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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
42nd Annual Southern Decadence Expected to Bring in 125,000 Revelers with over 100 Events Welcome to the giant 42nd annual Official Southern Decadence celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture. All roads lead to New Orleans Wednesday, August 28th through Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd as over 125,000 participants including tourist and locals are anticipated for this end of summer circuit splash. There are over 100 events this year offering each individual something that will entice them to enjoy the weekend that is world renown, Southern Decadence (SD). A complete list of events is available at the Southern Decadence website, www.SouthernDecadence.COM online, or on any of your mobile devices. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (SDGMs) XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago have set the tone for this year’s celebration. The theme is Live, Laugh & Love; while the colors are fuschia pink, tangerine orange and gold; song mix is Feel The Moment; and charity is Belle Reve. The 2013 colorful poster is the result of a Arthur Severio photo shoot, with design assistance by Chad Boutte.
Non-Profit New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc. Formed, Official Sponsors Make Southern Decadence Possible The Southern Decadence Grand Marshals this year had to make some tough decisions to insure the continued success of Southern Decadence. They asked James Garner, Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain to form New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc., a non-profit corporation which will handle funds raised by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals to produce the Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture in New Orleans. The City of New Orleans now requires $6,600 in sanitation fees, plus normal fees for parade police detail ($1,600) and parade permit ($50.25). There is also parade insurance ($2,912.50), and more expenses to produce a successful Southern Decadence. A complete financial report will be issued following this year's celebration. Funds raised minus expenses benefits Belle Reve, which provides permanent and transitional housing along with full support services to adults and families living with AIDS or HIV related infections. Concern for quality of life and equal availability of services are the founding principles of the agency. Therefore, service delivery will not be influenced by race, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation. An eternal debt of gratitude is extended to all who helped raise funds for this year's celebration, and especially to its sponsors for their huge support. Official Sponsors include: Ambush Mag; www.SouthernDecadence.COM; Official Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY; Official Beer of Southern Decadence Bud Light; Platinum $2,500 Sponsor: Tropical Isle: Home of the Hand Grenade; $2,000 Sponsor: Patrons of the Golden Lantern; Gold $1,000 Sponsors: Kajun’s Pub, Bourbon Pub & Parade, and Oz; Silver $500 Sponsor: The Corner Pocket; and other sponsors Arthur Severio Photography, and Chad Boutte. Please patronize these businesses who have made Decadence possible.
Longest Running Southern Decadence Events FREE for All! Yes, it is true, the longest running Southern Decadence events are free for all to attend, well, those of legal age anyway. No VIP passes or cover charges apply. The longest running free Southern Decadence events include: For over 2 decades, the annual 2-Day Southern Decadence Block Party on Friday-Saturday, August 30th-31st, 9pm-2am, hosted by the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields, with vendor fair, beer bust, porn stars, djs and more. Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals’ Drag Show on Friday, August 30th, 11pm, at Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, featuring Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago with former SDGMs and many others. 10th Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a live free concert, on Saturday, August 31st, 5pm, presented by
Napoleon’s Itch. 39th Official Southern Decadence Parade celebrating the 42nd Southern Decadence led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago on Sunday, September 1st, 2pm sharp, beginning at the Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street. This walking parade is open for anyone to participate in, which is a glorified street march/bar crawl stopping at many of New Orleans famous gay bars. Get on your favorite costume and join the festivities! 20th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss also on Sunday, 4ish pm at the Ambush Mansion balcony, 828 Bourbon Street. Hosted by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci’s Rip and Marsha, and sponsored by Ambush Mag and www.SouthernDecadence.COM, the bead toss brings SDGMs XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago following the parade out onto the famous Bourbon Street balcony to toss thousands of throws to the crowds below. 16th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl on Monday, September 2nd, 2pm, led by Cruise Director - Ted Mahaffy direct from Chicago, honoring SDGMs XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, begins with snacks at The Corner Pocket, then to The Double Play, Le Roundup, Ninth Circle, Voodoo, ending with a BBQ @ Michael’s On The Park.
Ambush Mag's 64 Page SD Edition Ambush Mag celebrates the 42nd Anniversary of Southern Decadence along with other hot events across the Gulf South on this Labor Day Weekend Wednesday, August 28th through Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd. In this edition readers will find over 49 pages in ads featuring the most events ever held in Southern Decadence history as well as happenings in Houston, Mobile, and Pensacola. Seven pages in photos will bring gay life, music and culture to life, as well as some 32 pages of color. You will not know what you will want to see and do without checking out the various ads for venues, bars, restaurants, galleries, shops, spas, hair salons, tours, real estate agents, costumes, services, and Ambush’s extensive classified section beginning on page 38.
Oz Presents All-Star Lineup Aug. 29-Sept. 2 Dance Club of the Year Oz, 800 Bourbon, kicks off Southern Decadence on Thursday, August 29th when Chi Chi LaRue hits town to host Oz’s Thursday Southern Decadence Strip-off as “Your Favorite Diva
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
of Porn,” along with Oz’s own Persana Shoulders with special guest Sister Roma. Plus LaRue will guest DJ both Saturday
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Southern Decadence Highlights issue out Sept. 10th DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 3rd
inside
southern decadence southern decadence bead toss celebrazzi sd survivors bar crawl moments in gay new orleans history obituary snap paparazzi classifieds under the gaydar snap paparazzi
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ambush paparazzi chop chop/new orleans rest. guide a community within communities ambush paparazzi reVIEW trodding the boards pensacola paparazzi mobile paparazzi halloween 30
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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the "official" dish ...from 12 and Sunday. The club brings circuit greats DJ Roland Belmares on Friday, August 30th to spin his magic followed by DJs Wayne G and Chi Chi LaRue on Saturday, August 31st, and DJs Gustavo Scorpio and Chi Chi LaRue on Sunday, September 1st. And of course, 16 hot Men of Oz will dance on the bar tops. Resident DJs Tim Pflueger, JRB, and Bull round out the weekend with illuminations by Johnny Eubanks. For more information, visit www.OzNewOrleans.COM or see their front cover ad.
Rawhide, Good Friends & Cafe Lafitte In Exile Kick off Southern Decadence Aug. 29 All three Wood Enterprises’ establishments: Rawhide 2010, Good Friends Bar, and Cafe Lafitte In Exile kick off Southern Decadence weekend on Thursday, August 29th. It all starts at Rawhide 2010 beginning at 4pm when one of the top 10 leather bars in the country host the Bear Decadence Beer Bust. Later that evening at 9pm, it’s the Southern Decadence Black Out Party and the crowning of the 7th King of Decadence. (www.Rawhide2010.COM or page 3) Over at Good Friends, kick off Southern Decadence with the USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest (must be 35 years and up) at 11pm hosted by Delicious and the winner takes home $100 in cash. And don't forget the Miss High Hair Contest Sunday at 5pm with the winner taking home the coveted bronze Barbie. (www.GoodFriendsBar.COM or page 3) The oldest gay bar/club in North America, Cafe Lafitte in Exile brings you the annual Dick of Decadence Contest with host Barbara Ella at 12 midnight. Held upstairs in the Balcony Bar, all $5 cover charge proceeds goes to top three finishers with 1st getting 50%, 2nd 30%, and 3rd
20%. (www.Lafittes.COM or back cover, page 64)
Bourbon Pub & Parade Kicks off Southern Decadence All-Star Lineup Aug. 29-Sept. 2
in the beautiful Bywater. There are parties galore and the culinary delights at their onsight restaurant are not to be missed. Sip and Dip, Crank It Up, Work It Out, you'll find it all at The Country Club. Visit www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or see page 15.
Gay New Orleans Walking Tour Aug. 29-Sept. 2 The Crescent City Tour Booking Agency host its Gay New Orleans Walking
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One of the world’s Top 10 Gay Bars and Clubs, Bourbon Pub & Parade kicks off Southern Decadence over Labor Day Weekend Thursday, August 29th- Monday, September 2nd. Your hosts for the weekend, direct from Los Angeles, are Billy Francesca and Rhea Litre! Upstairs, dance nonstop to Parade’s decadent DJ lineup, including: Thursday - DJ Sean Michael; Friday - DJ Drew G.; Saturday - DJs Mike Bryant (early) and Max Rodriguez (late); Sunday Tea 410pm - DJs Drew G. & Mike Bryan plus Sirius Xm Radio LIVE broadcast 4-6pm with Lance Bass; Sunday Night - DJ Derek Monteiro in his first New Orleans appearance, and Monday- DJ Sean Michael. Also on Thursday night, don’t miss the infamous Big Dick Contest, hosted by The Bearded Lady herself Billy Francesca and the King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois. Register “your assets” upon arrival! On Friday it's Boys on Parade, New Orleans hottest guys taking it off hosted by Matt B. and Jasmine S/X. On Saturday, it's the Hot Ass Contest hosted by Rhea Litre and Andrew Christian Underwear Model Johna Myers, sponsored by Americas Hot Ass Bottom. For more info visit www.BourbonPub.COM or page19.
Swim through Decadence at The Country Club And don't forget all you beach lovers, you can swim right through Southern Decadence at The Country Club, the LGBT communities only clothes optional facilities with a hugh pool, all tropically landscaped
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celebrazzi Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern’s James Garner (left photo above) proudly presents $2,820 raised at the Lantern’s “Southern Decadence Drag Benefit” to Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, the most successful fundraiser to date benefitting Southern Decadence 2013 and Belle Reve. Many thanks to all the great performers, and to the extremely generous attendees! Join the 39th Southern Decadence Parade Sunday, Sept. 1st, 2pm, beginning at the Golden Lantern celebrating the 42nd anniversary of Southern Decadence, www.SouthernDecadence.COM. ( Right photo: The stars... front row-SDGM Tami Tarmac, Eva Las Vegas, Reba Douglas, SDGM Venus Santiago; back row-Miss Golden Lantern Gia GiaVanni, Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels, Maybelline Maskara, SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, Laura Rose & Chica LaRouge)
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago join Phoenix bar baron Clint Taylor at the "Southern Decadence Beer Bust & Show" raising $$$ for Southern Decadence 2013 and Belle Reve at the Phoenix in New Orleans.
Mr. Louisiana Leather Bill Naquin joins newly crowned Miss Louisiana Leatherette Summer Rayne and returning Miss Louisiana Leatherette Countess C. Alice following competition for the annual Lords of Leather contest. Hosted at Michael's On The Park in New Orleans, the event was co-emceed by former Miss Louisiana Leatherette Bblz Champagne and Blanche Debris. Cookie St. Ann placed as 1st runnerup.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago with Persana Shoulders and Helen Berot celebrate raising $1,597 for "Buy A Boy Auction" benefiting Southern Decadence 2013 and Belle Reve at Oz New Orleans.
The Krewe of Amon-Ra held their Sister Sunday Social at the Golden Lantern complete with a fried chicken lunch, and fun filled show under the direction of Function Lt. Tittie Toulouse. Entertainers included front row: former King Amon-Ra Kenny Walker, Reba Douglas, Kookie Baker, Eva Las Vegas, Tittie Toulouse; back row: Monique Michaels, Rev. Belle, Barbara Ella, Johnny Passion and Queen Amon-Ra Deja Deja-Vue'.
Wicked and general manager Eric bribe faux police officer Justin for Rainbow Room's 1st Anniversary blowout in New Orleans. It was an evening celebrating gangster style with boys and girls dancing on the pole right on Bourbon Street.
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the "official" dish ...from 14 Tour all through Southern Decadence. This interactive tour is an exploration of New Orleans’ rich gay history and current gay community. Highlights include: the origins of Southern Decadence, the evolution of Gay Carnival, the gay connection to the JFK assassination, the tragic Upstairs Lounge Fire. the homes of Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, the oldest gay bar in the nation, the South’s oldest gay & lesbian themed bookstore, the historic Ambush Mansion, and much, much more. The tour is offered daily at 5:30pm daily, or by appointment. Cost is $25. Tour departs from 638 St. Ann (near Royal St.). Reservations required. Call 504.568.0717 to book your tour now. Follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
Phoenix Kicks Off Southern Decadence with Free Beer Aug. 29 The Phoenix welcomes visitors and locals alike with free Pabst Blue Ribbon beer Thursday, August 29th from 2-5pm. It kicks off four days of non-stop action. From nightly beer bust to organization and krewe fundraisers to the giant 2-day Southern Decadence Block Party, you’re in for an exciting time. The block party runs Friday-Saturday, 9pm-2am with a vendor fair, hot porn stars, Men of Decadence, and DJ Builder. Visit www.NewOrleansPhoenix.COM for more information or the Phoenix’s 6 ads running from page 6 through 11.
Lords of Leather Southern Decadence Events When the Quarter gets crowded during Decadence and you just need some space, come over to the Phoenix Bar at 941 Elysian Fields Avenue for some Lords of Leather fun and special events. The bar is just a short walk or 5 minute cab ride from the Quarter. The Lords have planned something for everyone during the long and busy holiday weekend. Locals and visitors will mingle together here for some very memorable times. So find your leather gear or (if it’s too hot), take it off!! On Friday August 30 – 10pm until 2am, it's the $5 Beer Bust during the Phoenix Southern Decadence Block Party, held outside on the street adjacent to the bar. Theme will be “Hot, Sweaty Men!” On Saturday August 31 – 4pm until 7pm, it's “Down and Dirty” Southern Decadence Party in the Phoenix. Admission includes domestic beer, well drinks and the always optional clothes check. Tickets are available for $25 in advance and, if still available, $30 at the door. Visit www.lordsofleather.com or see any krewe member to get your tickets now. After the party (we all know the party never really ends during Decadence) stay at the Phoenix for “Sleaze” – otherwise known as the Lords of Leather Saturday $5 Beer Bust from 10pm until 2am at the Phoenix Southern Decadence Block Party. Be sure to stop by to see your friends or make some new ones, drink a cold beverage or two and enjoy the sights as New Orleans and the Lords of Leather
celebrate one of their most famous events – Southern Decadence XLII.
Enjoy A Gay Halloween Honeymoon in New Orleans Halloween’s in New Orleans’ has been a popular LGBT go-to place for many years, but this year will be even more relevant. To celebrate the recent Supreme Court ruling, upholding gay marriage in those states that recognize it, Halloween’s in New Orleans festivities will be playfully themed around weddings. “Our event, celebrating its 30th anniversary, has made New Orleans the top destination of choice for gays on Halloween,” said Dustin Woehrmann, spokesperson for Halloween’s in New Orleans. “The weekend is filled with events, friends, community and fun, while raising money for Project Lazurus, an assisted living facility for people with HIV/AIDS.” This year, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, NOTMC, will award a trip for two to New Orleans for a lucky winner that enters its contest. The winners will be flown to New Orleans to attend the events throughout the weekend. The four-day event offers many opportunities for fun, including a Saturday night costume party that, in past, has drawn as many as 3,000 people. It features a midnight show with renowned DJs. This year’s theme, “Chapel of Love” is expected to inspire fun costumes for the on-stage parade and contest. Other activities during the weekend will include a Thursday kick-off event called “The Wedding Shower.” Friday is club night with a “Gay Bachelor Party” theme at the Civic Theatre. After the Saturday main event, the weekend will wrap up on Sunday with “The Honeymoon” brunch and second line at the House of Blues. Since its inception, 30 years ago, the organization has raised over $4.6 million for Project Lazarus. “We are very pleased to promote this event with a trip to New Orleans,” said Mark Romig, President and CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. “The LGBT community historically brings thousands of visitors to New Orleans each year and we want to ensure, as usual, the most welcoming and hospitable experience possible.” The NOTMC sweepstakes grand prize includes the following: One room for four-nights at the Maison Dupuy, the official hotel of New Orleans Gay Halloween, with check-in on Thursday, October 24, 2013; Brunch for two at EAT Restaurant; Dinner for two at Bistreaux in the Maison Dupuy; Two week-end passes for admission to all ‘Halloween’s in New Orleans’ 2013 events; Two VIP wristbands for ‘Halloween’s in New Orleans’ 2013 evening events on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, 2013; Round-trip air to New Orleans for two, not to exceed $500 per person; and Round-trip ground transportation between airport and hotel, provided by Limousine Livery. To enter the sweepstakes, go to: http:/ /www.neworleansonline.com/promos/ 2013/halloween/index.php Restrictions apply, see official rules on
the sweepstakes page for details. Since its inception, ‘Halloween’s in New Orleans’ has raised over four million dollars for Project Lazarus, and has become one of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the Gulf South. The event was created to celebrate the gay community in New Orleans, to share love, a sense of family, a unique culture, and a love of showmanship, while supporting Project Lazarus in its fight against HIV/AIDS. NOTMC promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year. Annually, NOTMC’s marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and public relations. Website: NewOrleansOnline.com; NewOrleansMuseums.com; GoNOLA.com; RadioFreeNewOrleans.com. Social Media: Facebook.com/NewOrleansOnline; Twitter.com/visitneworleans; YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/gonolatv.
along with new material she’s compiling for a 2014 release. Always using her “Powers for Good”, Sunday Services will be benefitting NOLA AIDS Task Force’s Food For Friends. Decadent Ducks will be passing the collection plate throughout the show and raffling off fabulous prizes which include a round trip airline ticket courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Over the past five years, Candy and Decadent Ducks have helped to raise over $10,000 for Food For Friends. “This will be my tenth Decadence as a participant, and my fifth Decadence as a performer,” says Candy. “It means a lot to me to take time to help the community and I can help people party with purpose, then
LGBT Archivists Convene in New Orleans, Learn about the City’s Gay History The Society of American Archivists recently gathered in New Orleans for their annual conference. On Wednesday, August 14, local historian and author Frank Perez spoke to the Lesbian and Gay Archivists Roundtable on the history of gay New Orleans. The talk focused on three events: the evolution of Gay Carnival, the origins and growth of Southern Decadence and the Upstairs Lounge Fire. The lecture was accompanied by a slide show. On Friday, twenty-five lgbt archivists took the Gay New Orleans Walking Tour. The Gay New Orleans Walking Tour is offered throughout the year by the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency. Call 504.568.0717 for information and reservations.
“Queen of the Bears” Candy Samples Returns to Southern Decadence for Sunday Services Candy Samples, the NYC singing/ songwriting drag phenomenon, returns to The Big Easy for Southern Decadence 2013 with her Sunday Services show at Michael’s on the Park (834 N. Rampart), Sunday September 1 at noon. Produced by Decadent Duck Events, Candy performs her signature original tunes in this, her fifth year of the show Decadence revelers have come to love. Candy will also be presenting her newest single, “Queen of the Bears”, the release which coincides with SD 2013. That ginger-haired classic will be singing those sweet hits folks know and love like “Tap Tap”, “If I Had Only Left (Two Shots Earlier)”, “Boy Crazy” and “Bear Season”
Candy Samples I’ve done my job.” Candy is no stranger to community service, having lent her time and talents to Marriage Equality New York, The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth and Camp Starlight. Candy’s videos can be seen in video bars throughout the Quarter and all music releases, “Sample This!”, “Sample That!”, “Sweet Scandal”, “Bear Season” and “Queen of the Bears” can be found on iTunes and Amazon.com. For more information go to samplemycandy.com.
Decadent Ducks Raise Funds for Food For Friends Program Everyone knows that rain just rolls off a duck’s back. Despite last year’s challenges resulting from Hurricane Issac, a dedicated group of “ducks” are heading back to New Orleans for Southern Decadence 2013. The Decadent Ducks, a gay travel and social network, will return to the French Quarter over Labor Day weekend
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the "official" dish ...from 24 for their 17th year of revelry. The Ducks, led by Troy Richardson, anticipate well over 450 of their group members will attend the 42nd annual LGBT celebration this year. In addition to various events and parties scheduled throughout the weekend, the Decadent Ducks are putting their numbers to good use by raising money for Food For Friends. The Food For Friends Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries and home-delivered meals to HIV-infected and -affected individuals in the greater New Orleans area for over 15 years. Prior to landing in New Orleans, Decadent Ducks held a raffle for three free room nights at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel for Southern Decadence 2013. It doesn’t stop there. More raffle tickets will be sold during the Decadent Ducks Original Southern Decadence Welcome Party at the House of Blues (225 Decatur Street – open to the public) on Friday, August 30th from 6 to 9pm. In addition to the free room nights at the Omni, there will be two chances to win a round-trip airline ticket, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and many other prizes. DJ / Producer Julian Marsh will be spinning the tunes at this House of Blues party. Decadent Ducks donates 100% of the proceeds from these raffles to Food For Friends. Last year, the generosity of its membership raised over $3,600, setting a new record for the group. “The people of New Orleans have always welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family,” Richardson explains. “I can’t stress enough how important that is, especially in this day and age, when the gay community seems to be under attack so often. That means a lot. We’ve been very lucky, and we’re really excited to be able to give something back.” More than just a travel group, the Decadent Ducks have evolved into a close network of friends from all over the world, and they credit New Orleans for fostering and inspiring their spirit of camaraderie and friendship. Returning members enjoy the occasion to reunite, and new members appreciate the efforts made to welcome them into the group and forge new friendships. Although last year’s event was smaller in number (due only to hurricane-related travel complications), those who made it had a great time and the group is looking forward to this year more than ever. “There’s definitely a greater sense of anticipation this year,” Richardson says, with a smile. “Those who made it said it was one of the best weekends ever. Once we arrived, the sun came out, the air conditioning had power, and the pool stayed full! We’ve expanded and added new events to our schedule, which includes a wine tasting, a streetcar bar crawl and a Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues.We can’t wait to get back!” To learn more about the Decadent Ducks or Food For Friends, visit the official website at http://www.decadentducksneworleans.com.
Leather host their “Wacky Wagon Race 2013” followed by a fabulous Holiday Decoration Auction at the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Race teams will consist of 4 members (one of which MUST be dressed in drag). Each team must use a human-powered (otherwise known as pushed or pulled) vehicle such as a wagon or wheelbarrow, for example, to complete the trek. To register your team, please contact Joey Landry upthehill27@gmail.com or Brock Andersen b.rock504@aol.com. This race begins at Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude Avenue at 1pm. After completing a bar challenge there, the race is on to 45 additional bars in the Marigny neighborhood for more challenges. Team members will sell raffle tickets to bar patrons and curious onlookers for a chance to win the grand prize – a brand new 40 inch Westinghouse LCD TV. Raffle tickets are $1 each and the winner does NOT have to be present to win. Lords of Leather will contact the winner. The team selling the most raffle tickets wins half the money. This is a great opportunity for a softball or bowling team or another organization to raise funds for their group. After making it to the finish line at the Phoenix, come inside to cool off and look ahead to cooler times as the Lords put up for auction their array of Halloween, Christmas and Mardi Gras themed decorations.
Jon Cleary To Headline Old U.S. Mint Sept. 20 Join the Friends of the Cabildo as funk and R&B piano player Jon Cleary, plays his first concert at the Old U.S. Mint’s 3rd Floor Performance Space at 7pm Friday, September 20th. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for FOC/LMF member. Seats are limited to 150 people and can be purchased by calling the FOC office at 504.523.3939 or online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Tickets are not expected be available the night of the event. Playing the event as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) and the first of five concerts at the Mint for the FOC, Cleary has studied the musical culture and life of New Orleans. Cleary, a native of England, has played with musical greats such as Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal and B.B. King. Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen have played the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as well as the popular festival Bonnaroo. Cleary will be performing at the Old U.S. Mint as a solo act. Finished in 2012, the 3rd Floor Performance Space at the Old U.S. Mint is a $4million joint collaboration between the Louisiana State Museum and the National Park Service. The space includes a soundproof performance hall with video and audio recording capabilities as well as a full recording studio. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the performance space will open at 6:45pm.
on Wednesday, October 2 at 10am. Free tickets will be distributed to area schools and are also currently available to the general public. In honor of the restoration of the Saenger Theatre, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a special program detailing the history of the New Orleans landmark theatre. The orchestra will highlight selections from the famous movies played there, as well as the Broadway productions and artists that have performed on stage since opening in 1927. “Our mission is to ensure the Saenger is a venue that touches everyone in our community by creating varied and unique programming,” said David Skinner, General Manager, Saenger Theatre. “This free concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to visit the newly-restored Saenger.” “We’ve programmed this special concert at the Saenger with a high school audience in mind and we are thrilled to be doing a show specifically for these students that we don’t always get to reach,” said Amanda Wuerstlin, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. “Hosting this series at the newly reopened Saenger Theatre makes this concert even more special for our musicians.” Free tickets to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra community concert at the Saenger Theatre are now available for pickup at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre Box Office at 1419 Basin Street. Tickets are required for entrance to the concert, but seats will be first come, first serve. Doors will open at 9am, with the show beginning at 10am. For more information, visit
www.saengernola.com/shows/lpofree.
Petronius to Present Vampire Lesbians of Sodom Oct. 24-27 The New Orleans carnival Krewe of Petronius announces plans to produce Charles Busch's Vampire Lesbians of Sodom under the direction of Larry W. Anderson for four special Halloween performances, October 24 to 27 at the Café Istanbul Performance Theatre in the Healing Center at 2372 St Claude Ave. in the Marigny. Each performance will feature an Intermission Contest for the Best Vampire or Zombie costume. Tickets will be $35, with a $5 discount or refund to everyone wearing a costume. Charles Busch's vampire spoof which opened and ran for many seasons beginning in 1984 was for many years the longest-running Off-Broadway non-musical play in theatre history. Written by Busch as a starring vehicle for himself as an established drag queen performer at the time, the play is a spoof of classic movies about vampires and the entertainment industry, with some memorable characters in campy situations over a period spanning over two centuries. Director Larry Anderson has been actively involved with amateur and community theatre for over forty years, having directed and served as Artistic Director at Theatre Marigny for several years in the 1990s. Tickets to the performance will be available from members of the Krewe of Petronius as well the krewe's website, www.KreweOfPetronius.ORG.
Saenger Theatre to Host Ride Your Wacky Wagon Free Community Concert Event with LPO & Win a New TV! Yes, you can - and start your Holiday decorating early too. Mark Saturday, September 14 on your calendar for an afternoon of fun and frolic as the Lords of
The historic Saenger Theatre, slated to reopen this fall, will celebrate its community by hosting a special, free concert event with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“A Little Decadence Goes a Long Way” In 1972, a handful of college students shared a slave quarters apartment behind a dilapidated house at 2110 Barracks Street in Treme. Near the front door was a sign that read “Belle Reve,” the name of Blanch DuBois’ plantation in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. As Labor Day weekend, 1972, approached, the residents of Belle Reve decided to throw a farewell party for their friend, Michael Evers, who was moving away. The party also served as a way to appease a new arrival at the house, Maureen from Manhattan, who constantly complained of the humidity and “having nothing to do.” The theme of the party was “Southern Decadence,” and guests were instructed to arrive dressed up as their favorite Southern Decadents. Roughly fifty people (both gay and straight) attended the party. In Rebels, Rubyfruit, and Rhinestones (a landmark book on Southern gayness), Belle Reve resident Frederick Wright is quoted as remembering “it was a good party, better than most, but nothing out of the ordinary.” Founding member Robert King (now deceased) remembered, “I’d definitely say it was a contribution to something that got bigger than we ever dreamed it would be. It’s all about having a good time.” It was good enough for a repeat the
following year. This time the Belle Reve revelers decided to inaugurate a parade. The parade began at Johnny Matassa’s Grocery and marched back to Belle Reve, all the while dressed up as famous Southern Decadents, including, according to James Sears, Tallulah Bankhead, Belle Watling, and Mary Ann Mobley. For the third party in 1974, they decided to name a Grand Marshal to lead the parade and the honor went to Frederick Wright. Also, the parade route was to include the Golden Lantern, which remains the official headquarters (home) of Southern Decadence. As the parade meandered around the lower Quarter, many people spontaneously joined the procession, including the late, great Ruthie the Duck Lady. In those days, the parade did not have an official route; rather, it snaked its way around the Quarter at the whim of the Grand Marshal. This spontaneity was the source of much of the parade’s energy and has created some unforgettable moments over the years. In 1986, Grand Marshal Kathleen Conlon led the parade to the Riverwalk where several drunken revelers jumped in the park fountains, much to the amusement and astonishment of throngs of tourists. The annual celebration grew gradually each year and by 1997, over 50,000 gay people were coming to New Orleans each Labor Day weekend. The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau began tracking Southern Deca-
dence in that year and estimated the economic impact of the event in 1997 at $25 million. By 2003, Southern Decadence was drawing well over 120,000 people to the city with an economic impact of $95 million. In 2010, the numbers had climbed to 130,000 visitors spending over $160 million. In recent years, Southern Decadence has replaced Mardi Gras as the biggest draw in the city for gay tourists. The phenomenal growth of Southern Decadence has had a profound impact on the gay community in New Orleans in ways many people do not realize. More specifically, the success of Southern Decadence demonstrated to the straight business community in New Orleans the spending power of the gay community long before the rest of the country realized that gay people were a powerful economic market with loads of expendable income. The straight beer delivery guys may not like what they see in the gay bars and the straight hotel workers may not like what goes in their rooms over Labor Day weekend, but the beer distributors and hotel operators certainly like the money Southern Decadence puts in their coffers. In this way, greed trumps hate and fosters tolerance, if not acceptance. Many of the tens of thousands of people from out of town who come each year to Southern Decadence may not be familiar with the history and ritual associated with the annual festival. To be named a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal is one of the highest honors in the New Orleans gay community. Grand Marshals are selected by and at the sole discretion of their predecessors. There are no requirements, qualifications or any other criteria necessary for selection. One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Grand Marshal Announcement Party. Excitement and speculation build in the weeks and days following up to the climactic announcement. Sometimes, the choices are predictable, other times they are not. A few weeks after the announcement, the new Grand Marshals host another party, the Press Party, to reveal their theme, colors, song, parade captain and lieutenants. At this event, the official Southern Decadence poster is also unveiled. Soon, this poster will adorn just about every gay bar and business in New Orleans. And then the work begins. In addition to raising money to pay for the parade permit, police detail, and clean-up crews, the Grand Marshals also raise money for charity. In recent years, Southern Decadence has raised money for NO/AIDS Task Force and Belle Reve, which offers transitional housing to those living with HIV. Revelers from around the world begin pouring into the city on the Wednesday and Thursday before Labor Day. Each gay bar has its own special events throughout the
obituary Sean Sasser, HIV / AIDS Activist Dies by Frank Perez Sean Sasser, HIV / AIDS activist, died August 7, of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer. He was 44. Sasser achieved pop fame in 1993 when he and his boyfriend, Pedro Zamora, came out as positive on MTV’s The Real World, San Francisco. The two also exchanged vows in a commitment ceremony that aired on the show. Dan Renzi, a cast member on The Real World: Miami wrote of Sean’s death at Queerty: “Long before Ellen or Will & Grace showcased gay people on TV living mainstream lives, and before the magic of protease inhibitor “cocktails” turned HIV into a manageable disease, Sasser gave a brave face to both issues and brought those taboo topics to educate millions of young Americans.” After Zamora’s death in 1994, Sasser became a tireless advocate for HIV/ AIDS awareness. In 1996 he participated in the Human Rights Campaign “You’ve Got the Power: Vote.” Sasser was a fixture in the Portland, Oregon, HIV / AIDS community for years, literally serving as the 2012 poster boy for the Portland AIDS Walk. Sasser is survived by his partner, Michael Kaplan, who runs AIDS United, a non profit group in Washington, D.C. weekend. The highlight of the festival is the Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday afternoon. By noon, the Golden Lantern is brimming with party-goers and the corner of Royal and Barracks Streets is congested with even more revelers. Most are in costume, many in drag while others wear next to nothing at all. Spirits are high, as are blood alcohol levels. Around 2pm, the Grand Marshals and their attendants arrive with great fanfare. Once in position, the whistle is blown and the drunken, surrealistic procession begins. In addition to being one of the largest gay celebrations in the world, Southern Decadence is a truly unique New Orleans phenomenon. This article is dedicated to the former Grand Marshals who are no longer with us: SDGM II Jerome Williams 1975, SDGM V Robert King 1978, SDGM X Don Ezell 1982, SDGM XI Danny Wilson 1983, SDGM XVI Jerome Lebo 1988, SDGM XVII George Goode 1989, SDGM XVIII Ruby 1990, SDGM XX Rhee 1992, SDGM XXI Ms. Fly 1993, SDGM XXII Alain 1994, SDGM XXVI Robin Malta 1998, SDGM XXVIII Thom “Smurf” Murphy 2000, and SDGM XXXII Donald “Donnie ‘Jager’ Jay” James 2004.
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Southern Decadence Fundraisers, Lords of Leather’s Miss Louisiana Leatherette ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Arthur Severio
Brian bartending for SD fundraiser @ the Phoenix Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tami Tarmac & Venus Santiago kickoff SD fundraiser @ Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern
Miss LA Leatherette 1st Runnerup Cookie St. Ann
Maybelline Maskara joins SD fundraiser @ Golden Lantern
Lord King & Consort Pat Johnson & Joey Landry welcome all to Miss Louisiana Leatherette @ Michael’s On The Park
Baton Rouge’s Chica LaRouge joins SD Drag Show fundraiser @ Golden Lantern
Miss LA Leatherette contestant Lady Fancy Fingers
SDGMs Venus Santiago & Tami Tarmac kickoff SD Beer Bust & Show @ the Phoenix
Returning Miss Louisiana Leatherette Countess C. Alice on stage @ Michael’s On The Park
Reba Douglas & Laura Rose do a duet for SD fundraiser @ Golden Lantern
New Miss Louisiana Leatherette Summer Rayne in Fetish Wear
Ursuline Burgundy in SD fundraiser @ the Phoenix
Miss Louisiana Leatherette MC Blanche Debris @ Michael’s Miss Golden Lantern Gia GiaVanni in SD fundraiser @ Golden Lantern
SD Parade Lt. Rikki Redd in Phoenix SD fundraiser
Eva “The Diva” Las Vegas @ Golden Lantern SD fundraiser
The stars raising $$$ @ Phoenix Southern Decadence fundraiser
Brock & Tommy do the Miss LA Leatherette 50/50 Raffle
Former Miss LA Leatherette & MC Bblz Champagne @ Michael’s
Big Easy Sisters @ Miss Louisiana Leatherette
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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 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. TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM 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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New Orleans, LA [504] Mr. Curtis Alterations, 529.3428
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328 Tureau Legal, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 8303 Pritchard Place, 70118, 504.602.9511, thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.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,
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
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chiropractic RT PA M RA
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1913]
circuit/events
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
alterrations
New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
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 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, 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,
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
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, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, SalonDMalta.COM
hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [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, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "halfkitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0813] Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gay-hotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” 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,
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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
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, 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.,
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 AS-
SOCIATION, 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
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pages. The reader is thrust into their lives in a voyeuristic way. The author does an incredible job of conveying the horror of each person making them more than one dimensional which is hard to accomplish in these pages. by Tony Leggio I especially like the working mother Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com who was busy with her daily grind before Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM she was faced with the reality of this horror literally at her front doorstep; or the comBook of the Month puter geek who paid more attention to the It is been said to never judge a book by its movie; no truer words have screen than the real world, until he was ever been spoken. I just finished reading my book of the month for August called upon to be the hero in his own story. World War Z (An Oral History of the Zombie War), and even though it has Whether or not you are a fan of zombies, some similarities, it is not at all anything like the Brad Pitt big screen World War Z is more of a moving drama. blockbuster. I am not knocking the movie which is action packed, but the From the political chaos to the horrors of novel takes a different approach. This refreshing and interesting slant war and its effect, the reader cannot help to breathes new life in a very saturated genre. be touched by each character. Written by Max Brooks who also penned The Zombie Survival Guide Max Brooks creativity pushes the and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks; World War Z is told boundaries as his book; grabbing the reader through from the viewpoints of those who survived the plaque years. The and never lets go. The possibility of what narrator of the story is a person who worked for the Chairperson of the ifs is suddenly made plausible in his world. United Nation’s Postwar Commission Report. After turning in his record of I found myself saying several times it is only the “greatest conflict in human history,” his boss took out all the personal a book, it can never happen; but if it did, how stories only wanting to present facts and statistics. In retaliation, he wrote will I make it out alive, or will I become one this book telling the stories of the people who witnessed the devastation of the walking dead. Enjoy. firsthand and survived. For more information on Max Brooks Their stories are diverse as are their backgrounds. Coming from all and his other works, go to walks of life around the globe, these people tell of survival in a horrific time. www.maxbrooks.com. Brooks has crafted an excellent tale of different characters that tell compelling accounts about their life and experiences in just a short few
under the gaydar
Party Down
Facebook. SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.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.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] Arthur Severio Photography, 834 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116, 917.318.4300, ArthurSeverio.COM GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW OR-
LEANS, 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
Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA 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 XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 Nl Rampart St., 232.3063
spas
Before leaving on my excursions out of town, I had one full week of fun in the Big Easy. I began the week on the Monday by celebrating National Oyster Day at Remoulade Restaurant with complimentary beer and wine, and 75 cent oysters. In case you are not aware, Remoulade is the casual dining sister restaurant of Arnaud’s. Located on Bourbon Street, this eatery has some incredible bites for locals and visitors alike. They also have a very impressive raw bar and some of the best shuckers in the city. I love this city; we will celebrate just about anything. Afterwards, since I am rarely out on a Monday night, I stopped in
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New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com Planet Beach, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM Skin Science, 3213 17th St., Metairie, LA 70002, 504.309.7048, SkinScienceLLC.COM
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] ALLWAYS LOUNGE & THEATRE, 2240 St Claude Ave., TheAllwaysLounge.NET CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG Slidell, LA [985 CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert Blvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM
tours New Orleans, LA [504]
Bicycle Tours by bikenola, City tours are daily at 9am & 2pm and are three hours in duration. Local, licensed, tour guides. Call reservations at 504.309.1113 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. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
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Dancer Bull Dog @ Rainbow Room’s 1st Anniversary
Former King Amon-Ra Kenny Walker in Sister Sunday Social
Kocktail Karaoke with Rikki Gee @ Good Friends Bar
Karaoke outing @ Good Friends Bar
Dancer Candy Man @ Rainbow Room's 1st Anniversary
Dancer Lance @ Rainbow Room’s 1st Anniversary
Clint & former SDGM Sammy behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
The Carnival Kings @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Queen Amon-Ra Deja Deja-Vue’ in Sister Sunday Social Woo works the door @ Kajun’s Pub DJ Builder @ the Phoenix
Jacob works the pole for Rainbow Room's 1st Anniversary Party
Rainbow Room bartender Dan & assistant manager Andrew
Johnny Passion in Amon-Ra Sister Sunday Social Wood Enterprises' Chris Ward & Queen Satyricon Todd Blauvelt
Barbara Ella in Amon-Ra Sister Sunday Social
HoneyB & Friends @ Michael’s
SDGM 31 Rusty LaRoux bartending @ AllWays Lounge
Barback David @ Kajun’s Pub
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Zoom, Zoom, Zoom ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Kookie Baker in Amon-Ra’s Sister Sunday Social @ Golden Lantern
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under the gaydar ...from 40 to the Pub and lucked out since it was their annual Oh, What A Drag turnabout night. The second floor was packed as staff members who normally are not in makeup and heels made an exception to the rule and gave it their all on stage. The crowds went wild as they lip synced their heart out. There seems to be some new talent on the horizon. I always said that inside every man, there is a drag queen yearning to get out. On Thursday, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans had a Christmas in August party; they were busy in July I guess, to show off their property for holiday fetes. The cocktails flowed as guests got to see what the hotel has to offer during the holiday season, which is good food and a great venue. Friday was a more laid back day getting a jump start on the art weekend by going to a gallery opening at AFR on Royal Street. Saturday was a very chaotic day in more ways than one. But suffice to say, I did make it out to Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street which was a wonderfully attended event. The galleries were great and the entire flow of the evening was much better than last year. After taking in the art, I took in another form of art when I attended Miss Louisiana Leatherette at Michael’s on the Park. The bar was busy as the Lords and their many supporters came out in full force to see who will be crowned this year. The competition was tough, but in the end Summer Rayne took home the final prize representing the krewe for the next year. I ended my week on Sunday by praising the power above at Amon-Ra’s Sunday Sister Social. It was a rousing afternoon of down home cooking and gospel music done as only their special ladies can do. There was some very high hair and earth shaking numbers as they pulled out all the stops. When I had enough Jesus in my life, I went to the Country Club for Richard Perque’s fundraiser. In last issue, I told you how Richard was running for Traffic Court judge. If you have not made a decision on who to vote for in the October election, then you should make it a point by learning more about this young man. He would be an excellent addition. For more information, go to www.perqueforjudge.com. Well that is all for my New Orleans week, now onto Ambush on the Road.
Ambush on the Road: The Windy City I am always up for an adventure hence why I enjoy traveling so much. So this installment of Ambush on the Road takes us to Chicago. God I love this city. I arrived on a Friday and checked into the Allerton hotel located on the Magnificent Mile. The Allerton is where 1920s Jazz Era architecture and modern North Michigan Avenue style converge: The rich history of The Allerton Hotel Magnificent Mile begins in the roaring twenties when it opened as a residential “club hotel.” One of the first high-rises on Michigan Avenue, its beautiful Northern Italian Renaissance architecture stood in contrast to the prevalent Georgian and Tudor Revival cityscape. By the 1940’s, when the famous Tip Top Tap sign was first illuminated, the downtown Chicago historic hotel was known around town as one of the most exciting social hot spots. It gained nationwide attention during the 1950s when Don McNeil
broadcast a popular radio program from the 23rd floor lounge. Famous Hollywood legends like Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Ginger Rogers, and James Stewart were featured guests. Now this boutique hotel with a very European flavor is a National Historic Landmark. Once I got settled in, I hit the shopping on the Magnificent Mile with a vengeance. Now this is what I call a shopping mecca. Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Nieman Marcus, plus every other major retailer around align this famous strip that lives up to its moniker. After closing down all the stores, I went to dinner at a great sushi restaurant right off of Michigan Avenue called Ginza. This authentic eatery was extremely crowded even for the late hour of night. The workers and customers were almost all Asian, most barely using English. The food was good and the service was superior. I especially like when a restaurant pays special attention to lone diners. I eat out a lot by myself when I travel, so it is refreshing to find a restaurant that makes all guests feel welcome. The following day after a workout at the hotel’s rooftop gym, I went to Millennium Park located downtown. This expansive urban park by the river is an architect’s dream. The first thing I noticed was several hundred people on the Great Lawn doing yoga. Every Saturday morning they have this workout, and it is popular. With the Jay Pritzker Pavilion created by world renowned architect Frank Gehry as your backdrop and the incredible view of the river; this is an ideal and relaxing place for working out, meditating or just laying out in the sun. I took a stroll in the Lurie Gardens, another major feature of the park. The serene pathways through the winding gardens with water feat res and vibrant blooms made it a soothing oasis in this big city. Art also plays an important role in the look of the park, with my favorite piece being the Cloud Gate which was a giant kidney shaped mirror, very cool. The Chicago Yacht Club is also located adjacent to the Park and I noticed signs saying sponsored by Veuve Clicquot so I followed them and ended up at the start of the 105th Annual Race to Mackinac. This invitation only race is 333 statute miles (289.4 nautical miles) from Chicago, starting just off Navy Pier, to Mackinac Island, Michigan. It is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. The boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and the race committee trailer on Mackinac Island. And I got to see them take off from a little private party area serving my favorite champagne. The key to sneaking into a private event is to look like you belong there and never draw attention to yourself. After my unexpected little soiree, I went to the Taste of Chicago, a food and music festival that features hundreds of different restaurants and great musical acts. I was able to small some small bites from some top eateries in the area, and performing that day was Radio Disney. Oh, well the food was good. Then I went to the Marriott Magnificent Mile to register to for the conference I was attending. The National Association of Caterers and Events was having their national conference in Chicago, which was the main reason for me visiting the city. Once I was all set, I went to catch a matinee at the Broadway Playhouse theatre near my hotel. Chicago is a Broadway lover’s dream with several high profile shows going on simultaneously. Not knowing what
was playing I went to the theatre and started talking to a delightful usher outside the theatre who loves New Orleans. She graciously offered me a free ticket to the show there. I got to see The Australian Bee Gees Show. This is a multimedia theatrical concert experience that takes a nostalgic trip through the legacy the Bee Gees left behind while celebrating over four decades of the infectious music written by the Gibb brothers. Together for more than 17 years, The Australian Bee Gees Show has mastered the look, sound and personality of the adored trio, while cementing their reputation as the world’s leading Bee Gees show. It captures unsurpassed and state of the art sound, live camera images, and vivid graphics that will get you dancin’ on your feet. From early hits (Massachusetts, New York Mining Disaster 1941, To Love Somebody) to later classics (Stayin’Alive and You Should Be Dancin’) this show will have you reliving your favorite Bee Gees moments. It was a fun afternoon reliving some great songs and watching three hot hairy chested crooners with Australian accents sing to me. Be still my heart. I came back to the hotel and changed and met some friends at their hotel The Alegra, which is a Kimpton property. They were having their wine down where they offer guests complimentary wine in their lobby. We got a nice buzz before heading out to dinner at the trendy Blackbird, which is rated one of the top restaurants in Chicago. The evening turned into a three hour dining experience as we had the chef’s special tasting menu. In December 1997, Donald J. Madia, Eduard Seitan, Rick Diarmit and Paul Kahan opened Blackbird, one of Chicago’s most respected modern fine-dining establishments. Critically acclaimed Blackbird is home to Executive Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2013 and Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004. Blackbird has a crafted a unique atmosphere of urban chic that in 2004 earned the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant Design and Best Restaurant Design Graphics. The design, by Thomas Schlesser, incorporates sharp minimal design elements with expanses of white space and mahogany red oak complemented by a stainless steel open kitchen. The meal, service and entire atmosphere of the place was epic and I would probably rate as one of my top dining experiences. Afterwards, I was so sated with food and crashed. The following day, I went to classes for NACE all day; then got ready for the opening reception, which was a white party. The party was held at the River East Arts Center which is private event space on the Chicago River. That night it was transformed into a vision of white with unique entertainment, great food and flowing libations. This conference is always wonderful because it caters to party people, so their events are usually over the top. They had wine pourers on bicycles, blow up furniture, and stiltwalker foodservers on stilts, very avant garde chic. I even met a drag queen (they seem to flock to me) named NOLA Lyn, who loves our city so much, she has a fleur di lis tattoo. The after party was held in the same complex at Quay, which is an atrium lounge. Even though the party was wonderful, the gay men in the group were antsy, because no gay visit is complete to the Windy City without going to Boystown. Situated within the Lakeview neighborhood,
Boystown was the first officially recognized gay village in the US (the guy from Little Britain would definitely not be the only gay in this village), as well as the cultural center of one of the largest LGBT communities in the nation. Pretty impressive figures. Boystown is known for its colorful, lively nightlife and inviting atmosphere. OMG, there are so many gay bars which close at either 2am or 4am on weekdays and Sundays (depending on the bar), and many are open until 5am Saturday night/Sunday morning. Boystown also includes some of Chicago’s Off-Loop Theater, specialty restaurants, greystone and brownstone walkup buildings and other historic architecture, trendy fashion outlets, wine boutiques, chain stores, and independent shops. We arrived at Sidetrack, one of the most popular gay bars in Boystown that was hopping for its retro night. It was Sunday, which is one of the best days to go to this club. It had just ended show tunes which they do from 4 – 9 pm. and started Retro night. There were so many men there, it was like being thrown into a male feeding frenzy, and those Midwest boys are so very very friendly. Sidetrack has the main Glassbar in the front and back bar, an upstairs lounge overlooking Halsted Street and a courtyard to enjoy which was all crowded this night. We then traveled across the street to Roscoe’s. When Roscoe’s Tavern opened on April 1, 1987 it helped to change the face of the surrounding neighborhood and the face of the “gay bar” business in Chicago. Today Roscoe’s has flourished into a community leader. It was equally as busy over there, so like a mad pinball in a gay arcade game, I bounced from bar to bar, meeting guys and enjoying the music and videos of each place, so much so that I closed them down. The following day I had classes for NACE which are very interesting. They show us new trends in the event and catering industry as well as familiarize us on a myriad of other subjects from contract writing to event insurance. My NOLA friend Alison and I when ended our classes early and went to the Palomar hotel, which was very close for a cocktail at their famous bar Sable. This is one of those high end mixology bars with a hipster atmosphere, lots of tasty crafted cocktails and delectable nibbles. I had something called a Smoke and Mirrors that was just divine. Their large wall to ceiling windows you can sit by gives guests an excellent people watching view of downtown Chicago. That evening, we went to a cocktail reception at the Marriott sponsored by an event production group called Live It Up Entertainment out of Los Angeles. It was an amazing show filled with incredible singers and dancers who did several shows throughout the night with various themes such as Broadway, rock and golden oldies. These talented individuals brought the house down every time they took the stage (not to mention they were all very easy on the eyes). We had cocktails and some snacks before heading out with the entire New Orleans contingent to dinner at NAHA. It was a massive dinner with about two dozen of us at this stylish restaurant that is another nationally recognized hot spot in the city. The menu was an eclectic mix of Mediterranean and American influence in an open and inviting surrounding. The décor and architecture of most of the higher end restaurants play an integral role in the
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James behind the bar @ The Country Club
SDGM Tami presents Corner Pocket’s Michael & Lisa with the Southern Decadence Poster
Frankie with dancers Posiedon & Mike @ Oz’s Deals, Dares & Dancers
Pete grilling hot dogs @ Rawhide
Donny, Brittney, Bert & Franklin @ The Country Club
Winston, Golden Lantern’s James & Emily celebrate Winston’s 82nd b-day @ Golden Lantern
Boys on the bar @ Corner Pocket
Scott & John join one of the Oh, What A Drag stars @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Richard Perque & supporters at his mixer @ The Country Club
Jack & Tru celebrate Winston’s 82nd b-day @ Golden Lantern
Oz GM Tommy Elias celebrates Barry Bareass’ b-day @ The Corner Pocket
Josh, operations manager Carla & head of security Tank @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Razzle Dazzle’s Ginger & Patricia during Dirty Linen Night on Royal St.
Ken & bartender Justin @ Ninth Circle
Manager Nick serving Saints Game dogs @ Good Friends
Chris & Drew @ The Country Club
DJ of the Year JRB & Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders @ Oz
Patrick & Kevin celebrate Winston’s 82nd b-day @ Golden Lantern
Transgender of the Year Chi-Chi Rodriguez works the Oz daiquiri bar
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Nightlife ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Jeremy, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Bear & Ken @ Rawhide
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie
Pimento Cheese & Pickles, Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2255 St. Claude Ave.
Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108, hand-made locallysourced charcuterie, proud home of "Drunk food you don't have to be drunk to love." Available 7 days, 5pm-4am with delivery 5pm-1am.
New Orleans Muffuletta @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.,
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Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130
Arancini: fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs& filled with ragù (meat sauce), tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas @ Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
Breakfast @ Krystal, 116 Bourbon
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Decadence Already !! “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Gospel of Matthew. When I was a child I would lie in grass and look at clouds. On occasion, somewhat later, I would look up at clouds. Today I glance at clouds with a weather eye and not for the simple joy of finding animals or shapes of faces, clowns, cats, witches and such in clouds coursing by. Innocence lost of business gone awry? One of the clouds that fascinated me the most was “contrails”, those streams of cloud vapor that follow jets. They follow the plane just so and then with time and distance thy drift and after even greater time begin to breakup and slowly fade away. Time, like con-trails, slip and move and lay an imprint in heaven. Time is precious and to be cherished. We cannot covet time because it is not ours to own. If we do covet time we may wallow in the past, never be satisfied with an un-written future, or simply
chop chop ...from 50 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861, is famous for its New Orleans
wait for “something” to happen. That is what coveting time looks like. There once was a French priest who advised a nun through letters. His name was Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J. He fashioned a body of work and ideas that called upon his postulant, the nun, to remain focused on the present moment as a moment of grace. That even in washing the dishes or mopping the floors her creator was present. This idea of living such a life is delightfully called “The sacrament of the present moment.” The idea of living in the present moment and cherishing that moment is not new or unique to Christianity. Phrases like carpe diem, “seize the moment” come to mind. “Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment” Buddha. “Kavana - present-moment focused consciousness” from the Hebrew and therefore Jewish contemplative tradition; so, what is the point of these musings? The point is this, that time; the present style sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, is a great stop in the Quarter for homemade gelato, pastries, espresso, Sicilian style small plates, and pizza focaccia. It's the new late night spot open til 2am Fridays and Saturdays. Open Sun. - Thurs. 7am-11pm, Fri. & Sat. 7am - 2am. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am-10pm. Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903, serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages including Margaritas, Piña Colada, Daiquiris etc., all made using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farmers and suppliers including local rum, Old New Orleans Rum. Open 10am6pm daily. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/ Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
moment is a gift. We live in it and are always ahead of it or behind it. We anticipate almost every breath and therefore in some way are always just a bit ahead of ourselves. Surrendering to that moment is precious because the truth is that we cannot know what lies ahead. We do not know when our life or the life of another may perish in this world. So life is a gift. What will you and I do with our lives? What are we doing in this present moment? You, of course, are reading AMBUSH! I hope that you are taking in the depth and breadth of this paper even beyond the “hot” bods but rather enjoying the breadth of a community. The broad sweeps found in photos recounting gathering after gathering as social events. From Texas to Florida, in some way, this very paper is telling a larger story. I know that you may be chuckling a bit at this point saying something like, “Girl does it ever!” That is a good thing. The lesson to be learned in all of this is that we humans are precious, our lives are precious, and therefore our time is precious. Not because we are busy people and can’t spend the time waiting four hours for our doctor visit but because the person next to you; yes, look, down the bar from you; yes, look, next to you; yes look in bed with you. They are precious as well. I am not saying that there are not “good” or “bad” people. I am saying that even in light of “good” or “bad” they are precious. The question is what are we doing with ourselves and those around us? If we approach each new day as a gift; if we approach every moment, good and bad, as time given as a gift; if we understand everyone as at least having the possibility of human dignity and godly purpose then
perhaps time, like that con-trail might follow us as we soar! We, at least in our little church, worship with thanksgiving for all that has been given to us and the promise of what may come. We fortify ourselves for just one hour to become one body, one collective that follows the ways of the Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus). We allow in that present moment for the possibility of transformation, of beginning anew. Yes, it’s time for Decadence again! This bacchanal has become a benchmark for me. It is like Christmas, Easter, and other notable dates. As I get older I find myself saying more often, “it’s already __________!” Time is precious and should be treated as a sacrament and what then shall we do with the time on our hands? How shall we experience and see others with this time on our hands? Stop and take a look around; see through the eyes of one who sees great created beings around them. Not perfect in every way but certainly with potential. Even in our damaged states – potential; even in our ups and downs – potential. Even the most abject human has potential.
under the gaydar ...from 44
Decadent Masquerade event on Friday, August 30 from 7 to 11pm at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Tickets are $10 for this extravaganza that will have a cash bar and show. For tickets, go to the Krewe of Armeinius Facebook page.
guests’ dining experience. Once again, we had an epicurean extravaganza of a meal before returning back to the Marriott for cocktails in the lobby bar with friends from the conference from all over the US. On Tuesday, I spent the day once again in classes before having to get ready for the final night gala. Black was the attire for the night, as the theme of the décor was the Chicago fire. There was some very impressive décor and design touches on the tables and around the room. After dinner, there was a dessert reception with a dance band and a late night after party. In between these parties (which I made them all, what a trooper), a bunch of us went to Trump Tower to have cocktails at The Terrace Lounge which is on their 16th floor overlooking the city. It is one of those wow places to sit back, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere. The all beautiful female servers were dressed as flight attendants in sixty style mini dresses. It was a perfect way to finish my time in Chicago. The following day I took a cab to O’Hare Airport which is a shopping and dining destination in itself. I ate breakfast at Goose Island Brewing Company which had surprisingly great food and service for an airport restaurant. I then hopped my flight and was back in good NOLA. So if you have not been to the Windy City in a while, it is definitely time to go back.
Armeinius Gets Decadent The Krewe of Armeinius is dusting off their Mardi Gras costumes and hosting a
Take care on this special Labor Day weekend. Absorb the moment. Treat others as if they have the only had this moment to be near you. Be good to yourselves not with selfishness but rather with selflessness. In so doing and being you cherish what is around you and when you do you will see the face of God and God’s creative work playing out not tomorrow or next week or even yesterday but here now yes even in this dark bar or bright bistro. For we live in “the sacrament of the present moment.”
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom My greatest tidbit for this month is to get decadent. Southern Decadence is here so enjoy every gay moment of it. Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago have done an exceptional job of raising funds to put on one of the gayest shows on Earth. This is one of the many holidays where we celebrate our individuality and homosexuality in full flamboyance mode. The parade may be the highlight of the weekend (Sunday, September 1st, 2pm, 1239 Royal St.) but there are so many other happenings that coincide with this event; that you do not want to miss one moment of the fun. From the endless drag show at the Golden Lantern kicking off the weekend to the gay walking tours, big dick contests, girl events and hot stripper boys, there is plenty to be found in the city and its surrounding areas. Southern Decadence has shown the city that it is one of their biggest money making holidays. Hell even hurricanes cannot keep us down. Let’s come together over the Labor Day weekend, throw glitter, put on those new heels and take to the streets of New Orleans and get downright Decadent! Have a safe and fabulous holiday! If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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Marty & Koo join MC Frankie Fierce for the Jewel Box Revue @ Michael’s On The Park
Matthew joins Red Dress Run @ Rawhide
Turnbil & Blue @ Ninth Circle
Bartender Matt @ Lafitte’s Jewel Box Revue special guest Shea Mann @ Michael’s On The Park Michael cooking @ Deli of the Year Quartermaster
Ryan & Dustin @ Good Friends for the Saints Game
Manager Scott & bartender Aletha @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Bartender Chad @ the Phoenix AllWays Lounge's Dennis with Golden Lantern’s James
Carol & Butchie @ Le Roundup
Bartender Steven ready for the Red Dress Run @ Oz AllWays’ Dennis, Ambush’s Paul & Corner Pocket’s Bruce @ the Phoenix
Greg & bartender David @ Voodoo
Voodoo DJ Duane Parrish
New bartender Andy with bar baron James @ Golden Lantern
Renegade Bears’ Michael & Duaine @ the Phoenix
Precious @ Le Roundup
John with Latter & Blum’s Steve Richards @ Michael's
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The Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Arthur Severio
Hattiesburg Scott @ Oz
reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
50 Years Ago A well-known local actress was having her hair done at the Bridge of Beauty, a salon off Bourbon on Toulouse Street... the now retired Spanish professor was teaching a class on the third floor of Morgan Hall, starting his career at the University of Alabama.... my auntie, a Columbus, Ms housewife, was watching her “stories”... the editor was in an assembly program. Shortly after 12:30 that November afternoon, students in parochial schools were ushered inside by the nuns to pray. Students in schools across the country were sent home. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas. At City School in Enterprise, Alabama we were in the auditorium watching television, a show on the space program. I was in the 4th grade. It’s called College Street Elementary now but the auditorium is still there. I can still show you where I was sitting. The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, Katrina coming ashore in 2005... if you were alive, you remember where you were when it happened. President Kennedy wasn’t that popular in south Alabama... it was George Wallace country back then... but he was the president and respect was shown. CBS, NBC and ABC were “the” networks, there was no cable and stations signed off. But the big three broadcast 24/7 until after the funeral on Monday, in glorious black and white. We watched Jack Ruby shoot suspect Lee Harvey Oswald that Sunday morning, live. The country had come to a halt. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22, 1963... 12:30 pm... Walter
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Venom at The Elm Theatre through September 21 The Elm Theatre is to be admired for commissioning a new play from a young playwright and then giving it its world premiere. It is a major step for this adventurous theater company. Even more commendably, the commission came with the charge that the play feature both black & white characters and to include some kind of racial tension. That said, after seeing Clint Sheffer’s Venom, one wonders if The Elm should’ve given the script a little more development time or workshopped it first. Because, as it is now, the script simply isn’t ready for prime time. Venom tells the strange tale of Meadow and Waylon, newlyweds who are heading down to New Orleans from Missouri when their car runs out of gas in a north Louisiana town. Meadow is the daughter of a high muckamuck in some crazy religious cult who wants her brought back home. To that end he’s engaged some local law enforcement types of loose morals to do his dirty work. Sheffer’s style is Tarantino by way of Shepard; nothing wrong with that. But there’s little as to what drives these characters or who they really are so all we get is hyped-up melodrama in a seedy motel room. It’s unfortunate because there’s lots of potential for a frothy Southern stew here. Meadow’s cult considers African-Americans “literally apes” yet Waylon’s a young black man. Did she marry him to spite her Dad? Or does she really love him? It’s never quite clear because their relationship at no time fully comes into focus. Of course, maybe it could be a little of both, or even be left ambiguous, but Sheffer never explores this dimension. Similarly, by featuring a corrupt African-American detective, Sheffer removes the likelihood of overt racism as a motivating force for Rocky’s abuse of Waylon. But he fails to examine black-on-black violence and how it differs, if at all, from that of blackon-white. In other ways, the script doesn’t clarify all that’s going on and plot points can be a challenge to follow. Director Pamela DavisNoland suitably gives Venom the exhilarating pace of a roller coaster ride, but some of the necessary exposition may have gotten lost in the process. Booze and guns and doublecrosses and mysterious men in a Waffle House, not to mention that wackadoodle cult and its nasty enforcers, add to the menacing atmosphere, but don’t give an audience a lot to care about. And the ending is absolutely ridiculous. Despite all that, I credit Davis-Noland and her cast of four for holding my attention throughout; I certainly was never bored. Baffled maybe, but not bored. And at the top of my “Bafflement List” is Anthonyka Ferdinand’s set. Even if it was meant to be abstract, the most squalid of motel rooms would at least have a bed and some other furniture in it; the bedroom would be un-
likely to have a large window in it (we know it does from the shadows cast by Mandi Wood’s lighting); and the bathroom window would probably not let out to where the front door seems to be. Ferdinand’s efforts were an avoidable distraction from the drama itself. Second on the “B-list” is the intermission. Venom is a short play, less than 90 minutes long. I understand local theaters’ concern of giving patrons bathroom breaks and generating income from intermission refreshment sales. But whether Venom’s intermission was in the original script or inserted at the request of the producers, it ought to go as it breaks the play’s tension just as it was beginning to build. I mean, why ask people to get off that roller coaster when it finally gets to the very top? As Meadow, Becca Chapman packs a lot of power into her small frame. The contrast between her petite stature and the tough talk that comes out of her mouth may be amusing, but it’s not gratuitous; Meadow obviously picked up some of her Dad’s bravado. Matthew Thompson has less to work with as Waylon, who may well be a talented artist but that aspect of his character feels more tacked on than an organic part of his being. Thompson conveys well Waylon’s initial bewilderment at being caught up in something he hadn’t bargained for but there’s something false about his final drunken stupor, for which the script and direction can take some of the blame as well. Thompson does impart a genuine sweetness to this befuddled young man, but there are few sparks between him and Chapman. They seem more like best friends running away to the big city than passionate honeymooners. Moses brings an authentic swagger and a mellifluous voice to Rocky, the kind of role you’d expect Samuel L. Jackson to play in the movie version. If we never discover what drives this badass besides money and power, it’s not Moses’ fault. As Rocky’s white ex-con assistant Gumdrop, Matt Story reveals a different side of his talent from the usual disaffected urban men he plays. Story expertly finds the humor in this double-digit IQ cracker without overdoing it, leaving the audience to wonder, despite his assertions to the contrary, if he’s simply not the smartest bottle in the six-pack or if he might really be a little mentally challenged. The Elm has given Sheffer a wonderful opportunity. If he’s wise, he will continue to work on this play so that it can fulfill its potential. In the mean time, you have four more weekends to see this work in progress.
Curtains Up on the Fall Season Summertime and the living is easy...except for all the folks who are putting finishing touches on those shows about to kick off the Fall season. Slidell Little Theatre (2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, 985.643.0556) is already up and
running with Seussical, a musical in which Dr. Seuss’ marvelous creatures come to buoyant life. It continues through September 8. Another St. Tammany theater is up next as Cutting Edge Theater (747 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985.649.3727) presents Rent, the Tony Award-winning pop-rock opera, based on Puccini’s La Boheme, that tells the story of seven friends in the drug- and AIDS-ravaged New York City of the 1990’s. It opens August 30 and runs through September 14. Heading down to Orleans Parish, on September 4, The NOLA Project debuts A Truckload of Ink, an original story by local playwright Jim Fitzmorris, that takes place “in the busiest newsroom on the eve of the most massive change to hit New Orleans newspapers as people fight to save a cultural institution from an out-of-state corporate dismantlement.” Sound familiar? A Truckload of Ink plays through September 21 at The University of New Orleans’ Robert E. Nims Theatre (2000 Lakeshore Dr., 504.280.SHOW). Talk about ripped from the headlines. Not sure what to expect when scientist-turned-comedian Tim Lee comes to New Orleans for the first time at The Shadowbox (2400 St. Claude Ave., 504.298.8676), September 5-8, with a blend of stand up comedy and science. Lee is a comedian with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from UC Davis. He’s going to have to be pretty funny to be more comic than the folks in Baton Rouge who keep pushing Creationism. Le Petit Theatre (616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081) kicks off its regular season on September 6 with Lombardi about the legendary Green Bay Packers’ Coach Vince Lombardi. Casey Groves plays the football icon and will be joined by his real-life wife, Rachel Whitman Groves, who’ll play the part of the coach’s wife. Lombardi will be on the field through September 21. Also opening on September 6 will be Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with which the Anthony Bean Community Theater (1333 S. Carrollton Ave., 504.862.7529) completes its presentation of August Wilson’s Century Cycle. Set in a Chicago recording studio in 1927, the drama brought Wilson widespread recognition for its dramatization of a recording session with blues legend Ma Rainey, her band members, and the white producer & agent who make themselves wealthy through Rainey’s recordings. Ma Rainey plays through September 29. Moisés Kaufman’s 33 Variations, the story of a modern-day music scholar driven to solve one of classical music’s enduring riddles—the mystery behind Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations—even as her own health and relationships crumble, gets its regional premiere on September 11 from Southern Rep. The production, which will combine drama, moving images, and live music performed by concert pianist Dr. Chia-Hsing Lin, runs at the Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp St., 504.522.6545) through September 29. The World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen (945 Magazine St., 504.528.1943) pays tribute to Bob Hope with Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and his All-Star Pacific Tour opening on September 20 with a cast of 14 who’ll recreate Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, The Andrew Sisters, Carmen Miranda, as well as Bob himself, all backed by the
Victory Swing Band. This new show marches along until October 20. Don’t know much about Evil Dead: The Musical except it’s a rock musical based on the cult film series and it’ll be the premiere presentation of Christopher Bentivegna’s new production company, See ‘Em On Stage. But it opens at The Shadowbox on October 17 and terrorizes until the 31st. Sounds like perfect Halloween fare to me. Debuting at Los Isleños Heritage and Culture Society (1357 Bayou Rd., St. Bernard, 504.826.7783) on October 24, Cry You One is a new site-responsive performance and multimedia project from ArtSpot and Mondo Bizarro about the disappearance of coastal Louisiana, the people who live there, and what is being done to save their homes. This roving performance will occur on a stretch of land in Lower St. Bernard Parish that is rapidly disappearing and will take audience members on an outdoor journey near the Central Wetlands. Cry You One will play only on Saturdays & Sundays through November 24, and there’ll be a post-show dinner/discussions on Sundays. Building upon their Ambie Award-winning Loup Garou, this sounds like it will be a unique experience. And last but not least, the fabulous Broadway @ NOCCA (2800 Chartres St., 800.838.3006) concert series hosted by Seth Rudetsky continues with Jane Krakowski (October 7), the return of Patti LuPone (November 16), Charles Busch with special guest Varla Jean Merman (December 2), and Christine Ebersole (January 6, 2014). What an incredibly wide range of choices. Start planning now!
reVIEW ...from 55 Cronkite... Dealey Plaza... Dallas, Texas... President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Jacqueline, Texas Governor John Connally and Nellie... the Warren Commission... Lee Harvey Oswald... Jack Ruby... Vice-President Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird... Love Field... the Dallas Trade Mart... Stemmons Freeway... Texas School Book Depository... the pink and blue Chanel suit... Air Force One... the Zapruder film... ”the single bullet theory”... Secret Service Agent Clint Hill... Parkland Memorial Hospital... the grassy knoll... Dallas Police Officer JD Tippit... the Texas Theatre... Arlington National Cemetery...conspiracy theories... the Eternal Flame... Camelot... These are people, places and things you will read and hear about as we approach November, 22. 50 years is a long time and this is big. Books are out, movies have been made... look for more. PARKLAND... a dramatic film from the American Film Company will be released on September 20. It follows the events at Parkland Memorial Hospital after the assassination in 1963. Directed by Peter Landsman, it was produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton and Nigel Sinclair. Stars include Zac Efron, Tom Welling, James Badge Dale, Jacki Weaver, Paul Giamatti, Jackie Earle Haley, Billy Bob Thornton, Marcia Gay Harden and Bitsie Tulloch. JACK KENNEDY: ELUSIVE HERO, written by Chris Matthews was published November 1, 2011. Matthews is the host of
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MSNBC’s “Hardball” and the book is a New York Times best selling biography. Matthews, like Kennedy, is a Roman Catholic Irish American. He started life as a Republican but came under Kennedy’s spell at age 11. THESE FEW PRECIOUS DAYS: THE FINAL YEAR OF JACK WITH JACKIE, was written by Christopher Anderson... former contributing editor of TIME magazine and longtime senior editor of PEOPLE magazine. It focuses on Jack and Jackie’s last year together and the drug use and infidelities. Both men have other books and articles on the Kennedys. Matthews book begins when Jack was a student at Choate, so it paints a broader picture. Their writing styles are different, Anderson having a background in magazines and Matthews being a political commentator and pundit. They deal with much of the same material... interviews with family members, lifelong friends, key advisors and political confidants. Both agree that the Marilyn Monroe stories and Kennedy’s use of drugs for his medical conditions are true. Both hint that as the older crowd dies off, we will get at more details. I enjoyed both books but if your not that familiar with the Kennedy mystique, I recommend JACK KENNEDY: ELUSIVE HERO. It is now out in paperback.
pensacola paparazzi
Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER is out now. It has a fine cast and has gotten rave reviews. It opened #1 on August 16. I will review it next issue. Watch out for a new Billy Bob Thornton film, JAYNE MANSFIELD’S CAR. It is set in 1960s Alabama, filmed in Georgia and premiered in Berlin in February 2012. The cast includes Robert Duvall, John Hurt, Kevin Bacon and Billy Bob. It has gotten some great press... my question is why it took so long to be released in the states? It will be in limited release starting September 13.
One Great Chick... Karen Black well I’d like to go to Memphis, but I don’t know the way... and I’d like to tell you how I feel, but I don’t know what to say... and I’d like to go to heaven, but I forgot how to pray... so just help me keep from sliding down some more... “Memphis”, from Robert Altman’s NASHVILLE Karen Black (July 1, 1939-August 8, 2013) CONGRATS again to Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX... you girls have a great day...
Next DEADLINE Tues., Sept. 3rd
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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Shows, Parties & More @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
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Excitement in Town! ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
The Devil Wears Prada
Miss NuPhinity Starr Alexander as Adele @ B-Bob’s
RuPaul winner Jixx Monsoon @ B-Bob’s
Pensacola’s Lauren Mitchell performing @ B-Bob’s
Order of Osiris Draw Down @ Flip Side
Happy Birthday Timothy
Pensacola’s beautiful & talented Monica Heart @ B-Bob’s
Mr. Personality AJ McKay with Miss Venus
Miss Cie with the Boys of B-Bob’s
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