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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
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
3 Decades of Ambush Magazine Raises over $3 Million for Charities & Causes As Ambush Mag celebrates its 31st anniversary in 2013, it's amazing to look back over the past three decades and see that through its efforts working with various organizations and causes that the magazine has helped raise over $3 million. Through monetary donations and its AMgrant (Ambush Advertising Grant Program), this publication has been fortunate in helping make a difference in the LGBT community in which we all live. Whether it was fighting the AIDS crisis, in the political arena, the social arena, or the personal arena, Ambush joined forces with the very organizations and community leaders who all made a difference. It was a joint effort that the entire community can be proud of. As history often repeats itself, every individual can, and does make a difference, so here is a salute to the entire Gulf South community from the oldest regional publication in existence since 1982, your Ambush Magazine.
The Top 20 in 2013 Have you ever thought of the top 20 events or fundraisers in the Gulf South which brings the LGBT community together. There are so many worthy ones from which to choose. Ambush has tried to select its top 20 choices for 2013 including: Southern Decadence in New Orleans; Mardi Gras across the Gulf South; Bourbon Street Awards hosted by Oz in New Orleans; Halloween across the Gulf South; NO/AIDS Walk in New Orleans; Art Against AIDS in New Orleans, 14th Gay Easter Parade in New Orleans;
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Dining Out for Life across the Gulf South; Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola; MASCARa Weekend in New Orleans; Bleather Weekend in Mobile; Leather Block Party @ the Phoenix in New Orleans; Gay Appreciation Awards Gala in New Orleans; Mardi Gras Classic in New Orleans; Red Party @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans; Oh! What A Drag @ Bourbon Pub Parade in New Orleans;
Super Bowl/Pre-Mardi Gras out Jan. 22 DEADLINE: Tues., Jan. 15
celebrazzi moment in gay new orleans history a community within communities big easy paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/nola, metairie ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie king cake queen xx dusty debris under the gaydar
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commentary obituary/ollie hebert classifieds trodding the boards pensacola paparazzi ambush paparazzi/new orleans big easy paparazzi/mobile, nola reVIEW
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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Bourbon Street Classic in New Orleans; Art in the Hood @ Cutter's in New Orleans; The Crack Whore Ball in New Orleans; and Pride across the Gulf South. But there are many more events tied into many of the ones listed above, and even more throughout the year. Please join as many as you can to enjoy the fabric and diversity of the LGBT community.
Gay Mardi Gras 2013 The schedule for Gay Mardi Gras 2013 is available at GayMardiGras.COM. Remaining balls and events as of press time include: Friday, January 11th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque XI, Sugar Mill, New Orleans Saturday, January 12th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon-Ra Ball XLVIII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Saturday, January 19th... ~8pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Saturday, January 26th... ~8pm, 20th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation presenting The Platinum Queen Dusty Debris, by invitation only Friday, February 8th... ~9pm-12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XIV, Audubon Tea Room, New Orleans Saturday, February 9th... ~9pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLV, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Sunday, February 10th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXX, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Monday, February 11th... ~9pm-2am, Lords of Leather present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/ Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 12th... ~12noon, 49th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at
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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 Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Frank Perez, Arthur Severio, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, MIss Cie & 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 NaquinDelain, 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. ©1982-2013, AMBUSH, INC.,ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDINGAD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 26th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris as The Platinum Queen, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
Friends of Cabildo debut Mardi Gras Baby Doll Exhibit Friends of the Cabildo will celebrate the opening of the Louisiana State Museum’s newest exhibit They Call Me Baby Doll: A Mardi Gras Tradition with a night of events Friday January 18th. Located at the [continued on 8]
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Bartender Chuck Hinkley, bar baron Chuck Turner and GM John Bowling welcomed guests to 4 Seasons annual Customer Appreciation Party and Buffet in Metairie.
Kajun's Pub GM David Berni presents Kajun Idol finals 1st place winner James Scott with $300 cash and a $200 bar tab at Kajun's Pub in New Orleans.
celebrazzi The international sensational Kristine W. rang in the new year with her hits at Dance Club of the Year Oz in New Orleans. The standing room only crowd danced the night away to Kristine's live performance and the talents of international DJ Joe Gauthreaux direct from New York City.
Cy Whitney and Oz bar baron Johnny Chisholm welcome Scott Bickford and all of the guests to Oz's annual Christmas Party and Show. It was indeed a night of fabulous food, and friends. And who could forget the artistic talents of bar baron Doyle Yeager's incredible decorations this year! Plus guests brought a truck load of toys for underprivileged children.
Bootsie DeVille, bar baron Michael Cookmeyer, Princesse Stephaney, bartender Dee and Regina Adams welcomed guest to Michael's On The Park's Upside Down Christmas Party raising $1,300 for Belle Reve in New Orleans. Along with a holiday buffet, guests were treated to a holiday show by the stars.
Collette and Little Mark Ambrose, along with GM Candise Holman hosted Le Roundup's annual Christmas Party and Buffet in New Orleans on the St. Louis Street strip.
French Market Corporation executive director Frank Pizzolato welcomes Corner Pocket's Michael Elias and French Market Suites' Blake Miller to his annual holiday soiree at his Elysian Fields home in New Orleans. Belle Reve's Steve Lorio and Michele D'Aquin join bar baron Matt Giglio for 700 Club's Christmas Party raising $800 for Belle Reve in New Orleans with a wonderful buffet catered by Rooba's in Metairie.
Bar barons Bill Miller and Chuck Turner flank GM John Bowling for Double Play's annual Customer Appreciation Party in New Orleans. The guys treated guests to one of their legendary buffets. (Left) Bar baron Michael Elias joins Quartermaster's Misael Rubio for The Corner Pocket Christmas Party, Buffet and Show bringing in loads of gifts for needy children in New Orleans. The holiday show brought The Corner Pocket Boys to the bar! (Right) MCs Rikki Gee and Barbara Ella on stage for the 18th Christmas Gala: Angelic Angels hosted by Good Friends Bar raising $3,400 for Belle Reve matched by Macy's department store bringing the total to $6,800 in New Orleans. The turn-a-bout show was a hit!
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Steve, Toby Lefort and Dr. Shannon Bergeron join Club LAX Christmas Party and Auction in Metairie raising $4,500 for kids with HIV and AIDS through NO/AIDS Task Force.
The Big Easy Sisters present $400 to executive director Vicki Weeks for Belle Reve from the groups first fundraiser in New Orleans.
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Remembering Clay Shaw” One of the unfortunate consequences of the historical closet is that the contributions of gay people have made to society in the past have gone unrecognized. These contributions include cultural, scientific, artistic, and economic advancements that have shaped the world we live in today. This is certainly the case in New Orleans. One of the most prominent gay men in New Orleans of the twentieth century was Clay Shaw. Sadly, Shaw’s memory has been blemished by his association with the John F. Kennedy assassination. Although he was found not guilty of conspiring to assassinate the President, having been the only person ever charged in the assassination has largely overshadowed Shaw’s positive legacy as a war hero, successful businessman, French Quarter preservationist, and playwright. Born in 1913 in Kentwood, Louisiana, to a prominent political family, Shaw grew up in New Orleans. When the United States entered World War II, Shaw enlisted in the army and eventually rose to the rank of Major General. Shaw organized and helped distribute supplies to the troops invading Normandy during the D-Day mission, a
successful battle that was pivotal in turning back Hitler and the Nazis. For his military service, Shaw was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. For helping liberate France, the French government awarded him the Croix de Guerre and Belgium named him Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite. Long before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Clay Shaw demonstrated what we’ve known all along—that being gay has absolutely no bearing on military service. Upon returning from the war, Shaw moved to New York where he worked briefly before returning permanently to New Orleans. At the peak of his business career, he served as director of the International Trade Mart, which once occupied the tall cross shaped skyscraper at the foot of Canal Street. The Trade Mart helped modernize international commerce in New Orleans, especially the importation and exportation of goods between New Orleans and Latin America. Shaw’s business ventures brought him financial success and afforded him the means to devote himself to one of his passions—historic preservation. Shaw restored several buildings and homes in the French Quarter (conflicting records indicate between nine
and thirteen), the most notable of which is at 716 Governor Nicholls Street. The complex of buildings at that address date back to 1809, 1814, and 1835 and at various times had been used as a fire station, a private residence, a blacksmith shop, and horse stables. In 1965, Shaw renovated them into upscale apartments. In the last two years of his life, after the public humiliation of the assassination trial and as he was battling cancer, Shaw oversaw the renovation of the historic French Market. A memorial plaque honoring Shaw has been placed at the Governor Nicholls Street address and describes him as a “patron of the humanities.” Shaw’s restoration efforts in the French Quarter place him in a long line of gay preservationists that began with writer Lyle Saxon decades earlier. Like Saxon, Shaw also had a lifelong interest in literature and coauthored (with Herman S. Cottman) four plays: Submerged (1929), A Message from Khufu (1931), The Cuckoo’s Nest (1936), and Stokers (1938). In an excellent literary analysis of Shaw’s dramatic works, scholar Michael Snyder notes that all four plays contain strong undercurrents of homoeroticism and often feature “sweaty, muscular men closed together in tight spaces.” Shaw’s plays have been performed at little theatres across the nation, especially Submerged, which was for decades a favorite among high school drama clubs not only because of its quality but also perhaps because Shaw and Cottman wrote it while classmates at Warren Easton High School. After he retired, Clay Shaw hoped to return to writing but fate had other plans. In 1967, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison arrested Shaw and charged him with conspiring to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Shaw was ultimately exonerated but during Garrison’s investigation and the subsequent trial, Shaw was outed as a gay man. Garrison, widely considered by many to have also been a closeted gay man, attempted to explain the assassination as a “homosexual thrill killing” much like the celebrated Leopold and Loeb murder case of 1924. Several writers have speculated that Garrison believed Shaw would commit suicide rather than being publicly outed during a high profile trial. At the time, it was not uncommon for prominent gay men to choose death over a public outing. But Garrison miscalculated. Not only did Shaw not kill himself; he bravely faced his accuser with grace and dignity. And because of his tremendous civic contributions, the New Orleans public was generally supportive of Shaw and found Garrison’s persecution of him distasteful. Because Garrison’s homosexuality was an open secret in the gay community, many gays interpreted his persecution of Clay Shaw as a warning: stay in the closet, don’t
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make waves, and certainly don’t try to out me or look what I can do to you. Whether or not that was Garrison’s motivation will never be known; nonetheless, the perception was real and as a consequence, the gay community in New Orleans remained content to organize socially rather than politically, as gays in other cities were beginning to do. Clay Shaw died in 1974. The sensational charge of conspiring to assassinate President Kennedy has eclipsed his lifelong service to New Orleans and the nation. And yet, even during that ugly episode in which he was vilified and outed, he did not retreat to the closet. And the city who knew him so well respected him for it and stood by him. Thus, Shaw’s life was significant not only for his civic contributions but also as an example of grace under pressure.
the "official" dish ...from 4 Presbytere, 751 Chartres Street, the exhibit highlights the preservation and resurgence of 100 years of the “Baby Doll” masking, song, and dance traditions in New Orleans. All events are free and open to the public and kick off at 6pm, Friday night with a book release signing by Dr. Kim [continued on 10]
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
“Is there room in heaven for me?” “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” John 14:1-2. With these assuring words Jesus assures his disciples, that in the face of persecution, there is a place for them on heaven and on earth. Jerry was a handsome young gay man and Mark was his caregiver and brother. He was a caregiver because at some point Jerry fell prey to HIV/ AIDS and a very aggressive form of cancer. Over the course of the illness Jerry had large portions of his face removed. In time, as one might expect, Jerry became subdued to the point of little or no communication beyond his painful sighs and moans. Mark has to quit his job because they could not afford adequate health care or nursing care. Mark became Jerry’s primary caregiver. Another friend Mike would stop by to visit and to give Mark a break from time to time. One day after a visit from Mike Mark walked into Jerry’s room. He asked the same question that he always asked expecting a slurred moan, “How are you doing Jerry?” To Mark’s surprise Jerry was on his feet and alive and talking. He turned to Mark and said, “I am just wonderful! Can you see him?” Mark looking about saw no one. “No Jerry I don’t see anyone,” Mark replied. “Over there in the corner. Can’t you see him?” Jerry said with gusto. “No. I don’t see anyone. Is it an angel?” Mark said skeptically. “I don’t know but he said his name is Uncle John. He said that it wasn’t time yet but when it is he’ll be here for me and he will keep me company so that I won’t be alone,” again Jerry said with deep comfort in his eyes. Mark knew that one of Jerry’s greatest fears was to die alone. That is one of the reasons that Mark had quit his job and became Jerry’s caregiver – so that Jerry would never be alone. The brief conversation continued. “Well Jerry what does he look like,” inquired Mark. “Oh he’s young maybe 17 years old. He’s wearing a leather jacket and jeans. He has curly curly brown hair.” Mark thought to himself that this did not sound like any angel, even if he did believe in angels, that he had ever imagined. Time went on and as predicted soon Jerry passed on. Mark called his mother to give her the news that she knew was coming. During the course of
the conversation Mark remembered the story. He said, “Momma you know what was crazy? Jerry said he was visited by an uncle just before he died.” The mother began to weep deeply. “What’s wrong Momma,” said Mark now very curious and somewhat taken aback. “I have never told you this. Jerry does have an uncle but none of you every knew about him. Grandma had a son and on his 16th birthday Grandpa bought him a motorcycle. Grandma bought him a leather jacket for it. He died the day they gave it to him in a motorcycle accident.” She continued, “Grandma was so distraught blaming herself that she had a breakdown. So, Grandpa removed any pictures we had of him and never ever spoke of him again. No one knew he ever lived. It is one of those family secrets” she said with a deep and sad sigh. “Momma, did he have curly hair,” with trepidation Mark asked. “Oh yes, he had curly curly brown hair.” With that Mark knew that there was a place set aside for Jerry and yes, Jerry would never be alone. This is a true story. Not a parable nor a tale but fact. It was told to me just yesterday by a dear friend of whom I have written before. As this dear friend, Mike, told the story one could see the calm and comfort in the telling and in the believing that yes, we all have a place set aside for us. There is joy in this story and what is more it is very appropriate for a new year, an Anniversary Year for Ambush, and hopefully a new way to understand who and what each of us are both here and “there.” Truly I believe that there is a realm that goes beyond our streets, our pubs, our churches, our shops, our parades our liturgies of life. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” is a truth found in scripture that perhaps we should all embrace. We must “keep the faith” in this world through “faith” to make it right. On behalf of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church and perhaps as a member of the Episcopal Church Clergy, I have two things to say: “I/we are sorry for the harm and hurt we have caused not just to the LGBT community but indeed to all communities ‘not like us.’ We have hurt you, shunned you, despised you, history is hard on us. For these sins we humbly ask your forgiveness and I/we apologize.” “I/we repent and will make this right. We will bless monogamous same sex partnerships so that they will be
what they already are a blessing to the world. We will invite in our neighbors of color and make it right that we stand side by side in true faith with true conviction and the true heart of the true head of our Church – Yeshua of Bethlehem, Jesu, Jesus our friend who goes to make room and has made room for us all.”
Super Bowl Pre-Mardi Gras DEADLINE Tues., Jan. 15th
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
the "official" dish ...from 8 Vaz, author of The “Baby Dolls”: Breaking the Race and Gender Barriers of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Tradition. Guests will be able to interact with the author and see the exhibit for the first time, as well as purchase books. Dr. Vaz is the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Education at Xavier University of Louisiana. The “Baby Dolls”: Breaking the Race and Gender Barriers of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Tradition tells the untold story of one of the first women’s street masking practices in the United States and will be released for the first time at the event. Starting at 7pm, Dr. Karen Leathem will be moderating a panel discussion with several generations of Baby Dolls. Dr. Leathem is a historian for the Louisiana State Museum and is member of the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Following the panel discussion, at 8pm, Friends of the Cabildo will host an exhibit opening and reception that will include Baby Doll performances by Millisia White’s New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies and masks created by McDonogh 42 Elementary Charter School. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be on hand, as well as DJ Hektik. The party ends at 10pm. For more information visit 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.
OCH Art Market Jan. 12 Come build your Mardi Gras costume with us at the OCH Art Market in New Orleans’ most eclectic, up and coming neighborhood. A wide variety
of vendors carrying costume accessories and know how including Southern Costume Company and Sew Fabulous will be on hand to help you create your ensemble. This costume themed OCH Art Market takes place Jan. 12th 10am to 3pm, on the Saturday before the Krewe de Vieux. Cafe Reconcile, after being closed for 6 months during their renovation, will be making their debut back in the neighborhood at the market and will be serving three of their signature dishes; white beans and shrimp, Eggplant Jennifer, and crab and corn soup. In addition to the costume vendors, the market will host other vendors selling locally, handmade, one of a kind art and crafts. Come shop, get prepared for the Mardi Gras season and welcome the return of Cafe Reconcile. The family friendly atmosphere and easy to access location provide important exposure for artists of all mediums in Central City and New Orleans as a whole. All crafts are hand made as the market gives a place for both burgeoning and experienced artists to showcase their work in an easy to reserve vendor format. There are lots of crafts activities provided for children and pets are welcome and there is plenty of parking. The OCH Art Market is held on the second Saturday of every month at 1618 O.C. Haley Blvd, right in the heart of Central City. This building, also home to the Zeitgeist Theatre, is a protected historic landmark and with its 18 foot ceilings is a tourist attraction in itself. The market seeks to provide a foothold for returning Central City and Dryades Street to its former glory as a thriving commercial district second only to Canal Street. Since its beginnings in November 2010, the OCH Art Market has risen to the occasion and provides a venue for not only New Orleans citizens to explore what Central City has to offer, and also for visitors from out of town looking to shop in an historic New Orleans neighborhood. Spaces are still available! Come spend the afternoon at the OCH Art Market and enjoy all of the culture and talent this newly revitalized district has to offer! More information on this market can be found on our website, www.ochartmarket.com or by contacting us at ochartmarket@gmail.com with any questions or comments. Find us on Facebook (O.C.H. Art Market) or Twitter (@OCHArtMarket).
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big easy
John & Rawhide bartender Richard @ Le Roundup Phoenix bartender Wayne
Tadgh, manager of Voodoo & Ninth Circle
Bartender Brad welcomes you to Bourbon Pub Parade
Ginger, Bourbon Pub’s Chuck & Kevin @ JohnPaul’s
Matthew & Ryan behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Bourbon Pub Parade bartender Chris Voodoo bartender David with Blueberry @ Rainbow Room
Lafitte’s bartenders Matt & Tanner Jeff, Scott & Will welcome you to Cafe Lafitte in Exile Andre welcomes you to the Phoenix Rawhide's Cajun bartender John
Cocktails with Guido @ The Corner Pocket
Rainbow Room asst. mgr. Eric Cutter's bartender Jim
Le Roundup bartender Chris
Lorie welcomes you to Kajun’s Pub
Charlie & Good Friends bartender Jeff
Rainbow Room bartender Ray
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New Golden Lantern bar baron James with bartender Wilhemina @ Golden Lantern
Slingin’ Cocktails ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
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Bull, Andrew, Robert, Derek & Adrian @ Oz Christmas Party
Rooba’s Paul & Ray cater 700 Club Christmas Party
Richie, Steven, a friend & Justin celebrating during the Wood Enterprises Christmas Party @ Lafitte’s
Special guest King Cake Queen Dusty Debris & MC Barry Bareass @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Bartenders Bruce & Ashlee welcome you to Corner Pocket Christmas Party Lafitte’s Karaoke host Barbara Ella @ Wood Enterprises Christmas Party
The Ladies of Oz entertain @ Oz Christmas Party (photo by Luis Angel Pagan Cabiya)
Jason, Joe & Glazer reps serving up Ketel One for 700 Club Christmas Party
The Corner Pocket Dancers with host Barry Bareass for the Pocket’s Xmas Party
Charlie Bear & partner @ Wood Enterprises Christmas Party
Santa Frankie joins Mom & Dad with KCQ XX Dusty Debris @ Oz Christmas Party
Bourbon Pride’s Josh & Ambush’s Marsha @ Oz Christmas Party
Jacey Frew & SDGM Pat McArdle @ 700 Club Christmas Party
Persana, Glenn & Bull @ Oz Christmas Party
MC Lisa Beaumann on the bar @ Corner Pocket’s Xmas Party
Jerry & Kenny join Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Keith & DJ Myke @ Wood Enterprises Christmas Party
Paul & Pete join Wood Enterprises Christmas Party
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Holiday Parties, Big Easy Style ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Persana Shoulders & Tommy Elias welcome you to the Oz Christmas Party
Lawrence, bar baron Matt, Travis & Justin welcome you to 700 Club Christmas Party
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Bartender Dee & bar baron Mike host Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party
Rick & Nick join Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party
Celebrating @ Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party
Bartenders Alex & Will welcome you to Double Play Christmas Party
Hoyle joins Double Play’s Chuck for Double Play Christmas Party
Cha Cha sings live for Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala benefiting Belle Reve
Welcome to 4 Seasons Christmas Party in Metairie
"Angelic Angels" in Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala
Chuck behind the bar for 4 Seasons Christmas Party in Metairie
Paul & Ambush’s Frank in for Double Play Christmas Party More glamour @ Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala
Frank & Corner Pocket’s Michael @ Double Play Christmas Party
Electra, Opal, Darwin, David, Rhonda & Tittie @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
DJ Myke & Lady Max in Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala
Al & Dwain @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
snap paparazzi
Mike welcomes Amon-Ra’s Leonard to Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party
Deanna & Maggie join Double Play Christmas Party
Oh Oh Oh @ Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala: Angelic Angels
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Justin & Starr @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
Holiday Circuit ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Belle Reve’s Vicki & Michele @ Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party benefiting Belle Reve
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ambush
Kenny, Brian, Jerry & Jim @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
Mark & Little Mark welcome you to Le Roundup Christmas Party
Deanna serving cocktails for Le Roundup Christmas Party
’Tis the Seasons @ Club LAX Christmas Party benefiting Kids with HIV & AIDS
Ted & Kent @ Ted & David’s Holiday Party uptown
NO/AIDS Task Force’s Noel & Glen @ Club LAX Christmas Party
Stephen & David @ Ted & David’s Holiday Party
Quartermaster’s Misael & gang @ Club LAX Christmas Party
Jerry, Tony & Rob @ Ted & David’s Holiday Party
Miss Billy & Ronnie @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
George Simons & Regina Adams @ Le Roundup Christmas Party Opal, Gary & Rip @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
Robbie, Darrin, Frank & Brian @ Frank Pizzolato’s Christmas Party Festive @ Le Roundup Christmas Party
Fun @ Club LAX Christmas Party
Mike & Bootsie @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
The staff celebrates @ Ambush Staff Christmas Party
Celebrating @ Le Roundup Christmas Party
It’s Bud Light @ LAX Christmas Party
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Margarita Bergen @ her home holiday party
The Season of Cheer ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month It is 2013 and the party continues. And there is no other place to revive the celebration than the gay bar scene. I wanted to kick off the New Year by announcing someone really fun as my bartender for the month of January. Robert at Crystal’s in Lake Charles embodies all the qualities that make him a fine choice. I was recently in Lake Charles during the Thanksgiving holiday and had a chance to watch him in action. Crystal’s is one of my favorite clubs in the state. From the staff and the performers to the patrons, they exude Southern Hospitality and Robert is one of the main attractions. Let’s begin with the obvious; the boy is smoking hot with a great physique and devilish smile. His curly hair, boyish good looks and winning charm instantly endear patrons to him. But behind the pretty exterior is a hard-working professional who has mad skills in making cocktails. His specialty drink “Walk Me Home Baby Jesus” is legend in Lake Charles. It is a tasty libation that is assured to tantalize your taste buds and a few other body parts. I love a drink that bites back.
day, January 11 at the Sugar Mill. This year’s theme is Satyricon Goes Green and it is going to be a rollicking good time. This show is going to be over the top with dazzling costumes, wonderful entertainment and great numbers. The emcees this year will be Varla Jean Merman and Sadie Shepard. Tickets are $20; doors open at 7pm and the ball starts at 8pm. The dress is black tie or costume. There will be a dance party afterwards. For more information, call 504.252.5476. The Sugar Mill is located at 1101 Convention Center Blvd.
Play Safe for the New Year The New Orleans Gay Men’s Wellness Center in conjunction with the NO/AIDS Task Force is doing free STD screenings for gay and bi-sexual men every Wednesday from noon to 8pm at the CAN office. Your health is one of the most precious commodities you have, so start the New Year by getting tested. Please contact 504.945.4000, ext. 202 to make an appointment or email at alexanderl@noaidstf.org. The CAN office is located at 507 Frenchman Street.
Live Your Fantasy
Bartender of the Month Robert Robert operates a crowded bar with ease, giving all customers personal attention. One can undoubtedly see why he is so popular. And he looks impressive without a shirt. But I digress; one of his strongest points is his ability to converse with anyone. The gift of gab is a very effective feature in good bartenders. So next time you are in Lake Charles, go get a “Walk Me Home Baby Jesus” drink from Robert, and enjoy his Southern charm. Crystal’s is located at 112 West Broad Street.
Satyricon Goes Green The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting its 11th Bal Masque on Fri-
The Krewe of Amon-Ra is hosting their 48th annual ball on Saturday, January 12 at the Frederick J. Sigur Center in Chalmette. The theme this year is Dreams and Fantasies. I know everyone in this krewe and I cannot wait to see the lovely evening they have planned. Doors open at 7pm and the tableau starts at 8pm. Balcony tickets may be purchased at the door for $10. Formal dress is required. There will also be a dance party afterwards. The Sigur Center is located at 8245 West Judge Perez Drive. For more information, go to www.kreweofamonra.com.
Look Into the Mirror The Krewe of Petronius cordially invites you to their 52nd Bal Masque on Saturday, January 19 at the Frederick J. Sigur Center in Chalmette. Their theme this year is the Mirror Has Two Faces. This is such a unique and creative theme, the ball is assured to be a hit. Balcony seats are available for purchase and afterwards there will be a dance with the band Soul Expression. Doors open at 8pm and the ball starts at 9pm. Formal attire or costume is required. The Sigur Center is located at 8245 West Judge Perez Drive. For more information, go to
www.kreweofpetronius.org.
Party Down I hope you survived the holidays without incident. I have to admit this was a marathon season filled with glitter, glam and cocktails. So let’s look back on the final three weeks of the year. Monday, December 10 kicked off the non-stop festivities with the Phoenix Toy Drive and holiday party followed by the Bourbon Pub Christmas extravaganza. One of the favorite bartenders at the Phoenix Wayne did an outstanding job with the toy drive this year that benefitted St. Anna’s Church. The first floor pool table looked like Santa’s workshop as it was overflowing with children’s gifts. I followed this merriment with the Pub’s Christmas party afterwards. They too had a toy drive and once again the staff rolled out the red carpet for their loyal customers. The cocktails flowed as people dined on Southern cuisine from the Praline Connection. Congratulations to Sandy, Louis and the entire staff for making the night very festive. Tuesday was a launch party for Prospect 3 at the Press Street Gallery in the Bywater. It was announced that Prospect 3 New Orleans, the third edition of the international contemporary art biennial will now open in the Fall 2014. Many of the movers and shakers in the art community were in attendance at the event. This event is another great coup for the city’s cultural atmosphere. Wednesday was a hospitality gathering as the Louisiana Restaurant Association, Hotel/Motel Association and the New Orleans Convention and Visitors joined together to host their combined party at The Cannery, Mid City’s newest venue sight. I saw so many people I have not seen in years to not just network, but reconnect in a cheerful surrounding. Friday, I went to the African American Museum’s tree lighting and holiday concert in Treme. If you have not been to this historic site, it is comprised of many galleries and open air spaces perfect for a party. Besides the great food and décor, they had an impressive line-up of musicians performing that evening. Afterwards, I hopped on over to Metairie for Club LAX’s holiday soiree which culminated in an auction raising lots of money for charity. Toby makes an excellent auctioneer on par with the professional ones you see on television. Saturday was a blur of events starting with Michael’s On the Park’s Upside Down Christmas in which all the decorations were hung from the ceiling. As usual the food was delectable and the crowd upbeat. I even partook in one of his holiday “Lunch Pail” shots which got my engines revving for the rest of the night. Then I went to the Double Play’s annual customer appreciation holiday party which had more food and a whole new crowd ready to spread cheer.
Chuck and his crew did a fine job once again. Not slowing down, my friends Beaux and Barrett met me and maneuvered our way to Good Friends for the Holiday Turnabout and Angel Auction. Ricki Gee and Barbara Ella emceed this hysterical show in which the bartenders and staff who never do drag get a chance to show off their feminine wiles to the audience with sometimes scary results; although Cha Cha makes a fierce Grande Lady. Next up was Ted Jeansonne and his partner David’s holiday party at his Uptown home. Once again there was a major spread of fine food and the drinks flowed. There was another totally different group of revelers here. That is why I enjoy all these diverse events, because I get a chance to meet such unique guests at each one. Sunday brought me out to Metairie once again for the Four Seasons holiday get-together. Beaux and Barrett again joined me on this little trek. That evening proved to me that Chuck has a little St. Nick in him doing his three bars all in a row that weekend. Billy’s in Slidell (which I unfortunately missed) on Friday, Double Play on Saturday and now Four Seasons. The man never stops and his patrons appreciate him for his tireless efforts for them and the community. After leaving, I went to a completely new holiday experience at the Corner Pocket’s party. More friends joined us and we all had a blast. Nothing says Merry Merry than strippers and drag queens. Lisa Beauman, Dusty Debris and Barry Bareass did a wonderful job performing their annual show atop the bar. Engineers can take lessons from these people on how to maneuver high altitudes in full length gowns. After the food and the show, then the boys started dancing, and Christmas came early for many people that night. Wood Enterprises threw their annual employee event on Monday at Lafitte’s in which each person brings a food item. Talk about some amazing dishes, the food was beyond good and the assorted selections made it easy to overeat. It was nice to see many of the people who are normally behind the bar in a more relaxed setting. But the night is not complete without their holiday karaoke kicked off by Ken. It was a rousing night of literally “good friends.” On Tuesday, I attended K Paul’s restaurant’s holiday hospitality party in the day and the National Association of Caterers and Events Holiday Board Dinner in the evening. If you have never been to K Paul’s make it a point to go, not only are they considered one of the most famous restaurants in the city, but the food is a delicious blend of Cajun and Creole cuisine. That day they served all their specialties for guests from their world famous grillades and grits to bread pudding. Chef Paul Prudhomme was on hand to personally
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commentary Not a Banner, but a Historic LGBT Year by Mark Segal Do you appreciate the watershed moment in LGBT history we are witnessing? If any of you doubt that we are living in historic times for LGBT equality, just note what you’re about to witness in the next few weeks and months. The first president of the United States of America who campaigned openly and often on the issue of LGBT equality and won is about to be inaugurated for a second term, and most likely somewhere in that second term will nominate the first out cabinet member, as well as host a landslide of equality initiatives. The first out elected U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin, will be sworn into office, along with the largest-ever delegation of out Congressmembers. The Supreme Court will hear debates on marriage equality and will rule by the summer. More out state and city elected officials throughout the nation will take office than ever before. Do you feel it yet? Not yet? Then take a look at the issues and actions that started to take flight in the last 12 months. One that I’m particularly proud of is the nation’s largest LGBT capital building project that is taking place in Philadelphia. It’s called the John C. Anderson Apartments, an LGBT-friendly senior community. The 56-unit building will house and give dignity to LGBT seniors. And that’s the point: LGBT seniors are one group that we, as a community, have not begun to adequately address the needs of. We know from the few studies on LGBT seniors that their numberone concern is housing. Philadelphia hopefully will start a new wave of building across the nation. At present, the next to break ground is in Chicago, and San Francisco is looking at 2015. Still not there? How about the advances in immigration for LGBT couples or the threat of foreign aid being withheld if Uganda enacts its proposed “kill the gays” bill? Has anyone noticed the host of Republicans quickly trying to change their positions on marriage equality? Or the assistance the Department of Health and Human Services is giving to build and increase health services to LGBT communities around the nation? Or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development increasing its efforts to combat LGBT discrimination in housing? It would be hard to find an area that has not improved toward equality in the last 12 months. This column a year ago predicted that it would be a good year. The stock market may use the term that I had “inside information,” and while I had high expectations, nothing was a done deal when that column was written.
And while there were issues that were on my mind as it was being written, never in my wildest thoughts would I have expected how great of a year 2012 was — for the community, for the body politic and, I’m happy to say, personally. And of course we promised to make some predictions for 2013, some of which might actually happen. If you haven’t noticed, those predictions are in the first paragraph. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
obituary
In Memory of Ollie Hebert under the gaydar ...from 20 work one of the action stations. That night I went to the NACE dinner at Revolution in the Royal Sonesta. Talk about a dining experience that I will not forget. This restaurant is quickly becoming one of my new spots for memorable meals. From the service to the cuisine, everything shined that night. Intimate dinners during the holidays all give you a chance to catch up in this busy time with friends and co-workers. Wednesday was another day of celebration from day to night. I went to my annual Gay Mafia luncheon at Arnaud’s with my friends Nick and Marvin where we cocktail and catch up on each other’s lives. We are all so busy, that several times a year we host these get-togethers for just that reason. We even had a star sighting, Chris Noth, Mr. Big from Sex and the City was there at the table next to us. He even asked us for drink advice. Talk about swooning, no wonder Sarah Jessica Parker kept falling for him. The food and friendship was just a heartwarming way to spend the afternoon. That night Oz held their annual Christmas party followed by a drag show by the stellar cast. Two floors of hot men, great upbeat music, good food and
sparkly drag queens; need I say more. It was an over the top fun party that brought every person’s spirits up. And kudos on the décor, they really transformed the place into a magical showcase. The next day, the Tales of the Cocktail held their annual Tales of the Toddy event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel by the Superdome. Now this is a place to get your drink on. Several bars and restaurants around the city provide food and a specialty cocktail for guests. What I love is you are able to try those drinks you see on the menus but do not ever want to chance. It is always a very nice event. Friday was an easy night out in suburbia. Steve Patrick hosted a solstice holiday party at his spacious home in Kenner in celebration of the end of the Mayan calendar. As always, Steve is just delightfully entertaining and he had a very nice and laid back evening. He also has the best mystery movie collection of anyone I know. Well, thank goodness the world did not end on the 21st, because on Saturday the 22nd, I attended 4pm Mass at St. Francis Seelos then went to the Ambush Magazine Mayan Survivors’ Party (the staff holiday party) at their headquarters on Bourbon Street. I would like to thank Rip and Marsha for not only this superb event which brought together so many of us, but everything they do for us year round. After the party, we continued our carousing in the Quarter bar hopping. Sunday came quickly and so did two more holiday parties just a stone’s throws from my house, thank God. My friend Laura and I first went to Margarita Bergen’s party at her home on Marigny Street (two houses down). There was live music, good food and flowing champagne. Dahlin, it was divine. Next Frank Pizzolato held an exquisite soiree at his home on Elysian Fields. His home is very cozy and inviting and there was a nice mix of people. I especially love his little blue man cave room. Still in the Christmas spirit, Laura and I went to Washington Square for their annual caroling. What a wonderful way to cap off the week. Christmas Eve was very relaxing at home enjoying my tree and wrapping gifts during the day. Then I went to 4pm Christmas Eve Mass with my mother at St. Francis Seelos, followed by dinner at Marigny Brasserie. It was very rejuvenating to the soul to reconnect with your spirituality during this time. I got home early, then the vivacious Princesse Stephaney dressed as Santa’s Drag Elf spirited me away in her sleigh (compact car) and we spread joy and cheer to a few bars in the Marigny. Not sure if Cutter’s or the Friendly Bar will ever be the same after witnessing the Princesse in gold lame spandex tights. Christmas Day I celebrated with my family during the day, then at my
friends Laura and Gary’s house that night. It was a very good holiday. But the Christmas celebrations extended a few days after when the Degas House held a holiday party on the Thursday after to celebrate being named as one of the best decorated bed and breakfasts in the country for the holidays. Guests were treated to great food and drink while they were able to tour this historic home and museum devoted to the famous French Impressionist Master Edgar Degas. I kind of laid low for the remainder of the week resting until Sunday when my friend Beaux and I went to the Saints game at the Superdome. We were treated to the Winn Dixie tail gate party before with food and drink before watching that exciting game. Even though we lost, it was still fun. Not ready to let the party end, we traipsed into the Quarter and bounced from bar to bar: Good Friends, Oz, Pub and Lafitte’s. It was not long before I had to go lay down my weary (and drunk) head. New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to end the column this year. I spent it with lots of friends at the handsome home of Albert Carey. He had a beautiful crowd of lovely men and women who mingled nicely. It is always a treat when I can spend time with good people, I can think of no better way to say goodbye to one year and hello to the next. At midnight, we were on the rooftop of his building watching the fireworks. Once we heralded in the New Year, I had a night cap on my way home at the Friendly Bar with a friend, then enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep. Happy New Year everyone; let’s make 2013 special.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom Well so much for the Mayans. End of the world, really. Welcome to 2013 and all it has to offer. There are so many things to be excited about, but most of all the hope of a brand new year filled with sensational adventures. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Mine is to embrace change and the challenges that will come my way. And I am jumping right into this by starting a new job. After being with my old employer for 12 plus years, the prospect of doing something fresh and interesting is thrilling. People are always reluctant to change, but if you embrace it, you may be surprised by the outcome. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the thing which you think you cannot do!” This is some very sage advice from a remarkable lady. So step into 2013 with faith of a better world and a brighter tomorrow. And, as always, let’s get this party started! If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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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
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New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
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 [is2012]
circuit/events 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 Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 2013, 42nd 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. 24-27, 2013, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM
costumes
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
bars
book stores
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.,
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
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
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 "halfkitchen", 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. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, Email us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0113]
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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, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is 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 (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2613]
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 10am5pm 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 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, 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, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 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., 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 GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: 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. E-mail: 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 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 REGIONALAIDS 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. SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM 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 YWCAAIDS 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 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. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312,
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 8-21, 2013 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM GayMardiGras.COM
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Curtain Up on 2013!
www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM
real estate 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, 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 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 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 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 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
Before previewing the coming season, I want to recognize two shows I saw after my last column’s deadline and acknowledge a few other highlights from last season that were omitted due, in part, to my computer’s dying the day the column was due. Nice to be starting out the new year with a new ’puter. 2012 concluded on a high note for me with Crescent City Lights Youth Theater’s smashing production of Honk! Jr. In this musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling, Erica O’Neal was a tough’n’tender and utterly appealing Mama Duck surrounded by a uniformly strong cast. What could be interpreted as an anti-bullying plea was one of CCLYT’s best ever. Jennifer Pagan and Bob Edes Jr. brought their usual, but never to be undervalued, comic panache to the Promethean Theatre Co.’s debut offering of two Christopher Durang oneacts. Samantha Beaulieu, equally amusing in the curtain-raiser The Actor’s Nightmare, was another refreshing instance of color blind casting, as were Donald Lewis, Jr. and Julian Simmons in Southern Rep’s A Christmas Carol. The Quarter Rat Pack exemplified Café Istanbul’s fine use as a cabaret space and Ricky Graham, playing it straight, was truly touching as the title character in the one person show Shirley Valentine, another SRep production. As it so happens, Southern Rep launches the first new production of the season with David Ives’ Venus in Fur at the CAC. Aimée Hayes directs Todd d’Amour (following up his memorable
spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM SPA ATLANTIS, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318; 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET
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 NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG
tours New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717
turn in The Lily’s Revenge) and Veronica Russell in this frisky game of cat and mouse in which the lines blur between reality and play, seduction and power, and love and sex (Jan. 924). SRep’s season will continue with Mold, the final play of John Biguenet’s Rising Water Trilogy (Mar. 20-Apr. 14) and the Tony Award-winning Next To Normal (May 15-June 9) featuring Leslie Castay in a story about a suburban mother’s fight with mental illness and her family’s attempt to hold it together for her and themselves. New Noise is up next with Runnin’ Down the Mountain, a new full-length work that mixes original and traditional music, live looping and soundscapes with New Noise’s own brand of visual storytelling to ask why we hand down what we do. The play follows the story of brother and sister Everett and Margaret Riddle, grown and living alone on their family’s orchard in the Great Smoky Mountains. Runnin’ Down the Mountain runs Jan. 10-27 at the new Dryades Theater (1232 O.C. Haley Blvd.). Jefferson Performing Arts Society continues its recovery from Hurricane Isaac with the delightful Tony-winner Avenue Q.”Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont would seem a natural to direct this Sesame Street for adults that features a mixed puppet/human cast (Jan. 1227). JPAS follows with The Full Monty (Feb. 16-24), Buddy (Mar. 7-17), Frost/ Nixon (Apr. 26-May 19), and Driving Miss Daisy starring Janet Shea and Lance Nichols (May 10-June2). Combine the stigma and ill-practices surrounding mental illness in the 18th century with the story of one of the wealthiest men in America and you get The Insanity of Mary Girard. Theatre Louisiane promises that this work by Lanie Robertson directed by Matt Story at The Shadowbox Theatre (Jan.18Feb. 3) will conjure up “a subterranean, subconsciously spooky world unlike New Orleans audiences have ever seen!” On Jan. 18 and 20, The Loyola Opera Theatre will bring to life Leonard Bernstein’s enchanting comic operetta Candide utilizing the largest orchestra ever seen in a Loyola opera. If past L.O.T. productions are any indication, this should be an absolute delight! The Anthony Bean Community Theater will finally present El Hajj Malik: A Play about Malcolm X by local playwright N.R. Davidson, Jr. (Feb. 15Mar. 10) after its Hurricane Isaacforced postponement. ABCT continues [continued on 33]
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pensacola
Annual Christmas Party @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
paparazzi
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ambush
In for Kajun Idol’s Karaoke Finals @ Kajun’s Pub
Kajun’s Pub GM David & 2nd place Kajun Idol winner Adam Lassiter
Gia GiaVanni & Ambush’s Marsha @ Oz Christmas Party
Oz bartender Frankie Fierce & Pub's Jasmine Essex @ Oz
Six year partners Alexa & Melissa, aka DJ Mel, from Mobile celebrate @ Oz Kajun’s Pub GM David & 3rd place Kajun Idol winner Rebeca Rae
Daniel, Kajun’s Pub’s Joann Guidos & Blaine join Kajun Idol & Karaoke @ Kajun’s Pub
Kajun Idol Finals @ Kajun’s Pub
Ambush’s Marsha & the legendary Mr. Carl cocktailin’ @ Golden Lantern
Bobby Blue Salon’s Carrie & Lantern legend Winston @ Golden Lantern
Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels, Bartender of the Year Andy Ehlers & Transgender of the Year Jasmine Essex @ Golden Lantern
Dancer Rapheal @ Rainbow Room
Wild crowd New Year’s Eve @ Golden Lantern
Sugar Tits & Grandmaw cocktailin’ @ Michael’s On The Park
Tami Tarmac, new Lantern bar baron James & Aubrey Sinclaire New Year’s Eve @ Golden Lantern
Serving Xmas Eve Dinner @ Le Roundup
Syleena Welch Black & Miss Golden Lantern Gia GiaVanni toast the New Year @ the Lantern Quartermaster’s Saundra
Dancer Thomas @ Rainbow Room
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Clover Grill’s Will
Spotlight Madness ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Arthur Severio
paparazzi
trodding the boards ...from 29 with Ntozake Shange’s Spell #7 (Apr. 5-28), the gospel musical comedy Sanctified (June 7-30), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Sept. 6-29) ABCT’s final installment of August Wilson’s ten play cycle, and Langston Hughes’ classic Black Nativity (Dec. 6-22). Promethean Theatre returns for its second offering when the award-winning Equus goes up on the Lagniappe Stage at Rivertown Theaters. Bob Edes will star as Dr. Dysart along with Jesse Friedman as Alan (Feb. 22-Mar. 3). Sweeney Todd will receive its second go-round this season when Slidell’s Cutting Edge Theater presents Stephen Sondheim’s 1979 musical thriller. starring Richard Fuentes as the “Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and Sara Pagones as Mrs. Lovett, this Sweeney will gain extra authenticity by being performed in Cutting Edge’s hair salon/theater home (Mar. 1-15). Sordid Lives, Del Shores’ black comedy about white trash, will follow April 5- 20. The NOLA Project kicks off its new season at Dillard University with Gabrielle Reisman’s bounceinspired Catch the Wall featuring Troi Bechet (Mar. 14-24). Dillard will also present Dreamgirls (Feb. 22Mar. 3), and Lagniappe, a musical adaptation of The Threepenny Opera to New Orleans by Brian Sands (Hey, that’s me!) (Apr. 12-21). For its 20th anniversary season, The NO Shakespeare Festival at Tulane will stage The Merry Wives of Windsor in June and Romeo & Juliet in July as well as The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) directed by Carl Walker. The Festival will also offer a late night cabaret style production of The Shakespearean Jazz Show, featuring Shakespeare’s words set to live jazz music, in an expanded version of the show which premiered at the Festival last year.
By the time you read this, I’ll have seen two time Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone bring the curtain up on Broadway at NOCCA. Under the watchful eye of producer Mark Cortale, Seth Rudetsky’s popular Broadway Concert Series heads to NOLA and continues with Great White Way divas Sutton Foster (Mar. 2), Megan Mullally (Apr. 6), Audra McDonald (May 18) and Betty Buckley (June 1). What a treat these will be! Two of New Orleans’ home-grown divas, Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham, are carrying on with their run of Shut Up,
Sweet Charlotte! at the Mid City Theatre through January 19. As I wrote when they premiered this production, along with Brian Peterson, Jack Long, and Yvette Hargis six years ago, “Whether romping around in slow motion, tweaking the conventions of cin[continued the 35]
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B-Bob’s Wendy, spreading holiday cheer in Mobile
More excitement at the Lords Fetish Ball @ the Phoenix
Miss Louisiana Leatherette Countess C. Alice & David @ Lords of Leather Fetish Ball
Ringing in the New Year @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Two more "Angels" from Good Friends 18th Christmas Gala
Manager Jason & Philip @ Old Town Inn
Wood Enterprises' Micheal ringing in the New Year with bartender Jake & Mark @ Good Friends Bar
The Asian Goddess Regine Phillips @ B-Bob’s holiday party
Phoenix bar baron Clint
Dusty & Frankie join Natasha for Bootsie & The Bitches @ Michael’s On The Park
Fans join Kristine W. for her CD signing @ Skully’z Recordz
Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels @ Golden Lantern
Adeaux & Brian @ Cutter’s
Ambush’s Charles snagged by hot men @ Lords Fetish Ball Lords of Leather Fetish Ball @ the Phoenix
Ms. Jenkins in Bootsie & The Bitches @ Michael’s On The Park Cocktailin’ @ Cutter’s
Ringing in the New Year @ the Phoenix
Lord King & Consort @ Lords of Leather Fetish Ball
Welcome to Rawhide
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Planet Beach’s Jeffery, Jeremy & Ambush’s Paul @ Oz
Diverse Excitement ~ Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Arthur Severio, Leon Weekley
big easy
paparazzi
reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Welcome to 2013! I hope everyone had a festive Christmas and New Years...now it’s on to SUPER BOWL XLVII on the 3rd of February, rolling right into Mardi Gras, February 12. Congratulations to Rip and Marsha on 31 years of AMBUSH! I remember when the paper came out of Baton Rouge...y'all have come a long way. I can’t remember the last movie I saw that had the entire theatre laughing out loud for the entire movie, but DJANGO UNCHAINED certainly did. Sunday afternoon matinee, small town Alabama, a racially mixed audience...and everyone was laughing. It’s a Quentin Tarantino movie. It’s bold, bloody and daring. It has clever dialogue and extreme violence. It’s shocking and raunchy and very politically incorrect. It’s profane and the “n-word” is used freely. It treats a very complex subject...slavery...as pop entertainment. It’s a western, but it is also a comedy. Tarantino said he wanted “to do movies that deal with America’s horrible past with slavery and such but do them as spaghetti westerns, not big issue movies. I want to do them like they’re genre films, but they deal with everything that America has never dealt with because it’s ashamed of it, and other countries don’t deal with because they don’t feel they have the right to.” Spike Lee tweeted: American slavery was not a Sergio Leone spaghetti western. It was a Holocaust. My ancestors are slaves, stolen from Africa. I will honor them. Antoine Fuqua, director of TRAINING DAY, is quoted in The Hollywood Reporter saying, “I don’t think Quentin Tarantino has a racist bone in his body. Besides I’m good friends with Jamie Foxx and he wouldn’t have anything to do with a film that had anything racist to it.” He went on to say that if Spike Lee had a problem he should have talked to Tarentino privately. I’m as liberal as you can be and I didn’t find it racist. Extreme, over-the top, violent, profane...yes. Funny and entertaining...yes. Racist...no. But as I said earlier, it is a Quentin Tarantino movie and may not be your cup of tea. Django Freeman and his wife Broomhilda Von Shaft are sold at auction to different buyers. Django is purchased by the Speck Brothers. Shackled and marching across Texas in the middle of the night they encounter Dr. King Shultz, a bounty hunter posing as a dentist. Freed from the Speck Brothers because he can identify the Brittle Brothers, who have large bounties on their heads, Django and Dr. Shultz join forces. Dr. Shultz promises Django his freedom and promises to help find and free Broomhilda. Over the winter they collect bounties. They discover that Calvin Candie, owner of one of the largest plantations in Mississippi, has Broomhilda. He also owns and trains slave fighters. Dr. Shultz and Django pose as buyers looking for a fighter. At Candieland, Stephan, Mr Candie’s oldest slave senses they are after Broomhilda and not a fighter. This is where the real fireworks begin. DJANGO UNCHAINED was released Christmas Day. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, it was produced by Reginald Hudin, Stacy Sher, and Pilar Savone. It comes from A Band Apart Studios, distributed by the Weinstein Company. It runs 165 minutes...stop by the bathroom on your way in. It stars Jamie Foxx as Django Freeman...Christoph Waltz as Dr. King Shultz...Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie...Kerry Washington as Broomhilda Von Shaft...Samuel L Jackson as Stephan and Kurt Russell as Ace Woody. It features Walter Goggins as Billy Crash...Dennis Christopher as Leonide Moguy...James Remar as Ace Speck...Don Johnson as Spencer “Big Daddy” Bennett...and Quentin Tarantino as one of The LeQuint Mining Co employees. It was filmed in California in November 2011, Wyoming in February 2012, and at the Evergreen Plantation outside New Orleans in March of 2012. Christoph Waltz (Dr. King Shultz) won Best Supporting Actor for his role of SS Standartenfuhrer Hans Landa in Tarantino’s INGLORIOUS BASTARDS at the 2009 Academy Awards. He is outstanding in this movie. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an over-the-top performance. Samuel L. Jackson steals the movie from
trodding the boards ...from 35 ematic special effects or simply letting Varla’s heaving chest give a laudable performance of its own, this merry band of crazies will cure all that ails you.” With Michael Sullivan now also in the mix, I’m sure nothing has changed. Another diva has come back to the Marigny. The return engagement Evan Spigelman’s deservedly award-winning turn as the eponymous heroine of Hedwig and the Angry Inch plays at the AllWays Lounge until January 21. Also returning to the AllWays is NYCbased stand-up performance artist Amber Martin (Feb. 4) who blends music, raunch, and comedy with a multioctave singing voice. Further afield, Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts presents another return engagement. The revival of The Class of ’70 Something plays Jan. 11 - 27 followed by the classic farce Noises Off (Mar. 8-24) and the classic musical Gypsy (May 10-26). For those interested in an immersive experience, The Network of Ensemble Theaters’ New Orleans MicroFest (Jan. 17-20) consists of workshops, performances and community events all focused on the intersection of arts and advocacy. Highlights include performances by Goat in the Road, Cripple Creek Theater Co., NEW NOISE, Mondo Bizarro, Artspot Productions, and Angola 3; workshops by
his first frame until his demise. DJANGO UNCHAINED is raunchy, shocking, politically incorrect, irresponsible, bloody, clever, inventive, magical, brutal...full of profane language and extreme violence done the Quentin Tarantino way. It’s rated R and it is so entertaining.
the Bucket Brigade, Moving Forward Gulf Coast, Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools, and the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice; a history tour with performances by local musicians hosted by Junebug Productions and followed by lunch at the Golden Feather Mardi Gras Indian Restaurant & Gallery; and helping/watching 100 out-of-towners prepare for their first Krewe de Vieux. More info at http:// www.ensembletheaters.net/programs/micro-fest-usa-new-orleans-renew While it looks like the Saenger Theater just might finally open this year, till then Broadway tours continue to play The Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Jersey Boys will be in residence through January 27. Flashdance – The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film, comes next (Feb. 26-Mar. 3), followed by Million Dollar Quartet, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time (Apr. 1621) and the blockbuster Wicked (May 8June 2). And if you find yourself wickedly hungry after the show lets out, head over to Harrah’s newly renovated (to the tune of $3 million) buffet. Executive Chef Christopher Brown is understandably proud of the new look which is especially noticeable in the pizza & Italian section and the dessert area. Though everyone will have their own favorites among the bounteous offerings on hand, some of those that I found most mouth-watering were a classic seafood and andouille gumbo; delicious roasted asparagus; the guilty pleasure of cheesy bread; a succulent Cajun roasted turkey at the carving station as well as roast beef with garlic cloves; pillowy mashed potatoes; and amazing sweet potatoes with pecans. Make sure you leave room though for a strawberry mousse in a multi-colored chocolate shell among the many tempting desserts. And with the very accommodating staff that clears dishes and refreshes drinks, everyone’s a winner!
GayEast erParade.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • J an. 8-21, 2013 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 8-21, 2013 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM