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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Mina Hernandez to Receive 26th Lifetime Achievement Award @ GAA Gala July 27 The Gay Appreciation Awards Board of Directors has chosen Mina Hernandez unanimously to receive the 26th annual Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th GAA Gala Saturday, July 27th, 8-10pm, at Oz New Orleans. VIP Tables are sold out. Door admission is $10. A leader in the LGBT community for many years, Hernandez has helped organize and disburse funds for many charities including Lazaurs House, NO/AIDS Task Force, Children’s AIDS Ward, Buzzy’s Boys & Girls, Susan G. Komen, Belle Reve, and New Orleans Animal Helpers (NOAH). She was voted GAA Lesbian of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2006; and Leather Person of the Year in 2006. Additionally, she was the first female to be on the Knights d’Orleans board of directors. On their 20th anniversary, she was the first female president, and the Knights boasted the most Club Colors received in one year to a club, 13 total. (Clubs give other clubs their colors to hang in their home bar as an offering of brotherhood). Hernandez was an honorary member of the Lords of Leather, and received the Lords of Leather President’s Award, the first non-member to receive that award. She also served on the Pride board for three consecutive years, and was a founding member of the Crescent City Outlaws Leather and Levi Club. The 26th annual Gay Appreciation Awards voting on-line June 11-17 brought an array of Top 5 Finalists with many first time finalists. One of those finalist is already the winner which will be announced at the GAA Gala. Top 5 Finalists (voted on-line by the Gulf South readership of Ambush Mag) include: Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Gay Easter Parade, GEP Purple Party, Halloween, Oz White Party, Southern Decadence Hair Salon of the Year: Arthur’s, Bobby Blue, Head Quarters, Salon D'Malta, Spa Atlantis Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Neighborhood Bar of the Year: 4 Seasons-Metairie, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Golden Lantern, Good Friends Bar, Michael’s On The Park Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award: Belle Reve, Toby Lefort, Gay Easter Parade, NO/AIDS Task Force, Project Lazarus Bitch of the Year: Tiffany Alexander, Electra City, Gia GiaVanni, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders Show Bar of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, Golden Lantern, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, Oz Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award: Big Easy Sisters, La Familia Variety Show, New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, Running With Scissors, Standing On Ceremony Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Clover Grill, Eat, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Verti Mart Dance Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub Parade, Club LAX/Metairie, JohnPaul’s, Michael’s On The Park, Oz Bartender of the Year: Will “Wilhemina” Bennet/Golden Lantern, Matthew Birkhoff/ Bourbon Pub & Parade, Chuck Hinkley/4 Seasons-Metairie, Earl Johnson/Oz, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile DJ of the Year: Jason Emrick/Golden Lantern, Dominick Kolb/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Eddie Mitchell, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Jonathan “JRB” Reed/Oz
GAA Gala/Satchmo SummerFest issue out July 23rd DEADLINE: Tues., July 16th
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celebrazzi letters, real estate under the gaydar, weddings moments in gay new orleans history snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans 26th gay appreciation awards dining out for life spotlight features pensacola paparazzi
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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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Leather Bar of the Year: Phoenix, Rawhide 2010 Cheridon Comedy Award: Klorocks Bleachman, Big Momma Lavouge, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders, Tittie Toulouse Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Dusty Debris, Dominique DeLorean, Aubrey Synclaire, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Opal Wiley GLBT Business of the Year: Bourbon Pride, Mary’s Ace Hardware, Panda Bear, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts, Second Skin Leather Leather Person of the Year: Ed Azemas, Bill Naquin, Pat Johnson, Toby Lefort, Gary Vandeventer Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Jasmine Essex, Stephanie Lee, Rikki Redd, Chi-Chi Rodriquez Lesbian of the Year: Misti Ates, Marty Curtin, Mina Hernandez, Pat McArdle, Hannah Napier Gay Man of the Year: Tommy Elias, Bradley Latham, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, Bill Miller Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: Dusty Debris, Big Momma Lavouge, Monique Michaels, Johnny Passion, Aubrey Synclaire The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence: The Drag Ambassador Award is presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the LGBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today. Visit www.AmbushMag.COM/GAA for additional information.
More Than 90 Local Restaurants Join Dining Out For Life July 18 Over 90 local restaurants have already signed on to donate part of their sales from breakfast, lunch and dinner during Dining Out For Life 2013. Poppy Tooker, host of NPR-affiliated Louisiana Eats, and Christian LeBlanc, of Young and The Restless, co-chair of one of the oldest and largest dining out events in New Orleans on Thursday, July 18. Restaurant owners, chefs, servers and diners will join hands to support NO/AIDS Task Force. This international event, also held in over 60 other cities throughout the United States and Canada helps provide care, services and education to people affected by AIDS throughout North America. Diners in New Orleans will help NO/AIDS provide more than 35 critical serves to men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS in the New Orleans community and Southeast Louisiana. For more than 17 years, local restaurants and supporters of NO/AIDS Task Force have worked together to boost business during the slower summer months by doing what this city does best, enjoying good times with friends, co-workers and family in some of the nation’s best restaurants. This year, for the first time, Dining Out For Life will also include retail locations. Kitchen Witch, the well-known French Quarter cookbook shop will donate 25% of
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 Texas - Houston
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 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-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
all sales on July 18th. Vom Fass, local purveyor of gourmet oils and vinegars, will be donating 10% of all oil, vinegar and spirit sales for the week. “We are proud to serve as this year’s Dining Out for Life 2013 Honorary CoChairs, and invite you to join us on this evening celebrating great New Orleans food, while helping our neighbors and friends living with HIV and AIDS.” – Poppy Tooker & Christian LeBlanc For a full list of participating restaurants and retail locations please visit diningoutforlife.com or noaidstaskforce.org. Local sponsors for this year’s event include Shell, The Goldring Family Foundation, Avita Drugs Specialty Pharmacy, and Ambush Mag among others. For 30 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and
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40th Anniversary Upstairs Lounge LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies chair Frank Perez and artist Skylar Fein kicked off the June 24, 2013 ceremonies at The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC). The floral spray had 32 roses representing each of the fire victims. Fein presented an informative lecture accompanied by a slide show on the fire. It was followed by author Clayton Delery on the aftermath and public reaction, $2,532 check presentation to HNOC by Rip Naquin, remarks by HNOC executive director Priscilla Lawrence, and HNOC's Mark Cave speaking on The Collection's Oral History Project. Visit www.hnoc.org for more on The Collection.
The 2013 Southern Decadence Poster was unveiled by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago at the SD Press Party hosted at the Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern.
Mina Hernandez has been selected to receive the coveted 26th Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 26th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala on Saturday, July 27th, 8pm, at Oz New Orleans. Chosen by the GAA Board of Directors, Hernandez has been a leader in the LGBT community for many years, donating not only her time, but her resources to raise funds for numerous charities, and causes. (Photo by Larry Graham)
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Historic New Orleans Collection executive director Priscilla Lawrence accepts $2,532 donation from Ambush Mag publisher/editor Rip Naquin in memory of the 32 victims of the Upstairs Lounge Fire. Funds raised to put on the 40th Anniversary Upstairs Lounge Fire LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies including the lecture at HNOC, Jazz Procession to the site of the fire, and 2nd Line Parade to the Celebration of Life Cocktail Party at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, minus expenses benefited The Collection.
The cast of new musical drama UPSTAIRS join the 40th Anniversary Upstairs Lounge Fire Jazz Procession and 2nd Line Parade. The final "world premiere" performance later that evening raised $1,000 for the local LGBTQ community including $400 for New Orleans Pride, $250 for MCC New Orleans, and $350 for NO/ADS Task Force Food For Friends program.
The horse drawn antique white hearse led the 40th Anniversary Upstairs Lounge Fire Jazz Procession to the site of the fire at Iberville and Chartres, ending with a 2nd Line Parade down Bourbon to Lafitte's. The funeral spray inside had 32 beautiful white roses representing each victim of the fire.
The Southern Decadence Press Party hosted by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago at the Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern celebrated the 42nd Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture. The grand marshals announced the theme: Live, Laugh & Love, colors: fuschia pink, tangerine orange & gold, song mix: Feel The Moment, charity: Belle Reve; and unveiled the official” poster with photo by Arthur Severio and design by Cortspoon Creative. For more info, visit www.SouthernDecadence.COM. (Photo by Arthur Severio: 1st row: Charlie Block, SDGMs 25 Miss Love, 1 Frederick Wright, 4 Robert Laurent, Mother of SD Maureen Block, SDGM 8 Tom Tippin; 2nd row: SDGMs 37 Tiffany Alexander, 38 Pat McArdle, 39 Tami Tarmac, 36 Julien Artressia, 30 Irish Mike, 33 Regina Adams & 39 Venus Santiago)
Board of Trustees chairs Sergio Farfan and Helen Siegel join executive director Noel Twilbeck, Jr. in presenting Marsha and Rip Naquin-Delain with the 25th annual Humanitas Award, the highest honor bestowed on someone who has a significant impact on the development of the NO/AIDS Task Force, during the Task Force Patron Party hosted at their headquarters.
Cy Whitney joins partner, Oz bar baron Johnny Chisholm, and daughter Hunter Chisholm, at Neon Circus, the 21st anniversary of Oz New Orleans. The club was transformed into a fascinating circus by the creative talents of bar baron Doyle Yeager throwing one of the best "theme" parties ever seen in The Big Easy.
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the "official" dish ...from 4 families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana. The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why the agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications, and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of the entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts. For more information, please visit http://www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601.
ULF LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies Raise $2,532 for Historic New Orleans Collection The 40th Anniversary UpStairs Lounge Fire Memorial weekend boasted sold out performances of the dramatic new musical UPSTAIRS by Wayne Self, plus packed bars, clubs and businesses. Due to the massive marketing efforts of Ambush Mag and www.NOLAPride.ORG some four months out, this was the best June weekend in over 15 years in New Orleans. Ambush Mag press releases were sent to all major media for months sparking coverage and interest on the UpStairs Lounge tragedy. The 40th anniversary UpStairs Lounge Fire LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies was a huge success in paying tribute to the 32 victims of the horrific fire. It was the goal from the beginning to give these 32 souls the send off they did not receive at the time of their deaths on June 24, 1973. The marvelous, and informative lecture at the Williams Research Center of The Historic New Orleans Collection kicked off the afternoon with over 200 in attendance. Ambush Mag publisher Rip Naquin presented a check in the amount of $2,532 to The Historic New Orleans Collection executive director Priscilla Lawrence in memory of the 32 victims. Proceeds minus expenses to put on the ceremonies benefited The Collection. As it ended, the group moved outside to join the crowd already assembled for the Jazz Procession to the site of the fire at Iberville near Chartres Street, which was led by the Memorial Jazz Band and antique white horse drawn glass hearse with a huge funeral spray inside with 32 beautiful white roses representing the victims. Once at the site of the fire, St. Anna's Episcopal Church Rev. Bill Terry comforted
the crowd with a beautiful oration celebrating the lives of the 32 victims. And who could forget the emotional reading of the names by Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates. The names remembered included: Partners Joe William Bailey & Clarence Josephy McCloskey, Jr.; Duane George “Mitch” Mitchell, assistance pastor at MCC, died trying to save his partner, Louis Horace Broussard; Mrs. Willie Inez Warren died with her sons Eddie Hosea Warren and James Curtis Warren; Pastor of MCC Rev. William R. Larson; Dr. Perry Lane Waters, Jr., a Jefferson Parish dentist; Douglas Maxwell Williams; Leon Richard Maples, a visitor from Florida; George Steven Matyi; Larry Stratton; Reginald Adams, Jr., MCC member & partner of entertainer Regina Adams; James Walls Hambrick; Horace “Skip” Getchell, MCC member; Joseph Henry Adams; Herbert Dean Cooley, UpStairs Lounge bartender and MCC member; professional pianist, David Stuart Gary; Guy D. Anderson; Luther Boggs; Donald Walter Dunbar; John Thomas Golding, Sr., member of MCC Pastor’s Advisory Group; professional linguist, Adam Roland Fontenot, survived by Douglas “Buddy” Rasmussen, who led a group to safety; Gerald Hoyt Gordon; Kenneth Paul Harrington, Federal government employee; Glenn Richard “Dick” Green, Navy veteran; Robert “Bob” Lumpkin; Ferris LeBlanc; Unknown White Male; Unknown White Male; and Unknown White Male. The 2nd Line Parade followed down Bourbon Street and was a site to behold as it ended at the oldest gay bar in North America, Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Participants quickly filled The Balcony bar upstairs for the grand Celebration of Life Cocktail Party. The events were organized under the direction of Commemoration Ceremonies Chairman Frank Perez, co-author of In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar, and Ambush magazine columist covering Moments In Gay New Orleans History. Presented by Ambush Mag, NOLAPride.ORG, and Capital City Trolleys; sponsors included: PLATINUM: Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, King Cake Queen Royalty Club, Charlie Case & Val St. Cloud, P.G. Killgore in Honor of Johnny T. Townsend, Stewart P. Butler, Wayne Self & Cody Braswell/UPSTAIRS Musical, Barry Rutherford, David Berni; GOLD: In Memory of Marcy Marcell; SILVER: In Memory of Donnie Jay, Rhonda Roget & David Forth, Buddy Mullino & Joel Harris; and BRONZE: Rev. Robert A. Raymo & Lance Sauvageau, Frankie Fierce & Dusty Debris, P.G.Killgore in Memory of Toni Pizanie. Funds raised included 2,672.00 from the ULF Headliner Spectacular and sponsorships, 1,023.00 from ULF Down The
Bayou BBQ and sponsorships, 1,025.00 from other sponsorships, 315.00 from Corner Pocket Sugar Daddy Contest, and 6.65 donation for a total of 5,041.65. ULF expenses included: 750.00 Memorial Brass Band, 900.00 horse drawn antique glass hearse, 110.00 trolley, 174.40 flowers, 50.25 parade permit, 525.00 police detail, for a total of 2509.65. Funds raised minus expense, 2,532.00, was donated to The Historic New Orleans Collection. Visit www.NOLAPride.ORG for additional information on the weekend.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Unveil Poster & Announce Theme, Colors & Song Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago hosted the 2013 Southern Decadence Press Party celebrating the 42nd Southern Deca-
dence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture at the Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern on June 29th. The Golden Lantern served complimentary cocktails and beer, while Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli catered the festive party. SDGM Venus Santiago introduced her entourage including: parade captain - Jason Emrick; and lieutenants - Matthew Birkhoff, Aubrey Synclaire, Starr Alexander, Monique Michaels and Persana Shoulders. SDGM Tami Tarmac introduced her entourage including: parade captain - Chad Boutte; and lieutenants - Jason Ashford (aka Bubbles Champagne), Rikki Redd and Arthur Severio. The new grand marshals unveiled the “official” poster with photo by Arthur Severio and design by Cortspoon Creative. They announced the “official” colors: fuschia pink, tangerine orange & gold; theme: Live, Laugh & Love, song mix: Feel The Mo-
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letters Historic New Orleans Collection Thanks Dear Rip & Marsha, On behalf of The Historic New Orleans Collection, please accept our sincerest thanks for the gift of $2,532 in memory of the 32 victims who perished in the UpStairs Lounge fire on June 24, 1973. We believe that the significance of this tragedy in the history of New Orleans is great and should never be forgotten. Please know that it is through thoughtful generosity such as yours that The Collection is able to continue acquiring and preserving materials, documenting the history and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. We are truly grateful and pledge to do our best. Again, we thank you. --Sincerely, Priscilla Lawrence, Executive Director; and Jack Pruit, Esq., Director of Development & External Affairs
the "official" dish ...from 8 ment, and charity: Belle Reve. They also announced that New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc., a nonprofit corporation, was formed to handle funds raised by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX to produce the 42nd Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture in New Orleans. The City of New Orleans now requires some $17,000+ in sanitation fees, police details, and more for Southern Decadence. Funds raised minus expenses will benefit Belle Reve, which provides permanent and transitional housing along with full support services to adults and families living with AIDS or HIV related infections. This year's grand marshals are requesting your assistance in producing the 2013 Southern Decadence. There are several levels of sponsorship available including: $5,000 Presenting, $2,500 Platinum, $1,000 Gold, $500 Silver, and $250 Bronze. You can get the sponsorship form at www.SouthernDecadence.COM. This all leads up to the 39th Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 1st, 2pm, beginning at the Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO Subject of New Documentary Camina Entertainment, Inc. is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipatedfollowup film to the award winning documentary, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge. After months in development, production has begun on it’s next LGBT documentary, UPSTAIRS INFERNO, directed by Robert L. Camina. Forty years ago, on June 24, 1973, a gay bar in New Orleans called the UpStairs Lounge was firebombed, resulting in the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history. Despite that, few people know about the tragedy. Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified because their families were ashamed that the victims were gay. No one was ever charged with the crime. It appears that the grisly fire had a devastating impact on the New Orleans LGBT community. While the Stonewall Ri-
ots in New York City only four years earlier united a community, the fire caused many in the New Orleans gay community to stay in the closet. Why isn’t this story more prevalent in our culture? Why don’t we know about it? It’s as historic as the Stonewall Inn raid, but it doesn’t exist in the common LGBT history narrative. That needs to change! UPSTAIRS INFERNO will finally reveal this story to a national and international audience. “It is crucial to acknowledge, preserve and honor our history as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people. The LGBT dialogue has changed so much in the past few years. As popular attitudes shift on LGBT issues, we risk losing the stories of the struggles that got us where we are today. It’s our responsibility to honor the memories of those who came before us, including those who died at the UpStairs Lounge” says Camina. “The men and women who experienced this tragedy paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed by the New Orleans LGBT community of today, as well as the overall LGBT movement. UPSTAIRS INFERNO intends to honor their forgotten stories.” An IndieGoGo fundraising campaign was launched to help cover production costs for preserving the UPSTAIRS INFERNO tragedy on film. People can donate to the film and help tell this vital story by following the link on www.upstairsinferno.com or directly at http:/ /igg.me/at/UpstairsInferno/x/83651. Camina’s full length film aims to tell the story primarily through emotional interviews of survivors, families of victims and key players involved with the aftermath. UPSTAIRS INFERNO will also feature interviews with historians, experts and current leaders of the New Orleans LGBT community. Police reports, crime scene photographs, personal photographs, newspaper clippings and video clips from local news stations will support the interviews. The film will also feature footage from the 40th anniversary memorial services, which were held in New Orleans on June 24th. “We don’t want the film to simply be a stagnant exposition of facts. To truly understand the impact of this tragedy, you have to find the humanity in the story and build an emotional connection. The audience will relive the roller coaster of events through the eyes of those who lived through it. A full length film will allow us to not only provide the historical background, but also pay respect to the hearts in the story”, says Camina. “With access to a new leads, the film is pursuing untold avenues of the story! This film will take us on a journey that will educate, enlighten and hopefully lead us to new revelations and possibly some closure.” Camina’s previous documentary, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge recounted the widely publicized and controversial June 28,
real estate Real Estate & Tax Benefits Post DOMA On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court finally scrapped the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); the law signed by President Clinton in 1996 that consequently denied same-sex couples 1,138 federal privileges and programs that were available to opposite-sex couples. During a historic 5-4 decision the Supreme Court struck down this law that cost many LGBT couples thousands of dollars in taxes that could not be declared as well as many wasted hours doing unnecessary property tax returns. The law also sentenced LGBT spouses to a poverty-stricken old-age as they were not exempt from property taxes if an estate was passed on to them after their spouse’s death. Although it is good news that marriage is no longer strictly defined as a union between a man and woman on the federal level, the sobering fact is there are only twelve states plus the District of Columbia that recognize gay marriage as legal at the state level. The great news is that if you live in one of these states you will soon be able to benefit from tax breaks and spousal benefits that were previously denied to you. Gay and lesbian couples will no 2009 police raid of a Fort Worth,Texas gay bar that resulted in multiple arrests and serious injuries. The film, narrated by TV icon Meredith Baxter, continues to engage sold-out audiences across the country! Over the past 15 months, the documentary has screened over 35 times, including 29 mainstream and LGBT film festivals across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The film has won several awards including 3 “Best” Film and 3 “Audience Choice” Awards. The film also received attention from the Office of the White House, Department of Justice and a division of the U.S. State Department. (www.RaidoftheRainbowLounge.com).
longer be shouldering the higher tax burden that they have for decades because they can now file estate tax exemptions and head of household deductions. In fact, it is highly recommended that if you are in a gay or lesbian relationship that you keep in close touch with your accountant/cpa over the next few weeks to see if it is appropriate for you to file amended tax returns for the past couple of years. As DOMA was declared unconstitutional it may be possible for some couples to recoup money paid out in separate returns if your joint return far exceeds those threshold deductions. Same-sex spouses can also now file tax returns jointly, which will also help the couple build a nest egg sooner. This will help many LGBT couples afford a larger home if desired, and possibly build an investment property portfolio. In some states where marriage is legal couples had to file jointly with the state and then follow up with individual tax returns that had them splitting their income. For many individuals this meant that not enough money was declared to meet the minimum deduction threshold, whereas sometimes thousands of dollars could have been saved if they had been allowed to file the taxes jointly in the same way as the married same-sex couple living next door! The ability to file joint tax returns also makes processing credit easier for LGBT couples. The amount of paperwork required to composite the two separate incomes, credit scores and other aspects of the mortgage application will now be much less complicated. The striking down of the federal Defense of Marriage Act also means that gay couples can now pass their assets on to a surviving spouse without having to pay real-estate taxes that prohibit them for doing so. Over the long term many gay couples will be able to also collect spousal benefits under Social Security or because they were married to a veteran which in turn allows them to stay in their home longer and benefit from the escalation of value of the equity in the home over time. Overall LGBT individuals can expect to become more prosperous if they are legally married. However if the couple moves from a state where gay marriage is legal to one that is not, they may be facing some very interesting bureaucratic snarls that prevent them from having all of their rights recognized even though they are living in the post-DOMA era. Those that do live in the states where gay marriage is legal will find themselves enjoying real prosperity, less red tape and peace of mind. Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of http:// www.GayRealEstate.com.
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month Since New Orleans is a drinking city and bars are prevalent at almost every corner, it makes sense that there is a large number of individuals who work in the industry. But many of them forget that being a bartender is part of the hospitality industry, key word here is “hospitality.” This ultimately means you need to be hospitable if you want to succeed at your job. But every once in a while a person comes out of left field who impresses you so much, you are caught off guard. That is what happened to me the other evening when I went to Michael’s On The Park. This bar on Rampart Street has become one of the more popular show bars almost overnight with several of the city’s best entertainers per-
forming there. It was at one of these shows
weddings New Orleans Own Edward R. Cox & Vatican Lokey Marry in New York City Edward R. Cox and Vatican Lokey, after 21 years together and 2 civil union ceremonies, finally got Officially Legally Married in New York City, Saturday June 29, 2013. The ceremony was held at the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park, on the Mad Hatter side of the statue in honor of Edward’s many years as a major “friend of the Mad Hatter” for the Disney Company. In attendance were Native New Orleanians (who now reside in New York) Soline and Jim Holmes and their young daughter Catherine, Taryn Nunes (whose son is one of the young male leads in the Broadway musical Matilda and one of Edward’s students), Miriam Baron and her wife Tricia Ostermann, Leonard Bertolino, George Gillespie and Michael Douglas, Also in attendance were Michael
Cerveris (Triple Tony Award Winner, and our Best Man/Witness), Kimberly Kaye, Bryce Smith, Max and Bill Janoff, Jamie Moroni, Morgan Fox, Ray Lopez, Susan Kaye and officiated by the wonderful Dave Kaye. Also in attendance were hundreds of tourists who came to get photos of and around the statue and stayed for the ceremony, silently, respectfully gathering and paying attention to and supporting the marriage ceremony once they realized what was going on. "The cheers of support and love they offered all of us gathered when 'the kiss' happened was a sound and a feeling that we shall never forget! Truly another amazing moment in our 21 years of life together." --Edward R. Cox & Vatican Lokey
where I met the bartender for the month of July. Patrick is Michael’s newest addition but what an amazing find. He worked the bar with ease and wowed the regulars who can be a hard crowd to impress. But Patrick did so with an effortless charm that made him a hit. One of the major attributes of a good bartender is having a great sense of humor and being able to roll with anything thrown your way. Being able to joke and play with the clientele in addition to making a great cocktail is an excellent combination. Another of his great characteristics is the fact that he has a great backstory. He has worked in other areas of the industry so he has an impressive head for business and reading people. He made everyone feel instantly at home with the Southern finesse of Rhett Butler or another one of those romantic characters. A mixture of fun-loving frivolity and sensuality made him instantly popular with my group. Add to that his good looks and smoking body and you have a perfect bartender of the month cocktail. And how many bartenders do you know play the poker circuit; that just seems very exciting in a James Bond sort of way. If he chooses Patrick can definitely have a lengthy career as a bartender and he fits in well in NOLA. He also gives the best shots around. So go by Michael’s On The Park and grab a drink with Patrick, you will not be disappointed. Michael’s is located at 834 North Rampart Street.
Stand under the Mistletoe with Amon-Ra Don your gay apparel as the Krewe of Amon-Ra has their Christmas in July party on Saturday, July 13th from 8-10pm at Michael’s On The Park. I love the holidays, so for me it is never too early to start celebrating the yuletide season. The krewe has some exciting things in store for this event including a special Christmas show, and auctions featuring Christmas items and wirework collars. Tickets are $10. For tickets or more information, go to www.kreweofamonra.com.
Make A Splash The Lords of Leather have a fun filled afternoon planned at the Ducote/Minich Home located at 3026 North Rampart from 2pm-5pm on Sunday, July 14th. It is their backyard Splash BBQ and Pool Party. Your $10 donation gets you hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks. They are requesting you bring your own towel and leave your inhibitions at the door because you never know what surprises they may have in store.
Off With Their Heads!
The Wedding Cast: Michael Cerveris, Vatican Lokey, Edward R. Cox, Dave Kaye, Kimberly Kaye, Ray Lopez & Susan Kaye
It’s Bastille Day in the Crescent City and the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is celebrating it in style. On Sunday, July 14 from 3-6pm at 2300 Charters Street in the Marigny right across from the Friendly Bar, they are hosting their annual Bastille Day Extravaganza. There will be dancing, a French themed costume contest, dessert buffet (along with other goodies), and a show with some of the sauciest Ooh La La ladies. So channel your inner Pierre and come out and enjoy French chic the Satyricon way. And you never know who may lose their head. There will also be a live and silent auction. The ticket price is $20 and includes food, free champagne
and the show. There will be a cash bar for all other cocktails. For more information, call 504.252.5476 or like us on Facebook.
Get the 411 on the 414 Speaking of French culture, there is a brand new annual festival called the 4-14 Fest: A Celebration of Independence. I love this city and all of its parties and this one is destined to be a huge success. The 4-14 Fest will be held each year at Dijon, 1379 Annunciation Street in the lower Garden District. The inaugural French-centric event will feature a kick off party Friday, July 12 from 5:30-10:30pm with French cocktail specials. On Saturday, July 13, several top New Orleans chefs will partner to create a special 5-course seated dinner, complete with a cocktail reception, wine pairings and a silent auction. Proceeds from the dinner and auction will benefit ReNEW Charter Schools. The three-day fete wraps up on Sunday, July 14 with a family-friendly “French Countryside” themed brunch featuring a gourmet buffet, French-inspired brunch cocktails and children’s activities. Reservations for the dinner and brunch (seating is limited for both events) can be made by calling 504.522.4712 or visiting dijonnola.com
Who’s a Princess! The answer is you are as the Krewe of Petronius once again presents Cocktails and Crowns on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 7-10pm. Come spend the night mingling with the social royalty from all the gay krewes. The ticket price is $30 and includes the reception and silent auction. The event will be held at their fabulous new den located at 1701 Frenchman Street. For more information, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org.
Party Down It is official the year is halfway over; time sure flies when you are having fun. And the last two weeks were filled with some noteworthy events and good times. On Monday, I went to Marsha’s birthday bar crawl which was a great way to spend a Monday evening. Nothing greets the week like a good bar crawl and Marsha does not even look a day over thirty. Happy birthday my dear. On Wednesday, I went with clients and discovered another great new downtown Happy House spot. Morton’s Steakhouse calls it their “Power Hour” and it is happy hour done right with specialty drink prices and select bar bites. Their bar, like their entire restaurant has gone through a renovation and is warm and inviting, not as stuffy as I remembered it. The food is spectacular as is their wine selection, so check out Morton’s when you want to power up your next happy hour. Thursday I attended two business functions, the first was the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Business After Hours at the new Civic Theatre. It was crowded at this exceptional networking event and the Civic is just a beautiful place to hold a private event. Also, a little birdie told me that one of the gay carnival krewes may be having their ball there this Mardi Gras season, so stay tuned. The second event was the kickoff party for Festigals, the premier women’s weekend. They had a cocktail reception with the “Voice of Small Business’ Amelya Antonetti at Tableau. She
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
The Gay Liberation Front Marches on City Hall Gay Pride has come and gone for another year and the gay community in New Orleans now looks forward to another Southern Decadence. Despite a thriving LGBTQ community in New Orleans, Pride has never really generated the excitement and activity here that it does in other major metropolitan areas with large gay populations. New Orleans is not a radical city and our gay forefathers always preferred to organize socially rather than politically. This is evident in the storied history of the gay carnival krewes and the enormous popularity of Southern Decadence. This is not to say, however, that New Orleans is entirely without a history of gay activism; indeed, there were many attempts at organizing politically, especially after the UpStairs Lounge fire in 1973 and when anti-gay crusader Anita Bryant came to town in 1977. But many of these attempts were short-lived. One of the earliest efforts at gay political activism in New Orleans occurred in 1971 when the Gay Liberation Front marched on City Hall. The national Gay Liberation Front had been founded in New York in 1969 a few weeks after the rebellion at the Stonewall Inn. At that time, the major voice for gay rights was the staid Mattachine Society, whose response to the Stonewall riot was a call for gays to settle down and work within the system to bring about change. This conservative, measured response angered some within the Mattachine Society who felt the time had come to give up on traditional and gradual reform. When the leadership of the Mattachine Society denounced the group’s public support of a Black Panther rally, several members abandoned the Mattachine Society to form the Gay Liberation Front. This break represented a new way of thinking about gay rights. Instead of slowly gaining acceptance within the existing society, the radicals who formed the Gay Liberation Front called for the creation of a new society. The New Orleans chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was formed in 1970. In January of 1971, the group (roughly 75 people) marched on City Hall and staged a demonstration protesting police harassment. The week before the march, thirteen gay men were arrested in a four day period in or near Cabrini Park after being entrapped by undercover vice squad officers. Some of the arrests were accompanied by a beating by the police. At City Hall, protesters held signs that said “We’re Not Freaks, We’re Human,” “Two Four Six Eight, Gay is Just as Good as Straight,” and “Lesbians are Lovable.” The demonstration was presided over by the Reverend Philip Schmidt, Chairman of the GLF.
The group made three demands: 1. An immediate end of all hostility, brutality, entrapment and harassment by the New Orleans Police of gay men and women and of their places of gathering. 2. Formation of a Governor’s Panel empowered to conduct a complete and thorough investigation of the police methods and actions against gay people. On this panel shall sit one gay man and one gay woman. 3. The immediate suspension from duty of Police Superintendent Clarence Giarusso and Vice Squad head Souler, until the Governor’s Panel has completed its investigation. Should the panel find against these men, they shall be terminated immediately. The demonstration and the protestor’s demands received some coverage in the Times-Picayune but were, for the most part, generally disregarded. They did not go unnoticed, however. Straight New Orleans was shocked not only at the visibility of gay people but also, perhaps more so, at the alarming fact they were demanding things.
under the gaydar ...from 12
Stroll on Royal Street. This event combined one of my two favorite past times, drinking and shopping. We meandered down Royal having cocktails and enjoying some of the shops. Then I left one group of friends and connected with my friend Steven Forster, who is now the new social columnist for the Advocate, to go all the way to Harvey for the Pride Kickoff party at Boomtown Casino. It may have been far out, but all those who went had a great time and their celebrity grand marshals James and Jaymes were funny and hot, a killer combination. Saturday was a parade day. I stopped at the Pride Family Day at Washington Square Park. Then I went to the Hotel Monteleone to help with the Festigals Sti-
was a powerful and inspirational speaker and the reception was another fun networking opportunity. My weekend was torn between two major events, Festigals and Gay Pride. Friday was an all-day affair beginning with the Bodacious Bras Luncheon at the Hotel Monteleone for Festigals. The sold out luncheon featured home girl, Up All Night Diva and Ahh Bra sensation Rhonda Shear as the speaker. There was also a live and silent auction and spirited entertainment that featured the 610 Stompers. That evening, I went with my friends Laura and Contessa Breaux to the Festigals Sip and
The New Orleans chapter of the Gay Liberation Front disbanded a few months later but during its short existence it did publish the first locally gay-identified magazine (really more of a newsletter) called Sunflower. The first edition featured testimonials from several men, of whom one was straight, who were harassed, beaten, and arrested while in or near Cabrini Park (the dog park) in the French Quarter. The group also staged a “Gay In” at City Park. Soon after the group fizzled out, some members went on to found the local Metropolitan Community Church and a local Daughters of Bilitis chapter.
letto Stroll, which had many of the women’s marching groups in it from the Pussyfooters to the Sirens. I helped lead their parade to the after party at Bourbon Heat then was able to catch the Pride Parade which followed right behind us. Two brightly colored and fun parades back to back, the French Quarter had quite a party that night. I ended my first week with a full day from morning to night. Who said Sundays were a day of rest. I attended and helped put on Festigals Saints and Sinners Drag Brunch at the Bourbon Orleans which featured entertainers Dusty and Blanche Debris, Gia Giavanni and Mercedes L’Oreal. It was a smashing success and then I caught the Pride Street Party with the stage and entertainment sponsored by Napoleon’s Itch. There were more fierce queens performing, and even the rain could not put a damper on things. Then I went to Michael’s On The Park for a special Pride show hosted by Deja Déjà-Vue'. There were so many of my friends and I got to meet my newest “it” boy Patrick who works behind the bar (see my bartender of the month article). I concluded my day at the Friendly Bar with my friend John Michael’s going away party which had a hillbilly theme. I did not come in costume, but most of his guests did and it was a fun send off to a great guy who will be missed, but who promises to visit NOLA often. The following Monday was the final weekend event with the UpStairs Lounge Memorial LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies and Second Line. It began with a talk at the Historic New Orleans Collection, then the crowd followed a horse driven hearse somberly to the scene of the fire where 32 poor souls lost their lives. Father Terry gave a lovely speech and then the names were read by Misti Ates. Afterwards the pace picked up as we rejoiced and danced our way through the streets in trues second line fashion. We went to Lafitte’s for the after party. Tuesday, my company Accent on Arrangements celebrated its 22nd birthday with cocktails and cake at the Polo Lounge at the Windsor Court, which still ranks as one of the most elegant bars in the city. On Wednesday, I went to a party at the Republic in the Warehouse District to show the hospitality community their new renovations and space. I cannot believe how far we have come in this city after Katrina with all the new businesses opening up. The bar is cool and now it is great to have another private venue for events. Thursday was another networking event at The Roux House which is the private event area above Walk On’s and Happy’s located on Poydras Street. It is a very spacious area that has a great New Orleans feel with wrought iron balconies and private courtyard; yet another excellent choice for your private parties. Another major holiday in the gay community is fast approaching and on Saturday, my friends Beaux, Barrett and I went to the Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Press Party at the Golden Lantern. It was quite a little shindig as new owner James rolled out the red carpet. Venus Santiago and Tami Tarmac were on hand to tell us the colors, theme and song. They also unveiled the poster to a jam-packed audience. This year is sure to be a colorful and flamboyant affair. Afterwards we went to see Frankie Fierce emcee the Vodka Tonic Revue at Michael’s On The Park starring Cookie St. Ann, Deja Déjà-Vue' and Bootsie DeVille. Once the show ended, we stopped
at Good Friends for a cocktail upstairs with Jake then ending at Neon Circus at Oz. This glow in the dark event celebrated their 21st anniversary. Quite a night, grand marshals, drag queens, trapeze artists, oh my. Sunday was slightly more subdued as the boys and I attended the NO/AIDS Task Force reception at their offices on Tulane Avenue. This is where they present the Humanitas Award, which goes to an individual who has been an outstanding supporter of the Task Force. This year none other than Rip and Marsha received this amazing recognition. I cannot think of two more deserving people. Congratulations to both of them on this honor. Guests were also treated to tours of the facility from the pantry at Food For Friends to the therapy areas and pharmacy. It is a very remarkable facility and it was comforting to meet all the hard-working people who devote their time to helping those in our community affected with HIV and AIDS. That ends my two weeks until next time, enjoy the summer fun.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom I had a friend who recently went on a monumentally bad first date, and he asked for advice on how to get out of them once you are already with the person. These tips may not be the perfect solution, but they could be helpful and should work slightly better than faking food poisoning, which can be quite effective. Sometimes dates do not always turn out the way you want them to and the guy you thought he was on Grindr is not exactly your Mr. Right. Well, first get off of Grindr or Scruff or Jackd, or one of the many other internet bath houses, you will not find the man of your long term future there, immediate maybe. So how do you end a bad date without being a douchebag or unnecessarily hurting someone’s feelings? You make your game plan of a graceful exit before you hit your doorstep. Begin with not being too personal. It is a first date and if the sparks are not there then do not share too much with him. In other words, keep it almost businesslike. The lack of closeness should relay the message. Do not be a flirt if you are not into it; sends mixed messages and can turn out bad at the end. If you are not planning on spending any amount of time with the guy after the night, do not tell him your life story, trust me even your friends do not want to hear it, so spare the stranger. The less he knows about you the better. Do not be a yes man. If he says something or does something you do not agree with or like, tell him. That should usually do the trick in letting them know you are not feeling it. And definitely do not get physical. Basically do not sleep with people you do not like. If you are not into the date, then exit politely and go about your life (this is when Grindr comes back into play). But that can also be awkward if he is on the site too after the date. No matter what, always exit with style and poise, you never want to alienate a person who could become a friend later on down the line. But you single guys should date often and enjoy yourself; that is the only way the right person is going to find their way into your life. Happy hunting. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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The Memorial Brass Band leads the Jazz Procession to the site of the fire, Iberville @ Chartres
Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates emotional reading of the victim’s names @ the site of the fire
The bronze sidewalk plaque @ the site of the fire, Iberville near Chartres Streets
Skylar Fien’s fascinating lecture & slide show
Ambush’s Marsha, ULF Chair Frank & Rip greet guests @ Celebration of Life Cocktail Party in The Balcony @ Lafitte's
The horse drawn glass hearse with 32 roses inside representing the victims
Clayton Delery’s aftermath & public reaction lecture The Big Easy Sisters join the Jazz Procession
Lafitte’s manager Scott, Wood Enterprises’ Ken & Diane
Remarks by Historic New Orleans Collection executive director Priscilla Lawrence The Jazz Procession
Mark Cave speaks on The Collection’s Oral History Project
The Memorial Brass Band @ the site with over 250 people
Joining ULF Celebration of Life Cocktail Party
St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Rev. Bill Terry leads prayers for the victims @ the site of the fire
Ursuline Burgundy joins the 2nd Line Parade to Lafitte’s
2nd Line Parade to Celebration of Life Cocktail Party @ Lafitte’s
Upstairs Inferno documentary’s Robert Camino & Amon-Ra’s Opal Masters
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New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed, Arthur Severio
40th Anniversary UpStairs Lounge Fire LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies, Jazz Procession, 2nd Line Parade & Celebration of Life Cocktail Party
ULF Ceremonies Chairman Frank Perez with 32 white roses representing the victims of the fire @ the Williams Research Center of The Historic New Orleans Collection
Paul Melancon brings the flowers from the hearse to The Balcony @ Lafitte’s for Cocktail Party
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Dusty Debris & Persana Shoulders welcome you to Oz Neon Circus 21st Anniversary Party
Jaymes, James & Blanche MC Pride Block Party on Bourbon St.
Southern Decadence Press Party @ Golden Lantern ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Arthur
The fab decor by Oz bar baron Doyle Yeager @ Neon Circus
Lords of Leather celebrate Pride weekend
SDGMs XXXIX Venus & Tami flank Golden Lantern’s James
SDGMs XXXIX Venus & Tami with 1st $1,000 SD Sponsor, Kajun’s Pub’s David Berni
Live acts dangling from the ceiling during Oz 31st anniversary The Big Easy Sisters: Sisters of the Muddy Waters show their Pride
SDGMs XXXIX Tami & Venus with their parade captains & lieutenants
SDGMs XXXIX Tami & Venus with “Mother of Southern Decadence” Maureen Block, Charlie Block & SDGM I Frederick Wright
SDGMs XXXIX Venus Santiago & Tami Tarmac with “official” photographer Arthur Severio
SDGMs I Frederick Wright & IV Robert Laurent
Dusty, Paul, Jude, Frankie & Oz manager Mitch @ Oz Neon Circus Women with a Vision celebrate Pride
Men of Oz on the bar @ 31st Neon Circus Anniversary Party
Pride with the Big Easy Stompers
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Oz 31st Anniversary, Pride Weekend ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Celebrating @ Oz Neon Circus 21st anniversary party
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spotlight features 40th UpStairs Lounge Fire Commemoration Ceremony Recap by Frank Perez, f.perez@sbcglobal.net
The fortieth anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge fire, which claimed the lives of 32 people in 1973, was commemorated on Monday, June 24 with a special event at the Williams Research Center of the Historic New Orleans Collection and a jazz funeral procession. According to organizers, the goal of the commemoration ceremonies was to raise awareness of the fire, which had gone largely forgotten in the city’s collective memory, and to afford the victims of the fire the dignity and respect they were denied at the time of the tragedy. By all accounts, those goals were achieved and the event was a resounding success. One week before the ceremony, the Advocate, New Orleans edition, ran a front page story on the fire with the headline, “4 decades later, fire on margins of state history.” The story also ran in the paper’s Baton Rouge edition, although not on the front page. Later in the week, the Times-Picayune also ran several stories about the fire and commemoration ceremonies and on Sunday ran two op-ed pieces titled, “Honoring UpStairs Lounge victims,” and “New Orleans has come a long way since the UpStairs Lounge tragedy.” The Gambit also ran two stories about the fire and a number of local themed and gay related news blogs also covered the event. Time, the national weekly news magazine, ran a six page story about the fire. All local television stations also covered the commemoration events. Coinciding with Pride weekend, the commemoration events began on Thursday when several people took the Gay New Orleans Walking Tour—an interactive stroll through the French Quarter and Marigny which highlights the city’s rich gay history. The tour is offered daily and by appointment by the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, one of the sponsors of the Commemoration Ceremonies. Call 504.568.0717 for reservations and information about the tour. Also on Thursday, the new dramatic musical, Upstairs, by playwright / composer Wayne Self made its world premiere at Café Istanbul. The play ran through Monday night to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim. Paul Christopher, a critic for Theater Mania, wrote in his review that the production treated the tragedy with “respect, perspective, and a level of humanity uncommon in the modern musical-theater scene. Weeks before the premiere, locals actively derided the concept of a musical treatment of the tragedy, filling the social networks with angry declamations of trading on the
disaster and erroneously assuming that Upstairs would be a frivolous musical comedy. The show . . . quickly changed even the most hardened critics into ardent supporters of the production.” Family members of the some of the victims were at a few performances. On Monday at 3pm, over 200 people gathered at the Williams Research Center of the Historic New Orleans Collection to commemorate the fire. The lecture hall, solemn and dignified with priceless works of art depicting Louisiana history along the walls, was an appropriate venue for the standing room only crowd. At the front of the room was a beautiful bouquet of 32 white roses representing the 32 people who lost their lives in the fire. Commemoration Ceremonies Chairman Frank Perez welcomed the group to the Williams Research Center and set the tone for the event when he said, “We gather this afternoon to remember, to commemorate, and to celebrate. We remember the deadliest fire in New Orleans history and the worst crime against gays and lesbians in our nation’s history. We commemorate the 32 people who lost their lives on that tragic night. And we celebrate not only their lives, but also the progress we have made as a community in the last 40 years.” Those in attendance listened with reverence and rapt attention as local artist Skylar Fein then presented a slide show of pictures of the fire and the bar before the fire. Fein’s installation “Remember the Upstairs Lounge” debuted at Prospect 1 in 2008 and has recently been acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art. Fein’s work has been reviewed in notable publications such as Art in America, ArtForum, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and the Times-Picayune. Fein did an effective job of humanizing the victims and conveying the social milieu of the time. Fein was followed by author Clayton Delery, who is currently finishing up a book about the fire. Delery spoke about the public aftermath of the fire. Delery specifically focused the media’s lack of coverage and local politician’s lack of response, especially when compared to the attention given to two other fires in New Orleans within months of the UpStairs Lounge arson. Delery received a Ph.D. from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Although he began work on his book about the UpStairs Lounge in 2009, he has been interested in the fire ever since the arson occurred in 1973. He lives in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he is a faculty member at the
Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. After Delery’s talk, Rip Naquin, owner and publisher of Ambush magazine, presented a check for $2,532.00 to the Historic New Orleans Collection in memory of the 32 victims of the fire. The money had been raised through various fundraisers in the gay community and through individual and business sponsorships. HNOC Executive Director Priscilla Lawrence was visibly moved to tears as she accepted the donation and thanked the local lgbt community. Mark Cave, Senior Curator and Oral Historian at the HNOC, then invited people to visit an exhibit of the Research Center’s archival material concerning the fire. He also informed the meeting of an oral history project he has initiated and invited people with memories of the fire to be interviewed. Cave currently serves as the North American representative on the governing council of the International Oral History Association, and is Chairman of
the Emerging Crisis Research Fund which finances Oral History projects that document disaster and human rights crises throughout the world. He has created The New Orleans Life Story Project which has recorded numerous perspectives of the UpStairs Lounge Fire. After the event, the assembled crowd was greeted outside the Williams Research Center by a brass band and a horse drawn carriage hearse. The bouquet of 32 white roses was loaded into the hearse and a jazz funeral procession wound its way to the site of the fire at Chartres and Iberville Streets. At the site, Father Bill Terry of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church offered a special blessing and Misti Ates solemnly read the names of the 32 victims. A second line parade then commenced. The crowd, which had grown to about 350 by this time, made its way to the Balcony Bar at Café Lafitte in Exile where a celebration of life cocktail / sendoff party was held.
Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Receive 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award Every year NO/AIDS Task Force bestows its highest honor on an individual who has a significant impact on the development of the Task Force, presenting them the Humanitas award. This person has encouraged individuals, organizations, companies or foundations to follow in their example. The awarding of the crystal bowl signifies the full spectrum of the human condition and those who receive it, and are individuals who have assisted in the betterment of countless lives. 2013’s honorees have been involved with NO/AIDS since at least the early 90s and their contributions to the agency have been not only financial, but through their words, images and advocacy, having brought countless other supporters and volunteers to NO/AIDS over the years. They wear many hats and may be known as the consummate hosts of many of New Orleans LGBT parties and events, the organizers of the New Orleans Gay Easter Parade, the publishers of Ambush Magazine, soon-to-be newlyweds, or simply as Rip & Marsha Naquin Delain. Over the year’s Rip and Marsha have supported NO/AIDS in so many ways. They have been providing advertising and helping get the word out about events and activities in Ambush for as long as anyone can remember, not only for NO/AIDS, but for almost any and every LGBTQ organization across the Gulf South. “Their generosity and commitment to community is probably why Ambush is still in print today, even as many other LGBT magazines and newspapers continue to fold,” remarked communications manager, T. J. Rogers. Rip and Marsha have a long history of commitment in the New Orleans area LGBT community. Whether they were raising funds at their annual Magnolia Cotillion, organizing fundraisers and events for the New Orleans Gay Easter Parade, filing permits for Southern Decadence or giving a voice to a community that otherwise wouldn’t be
heard, they have done it all with style, grace and without any need for thanks. NO/AIDS would like to say thank you to Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain for all they have done for the Task Force. If you include the over $171,000 the Gay Easter Parade has raised for Food For Friends to their other generous donations and long-time sponsorship through Ambush, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain have easily helped contribute well over a half-million dollars to helping those affected by HIV and AIDS in our community. Rip addressed the crowd saying, "New Orleans has been very good to us. This award goes out to the many, many people who made all of the things we've done possible. We will be getting married on our 40th anniversary, August 17th in New York, and will share this day in our lives with all of you. Thank you so much." NO/AIDS Task Force awarded Rip & Marsha Naquin Delain with the Humanitas award at the agencies annual Patron Party on Sunday, June 30th. Past recipients of the Humanitas award include: Richard Devlin, Michael Calais, Peter Braswell, Glen Kahrman, Roy Templeman, Jim Melancon, Richard Thompson, Paula Kreissler, Helen Siegel, Paris Winn, Philip Dynia, Milton Seiler, Jr., MD, Randy Trahan, Patti Garcia, Kim Boyle, Charlotte Cunliffe, Dee & Bert Bertel, JoAnn Moinet, Rob Gerhart, Bryan Batt, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, Larry Mercier, and Jerry Purcell.
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pensacola
The Social Scene @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
paparazzi
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mobile
paparazzi
Ana Matronic’s groupies: Rob, Jayme, Maury & Amanda
The Social Scene ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Leon Weekley
B-Bob’s epic Drag Queen Bingo hosted by Jawakatema Davenport!
Erick & Jennifer @ the White Party!
Pensacola’s Nadya Symone strikes a pose with B-Bob’s bartender Ricky @ the White Party B-Bob’s newest bartender with Karlos & Matt sporting their Jagermeister wear
Josh taking advantage of $13 Long Island Pitchers during BBob’s Bingo on Tuesdays
Mike & Peter hanging out @ B-Bobs Bingo!
Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters performing @ B-Bob’s White Party
B-Bob’s staff @ Ana Matronic’s White Party: bartenders Leon, Brenda & Jayme with bar barron Jerry
GayMardiGras.COM • NOLAPride.ORG • J uly 9-22, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27
AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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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, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036, Facebook.COM/ rainbowroomonbourbon SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
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book stores
hardware
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New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
chiropractic
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100 IBERVILLE
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BURGUNDY
400 ST. LOUIS
DAUPHINE
ROYAL
CHARTES
DECATUR
CONTI
BOURBON
ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
DUMAINE
ST. PHILIP
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attonreys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328
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] BOLT NIGHTCLUB, 116 E. Vermillion, 524.1380 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011
Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098 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, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 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
Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1113]
circuit/events Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 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, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 27, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 28-Mar. 4, 2014, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, 15th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 23-26, 2014 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
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049,
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
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. [0713] 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, Email 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. [0813] 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. [0114] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116,
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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 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 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 NATIONAL HOTLINE, 206.350.HATE (4283), National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 800.552.6843 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 1701 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA. 70116 KreweOfPetronius.ORG, petronius1961@cox.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com 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 LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM Metropolitan Community Church of New
Orleans , Interim Pastor Gail Minnick , Service time: Sundays 5pm, 1333 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, 504.270.1MCC, www.MCCNewOrleans.COM, Pastor @MCCNewOrleans.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 BEAR AND BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.452.3564, theneworleansbears.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 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com 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 LAKEVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL, 482.2173, LakeviewVet.COM
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.AvitaPharmacy.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, 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.
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Ain’t we all of that and a bag of chips! Or, are we? City Government has touted it! The Chamber applauds it! We are living it! FORBES the arbiter of greatness has declared that New Orleans ranks #3 in high tech jobs behind Silicon Valley and San Francisco! Later a report by the august periodical declared that New Orleans is the fastest growing “old growth” city since the recession and points out that this is not a purely Katrina related piece of growth. Almost giddy we applaud our selves or in certain circles the banner is run up, “We are the city to be in.” So enters Fr. Bill the grim reaper of reality! I am a native of this city and I love it! I for us. BUT, <shoe drops> that industry would think of nowhere else to live, hon- provides chronic under employment for the estly, than in my native city. I have thought vast majority of its workers. Next, the tech maybe Germany, but I love the U.S.A. with industry requires high levels of training and its diversity and even our slightly seedy education. We rank what 46 out of 50 in sides; I am not sure IF Germany even has math and 50 out 50 in reading. The dropout slums – surly they must but I am equally rate in Orleans Parish Public Schools about sure that they are organized and very clean; 10% and the RSD with about 30%. One just kidding! I love New Orleans and good cannot “Access” these high tech jobs with news about our little island in the swaps is a subpar school system. Within our own always welcomed. “Below Canal” street area the rates are The problem I have is that we become much higher for drop outs and much lower lulled into a sense of safety and prosperity for successful schools <the other shoe when such articles are so prominently pro- dropped>. moted. I rejoice that there are potential job New Orleans has 28 pockets of povopportunities for the Tech sector. I rejoice erty. The poor either cannot or will find it that our city is growing and by inference difficult if not impossible to join the wave of prospering. I truly do …wait for it ...wait for enthusiastic grown in our fair city. The 7th it ...you know the shoe is going to drop in Ward will remain the 7th Ward for some time this column. I only want to say a single word, to come. The 9th Ward much the same. We “ACCESS.” are seeing some gentrification in the Bywater The leading job generator in New Or- and perhaps Esplanade Ridge will improve leans is still in the hospitality industry. Good a bit. We can expect the high tech sojourn-
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/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Website: www.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 Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 New Orleans, LA [504] Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108. 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 Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 MUNCH @ 700 Club, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700NOLA.COM 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 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA 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
ers to locate in places like Mid City or “out by da Lake” or Metairie. What we are seeing is immigration not an improvement in the broader existent community. So, our challenges remain. We are still a community within communities. We are still admonished by our faith tradition(s) to do acts of mercy and justice. LGBT community still does not have the right to equal marriage; our social services are still not bilingual; and yet, just today, a lovely bar tender from the Friendly bar donated a great prize that she won to Anna’s Sunday School program; and yet the LGBT community still supports Buzzy’s Kids; and yet the Lord’s of Leather still support Anna’s Arts
for Kids. Why? Because despite the outward appearance of growth and prosperity we know that there still exists profound need. I suspect that those who have been socially abused see the needs around them more than those who have not. I suspect that LGBT community are more sensitive to social hurt and injustice than those who have not been on the receiving end. I suspect that there is a longing to do good works despite the social push back. As for us we may say that we will continue to recognize that not everyone has “ACCESS.” We won’t be lulled into that false sense of euphoric social or economic prosperity. As Jesus sais, “the poor will always be with you.”
commentary by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
Decision Day Rally Over 300 people celebrated the Supreme Court’s landmark decisions on marriage equality by gathering at the pedestrian mall at Jackson Square. The Day of Decision Rally was organized by the Forum for Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, ACLU Louisiana, the LGBT Community Center, and the New Orleans chapter of PFLAG. People started gathering in front of the Presbytere around 5pm. Flags, banners, and posters were in abundance and the overwhelming feeling was one of relief and joy. Nearby, a brass band, unaffiliated with the rally, offered musical accompaniment. Alexander Fleming, a straight ally, seemed to speak for all in attendance when he said, “It’s about damn time.” Other straight allies in attendance included a married couple who brought their three children, ages 7, 4, and 2 in order to impress upon them “equality is important.” A number of longtime gay activists were at the rally basking in the satisfaction of seeing their efforts come to fruition. Noting the work that remains to be done, Larry Bagneris said, “It’s a great day for equality and we hope this will wake up the people in rural Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama so they can breathe the fresh air of equality.” Long-time partners Andrew Engolio and Robert Lewis said the landmark ruling caused them to seriously consider getting legally married. “We could save thousands of dollars each year if we could file a joint tax return.” The significance of the historic decision was not lost on younger members of the gay community. Matt Fellini said he was “blessed this was happening while I’m young enough to appreciate it” and Kurt Williams said he came to the rally New Orleans, LA [504] to “fight for what we deserve.” CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, Shortly after 6pm a number of 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 speakers representing the groups which Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM sponsored the rally spoke briefly. At one point during the speech-making, the bells of St. Louis Cathedral, that New Orleans, LA [504] towering symbol of homophobia, beALLWAYS LOUNGE & THEATRE, 2240 gan to chime. As the church bells tolled, St Claude Ave., TheAllwaysLounge.NET CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., spontaneous chants of “Freedom Rings!” erupted from the crowd. #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERThe Supreme Court rulings and the FORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Decision Day Rally came just two days Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 after the fortieth anniversary of the MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, UpStairs Lounge fire. Arthur Severio, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, who attended the fire commemoration NOFringe.ORG ceremony, tearfully observed that thinkSlidell, LA [985 ing of the 32 people who died in the fire CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert and all the people who fought for equalBlvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM ity but are no longer with us made the day that much more special.
spas
theatres
tours
New Orleans, LA [504] CREOLE QUEEN PADDLEWHEELER, 1 Poydras @ Riverwalk, 529.4567, CreoleQueen.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717
Next DEADLINE Tuesday, July 16th
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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houston
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon Opening August 2013 ~ Houston, Texas ~ Photos by Justin Bryan Galloway
paparazzi
Neon Boots partners Rodney Myers, Jim Gerhold, Debbie Diane, Jim Moore & Jim Daily meeting after a day of construction on the club
New cedar walls greet those who enter the club
Parking-a-plenty, unlike many other Houston gay bars, parking will not be an issue here A view of the dance floor from the two-tier level stage
Jim Gerhold paints the newly added Esquire Room in honor of the former ballroom
Keeping with the Texas theme, the two wings on the dance floor side have been painted red & blue
Owners Rodney Myers, Debbie Diane, Jim Gerhold, Jim Daily, Jim Moore & Robert Harwood GM Robert Harwood
Neon Boots Slated to Open in August Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, 11410 Hempstead Hwy, in Houston, is slated to open the first or second weekend of August. This all depends on when the State of Texas (TABC) signs-off on all permits. According to Partner Jim Daily, "With the closing of the BRB over three months ago, a huge void was created in the LGBT community for both me and my many BRB friends. The many patrons of the BRB (and I was one for over 25 years) were suddenly without their country and western dance home. I missed seeing my friends, I missed dancing, and I missed my favorite bartenders. It was clear we needed a new home!" "The partners of Neon Boots are not trying to recreate another BRB – we are a group of strong-willed individuals determined to get our Country & Western dancefriends reunited back into a fitting new home." said Partner Debbie Diane. Partner Rodney Myers tells us, "The Neon Boots venue, once known as the Esquire Ballroom, is filled with a rich history of local Houston bands and famous Country and Western entertainers - Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynne, Jim Reeves and Ray Price along with many others. Thinking about Patsy Cline singing 'I Fall to Pieces' on that very stage gives me goose bumps thinking about it." Partner Ron McLeroy added, "The club is over 10,000 square feet, with a large dance floor and plenty of free parking available in the lot. It’s located just outside loop 610, only about 7 miles from the heart of the Montrose. You don’t even need to get on the freeway from Montrose to reach us. You can take Washington Avenue to Hempstead Highway and be to Neon Boots in no time at all. To insure that we maintain adequate security in our parking lot, we will have golfcart personnel continuously circulating throughout the lot during our busy weekend business hours." The Grand Opening is expected sometime in early August. Until then, please visit www.neonbootsclub.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/NeonBootsClub to get updates on the progress and official opening date.
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at Tulane’s Lab Theatre/McWilliams Hall through July 17 With Kiss Me, Kate opening in a few weeks at Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, those wanting to “brush up their Shakespeare,” ought to head in that direction for The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). In fact, even if you’re not planning to partake of Cole Porter’s classic musical but just want some transporting midsummer divertissement, get thee to Tulane’s McWilliams Hall. With wryly satiric humor, Complete Works serves up, in one form or another, all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays (38, if you count Two Noble Kinsmen), plus some sonnets, in about 100 minutes. The comedies and histories are given rather short shrift— understandably as the tragedies are easier and more fun to parody (Picture Titus Andronicus with its cannibal pies done as
a cooking program). Three actors (Brendan Bowen, Clint Johnson, Andrew Vaught) play all the roles, switching gender and ages at a moment’s notice. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, Complete Works was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe
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reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
THE HEAT ...90 degrees ...95% humidity ...100% funny First things first, congratulations to Rip and Marsha and all my married sisters/sisters and brothers/brothers.”The Supremes,” sitting on the bench in Washington, DC, did well on their decisions concerning DOMA and Proposition 8. Let’s just hope they didn’t screw up changing part of the voting rights act in Shelby County vs. Holder. We need to move forward, not backward. My own marriage history is rather sketchy, for the most part. I “married” often, not well and my “husbands” were as cute as they were useless ...as a rule. It took years for me to realize I was better suited for boyfriends, not husbands. Secondly, a big congratulations to Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX. It will be a long, hot summer, but have fun and enjoy. Deciding what movie to review was kinda tough this week. Even with Brad Pitt, “World War Z” seemed a bit much ...too hot for zombies. According to some friends who really enjoy this genre of film, there will be a sequel, so I think I will wait and catch them back-to-back. I really enjoyed “Olympus Is Down” last spring and “White House Down” has the same premise, so I decided maybe not. Most reviewers agree “Olympus” was the better of the two. So I found myself at “The Heat,” mid-afternoon on a bright summer day. It was a very good decision. “The Heat” is a buddy cop comedy full of action and adventure. The twist being the cops are female. Sandra Bullock is FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn and Melissa McCarthy is Boston Detective Shannon Mullins. The plot is simple...take down a Russian mobster/drug lord. The movie was originally set in New York City, but thankfully was moved to Boston...but it is no bigscreen “Rizzoli and Isles.” Melissa McCarthy is over-the -top funny and she plays well off Sandra Bullock. McCarthy brings a brand
of physical comedy to the movie screen I haven’t seen in awhile. The movie starts with the usual “territorial issue” of whose case it is ...Boston PD or the FBI. Ashburn (Bullock) is bucking for a promotion and is told to work with the locals. Mullins (McCarthy) is like no street cop I have ever seen. Wait until you see her refrigerator and her interrogation techniques. Men will truly grab their testicles. Adding spice to the movie is the Mullin’s family ...they are hilarious. Mom (Jane Curtin), Pop, three brothers, including Jason (Michael Rapaport), and their girlfriends. Jason is actually involved in the drug business, but no spoiler alert here. Shannon (McCarthy) is on the outs with the family for having Jason put in jail, but that takes care of itself. Do not miss the scene at the dinner table when “narc” is passed around. The drunk scene in the bar is funny, but the “real” drunk scene is a hoot ...stripper music from the MRB and the Corner Pocket, circa the 1990s. Some people say “The Heat” is a formula movie, and they might be right, but it is funny and very entertaining. It was directed by Paul Feig and produced by Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping. It is the first screenplay from Katie Dippold (Parks and Recreation). With a budget of $43 million it grossed $40 million the first weekend. It was filmed in Boston and distributed
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reVIEW ...from 32 by 20th Century Fox. It’s right at two hours long and rated R. It is the perfect summer movie ...sit back in a cool theatre and enjoy.
A Comment There are some things I don’t understand...and I have watched the sun
rise more than once at Le Roundup, sitting between the late, great Miss Do and Big Regina, amazingly understanding the conversation ...so I’m not totally dense. How does LIFETIME keep making these terrible movies? They butchered a remake of “Steel Magnolias” in 2012, and “Liz and Dick” was embarrassing. Now we have “Jodi Arias-Dirty Little Secret” and “Anna Nicole” ...and I liked Anna Nicole and
thought Agnes Bruckner was great in the title role. Have all the good screenwriters left Hollywood? Coming soon we have a remake of “Bonnie and Clyde”. Even being made-for-tv movies, you want to give them a chance, but so far “Betty and Coretta”, back in February is the only one that I want to see again. Just asking...
Next Ambush DEADLINE Tueday, July 16th 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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trodding the boards ...from 32 Festival in 1987 and went on to play from 1996 till 2005 in the West End where I first saw it in 2001. Complete Works is one of those entertainments, like Godspell, that gives its director and cast wide latitude to interpret the script. Ad libs, local references, jokes ripped from the headlines are all encouraged. So now, not only is texting mentioned, but Roger Goodell and The NOLA Project get shout-outs; Vaught starts humming I Dreamed A Dream at the mention of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway (if you don’t understand that allusion, this may not be the show for you); and best of all was a newly-inserted gag about Othello and Paula Dean who had just cancelled her Today appearance. Talk about up-to-the-minute! Director Carl Walker, equally at home with comedies, dramas and musicals, squeezes every bit of manic merriment out of Works by imparting a galloping lunacy to it, but wisely gives his cast free reign to allow for a fizzy spontaneity. Gleefully indulging in slapstick and deliciously overacting, Bowen, Johnson, and Vaught seem to be having a blast and were already working like a well-oiled machine at their first performance. All are accomplished Shakespeareans but, other than Vaught, I hadn’t yet been exposed to their comic chops. Johnson, who regularly spews confetti “vomit” on audience members, and Vaught don wigs to look like Anna Magnani and a fifth Beatle, respectively, for the zany Romeo and Juliet send-up that opens the show. In their version of Hamlet that takes up the second act, more Lion King than Olivier, Bowen’s Great Dane, upon the mention of “Mother” and “Father”, casually but keenly gestured stage left where his real-life parents, Clare Moncrief and Danny Bowen, were sitting in the audience. Nice. If you’re lucky (or not) you might even find yourself a featured Player in The Complete Works; at the performance I attended, the sight of Steppin’ Out critic Alan Smason running back and forth, arms waving in the air was worth the price of admission. Yet it is to Shakespeare’s and the Abridged folks’ credit that, done straight, Hamlet’s “What a piece of work is a man!” speech held the audience in rapt attention. To go or not to go to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)? To go forsooth!
Upstairs at Café Istanbul One can certainly admire Wayne Self for writing a musical about the 1973 fire at the Upstairs Lounge, the deadliest in New Orleans’ history, which claimed 32 lives. It may have taken forty years, but Upstairs served as a vital catalyst for getting truly widespread recognition of this tragic event that not even all locals knew the details of. Though I had seen Skylar Fein’s monumental installation about the Upstairs Lounge fire during Prospect.1, I hadn’t known the exact location of the Lounge even though I had passed by it a gazillion times. I do now. In attempting to make sense from the senseless, Upstairs is grandly ambitious. I wish I could say it was wholly successful. Yet its approach is a frustrating and, at times, confusing one, generating more heat than light.
It is generally acknowledged that the fire was started by a hustler who had been kicked out of the bar earlier that day. He was mad and seemed to want to do some harm but, as related by Fein and historian Clay Delery during a fascinating lecture at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC), it doesn’t appear as though he intended to kill 32 people. Fire trucks arrived 2 minutes after they were called but, due to the building’s structure, the fire spread incredibly quickly and bars on the windows trapped patrons inside. While it could be argued that such a terrible result could only have happened at a gay bar at that time, it would be difficult to describe this as a hate crime. The more unique tragedy of the Upstairs Lounge fire occurred after the initial event when, with few exceptions, the local media, political figures and religious leaders virtually ignored what happened in a way undoubtedly different from what their response would have been had this taken place at a straight establishment. Families were ashamed of loved ones who were lost in the blaze, funeral homes and churches avoided doing what they should, bodies went unclaimed. One can easily envision a musical, perhaps operatic in scope, that focuses on the people and the quotidian events they were involved in leading up to the fire; the conflagration would seem to be a natural first act finale. The second act could then concentrate on the callous, homophobic response and how it lead, in part, to the start of a new era in GLBT history in New Orleans. Self chooses a different approach. His book jumps back and forth. Scenes immediately prior to the fire, during which a benefit for the Metropolitan Community Church is being planned at the bar, alternate with others a year later in which Buddy, the Upstairs Lounge’s heroic bartender who saved many patrons by leading them down a back staircase, confronts the hustler Agneau. They had both been involved with a guy who perished in the fire; in the course of this conversation, Agneau admits to starting the fire and ultimately commits suicide. I suppose such a structure could work even if it omits the shockingly insensitive citywide response. Yet unless you already knew what Upstairs is about (and even then), the first few Buddy/Agneau scenes lack a necessary dramatic linkage to the fire because that has not yet occurred onstage. Perhaps it was Self’s intention for the connection to be somewhat mysterious but it just comes off as murky as Agneau’s song If I Could Only Breathe reveals more about him than we’re ready to absorb. There are other problematic things in Self’s libretto. Agneau emerges as the most fully developed character. Though I could’ve done without his maleficent uncle who haunts his subconscious, we feel Agneau’s desperate conflict about his sexuality and the crime he committed. None of the other characters register this much depth so we are confronted with the ironic situation where the putative villain is a more compelling figure than anyone else on stage. This is not unheard of (see Richard III) but this doesn’t seem to be the most appropriate story for something like that. Self bravely makes the other denizens of the bar a mixed bag of good and not-sogood types as would likely be found at any similar establishment. But he fails to fully flesh out their individualistic humanity, es-
pecially Buddy’s boyfriend Adam, a priggish, snobby and duplicitous type, and Inez, who tries to pimp out her son (picture someone just slightly better than the mother in Precious). When they perish in the fire, at the risk of sounding really bitchy, I wasn’t too sorry to see them go. And the ghostly choir that appeared towards the end to urge forgiveness was simply bizarre and out of place. That Self the librettist lets down Self the songwriter is a shame as he has a knack for both words and music. I especially liked Inez’ Favorite Son but it seemed to come from another show as the rest of what we saw of the character didn’t really mesh with its lyrics. And the placement of certain numbers, such as the drag queen Mercy’s Testify at the end of the first act, though rousing, made little dramaturgical sense. Director Zach McCallum deserves a good deal of the blame. Birthing a new musical is one of the greatest challenges in theater. (I should know as I’ve gone through the process twice and can well appreciate Larry Gelbart’s reputed quip, “If Hitler’s still alive, I hope he’s out of town with a musical.”) McCallum, a previous collaborative partner of Self, should’ve brought a more objective eye to the script and helped Self to clarify the material. In addition, McCallum’s staging was lackluster; Upstairs featured the most static opening number I’ve ever seen. At other times, as in A Good Man Is Hard To Find (But He’ll Do) which dealt with various romantic complications, too much was going on. Scenes tended to end with a whimper when a “bang” was called for. Granted, the Café Istanbul stage is small and cramped but McCallum, along with set designer Edward R. Cox, could’ve come up with more imaginative ways to use it. And unlike Alison Parker and Kate Adair’s period-appropriate costumes, for some reason Cox omitted that era’s Burt Reynolds and Mark Spitz posters that were organic parts of the Upstairs Lounge’s atmosphere. The cast was a mixed bag. As Agneau, Alexander Jon had the best material to work with and masterfully created a character with flesh-and-blood humanity. As he tentatively reached out to another person, it was wrenching to see how painful it must’ve been for him to live in his own skin. Garrett Marshall made Buddy a fine, likable and caring person who’s trying to gain closure on his horrific experiences; he also even resembled the real-life Buddy. As he wishfully and repeatedly avers “I could’ve saved another,” he began to sound like a later-day Schindler; nothing wrong with that but it’s become a bit cliched. Jeff Roberson’s Mercy was real as could be and lit up the stage whenever she came on. As for the rest, although they had participated in a workshop earlier this year in San Francisco, where they reside, it seems to me their roles could easily have been filled with local actors who might’ve been able to bring local shadings to the characters. I wish I could’ve been more enthusiastic about Upstairs as my colleague Frank Perez and editors Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain did a tremendous amount of work to support and promote the show which paid off in full houses, a donation of over $2,500 to the HNOC (the proceeds from the LGBT Commemoration Ceremonies) and, most important, a widening acknowledgment of the victims and the immensity of this terrible event. I do hope, however, that Self will take a critical look at his work, a step that is part
of the creative process, and refine it in a way that will do full justice to all the victims of this tragedy. They deserve no less.
Trodding around Eastern Europe, Part II While Vienna’s Life Ball (see last Issue for details) was the undisputed highlight of a recent trip through Eastern Europe, there were certainly other memorable experiences as well. In Prague, I was able to see a concert version (with English surtitles) of Stravinsky’s Persephone at the State Opera House, a beautiful rococo building from the 1880s. This little known work for orchestra, dramatic actress, tenor, chorus and children’s chorus tells the story of the daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Demeter who descends to the Underworld, marries Hades, but then annually returns to Earth to bring us Spring. Jirí Štrunc conducted a nuanced, dramatically charged account of this glorious yet accessible music that led to an existentially hopeful conclusion. As the priest Eumolphe, Philippe Do’s shimmering, pliant voice floated notes above the orchestra with a compelling urgency. Yet the star of the show was Sona Cervená whose vibrant speaking voice belies her 87 years and convinces you that this is what a goddess would sound like. In a magnificent performance, she brought out the many emotional shades of Persephone—desire, pity, happiness, etc— endowing her with strength and maturity. Regal yet humane, Cervená is one of those rare talents whose artistry erases decades from her age. While Persephone, unfortunately, is not on next season’s schedule, if you happen to be in Prague next Fall, do not miss one of the five performances of The Makropulos Case also starring Cervená (Oct. 14 & 26, Nov. 16, Dec. 4 & 26). Directed by Robert Wilson, it is one of the greatest productions I have ever seen in my life. And, as a bonus, it’s performed at The Estates Theatre where Mozart’s Don Giovanni had its world premiere and parts of Amadeus were filmed.. If, however, you’ll be in Prague before the end of this month, be sure to check out Ivan Lendl:Alfons Mucha at the Obecní dum (Municipal House), the first showing of tennis great Lendl’s collection of nearly every poster Mucha created. Fans of art nouveau will be in heaven seeing the full extent of Mucha’s work from his posters for Sarah Bernhardt, which first brought him widespread attention, through his commercial designs, and, finally, images that championed his homeland of Bohemia. Apparently, Lendl, who has homes in Florida and Connecticut, didn’t want his collection to “languish at home all alone” while he was away. As a film that’s part of the exhibit makes clear, it was an epic operation to get it packed up and shipped to the Czech capital. There’s talk that the show may come to New York, but if you can see it in its homeland, how cool is that? Back in the Austrian capital, I finally got to go to The Albertina, home to one of the largest and most important print collections in the world. The last time I was in Vienna, it was closed for renovations; the job’s now finished and the museum is state-of-theart.
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Johnny Chaillot, Ambush’s Brian Sands & Greg Louganis
The Outrageous Pride Show starring Electra, Tittie, SDGM Tami & Kookie @ Michael’s Elton John Celebrating the defeat of DOMA by US Supreme Court in Jackson Square
American Sisters Sistah, Risque of the Sissytine Chapel, Saki Tumi & Flora Goodthyme of Perpetual Indulgence
Fergie Dusty, Frankie, Opal, Marsha & Rip celebrate defeat of DOMA by Supreme Court in Jackson Square
Barbara Eden Adam Lambert
42nd President Bill Clinton
Joey Arias
Hilary Swank
Anna Netrebko
Board Co-Chairs Sergio Farfan & Helen Siegel, & Exe. Dir. Noel Twilbeck host NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party @ their headquarters
Bobby shows off Food For Friends pantry @ NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party
Matt & Dr. Dusty @ NO/AIDS Task Force Patron Party
Opal Vanderhurst on stage @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Cocktailing @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Michael’s Sunday Pride Show starring Seasonings Sisters: Grandma & Missy Mae; plus Deja, Cookie & Opal
Latter & Blum’s Steve Richards @ Michael’s On The Park
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In The Streets ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Chuck Hinkley, Paul Melancon, Arthur Severio
21st Life Ball benefiting People with HIV/AIDS thru AIDS Life organization ~ Vienna ~ Photos by Brian Sands
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trodding the boards ...from 34 I was fortunate to see Bosch Bruegel Rubens Rembrandt which, in addition to stunning works by the marquee artists, included such superb images as The Fall of Man by Jan Gossaert and Maarten van Heemskerck’s Job Being Flogged by
Satan. If the permanent exhibition Monet to Picasso from The Batliner Collection is a bit underwhelming compared, say, to MoMA in New York, there are still some ravishing paintings by Kees van Dongen, Kokoschka, Modigliani, Paul Delvaux, and Magritte. And from Sept. 20 until January 12, Matisse and Fauvism will showcase
some 140 works by these pioneers of modernity, many being shown for the first time in Central Europe. I was only able to spend one day in Budapest but I was delighted to stay at the KM-SAGA Guest Residence again. Its new location (17 Lonyai Street) is just as convenient as its former one, a block away from a street with many restaurants and cafes,
and within walking distance of all of Budapest’s attractions as well as a subway station. Owner Shandor Madachy is as friendly and helpful as ever; the 19th century building that houses it has a fabulous courtyard; and the rooms are all decorated with overthe-top flair. And the room rates, which include breakfast, are the best in Budapest!
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The Oz crew in for Left Ovah Bitches show @ Ninth Circle
Ranzy & Creig with friends @ Good Friends Bar
Fatma & Ruveyda welcome you to Fatoush Captain John Zeringue & Prom Queen Tittie Toulouse @ Amon-Ra Country Western Prom
Pride @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Catch these boys dancin’ @ The Corner Pocket
Henok @ Organic Banana
The Essex Family @ Cafe Lafitte’s DJ Eddie spinning @ AllWays Lounge with Ryan SX
Bartenders Carol & John welcome you to Le Roundup Bartender Lil @ Voodoo
Paul, Misael, Frankie, DJ John Buckley, Brian, (front) Dusty & Steven @ Dusty & Frankie’s Pride Party David & Brad bartending @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Left Ovah Bitches: Kabrina, Dusty, Delia & Jasmine @ Ninth Circle
Reba Douglas & SDGM Tami Tarmac @ Amon-Ra Country Western Prom
Tattoo @ Rainbow Room
DL Broadway in That 70s Show @ Ninth Circle
Stylist Todd & master wig stylist Lee @ Salon D’Malta
SDGM XXXV Paloma, Matthew & Joe @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 9-22, 2013 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
The Club Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Winner Mr. Renegade Bear Tom O’Brien with contestants KevinBruce & Chris, & MC Matt @ the Phoenix
GayMardiGras.COM • NOLAPride.ORG • J uly 9-22, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 9-22, 2013 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM