, Nina Flowers, Pandora Boxx, Latrice Royale, Manila Luzon, Mimi Imfurst, JuJubee, Chad Michaels, Willam, Bebe Zahara Benet, Tyra Sanchez and many more. We’ve seen comediennes, puppeteers and magicians; appearances have been made by world renowned DJs, and we have even laid eyes on some of the world’s hottest porn stars and Colt models. All thanks to B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen, who never misses a beat, supplying us with world class entertainment all year long.

This weekend B-Bob’s will once again be host to outstanding artists, performers and parties, all of which are back by popular demand to pay tribute to 20 fabulous years! And watch out… with four new big screens behind the bar and televisions throughout, you will be sure to see some of the wildest and craziest moments on new slideshows dating back as far as 1992!! Watch closely… you too are probably on the big screen! Thursday night will kick off the anniversary weekend with the all new “ON STAGE” Karaoke Night from 9pm till 11pm followed by a show at 11:30pm with the newly crowned Miss Southern States Regine Phillips, Hostess Jawakatema Davenport, Mobile’s Icon

Venus Shante’ DaVis and show director and Blonde Bombshell Miss Cie. Friday night will host Bear and Leather Night and kick off at 9pm with complimentary cocktails from 9-10pm. At 10pm be ready for a special 45 minute show with none other than the incredible talents of Sharon McNight! Sharon made her Broadway debut in 1989 in Starmites, creating the role of Diva. She received a Tony award nomination as “Best Leading Actress in a Musical” for her performance, and is the recipient of the coveted Theatre Worlds Award for “Outstanding Broadway Debut.” The singer/comedienne has played from Moose Hall to Carnegie Hall and anywhere the check doesn’t bounce. The Los Angeles Times call

under the gaydar ...from 23 an environment of refuge from the craziness of the outside world, a place where you can leave your troubles at the door and laugh with a friend. Whether you come with one or not, he is always there to crack a joke or listen to a problem; all with his natural effervescence. Good Friends is a fitting bar for Cha Cha to work at, since when you are there that is just what you are to him. So go check him out either behind the bar or singing on Sundays. Good Friends is located at 740 Dauphine Street.

Celebrate the Reds, Whites and Blues

ambit and Select Brands is presenting Reds, Whites and The Blues on Thursday, October 18 from 6:30-9pm at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. This is definitely one evening night not to be missed. This wine, spirits, food and music event benefits the Foundation for Entertainment Development and Education. Mas Mamones is the band for the night. Numerous local restaurants will provide gourmet cuisine. Having attended this fundraiser in the past, I can guarantee a good time. There is also this awesome raffle to win a 200 bottle wine basket. Can you imagine, I would be set for at least a month. Ticket prices start at $60. For more information, call 504.483.3129 or email jonb@gambitweekly.com. To purchase tickets online, go to

Sharon McNight her “one of the great wonders of the character impersonations, welcoming musical stage.” She is most noted for the return of the very talented Brittany her movie reenactment of The Wizard Spears Impersonator, Derrick Barry. of OZ and for being one of the few real The show will kick off at 11:30pm with women to impersonate Bette Davis. a special production by the B-Bob’s Don’t miss this special performance cast and will also include character including many songs from her album performances by the fabulous Toni Dee Songs to Offend Almost Everyone! and the Asian Goddess Miss Regine After Sharon’s show the celebra- Phillips. Needless to say this will be a weektion will continue with dancing and at 11:30pm a show with B-Bob’s all-star end to remember (or try to remember) and 3 nights of parties not to be missed. cast and guests. On Saturday, the finale of the 20th Congratulations Jerry for 20 wonderful Year Anniversary weekend is all about years of service to our community!! bestofneworleans.com.

Experience the Horror of Bingo, The Satyricon Way

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is bringing back a special edition of their Let’s Make A Haunted Wheel of Bingo on Friday, October 19 at JohnPaul’s. Get your tricks or treats on for the naughtiest, wildest, funniest and Halloweeniest game show in the city with uber sexy host Todd Thunder. There will be a costume contest, 50/50 raffle and fabulous prizes which include a lap dance from Todd himself. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8pm. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

A French Fete: Marigny Style

n Sunday, October 21, come experience a celebration of the Faubourg Marigny at Fete Marigny. This festival not only honors one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans, but also the city itself and all things French. Fete

Marigny will be held in Washington Square from 10am to 6pm. There is so many happenings at this event which also marks the 40th anniversary of the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association. There will be music, food, wine, home tours, kids’ activities, arts and crafts booths,

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

[continued on 28]

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

mobile

papar azzi

Hello Leroy & King Stevie 2012-13

FaceSPOT! what's trending online...

Welcome home Nicholas & Cary

The Social Scene ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

JuJubee & Judy

Midnight in the Garden Osiris Party

Cory & Weston with Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s JuJubee & Miss Alexa @ B-Bob’s

Bacchus Fall Festivities

O’Brian & Gang @ B-Bob’s

Miriam Teressa Hernandez with Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s

Venus Shante DaVis & Penny Holliday @ B-Bob’s Cast of B-Bob’s with Drag Race’s JuJubee

Hello Boys of B-Bob’s

Robert, Miss Cie & Blake @ Miss Southern States

Chance, Judson, Rick & Timothy @ B-Bob’s

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

Party Down

under the gaydar ...from 24 games, silent auction, wine raffle, French costume contest, lectures and demonstrations. Since the Marigny is my hood, you can rest assured I will be there for all the festivities.

Embrace Your Inner German With Armeinius

he Krewe of Armeinius is hosting Cock-tober Fest on Saturday, October 13. There will be more than just bratwurst and beer at probably the gayest German celebration in the city. So put on your lederhosen and get ready to do the “Chicken Dance.” The event will be from 7-10pm at 535 Marigny Street in the Marigny. Tickets are $20. For more information, go to www.kreweofarmeinius.org.

Jump On Amon-Ra’s Soul Train

he Krewe of Amon-Ra is having their annual spooktacular extravaganza on Saturday, October 13 from 7-10pm at Oz. The Soul Train Halloween Party is a costumed night of merriment. There is a drag show, costume contest, light snacks, and a 50/50 raffle. I have attended this event many times and it is always a blast. There are first and second place prizes for best costume. Admission is a mere $10. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street. Visit www.kreweofamonra.com for more information.

Wine and Art: A Perfect Combination

ne of my favorite restaurants in the city is hosting a fun and innovative series of events. Le Meritage and Chef

Michael Farrell will be presenting Wine and Art Wednesday series in October. Each Wednesday in the month from 5:30 to 7pm there will be local artists, live music and wine tasting seminars presented by NOLA Winespeak and certified sommelier Drew Brandwein. So come check out the festivities. Le Meritage in the Maison Dupuy Hotel at 1001 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter

Death By Drag!

he Krewe of Petronius is holding a very unique Halloween party that is just murder. The event is called Dinner & Death of a Drag Queen and it will be held at the home of Dr. Mark Behar at 1422 Jackson Avenue on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 8-11pm. The cost is a mere $20 and with that you get a dinner dance with a drag queen murder mystery party. There will be a buffet dinner, cash bar and poolside dancing with music by DJ Payola. And you actually get to pick who gets offed during the night, I wish life was that easy. These are your potential victims: Bootsie deVille, Cookie St. Ann, Lauren Brown, Princesse Stephaney and Barbara Ella. Wow, that is a tough choice. The murder victim will be decided by pledging donations at their website www.kreweofpetronius.org. The krewe will also be accepting murder victim donations at the event. And for that lucky person who answers all the clues correctly, you win a table at the ball. They will also have their big Caribbean Vacation raffle. The raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. The raffle prizes are 3 First Prizes: 3 - 7 Night trips to Antigua & St. Lucia; 2nd Prize - Spa Atlantis Gift Basket consisting of various product & gift card to Spa Atlantis and 3rd Prize - 32" Flat Screen TV. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any krewe member. Drawing will be at Queer Bar Shopping Network on November 17 held at the Phoenix. Cocktails, food and murder seems like the recipe for a good evening.

Mr. Louisiana Leather 2013

he Lords of Leather is having their Mr. Louisiana Leather 2013 weekend October 19 – 21. Get your chaps ready for a several days of events starting with the “Meet and Greet” Beer Bust on Friday, October 19 at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields; tickets are $5. On Saturday, the contest will be held at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, from 810pm. Tickets for that are $10. To purchase tickets or contest information, go to www.lordsofleather.com. The winner goes on to represent Louisiana at the International Mr. Leather (IML) competition in Chicago Memorial Day Weekend, 2013.

re you ready for the holiday season, because it is fast approaching us? But before we don our costumes for Halloween, there are still plenty of soirees to keep us occupied. My two weeks began on Monday with my mother Dawn’s 70th birthday. I wanted to do something low key but give her a unique experience. I mean how many times does a person turn 70 in their life. So my friends Michelle and Nick joined me as we scooped my mother and her best friend Jill up in a stretch limousine. We had a lovely scenic champagne ride down St. Charles Avenue. Going totally traditional for the night, we had dinner at Commander’s Palace which is one of our all-time favorite restaurants. Our group was very well taken care of and the meal was just divine. The service is always impeccable and on a Monday night the place was bustling; there were no less than five other birthdays going on that night in the main dining room. Commander’s is definitely the place locals go for special occasions. I especially love the little aluminum foil animal art take home bags. We had a snail, a crab and a purse (Nick got the purse, no profiling there). Needless to say we had a memorable evening for one of the most amazing ladies in my life. After dinner, we dropped my mom and her friend off at Harrah’s to gamble away my inheritance and the rest of us went to Oz. Couldn’t resist going out for a little while I had a very elegant designated driver. On Wednesday that week, I attended the Krewe of Satyricon’s opening night performance of Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham’s new show at Mid City Theatre entitled Turn Me On. This was a hysterical show which was very timely since they poked fun at Entergy, or lack thereof after Isaac . The following day, I attended an open house for the Chickory, which is an event venue space operated by the owners of Ernst Café. It was a marvelous showcase of their space which is ideal for corporate and social events, particularly weddings. That entire weekend I had to work, so the party scene had to take a back seat, but I was able to attend the NO/AIDS Walk on Sunday. As always this organization planned a great social and fundraising walk for the entire family. That was also the most touching moments, to see all the children and young adults taking part in this. AIDS and HIV still effects our community and even though living with the disease has become manageable, we lose people every day. I know all too well having buried two friends this year. My work load lightened slightly the following week to attend the opening of Dijon restaurant in the Lower Garden District on Wednesday with some friends. Located on Tchoupitoulas in an old firehouse, Dijon should become a new dining hot spot very quickly. With a tailored patio, delicious cuisine and great ambiance, this eatery will definitely be a hit. They also have an outstanding wine and specialty drink selection. Afterwards, I ventured into the Quarter for the Wednesday night show at Oz; and the theme was disco. What a fun show. Their cast that night with Persana Shoulders at the helm always entertains. Then I strolled down the street to watch the newly returned Barbara Ella host karaoke at Lafitte’s. They have quite the crowd on this night. Not a big fan of karaoke, I have to hand it to these singers, God bless their hearts; they know how to belt out a song with conviction. It may be bad, but they have moxie. On Thursday, my friend Laura and I attended the opening night reception of the Cutting Edge Music Festival at Gallier Hall. It is always exciting to rub elbows with musicians. I could so easily be a groupie. Then we went to the re-launch party of the W French [continued on 29]

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

under the gaydar ...from 28 Quarter and it was sexy. The rooms have all been remodeled in two themes, tarot and jazz. The cocktails flowed as guests munched on delectable bites from their restaurant SoBou. There was an eclectic mix of guests that ranged from New Orleans Saints players to artists and musicians. The entertainment for the night is Quadron featuring Denmark’s rising singing sensation Coco. From the caviar bar to the frozen sazeracs, the night shined, meeting new people and hanging out with old friends in a very sultry environment. I had a wonderful surprise on Friday when my friend David Streets came to town from Los Angeles and we had a birthday celebration for him at Chris Owens nightclub hosted by the one and only Gennifer Flowers. What a delightful evening we had and if you have not seen Chris’ high energy show, then you are in for a treat. This lady is not only a New Orleans legend, but can shake a tail feather better than women half her age. It was definitely surreal evening especially when we had a chance to sit and visit with Chris, Gennifer, Sammy Steele and a few other notables. When I woke up on Friday morning; never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be sharing a pizza with this diverse and famous group of people. Also, I am very excited about Gennifer’s new radio show called “sex, power & politics.” Maybe I might be a future guess. After an interesting birthday party, David and I went to Oz and hung out into the wee hours of the morning. It had been too long since I did that and it felt good. Refreshed, Saturday, I was asked to emcee the Big Top Gallery’s art auction. Once a year, the gallery drops the prices on their artwork substantially and it is a great chance to pick up some deals on both rising and known artists. Sunday, like many others, I watched that dismal Saints game, which is slowly becoming very disheartening. I went to the Friendly Bar which no matter if our team wins or loses, it is still good times. I also love their pudding shots they pass out when the Saints score. That ends my two weeks of frolicking, stay tune as the monthly events pick up. And remember to start working on those costumes; Halloween is just around the corner.

of looking at it like I have so much to deal with over the next two days, how am I ever going to handle it, think in 48 hours I will be able to go costume shopping or whatever fun activity you have planned. When you view things in hours, it does not seem so overwhelming. In 24 hours it will be over and I can move on. A day does not seem so bad to handle. Learn to carve out small periods of time in your day to do something you enjoy, exercise, read a good book, stop off at your favorite store, phone a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, anything that will help lift your mood. The weather itself also helps, take a break and go for a quick walk, this also helps if you are angry or stressed at work. It clears your mind and helps you regain your center. But no matter what you do, decorate for the holidays, I do not care how busy you are; bring some of the spirit into your home. It will make a world of difference to be surrounded by a festive environment. Also be a participant in as many holiday events

as you can, this too will lift your spirits, from going to a farmer’s market to pick out a pumpkin to wearing a crazy costume out during Halloween night, try to make the most of this time. And since October is my favorite month for many reasons, from my birthday and one of my favorite holidays Halloween, to the nice fall weather and the numerous parties, I hope you are able to have as much fun as possible. And a special birthday wish to all my other Libras out there, have a great month. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

o one embraces the holidays like New Orleanians. No matter what the occasion, we always find cause to celebrate, and I believe it is the reason we appreciate life more. With October upon us, the onset of the holiday season fast approaches. It is amazing how a slight coolness in the air, can change a person’s entire attitude for the better. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Super Bowl and Mardi Gras are all knocking at our doorstep. The remainder of the country does not have an inkling of how having all these events so close to each other can be chaotic. Traffic jams, larger work loads (especially for those in the hospitality arena), increased spending and family obligations all converge in a tiny window of time, and that does not even include the party season kicking into high gear. It is easy to understand how stress and depression can overtake us during this time of year. So how do we stay focused and enjoy ourselves during all this madness. One easy way is to take things in small time periods and not focusing on the entire season. If you have something you do not want to do, instead

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

400 ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800 19 FR

M A R IG N Y

23 ES TR R A H C

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

EN 00 C EL H 2 YS 1 0 ME 0 N IA N F 22 IE LD 00 S RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

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] 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] 1135, 1135 Decatur St. 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 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 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 RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036

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

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

chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1612]

circuit/events 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

costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 SOUTHERN COSTUME COMPANY - 951 Lafayette St., 523.4333, SCCNOLA.COM

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

for rent New Orleans, LA [504] 1 Bedroom Apartment, Royal & Louisa, across from Country Club, front porch, appliances, courtyard and/or off street parking, small pets OK, $900 per month plus deposit. Call 504.261.5431. [is2112]

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

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM

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

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

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SPA ATLANTIS, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318, SpaAtlantis.NET

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

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0712] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0812] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! 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

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

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, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North

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

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

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM 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.,

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe

Ch a l m e t t e , L A 7 0 0 4 3 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service

5 0 4 .2 7 9 .6 3 1 2 24 Hour Beeper : 5 0 4 .2 5 9 .8 0 6 1

A proven community leader in value and customer service! • We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare Ro d n ey Cu l o t t a , RPh

OPEN

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. 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 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, www.bigeasymcc.com, 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 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 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., 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 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCA AIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

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

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

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

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon St., 522.2634 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, 301.1740 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 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgunday St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM SPA ATLANTIS, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318; 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

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

real estate agents

tours

New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, SteveRichardsProperties.COM,

New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717

websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

A Post-Isaac Preview

hough Hurricane Isaac, for tunately, did not do as much damage to New Orleans as his big sister Katrina, he certainly messed up the beginning of the Fall 2012 theater season. Shows had to be postponed, some for a week, some for a few months, as people scrambled to return to a normal schedule, and some organizations had to deal with damage to the buildings that house their productions. The good news is that curtains finally went up on many shows by midSeptember. Here’s a preview of what the rest of October holds in store. Continuing for two more performances at Rivertown Theater in Kenner on Saturday (7:30pm) and Sunday (6pm), October 13 and 14, is The Beatles: Love, Love, Love (yeah, yeah, yeah!) in which those pros Amy Alvarez and Butch Caire pay tribute to the music of The Beatles. This cabaret features new interpretations of Beatles classics as well as more traditional approaches to the songs of the group that forever changed popular music. Traveling musically from A Hard Day’s Night to Abbey Road and Let it Be, Amy and Butch examine events and people that inspired the songs adding amusing facts and fresh sounds. Next up are two big productions that each started off-Broadway and

tackle challenging themes in wildly imaginative ways. Harms Way Theatre gives the regional premiere of Alex Timbers and Michael Friedman’s Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, a musical which cooks up an alternate universe (and draws parallels to today’s political/populist landscape) about the seventh U.S. president, reinvented as an “emo” rock star. An audacious mix of historical fact and fiction, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of America’s first political maverick who kicked British butt, shafted the Indians, and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States—who cares if he didn’t have permission? BBAJ recreates and reinvents the life of Old Hickory, from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as Commander-in-Chief. It also asks the question, “Is wanting to have a beer with someone reason enough to elect him?” An exhilarating and redefining look at America’s controversial seventh president—the man who invented the Democratic Party, drove the Indians west, and ultimately doubled the size of our nation—BBAJ blends raucous comedy, anarchic theatricality, and an infectious emo rock score. That said, when I saw it at NYC’s Public Theater,

Samantha Beaulieu, Jessica Lozano & Sherri Marina in The Lily’s Revenge (Photo by Ride Hamilton)

while I enjoyed its bracing Schoolhouse and guides Act Three’s Dream Ballet Rock style, I was seldom emotionally with Associate Choreographer Eric touched by its somewhat cerebral ap- Thielman which takes this traditional proach. I’m hoping that, as has hap- form and turns it inside-out. Nick Slie pened in NOLA before, the Harms Way with his ensemble, Mondo Bizarro, krewe will bring out the show’s heart as executes Act Four’s Film sequence well as its brains. while Hayes, along with Associate DiThe production is directed by A.J. rector Sarah Zoghbi, leads Act Five to Allegra and stars Lucas Harms, along its orgiastic conclusion. Between each with a large and talented cast. Perfor- act, interactive kyogens by Nari mances of Bloody, Bloody Andrew Tomassetti and Skin Horse Theatre Jackson will be at Mid City Theatre Company will keep audiences enter(3540 Toulouse St.), October 18-No- tained while they feast on nibbles and vember 3, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm. beverages. With a cast more than three times ”Lily celebrates all that is strange, as big as Andrew Jackson’s and a that is queer-y, that is different,” comrunning time that’s three times as long, ments Vaught. “It speaks to those asThe Lily’s Revenge promises to be piring to be who they are in a world that the extravaganza to end all extrava- tells them no. It’s a smelly, scrappy, ganzas even in a city that’s known for verbose play that never wants to stop extravaganzas! being what it is. It’s perfect for New Produced by Southern Rep The- Orleans.” atre in collaboration with Cripple Creek With books, lyrics, and concept by Theatre Company, the Allways Lounge Taylor Mac and music by Rachelle & Theatre, Jeffrey Gunshol, Pamela Garniez The Lily’s Revenge will be Davis-Noland, Mondo Bizarro, Skin performed at The Den of Muses (ArHorse Theatre, and Nari Tomassetti, chitect Street in the Marigny) WednesThe Lily’s Revenge: A Flowergory day through Sunday, October 17-21. Manifold flies in the face of tradition All performances begin at 6:00pm. Be and is a joyful celebration of Love in prepared! any form. In this 5-part opus, comThough not quite on the level of posed of Music, Verse, Film, Dance, Lily’s Revenge, if you see the two and Weddings, the 5-petaled hero, Lily, productions running at the Shadowproves that we are all worthy of love. box Theatre (2400 St. Claude) in one Featuring live music and New Orleans evening, you can have your very own Bounce, The Lily’s Revenge is a five hour extravaganza! genre-crushing, exultant spectacle that boasts wild desires and vivid theatricality as told by a cast of more than 40 local performers. ”The Lily’s Revenge has been in the works for three years!,” says Southern Rep’s Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes. “Lily’s is about many things—the revolution of the under-served, the nostalgic narrative of America’s freakish wedding industry, the Leslie Boles & Richard Mayer in The Clifton disturbing trend of no Monroe Chronicles - Episode Two: The Case of longer experiencing the the Murderous Mister (Photo by Glenn Meche) here and now, and the evolution of love in its purest form. Very Creators Ren French and Thomas heady ideas juxtaposed with singing, Adkins follow up last April’s The Clifton dancing, and getting down. The play Monroe Chronicles—Episode One: asks its audiences to commit to taking The Case of the Scarlet G with The this magical journey—think of it like Case of the Murderous Mister. A reEssence de Mardi Gras—in an unfor- imagining of popular radio shows from gettable five hour ride.” the 1930s and ’40s, The Clifton MonThe production highlights work by roe Chronicles are staged radio-plays five local directors with each act being that follow the adventures of ace rehelmed by a different team. Andy porter Clifton Monroe and his quirky Vaught, Artistic Director of Cripple sidekick Mattie as they scour the streets Creek Theatre Company, and Associ- of New Orleans solving the biggest ate Director Dennis Monn take on Act mysteries in the name of truth, justice One’s Musical Theatre and Camp ele- and a “killer” headline. ments with Pamela Davis-Noland mixIn this second episode, Clifton and ing up Act Two’s iambic pentameter Mattie are hot on the trail of a vicious verse and haiku with New Orleans killer bent on taking out the city’s sulbounce music. Jeffrey Gunshol serves [continued on 37] as Choreographer for the production

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

FaceSPOT! what's trending online...

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

ambush

papar azzi

37 year partners Vincent & Herschel @ 4 Seasons

Luke, Kerry & their posse @ Good Friends

Alaina Van Cartier & Marsha @ The Double Play

Sloppy Joe chefs Jim & Chris @ Club LAX Andre & Sean (from Australia) @ 4 Seasons

1st Presbyterian Church Rev. Fred Powell @ Club LAX 4 Seasons' veteran bartenders Brad & Chuck

Frankie, Anonymous & Blake @ Good Friends Bar

Tony toasting the Saints @ Good Friends

Saints Cheerleader Ollie on the bar @ The Corner Pocket

Latter & Blum’s Steve & Weenie Man Ed @ Good Friends Bar baron Michael & Frederick @ The Corner Pocket

Bar barons Bill & Chuck @ Double Play

Micah slingin’ cocktails @ Club LAX Bartender Bruce & Brad @ The Corner Pocket

Renegade Bears’ Kelley & Tibby @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Cha Cha & Nick behind the bar @ Good Friends

Double Play bartender Will

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

Glenn & Roger @ 700 Club

Saints Game Sunday ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

Club LAX’s Toby & Renegade Bears’ Duaine @ Club LAX in Metairie

trodding the boards ...from 34 trier ladies of the night. Who is this villain and why are working girls the target? There’s a story there and these investigative reporters plan to ink it. Harold Gervais directs Richard Mayer as Clifton Monroe and Leslie Boles as Mattie Parker along with Ashton Akridge, Jake Bartush, James Howard Wright, Laurie Kaufman and Kathyn Talbot. Sound effects created live on stage by the show’s foley artist accompany the actors. Performances are Thursday-Sunday, October 11-21 at 7pm. On Fridays and Saturdays at 11pm thru October 27, Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque, a burlesque tribute, sends up the famous Mario Bros. video games. Apparently Mario and Luigi have become so perpetually frustrated by their endless pursuit of the Princess that everything they see has started to look like a beautiful, sexy woman—even their most dangerous enemies! Audiences will discover whether the world’s most adventurous plumbers will finally rescue the Princess and consummate years of amorous toil, or be seduced along the way by their alluring enemies. And if the cast collects enough “coins” (or dollars for tips) along the way, the audience will unlock the alternate ending!!! Sounds like some naughty fun that Lily might enjoy. Those folks wanting to get away from New Orleans’ hurly burly, can head to Slidell for two very different productions. First up is a show near and dear to me as I directed it in college. Rediscover Pippin before it heads back to Broadway (in a Diane “Hair/Porgy & Bess” Paulus production) at Slidell Little Theatre (2024 Nellie Dr.). Director Bob Fosse copped a Tony for the original production of this Stephen “Wicked” Schwartz musical as did Ben Vereen, in his star-making turn, in this delightful quest through trials of war, love, and politics

as Prince Pippin hopes to find personal significance and life’s meaning. Renee Saussaye directs a cast that stars Joshua Brewer, Ronald Brister, April Handley, Deborah Jack, Karie Lancon, and Ambie Award-nominee Larry Johnson as Pippin. Performances are Friday/Saturday at 8:00pm thru October 27 along with Sunday matinees at 2pm on October 21 and 28. And to get us into the Halloween spirit, Cutting Edge Theater at the Attractions Salon (747 Robert Blvd.) presents the world premier of Sylvia’s Spooktacular which takes an outta work actress who is trying to claw her way to the top again, a 1950’s

wannabe housewife, a Southern celebrity chef (famous for Butter) & one dead superdiva, and mixes them all together. Written by Richard Fuentes and starring Sara Pagones, Nicky Wilson, Sally McKellip and Brian Fonenot, Sylvia’s Spooktacular plays Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, October 19-27. Not sure if this will be a trick or a treat but sounds like a lot of fun!

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

ambush

papar azzi

Paul behind the bar @ 700 Club

Cary & Greg cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s

Ryan slingin’ cocktails @ Bourbon Pub

Karaoke Wednesdays @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile GM John & bartender Ryan @ The Double Play

Derek & Jon working it out in the kitchen @ 700 Club

Darwin & Missy May @ 700 Club

Marsha, Darwin, Blake & Opal celebrate 23rd NO/AIDS Walk @ Oz

Lafitte’s Karaoke MC Barbara Ella & Wood Enterprises’ Ken Grandpre Anais @ NO/AIDS Walk in Audubon Park

Country Club’s newest bartender Frankie

Mr. Opal & Mr. Deja @ 700 Club

Al, Obie & Dwain @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

TJ & James do Karaoke @ Lafitte’s

Andrea & Maryamm @ NO/AIDS Walk

Cutter’s big 3: Jimmy, Dudley & Mac ready for Art In The Hood benefitting Buzzy's Boys & Girls thru October @ Cutter's

Boys on Parade @ Bourbon Pub Parade with Sophia Cuesta Luchianni

Ric & Darron enjoy Monday Bean Night @ Cutter’s

Top Individual Walker Toby & buddies @ NO/AIDS Walk

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

The Cocktail Tour ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin

Jimmy behind the bar @ Cutter’s

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 9-22, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM