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celebrazzi
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago kicked off the 39th Southern Decadence Parade, the largest event of Southern Decadence weekend in New Orleans. Beginning at The Golden Lantern, Official Home of Southern Decadence on Royal St., the parade drew thousands to the streets.
Southern Decadence Parade captain Chad Boutte, SDGM XXXIX Tami Tarmac, SD Parade lieutenant Reba Douglas, SDGM XXXIV Electra City and Koo Gaffney help raise $909 for Southern Decadence at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans.
The colorful 39th Southern Decadence Parade wound its way through the French Quarter ending on Bourbon Street celebrating the 42nd anniversary of Southern Decadence. The 2013 event led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago will go down in history as the largest Southern Decadence ever with an estimated 150,000 revelers generating over $180 million for the local economy. Visit www.SouthernDecadence.COM for additional information. The Krewe of Petronius hosted its annual Dragging with The Stars at Show Bar of the Year Oz in New Orleans. The event raised funds benefiting the krewe's 53rd bal masque on February 22, 2014. For more info, visit www.KreweOfPetronius.ORG.
Southern Decadence Susan Lucci’s Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain welcome Southern Decadence Grand Marshal 39 Venus Santiago, SD Parade Lt. Reba Douglas and SDGM 39 Tami Tarmac to the 20th Southern Decadence Bead Toss at the Ambush Mansion following the 39th Southern Decadence Parade in New Orleans.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago join SDGM XXV Miss Love and bar baron Michael Cookmeyer raising $1,347 for Southern Decadence at Michael's On The Park in New Orleans which included a festive show, auctions and scrumptious buffet.
Corner Pocket emcees Barry Bareass and Lisa Beaumann welcome Bourbon Pride's Josh Duffy to The Corner Pocket for the Southern Decadence Underwear Fashion Show raising $1,137 for Southern Decadence including The Corner Pocket's $500 Silver SD Sponsorship in New Orleans. Dancers modeled the hottest underwear fashions courtesy of Bourbon Pride.
The 20th Southern Decadence Bead Toss followed the 39th SD Parade led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, and their guests on the world famous Ambush Headquarters Balcony. Tossing thousands of throws to the crowds below, the annual event is hosted by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. It gives the grand marshals time to cool down and get some refreshments following the parade before starting the bead toss.
GAA Board of Director Marsha Delain presents $3,005 to Steve Tregre at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans. The proceeds were raised at the 26th Gay Appreciation Awards Gala for the William Fanning Foundation, affectionately known as Buzzy's Boys & Girls. Since 1997, the GAA has raised over $49,109 for charity.
Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago hosted the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals dinner at Borracho at Kajun's Pub. It gives past grand marshals, and guests of the new grand marshals an opportunity to mingle and enjoy the traditions of Southern Decadence. Photo: Father & Mother of SD Charlie & Maureen Block, SDGMs 25 Miss Love, 34 Electra City, 35 Tittie Toulouse, 37 Misael Rubio, 4 Robert Laurent, 39 Venus Santiago & Tami Tarmac, 38 Pat McArdle, 33 Regina Adams & Lisa Beaumann, front: 34 Marcus Martinez & 36 Toby Lefort.
Queen Satyricon XI Anita Cockswell and Bingo Boy welcome you to the Krewe of Satyricon Let's Make A Wheel of Softcore Bingo hosted at Show Bar of the Year Oz in New Orleans. The event benefited the krewes 12th annual bal masque on February 21, 2014. For more information visit www.MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM.
Neon Boot partners Jim Moore and Jim Gerhold welcome patrons to Houston's newest bar, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon., Visit http://NeonBootsClub.COM for more info on this over 10,000 square feet entertainment complex. Below: Boots owner Debbie Diane doing a little dancing.
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Photos by Darwin Reed, Kim Welsh
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac & Venus Santiago lead 39th Southern Decadence Parade ~ New Orleans
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
42nd Celebration Largest in Southern Decadence History with 150,000 Revelers Bringing in Over $180 Million to New Orleans Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago can be proud to have led the 42nd annual Southern Decadence, the largest in the history of the celebration with some 150,000 revelers bringing in over $180 million to the greater New Orleans community. Held over Labor Day Weekend, the $180 million figure is based on a very conservative $1,200 per person spending average. Since 1996 the celebration has had a 1.167 billion dollar economic impact. The Official Website of Southern Decadence, www.SouthernDecadence.COM, was launched in 1996, the only website on Southern Decadence at the time, and has been keeping records on the estimated crowds which now total 1 million, 292 thousand, as well as the projected economic impact each year. There were over 100 events this year offering individuals something enticing to enjoy the weekend that is world renown, Southern Decadence (SD). The theme was Live, Laugh & Love; while the colors were fuschia pink, tangerine orange and gold; the song mix was Feel The Moment; and charity was Belle Reve.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac & Venus Santiago Raise over $4,000 for Belle Reve The Southern Decadence Grand Marshals this year had to make some tough decisions to insure the continued success of Southern Decadence. When former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals were unable to organize, SDGMs Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago then asked James Garner, Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain to form New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc., a non-profit corporation which would handle funds raised by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals to produce the Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture in New Orleans. Funds raised minus expenses brought 1,000.00 Grand Marshals Cosin $4,001.88 for Belle Reve which provides tumes permanent and transitional housing along 1,000.00 Checking Account Rewith full support services to adults and serve families living with AIDS or HIV related 169.48 Check Printing infections. Concern for quality of life and 202.89 Parade DJ equal availability of services are the found58.25 Parade Permit ing principles of this agency. The 2013 Southern Decadence Fi13,591.12 Total Expenses nancial Report follows: Revenue: 4,001.88 Belle Reve Donation 100.00 James Garner Opening Deposit Donation An eternal debt of gratitude is ex2,820.00 Golden Lantern tended to all who helped raise funds for this Fundraiser including 2,000.00 Patrons of year's celebration, and especially to its Golden Lantern Sponsorship sponsors for their huge support. 2,597.00 Oz Fundraiser including Official Sponsors were: Ambush Mag; 1,000.00 Oz Sponsorship www.SouthernDecadence.COM; Official 2,500.00 Tropical Isle: Home of Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY; Ofthe Hand Grenade Sponsorship ficial Beer of Southern Decadence Bud 1,548.00 Electra City/Tittie Light; Platinum $2,500 Sponsor: Tropical Toulouse's Past SDGMs Fundraiser Isle: Home of the Hand Grenade; $2,000 1,347.00 Michael's On The Park Sponsor: Patrons of the Golden Lantern; Fundraiser Gold $1,000 Sponsors: Kajun’s Pub, Bour1,282.00 Bourbon Pub & Parade bon Pub & Parade, and Oz; Silver $500 Fundraiser including 1,000.00 Bourbon Pub Sponsor: The Corner Pocket; and other & Parade Sponsorship sponsors Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1,200.00 JohnPaul's Fundraiser Arthur Severio Photography, and Chad 1,137.00 Corner Pocket Boutte. Please patronize these businesses Fundraiser including 500.00 Corner Pocket who made Decadence possible. Sponsorship For more information, visit 1,000.00 Bud Light Sponsorship www.SouthernDecadence.COM. 909.00 Friendly Bar Fundraiser 658.00 Kajun's Pub Fundraiser IRS Marriage including 500.00 Kajun's Pub Sponsorship Recognition: Victory for 290.00 LAX Fundraiser 205.00 Phoenix Fundraiser
LGBT Tax Payers
17,593.00
Total Revenue
Expenses: 6,600.00 2,912.50 1,648.00
City Sanitation Fee Parade Insurance Parade Police Detail
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force welcomes the decision by the Internal Revenue Service to fully recognize marriage equality for all married LGBT taxpayers. This means that the IRS will recognize LGBT same sex marriages even
if those married couples live in states without marriage equality. ”This important decision by the IRS to recognize marriage equality for federal tax purposes is an enormous victory for hardworking, tax-paying, same-sex married couples across our nation,” said Rea Carey, Task Force executive director. “In practice this decision means that many married LGBT couples will see a larger tax return at the end of the year and a bigger paycheck at the end of the month.” The decision comes hot-on-the-heels of the Task Force and other LGBT groups meeting with and urging Obama Administration officials to quickly implement the Supreme Court’s Windsor ruling. The decision has enormous financial implications for LGBT married couples. For example, spouses’ health insurance benefits through their employers will not be counted as income for federal tax purposes, and married LGBT couples will be treated the same as married different sex couples for federal tax purposes. ”This decision means more of our money in our pockets — that’s not just good for LGBT taxpayers, it’s great for the American economy,” Carey said. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all. The Task Force is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Washington, D.C. Contributions to the Task Force are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. © 2013, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C., 20005. For more information, visit theTaskForce@theTaskForce.org.
Stephanie Jordan at Jazz in the Park Sept. 12 People United for Armstrong Park presents Stephanie Jordan on Thursday, September 12, at 5pm during week two of its nine week Jazz in the Park series which is held at the Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans. Jordan’s act precedes Davell Crawford who follows her opening act on that night. The hours of Jazz in the Park are now noon to 8pm Thursdays, with the Treme Nights after party happening at Kermit Ruffin’s Treme Speakeasy from 8pm to 11pm. Kermit Ruffins will lead a second line to his place every week after the close of the shows. Admission to the Jazz in the Park series is free and open to the public.
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
Jazz vocalist Stephanie Jordan will fill the air with her signature sound of great jazz standards. In reviewing her debut CD, The
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NO/AIDS Walk, Gay History Month issue out Sept. 24th DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 17th
inside
celebrazzi/sd, krewes, events snap paparazzi/sd parade moments in gay new orleans history travel/nyc rip & marsha's wedding 24th no/aids walk celebrazzi/rip & marsha's wedding snap paparazzi/r&m's wedding week 30th halloween in new orleans snap paparazzi/southern decadence snap paparazzi/southern decadence
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houston paparazzi classifieds under the gaydar trodding the boards a community within communities reVIEW pensacola paparazzi feature/hidden treasures ambush paparazzi/sd ambush paparazzi/sd
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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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Recently Discovered Document Sheds Light on the Aftermath of the Upstairs Lounge Fire” Last month the Reverend Richard Easterling was cleaning out a closet at St. George’s Episcopal Church on St. Charles Avenue where he serves as Rector when he found a letter that had not surfaced in nearly forty years. The letter was from the late Reverend Bill Richardson, former Rector of the Church in the early 1970s, to his Vestry (church committee) defending his controversial decision to allow the use of St. George’s Church for a memorial service for the victims of the Upstairs Lounge fire. The letter is an eloquent plea for tolerance and a beautiful expression of inclusiveness, as well as a succinct statement of frustration that unfortunately still rings true for many religious members of the lgbt community. Many of the thirty-two victims of the fire 1. St. George’s is not a private club were members of the newly formed Metro- but the House of God. politan Community Church, which gath2. The Rector is given authority by ered regularly at the Upstairs Lounge. the canons of the church to arrange serReverend Bill Larson, pastor of the New vices at all times. Orleans MCC perished in the fire. Despite 3. The group asked me for permisthe religious devotion of the group, the fact sion to hold their memorial service at St. that they were gay was too much for the George’s. In good conscience I could not mainline religious denominations to handle. turn them away. Do you think Jesus would The traditional religious establishment’s have? reaction to the fire was downright hateful. 4. Bill Larson, a fine humble, deChurch after church refused the use of their voted Christian, and minister of that group facilities for a memorial service. Father Bill was trying to exercise his pastoral ministry Richardson of St. George’s Episcopal that evening at the bar. Church, however, believed the dead should 5. The group asked us not to give have a service and graciously allowed, the service any publicity and we in turn over the protest of many parishioners, the asked the press not to publicize this, but use of St. George’s sanctuary for a prayer since they are always looking for stories for service on Monday night which was at- the public they paid scant heed to our tended by roughly 80 people. He was request. subsequently chastised by his bishop and 6. The small chapel on Magazine received no small amount of hate mail. Street used by this group could not begin to Days later a Unitarian Church also held a hold the 50 or 75 or more persons who small memorial service. A larger service attended the service. was held on July 1 at St. Mark’s United 7. God’s Church exists to help all Methodist Church on the edge of the French people, regardless of who they are or what Quarter. Reverend Troy Perry, founder of they do. the Metropolitan Community Church, offici8. While there has been considerated the service at St. Mark’s along with able criticism from some of our own memMethodist Bishop Finis Crutchfield, who bers, and from a few outsiders, most of would die of AIDS fourteen years later. which has been relayed not to me but to Father Richardson’s decision to host a several of the ladies of our parish (who are memorial service at St. George’s caused an not the authority), there is a mounting numimmediate backlash, so much so that he felt ber of people in the community, both clergy compelled to issue the following statement, and lay persons, who are voicing their which is reproduced here in its entirety: entire agreement that the memorial service was a very Christian thing for St. George’s June 28, 1973 to permit, and the question again comes up, AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM “Would Jesus have barred these griefTHE RECTOR stricken people from His Church, or would In view of the uproar caused by the He have welcomed them?” Memorial Service at St. George’s Monday Therefore: If any considerable number night for the Rev. “Bill” Larson and others of St. George’s members still feel that our who died in New Orleans worst fire last Church is to minister only to the select few, Sunday night, I wish to point out the follow- and not to the whole community, then I shall ing: seriously consider resigning as your Rec-
the "official" dish ...from 8 New York City Jazz Record proclaimed “Stephanie Jordan’s cohesive album The Stephanie Jordan Big Band: Yesterday When I Was Young (A Tribute to Lena Horne) is a straightahead knockout. Since surviving Hurricane Katrina, Jordan picked herself up and this album unites her with Horne’s kindred steadfast spirit. The music is a tribute to persistence, a quality Jordan’s voice embodies.” Jordan is a featured performer for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 43rd Annual Legislative Conference during the CBC Phoenix Awards Dinner GALA which takes place the following week in the nation’s capital at the Washington Convention Center. President Obama is expected to be in the audience. Jordan has also had the honor of singing for Vice President Joe Biden as well as being selected by the National Urban League to sing to Stevie Wonder during NUL’s 2012 National Contor in the near future, so the Bishop and the Vestry can look for someone else. (signed) William P. Richardson, Jr. P.S. I love you all, even if you violently disagree with me. But remember, we must try not to be Pharisees, thinking we are better than others. At all times I try to follow what I believe to be the Lord’s Will, and the Christian attitude. Upon returning from India the last of July, I shall decide what course of action to take. Ultimately, Reverend Richardson did not resign over the uproar and eventually retired in 1976. He became very involved with Integrity, an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church aimed at lgbt people. Later, he would also become involved in the New Orleans chapter of PFLAG. He is remembered today by those who knew him as brilliant, compassionate, and courageous.
ference. Jordan also performed at the private celebration ‘Oprah Winfrey and Friends of Susan Taylor’ at New York City’s ESPACE in honor of Susan Taylor’s 37 years of service to Essence magazine. While she has performed on such stellar stages as the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the NBA All-Star Game, Chicago’s Harris Theater, the Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland, the inaugural International Jazz Day which was celebrated by millions worldwide during an allstar sunrise concert in New Orleans’ Congo Square that included jazz luminaries Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, and others, and on the big screen in Lee Daniels’ production of The Paperboy; Jordan says that “there truly is no place like home” and welcomes the rare opportunity to perform before a New Orleans audience. The Washington Post boasts of her Kennedy Center performance, “A poised, soulfully articulate vocalist, Jordan turned in a performance that warmly evoked the influence of Abbey Lincoln, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae and other jazz greats.” Following her performance with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Chicago Tribune’s leading art critic Howard Reich wrote, “The woman can sing and indisputably knows how to reach out across the footlights . . . bringing heft to music of the Gershwins and Cole Porter without pushing volume levels. Clearly she values plush sound and knows how to produce it.” Music critic James Walker added, “Stephanie Jordan . . . stepped in and simply mesmerized the near capacity Harris Theater crowd with a sparkling performance that surely put her in good stead with the astute Chicago audience. . . “ Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes magazine writes of her Jazz at Lincoln Center perfor-
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the "official" dish ...from 10 mance; “Stephanie Jordan, a standout here, was the real discovery of the evening. Her haunting rendition of (Here’s To Life) this bittersweet ode associated with Shirley Horn was delivered with uncanny poise and a depth of understated soul that mesmerized the crowd and registered to the back rows. Singing with clarity of diction that recalled Nat “King” Cole . . .” Jazz at Lincoln Center notes, “every so often a new voice stands up and proclaims itself, but few do so with such supreme depth and understated soul.” The Congo Square Arts and Crafts Village which opens at noon is a great place to grab lunch and visit the thirty-eight vendors offering original handcrafted items for sale. In addition, Direct Select Seafood, Woody & Son, and Pat O’Brien’s with their beloved Hurricanes and Bloody Marys will be on hand. The Yisrael Trio provides music from noon until 4pm. Second lines are once again a welcome and integral part of the Jazz in the Park experience, and each week a different social aid and pleasure club will strut their stuff. The weekly second line begins at 4pm, with music by Da Truth Brass Band. This initiative is possible thanks to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, who along with the People United for Armstrong Park have a vested interest in the preservation and continued growth of New Orleans culture. As in previous seasons, the Marketplace at Armstrong Park, in cooperation with the Institute of Community Development, opens at 3pm and is available for food and grocery purchases until 8pm.
Jazz in the Park is made possible by the support of the NOLA Brewing Company, which has been with the series from the very beginning. The series is proud to be sponsored by Old New Orleans Rum, Fleurty Girl, The American Music Research Foundation, the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, New Orleans Ice Cream, Bissap Breeze, C&G Construction, Basin Street Foundation, and New Orleans South Africa Connection. Media sponsors: OffBeat, WWOZ, WWLTV, WGNO, BreakThru Media, New Orleans Agenda, and Nola LIVE. The People United for Armstrong Park is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that led the community effort to re-open Armstrong Park. Its primary work focuses on coordinating and collaborating with individuals and institutions to catalyze Armstrong Park into a premier hub for the city’s cultural economy. It aim to connect individuals in the community to their culture and history by establishing the park as a nurturing, living environment for the arts, and provide opportunities to ensure their success and accomplishments in their chosen craft. Please visit www.armstrongpark.org for more information.
Wacky Wagon Race Sept. 14 Ride your wacky wagon ...and 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 Leather host their “Wacky Wagon Race 2013” followed by a fabulous Holiday Deco-
ration 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.
Filthy Linen Night set for Sept. 14 Frenchmen Art Market presents Filthy Linen Night, an art party linking Frenchmen Street and St. Claude, to celebrate the reopening of the St. Claude night market
and raise funds to light their lot. Filthy Linen Night coincides with St. Claude’s regular 2nd Saturday gallery openings. A retro party bus will run as a shuttle connecting Frenchmen and St. Claude via the art markets. Filthy Linen goers can enjoy the donation bars at the St. Claude market, as well as at galleries on Frenchmen and St. Claude. Filthy Linen’s inaugural night is sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon’s great campaign www.pbrart.com. Get on the bus at Frenchmen! St. Claude Market is the first stop where Pabst will host a donation beer station and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will also sponsor a premixed cocktail bar at the market. FLN’s amazing sponsors will donate product for galleries to serve too! Wristbands for the art bus will be $3 and can be purchased on event night from 7pm – 9:30pm. Buy art from artists at Frenchmen market, St. Claude market and participating galleries to get a free wristband for the bus. Purchase wristbands at Hi-Ho Lounge, St Claude Market and galleries. Yelp elite members get free wristbands at the Yelp table inside the Frenchmen Market. Monies raised go towards lighting costs for the new community park at Independence and St Claude. The party bus will run as a continuous shuttle from 8pm – 10:45pm. Bus starts at Frenchmen Art Market and makes stops along the route. First stop: Night Art Market at Independence. 2nd stop: Good Children Gallery on Mazant Street. 3rd stop: Barristers Gallery across from the Healing Center. Final stop will be the Hi-Ho Lounge on St. Claude, looping back to the Frenchmen
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travel spotlight by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Ambush on the Road: The Big Apple for Rip & Marsha's Wedding New York is one of the most exciting cities in the country and I was privileged to be a part of the nuptials of Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain in the Big Apple. My entire trip was one big adventure filled with glamorous nights, shopping, hot men, drag queens, Broadway shows and finally true love. You know, I truly never cared about gay marriage, one way or the other. But standing in the middle of Rockefeller Center watching two very dear people express their love to each other, I could not help but be overwhelmed, but let’s not get ahead of the story. My big gay adventure in New York began when I landed in LaGuardia on Wednesday and went to my hotel, The Milford on 8th Avenue. Only a few mere blocks away from Times Square and in the heart of the NYC’s Broadway Theatre District, the Milford was an excellent hotel choice, bustling with activity day and night. Milford Plaza Hotel is a historic New York City Hotel having opened in 1928. At that time Milford Plaza Hotel’s 1,300 Guest Rooms and Guest Suites made it the largest Hotel in New York City and it remains among the largest Manhattan Hotel’s today. Because of its ideal Mid-town Manhattan location, in the heart of NYC’s Theater District, this iconic New York City Hotel became known throughout the world as the, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’. It has undergone a recent renovation and its look and has been given a contemporary feel. Upbeat music echoes in the lobby and District M (the lobby bar) is a great late night spot. I got checked in and immediately called the other attendees to see where they were at. I walked less than two blocks to 46th Street to meet up with Frankie Fierce and Ben Warshaw at The Ritz, a gay bar who has an awesome happy hour from 4pm – 9pm. We hung out on the patio for a while
enjoying the nice weather. It was in the sixties in the morning and never got up past 82 any day while I was there, and little to no humidity. Definitely not like NOLA at this time of the year. Ben left us and Frankie and I went to dinner at a great little restaurant in the district called Broadway Joe’s Steakhouse. Most of the restaurants in the area offer prixe fixe theatre menus and this steakhouse had an excellent one. The restaurant has quite an interesting story. In 1949, Joe Moreno opened the place and named it after his name and its proximity to Broadway. It was featured in the 1953 Jimmy Stewart film “FBI Story” then once again in the 1963 Shirley McClaine movie “Sweet Charity.” After winning the Super Bowl for the New York Jets, Joe Namath started frequenting the place bringing with him a host of celebrities. Since then the restaurant has been featured in movies and books as a New York landmark. After dinner, we caught up with the others at their hotel the Belvedere for the Bachelor/Bachelor party. Gary and Tip (Tittie and Electra) got us a limousine for the night. Mike (Miss Opal Masters), Darwin, Tip and Gary, Frankie, Ben and I piled in with copious amounts of liquor. Talk about a booze cruise. Our first stop was Christopher Street and the famous Stonewall Inn,
site of where Gay Pride started. The history of this bar is long and storied, and being there was amazing, especially for the reason we were: a gay bachelor party. It was also where I met my special “White Russian Cocktail” Constantine, who ended up following me around for the night and meeting up later. We then crossed the street enjoying the famous George Segal sculpture commemorating the gay liberation movement in Christopher Street Park. On the other side of the park was The Monster, a busy bar that is two levels. The street side bar has videos and is more of a hang out bar while there is a fantastic nightclub downstairs. Named after a carved wooden sea serpent from a Coney Island Carousel, The Monster opened in 1971 and now has two other locations (Key West and Fire Island). And the bouncers there are absolutely dreamy, muscle men with fun demeanors. Next up we traveled to the G Lounge in
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the "official" dish ...from 12 Art Market. Bus riders can start or end their night at any stop! Last pickup on Mazant Street and St. Claude will be 10:15pm to head back to Frenchmen by 11pm. Frenchmen Street will continue the party at the Frenchmen art market from 11pm to 1pm! Make sure you catch the last bus back to Frenchmen! The art markets will raffle off additional prizes from PBR during the night to raise funds and have fun! Hi-Ho lounge hosts a Live Mural Painting outside the bar, coordinated by artist Sasha Kopfler. Too many awesome art openings, music, kegs, DJs and happenings to list! Participants include but are not limited to: Downtown Tattoo & Gallery, Meltdown Popsicles, DBA, The Spotted Cat, Antenna Gallery, Barrister’s Gallery, Scott Edwards Photography & more! BOARD THE PARTY BUS!
Military Same-Sex Spouses Now Eligible for Benefits Same-sex spouses of military service members are eligible to receive a range of federal benefits, thanks to a Department of Defense policy change that was announced last month implementing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Starting today, spousal and family benefits will be available to all legally-married military spouses. “Today the U.S. military is one step closer to righting the wrong of inequality in our armed forces,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin. “The sacrifices our nation’s gay and lesbian service members and their families make every day should be valued and recognized, and this country owes these heroes every possible measure of support.” Among the benefits available to samesex spouses are military I.D. cards, healthcare coverage, housing allowances and survivor benefits. Spouses can claim the entitlements retroactively, going back to the day of the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling – June 26, 2013. Last month the Pentagon announced another new policy, allowing gay and lesbian service members to take up to 10 days of leave in order to travel to a state where same-sex couples can legally marry. Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, HRC urged former Secretary Leon Panetta and the Pentagon to extend every possible benefit not specifically barred by DOMA to gay and lesbian service members, and HRC continues to push for full equality in the armed forces. Recently other federal agencies have issued similar rulings or guidance regarding the invalidation of Section 3 of DOMA, including Department of the Treasury, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Homeland Security. Other agencies are expected to announce decisions on how benefits will flow to same-sex couples.
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travel nyc ...from 14 Chelsea. It was Gruff night so they had very hairy and hot dancers who were all man, even in their scent. It was crowded and the music was lively. The bar has been open since 1997 and seems to be a very popular nightclub and lounge. We had a great time, took some pictures with the strippers then we were off to Barracuda. This is when the night starts getting slightly hazy. I remember going into Barracuda, then I remember being back at The Ritz Bar, somehow I lapsed on some of my time, but I am sure everything was extraordinary. At The Ritz there were dancers and more shots and flowing vodka, yes, so let’s suffice it to say the remainder of my night was just a “hazy shade of summer.” The next day my friend Jeff aka Elizabeth Bouvier (who was also my roomie) arrived early and we spent the day shopping. And there is no better city in the world to spend money than NYC. We took the subway to Chinatown and went in and out all the designer outlet stores (knockoff shops). I have to say that Ms. Bouvier is a negotiating pro. If I am ever kidnapped, I need her to negotiate my release. She is like a lawyer of the racks, she haggled these merchants down till they were literally giving us the items. I discovered back rooms to stores that I never even dreamed existed and learned tips of getting discounts. By the end of our excursion, I could talk someone down from $40 to $15 in nothing flat. The most famous line of the day, “You’re not selling that purse today, so you might as well give it to me.” Jewelry, purses, wigs, gifts, you name it we bought it all. We also stopped in Little Italy and Soho before making our way back to the hotel. We changed outfits and met up with a friend of his named Holli who lives in New York and went to dinner at Frankie and Johnnie’s. The restaurant opened as a Speakeasy in 1926 and has been a Broadway fixture since then. The steaks were excellent and it was a local theatre crowd. Afterwards we lucked out and were able to get the last two tickets in the orchestra section that day for Kinky Boots. Kinky Boots won six Tony awards as well as a host of other accolades. Following the plot of the movie, Kinky Boots tells the story of a man who inherits his father’s shoe factory which is going out of business and enlists the help of a drag queen to help save it from ruin. With a musical score by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this show has a powerhouse of talent. With forth row seats, we had an outstanding experience and it has to be one of the best musicals I have seen in a very long time. Billy Porter and Stark Sands were triumphant in the lead roles and had the audience singing along and dancing in the aisles. When we finished the play, we met up with Frankie Fierce and some of his New York friends to see New Orleans own Bianca del Rio perform at Therapy. The show she was doing was entitled Testosterone and it was certainly fitting. She had reserved us a table in front which gave us a birds eye view of all the action. And she was in rare form that night. I did not think it was possible, but she has gotten even funnier and more aggressively meaner in her act. I loved every minute of the show, but the key is to stay under her radar. The show consists of men doing more burlesque style strip teases and their routines, even though very erotic are not nasty, but more playfully sensual. One guy ended his beach themed
sequence by shooting suntan lotion all over his chest and face, nice! And the alcohol flowed since the half-naked shot boy kept plying us with more every time we turned around. We then crossed the street and went to Industry to catch their drag show and ended up hanging out with Bianca and closing the bar down. On Friday, Jeff and I spent the morning shopping on 5th Avenue stopping at the famous FAO Schwarz store and other flagship retail outlets. Then I went with Frankie and his friends to the Staten Island ferry. This is a perfect way to see the Statue of Liberty without committing to going to the Ellis Island. The ferry is free and gets you close enough to get some great snapshots of the statue. When we finished Frankie and I returned back to the hotel scooped up Jeff and went to meet up with the others. Coca and Jeff had now joined our crew. We went to some friends of Rip and Marsha’s who live in New York and were hosting a party in their honor. Their penthouse was located on West 75th Avenue overlooking Central Park and next door to the famous Ansonia. The Ansonia was once home to the Continental Baths, which was a gay bathhouse, located in the basement. It was opened in 1968 by Steve Ostrow and advertised as reminiscent of "the glory of ancient Rome." It was very popular in the early 1970s and was where Bette Midler sang creating her stage persona the Divine Miss M with Barry Manilow played backup piano many times wearing nothing but a towel. The penthouse is owned by Tony and Sheila who used to live next door to Rip and Marsha on Bourbon Street and their place is exquisite. The breathtaking views, cool weather and jovial atmosphere made for a magical night. Spending an evening on a New York rooftop penthouse having good wine and conversation is now checked off my bucket list. After the party a few of us hopped into a limo we had procured earlier to take us to XL, an upscale nightclub and show bar to see Bianca’s Hot Mess show. XL isn’t just a club, it is an experience. Located next door to Out NYC a gay themed hotel, it has a front bar and spacious dinner theatre area which turns into a disco after the show. The décor in the club is ultramodern and the bathrooms look more like a spaceship than toilets. Every time I went to pee, it felt like I was getting a BJ from R2D2. The show Hot Mess lived up to its moniker and Bianca was fabulous as emcee. She was her usual wicked self. Other performers that night included Milan from RuPaul’s drag race, Jada, Suga Pie Koko, Skyla Versai, Ivy Winters and Lady Bunny in a video appearance. These girls know their drag and are at the height of their game here; and the bartenders at XL are all male models that look like works of art. After the show, the shots and cocktails flowed and we closed the place down. Saturday was the big day, after waking up late, Jeff and I strolled around the Times Square area stopping at places like Toys R Us (I forgot the place has a friggin’ ferris wheel in it) and other Broadway souvenir shops. We got ready and found a prewedding cocktail bar to get ramped up. House of Brews is located on 46th Avenue and is a great little spot with endless mimosas and bloody mary’s during brunch. So
The Wedding Shuttle we had a few quick ones before meeting the group at their hotel. We took a 55 passenger bus, nothing ostentatious about us to Rockefeller Center. It was actually one of the most amazing experiences of my life, standing in the middle of the Center while two wonderful people pledged their love for each other on their 40th anniversary. One could not help to be choked up by the entire scene. For those against gay marriages, they needed to be on hand for this wedding, the love and happiness of these two people was just beautiful. Rip and Marsha, congratulations, you guys are the best. Next came the reception. Woohoo, and the group did what everyone does at a wedding reception, get blitzed. I mean we may have been small in number, but our New Orleans group drank that place dry. The party was held at Social located in Hell’s Kitchen and was a cool lounge/bar with a small private area in the back that was ideal for our needs. Of course we spilled out into the bar and made friends with the guests. Saturday was one of those drinking marathons, so after the reception, I begged out early and returned to the room and crashed.
We had some morning refreshments at this trendy little coffee shop called Upright them met up with some of Jeff’s friends from New York for brunch at the very festive Cowgirl. The crowd for brunch was huge and the location is quite gay friendly. Cowgirl opened its doors in 1989 and was conceived and founded by Sherry Delamarter after a visit to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum in Hereford, Texas. Sherry brought the images, soul, and cooking of the Western cowgirl to New York City and created a warm, Texas-friendly atmosphere, one of the first true Country Western locations in NYC. Over the years, the Cowgirl has hosted many famous Country Western recording artists including Dolly Parton, Reba MacIntire, Bonnie Rait, Roseanne Cash, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Roger McGuinn and many others. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Cowgirl. After brunch we returned back to the hotel, gathered our things and were off to the airport with all of us on the same flight. This was such a tremendous trip and a wonderful bonding time with many of our New Orleans friends. Rip and Marsha I can’t thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special week. I feel honored and renewed, and isn’t that what love is all about.
Tittie Toulouse on Facebook The people who fight against same sex marriage should have witnessed what so many of us did Saturday (August 17, 2013). It would surely make them change their minds. The Reverend Annie who married Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain had not a dry eye left in the gathering as she spoke of true love, loyalty and celebration. She spoke of family and friends who had departed and the joy they would have felt being a part of such a momentous occasion. It was an afternoon filled with joy, tears, laughter and hope. Congratulations again and thank you for letting us be a part of your magical day.
A Message from Rev. Annie Lawrence
Special Wedding Beads given to Rip & Marsha for the Wedding Party by Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney for their Wedding Day Our last day was Sunday and I began the by attending 8am mass that morning at world famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue whose doors swept open in 1879. The Gothic Cathedral is an architectural marvel, stunning in scope and grandeur. My faith is an important part of who I am and just sitting in this house of worship was so enriching. It also played an important role in the ceremony the day before, when after the nuptials were said, Rip and Marsha snuck in the church to sign the paperwork. So I guess they were officially married at St. Patrick’s, you go you guys. When mass was done Frankie met up with Jeff and I, and we took the subway to Greenwich Village for a little sightseeing.
Dear Rip & Marsha, Congratulations on your Saturday August 17, 2013, 3pm, Rockefeller Center/ St. Patrick’s wedding in NYC! It was such a pleasure to meet you & celebrate with you and your friends. It’s truly an honor for me to celebrate a longlasting love like yours. Thanks for sharing your happy day in NYC with me! Attached is a copy of your wedding license for your records. The original was returned to the City Clerk in New York to be recorded and filed immediately following the ceremony. The Certificate of Marriage should arrive to you within 30-60 days of your wedding date. Marion & Robert, wishing you health, happiness, and humor now and in all the years to come. Bring out the best in each other, grow more in love every passing year, and enjoy the journey together. I hope you are able to return to NY again and again :) All the best to you in your life together! I’ll give you a shout-out if I get to New Orleans next year for the Tennessee Williams festival! Warmest regards now & always. With Love, Rev. Annie, NYC
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The happy couple Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain on their wedding day at their favorite spot in New York City, Rockefeller Plaza. Traveling to the city several times during the Christmas holidays, the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree normally stands behind Paul Manship’s highly recognizable bronze gilded statue of the Greek legend of the Titan's, Prometheus, bringing fire to mankind, features prominently in the sunken plaza at the front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Emerging from St. Patrick's Cathedral following the signing of their marriage license across from Rockefeller Plaza, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain are joined by their witnesses Darwin Reed and Opal Masters, and the Rev. Annie Lawrence. The couple also lit candles for their special intentions prior to the signing. At this point Rev. Annie told the couple that since they signed the license at St. Patrick's, that she would have to list the site of the wedding as St. Patrick's on the marriage license, much to the surprise and pleasure of the couple.
Rev. Annie Lawrence took this great photo of the entire wedding party at Rockefeller Plaza including Dewayne White, Rip's sister Cathy Vaughn and daughter Amber Vaughn in front, Gary Delaune (Tittie Toulouse), Tony Leggio in front, Jeff Mallon (Elizabeth Bouvier), Best Man Darwin Reed, Robert Naquin (Rip) and Marion Greeson (Marsha), Best Bridesman Mike Moreau (Opal Masters) Kenneth French, Frankie Wingerter, John Moran, Josh Mesa (Coca Mesa) in front, Tony and Sheila DiCioccio, Tip Varnadore (Electra City) and Jeff Palmquist. Rip and Marsha were thrilled when so many traveled from New Orleans, Berwick and Thibodaux for the ceremony which made the occasion even more special. And when New Yorker's Tony and Sheila, Ken and John, and Dewayne joined the wedding it put the icing on the cake so to speak.
Robert Naquin and Marion Greeson hold their marriage license after picking it up at New York City Clerk's office. Interestingly, when they were there on August 14, 2013, it appeared there were more samesex couples in line, including some couples older than them. It was a joy to witness!
Best Man Darwin Reed and Best Bridesman Mike Moreau (Opal Masters) flank newly weds Robert Naquin (Rip Naquin) and Marion Greeson (Marsha Delain) as Rev. Annie Lawrence looks on following the ceremony with family and friends at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. The wedding was held on the couple's 40th anniversary, August 17, 2013. All were wearing signature New Orleans style Rip & Marsha marriage beads, a gift from Marty Curtin and Koo Gafney.
celebrazzi
Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain's dear friends Tony and Sheila DiCioccio who used to be their next door neighbors in New Orleans, threw the couple's Pre-Wedding Party at their swanky penthouse on West 75th Avenue on Friday the 16th. The huge front terrace borders three sides, while the rear terrace borders one side. There was champagne, wine, and beer galore, and a delicious sampling of New York culinary delights. Photo by son Brian DiCioccio from the roof top: Opal Masters, Tittie Toulouse, Amber Vaughn (front), Darwin Reed, Frankie Wingerter, Rip and Marsha, Tony DiCioccio, Tony Leggio, Cathy Vaughn (front), Elizabeth Bouvier, Sheila DiCioccio, Jeff Palmquist, and Josh Mesa.
Electra City and Tittie Toulouse whisked away the wedding couple in a limo for the Bachelor Party on Wednesday, August 14. First stop was the historic Stonewall Inn where the LGBT fight for equality began. Then it was off to The Monster, G-Lounge, Barracuda, The Ritz, and Society Bar & Grill Lounge (where the wedding reception would be held). Photo: Ben Warshaw, Electra City, Opal Masters, Tony Leggio, Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain, Darwin Reed, Frankie Wingerter and Tittie Toulouse.
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Rip & Marsha @ the Ritz
Rip with sister Cathy @ penthouse party
Tony, Frankie, Rip, Marsha & Jeff aka Elizabeth
Opal, Marsha, Electra, Tittie & Darwin @ the 9/11 Memorial Rip, Tony, Sheila & Marsha
Tittie & Electra’s limo takes off for the bachelor party bar crawl
Elizabeth, Jeff & Josh @ penthouse party
Gary aka Tittie, Rip, Marsha & Tip aka Electra Best Bridesman Opal & Best Man Darwin @ Stonewall Inn
Tony & Sheila threw the PreWedding Party on the terrace of their West 75th St. penthouse
Best Man Darwin, Rip, Marsha & Best Bridesman Opal for wedding in Rockefeller Plaza
Dewayne, Darwin, Opal & Electra @ Social Bar & Grill Lounge for wedding reception Darwin, Tittie, Electra, Opal, Frankie, Tony & Ben @ The Monster
The wedding couple snagged @ G-Spot
Pre-Wedding Party hosts Sheila & Tony with Marsha & Rip
Sister Cathy & daughter Amber with brother Rip & Marsha
Tittie, Electra, Opal, Darwin, Jeff, Cathy, Josh & Amber @ penthouse party
Jeff, Rip, Marsha & Josh aka Coca
Darwin, Opal, Electra & Tittie @ Statue of Liberty
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The New York City Wedding Weekend celebrating Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain’s Marriage on their 40th Anniversary, August 17, 2013
Marsha & Rip picking up their marriage license @ NYC Clerk’s office
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SD Susan Lucci’s Rip & Marsha host 20th Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs Tami Tarmac & Venus Santiago @ Ambush Headquarters ~ New Orleans
39th Southern Decadence Parade Celebrating Southern Decadence 42 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed, KimWelsh
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Southern Decadence Block Party @ The Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
Men of Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
houston
paparazzi
Friendly!
Great fun! Tara & Fara Dion
Grabbing a cold one
Marsha Mellow bartending now @ the new Beer Barn
Welcome!
Celebrating!
Excited!
Boots General Manager with Vicki Gunvalson of Bravo’s TV Show “The Real Housewives of Orange County”
Brian Wines & Jim Daily
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Neon Boots: The Largest Gay Country Dance Hall in the South ~ Houston, Texas
Robb Grube in the pool hall
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
alterrations 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,
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,
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 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 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
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] Court Yard Gallery, 1129 Decatur, 330.0134
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
book stores
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
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
hardware
chiropractic
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1913]
lodging/accommodations
bathhouse New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
circuit/events Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 42nd Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 24-27, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 27, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 28-Mar. 4, 2014, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, 15th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 23-26, 2014 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
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
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 neighbor-
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hood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. 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 Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437
LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w. G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367,
haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES NATIONAL HOTLINE, 206.350.HATE (4283), National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 800.552.6843 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM
KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 1701 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA. 70116 KreweOfPetronius.ORG, petronius1961@cox.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. E-mail: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans , Interim Pastor Gail Minnick , Service time: Sundays 5pm, 1333 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, 504.270.1MCC, www.MCCNewOrleans.COM, Pastor @MCCNewOrleans.com MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS BEAR AND BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.452.3564, theneworleansbears.com NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 10-23, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month My bartender for the month of September is someone who has been a staple at Café Lafitte in Exile for many years. He has recently written the novel In Exile, along with co-arthor Frank Perez, describing the history of the New Orleans gay culture as well as his bar which is the oldest gay establishment in North America. Now that is dedication not only to his bar but his craft. I am talking about the wonderful Jeffrey Palmquist who can always be seen working downstairs at Lafitte’s. Recently I got to hang out more with Jeff while we were in New York for Rip and Marsha’s (the owners of Ambush) wedding and found him to be just as delightful in front of the bar as behind it. Jeff not only treats the patrons of his bar as friends, he finds inspiration in them; many have found their story in his book. He has one of the
Bartender of the Month Jeff Palmquist, Cafe Lafitte in Exile best qualities of both a writer and a bar-
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
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
pharmacy
restaurants
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.
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
pets
photography New Orleans, LA [504] Arthur Severio Photography, 834 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116, 917.318.4300, ArthurSeverio.COM GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140,
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
tender, his ability to listen to people. Sometimes I think a neighborhood bar is a hundred times better than a psychiatrist’s couch and a whole lot cheaper. Jeff’s talents as a bartender extend more than just his ability to listen to customers. He has honed his craft as an excellent mixologist. He also manages to be able to make a well-crafted cocktail quickly. Jeff is literally on the front lines of every major holiday. There is no cover at Lafitte’s, drink prices are extremely reasonable and its inviting open doors onto Bourbon Street makes it an ideal and quite busy place. I have seen Jeff easily maneuver behind that bar with athletic prowess, making drinks, acknowledging all customers and still able to share his quick wit. I think his innate talent to talk to people makes him an excellent fit at the bar and where else will you hear the best stories. People open up without difficulty to people who serves their drinks. A compassion for people, a fierce loyalty to his bar and his professional demeanor make him very popular among the local crowds. So stop in and say hi to Jeff and share a story or two. I hear he is writing a follow up to In Exile. Who knows, you might just be able to get your voice heard. And Jeff was also voted Bartender of the Year in the Gay Appreciation Awards by the readership of this publication. Café Lafitte’s is located at 901 Bourbon Street.
Why Do You Walk? The NO/AIDS Walk marks its 24th year on Sunday, September 29. Even though strides are being made to help combat AIDS, people every day are still dying from this disease. In fact I just attended a funeral last month of a precious man who succumbed to the illness. It is for him and the XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 Nl Rampart St., 232.3063
spas New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com Planet Beach, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM 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
many others who have been taken away so soon are the reasons why I walk. This is the largest annual AIDS awareness event in Louisiana that boasts thousands of individual walkers and over one hundred teams. The Chevron NO/AIDS Walk will kick off at 10am and proceed down Magazine Street to Napoleon Avenue and down Prytania to head back to Audubon Park. This is a wonderful event for the entire family including pets. Come with friends or sign up your office or company to walk as a team. The important thing is that you participate in this worthwhile cause that benefits one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations in the Gulf South. There will be water stops for both the two and the four legged participants, as well as great food and drink sponsored by Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Rain Vodka and Coors Light. Since this is a Saints Bye week you can make a day out of it. There will be entertainment and a children’s tent with lots of activities. To register for free, go to www.noaidswalk.com.
Party Down Summertime is over and the fall months are fast approaching, which means the party season is gearing up to be in full swing. But how did you end your last two weeks of summer, most importantly, how decadent were you over Labor Day. Let’s compare notes leading up to Southern Decadence. On the Tuesday the week prior, the NO/AIDS Task Force hosted their Walk Your Brass Off event at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown. This little music event is a kickoff for teams to sign up for the NO/AIDS Walk coming up later in September. The party was well attended and many teams signed up that night. There were complimentary cocktails and scrumptious pizza. I even signed up my company for a team. This is such an enjoyable and worthwhile event in the city, so please make every effort to help support it. Teams can sign up for free and there is some cool swag for bringing in the most donations for both teams and individuals. Friday was a day of bittersweet memories as I attended a good friend’s celebration of life after funeral soiree at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. Funerals are such sad occasions, but in New Orleans we have learned how to celebrate the life of a loved one in style. My pal Keith passed away at the all too young age of fifty and will be missed by many. I can almost see him smiling down on us from above as we paid homage to this talented man with dance music, great food and lots of cocktails. The venue was completely surrounded with photos of Keith throughout the years. No one can say he led a dull life, he was very blessed in the fact that so many people cared for him. My dear friend, god speed and may you enjoy that beautiful gala above. Afterward, my friend Laura and I met a group of others at hopefully our future Traffic Court Judge Richard Perque’s fundraiser at Vacherie. He had quite the turnout and if you have not had a chance to check out Vacherie then go. The restaurant is awesome with a great courtyard, exquisite food and a romantic atmosphere. Many of the gay community came out to support Richard, but remember the important place for your presence is at the polls in October. Once that party was over, a few of the boys
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Light the Lights on the Fall Season With Southern Decadence now behind us, theater can move back from the streets to actual stages. And there’s lots to keep us off the streets for the next few months! The big news is the re-opening of the Saenger Theater with Jerry Seinfeld kicking things off on September 27 and 28 . After years of delay and, ultimately, a $52 million restoration project, this 1927 landmark will finally be back in business on Canal Street after severe damage during Hurricane Katrina forced it to shutter. Seinfeld will be followed by Men of Soul with Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett (Sept. 29); D.L. Hughley & Eddie Griffin (Oct. 4); the Saenger Opening Gala Concert, with Kristin Chenoweth and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (Oct. 5); a live taping of A Prairie Home Companion, starring Garrison Keillor (Oct. 12); and Wynton Marsalis & The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (Oct. 13). Then on October 15, theater returns to the Saenger with The Book of Mormon though October 27. Featuring an irreverent book and score by Trey Parker and Matt
under the gaydar ...from 32 just had to mosey down the street to check out New Meat Night at The Corner Pocket. This place is always fun and Lisa Beauman keeps the action moving. Saturday was a busy day for me bouncing from two events that night. The first was Satyricon’s Lets Make A Round of Bingo: The Soft Core Version. Emcee and comedian Todd Thunder was in rare form as he had the audience rolling in the aisles. This was the ultimate game show as the winning guests won some hysterical prizes from porn to a velvet oil painting. There was a great crowd of lively participants who played each game with zest right up to the showcase showdown, which is a comedic take on the Price Is Right. Thunder who is also the current King of the Krewe of Satyricon was joined on stage by the Yat Girls and the Bingo Boy who made for one memorable cast. Cannot wait for the next one. As soon as this was over, I dashed to JohnPaul’s for Princesse Stephaney’s Queenlesque Show, which is a combination illusionist drag show and burlesque. I emceed this night of raucous fun where the audience did shots of Mad Dog 20/20; cat called the fabulous and beautiful burlesque performers and enjoyed some really campy versions of famous stars. I have to commend Princesse on gathering such a talented and exuberant cast; it was one of the best shows I have emceed in a very long time. The next week was a rest period until Decadence weekend which for me started on Thursday. Beaux and I decided to hit the town early, first stopping at Tujague’s for their hospitality industry party. The oldest restaurant in the French Quarter proves that they are stronger than ever. The food
Stone, creators of South Park, and Robert Lopez, a Tony winner for Avenue Q, this Tony Award-winning musical shows what happens when Mormon missionaries wind up in deepest, darkest Africa. Oklahoma! it’s not. After Mormon, come three musical stage versions of successful movies, Ghost the Musical (Nov. 19-24), Sister Act (Dec. 17-22), and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Feb. 4-9, 2014). The season concludes with two more Tony Winners, Memphis (2009’s Best Musical, Mar. 11-16, 2014) and War Horse (2010’s Best Play, May 1318, 2014). Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Having missed Memphis on Broadway, I’m looking forward to finally seeing it. Originally produced by London’s National Theatre, War Horse is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel that tells the story of a boy in rural England whose beloved horse is sold to the cavalry by his weasely father and shipped to France during World War I. As I wrote last year, “If the opening scenes are a slightly precious tale of country life—dramatic tension comes from a was fabulous, the cocktails flowed and the place looks great both for private parties and casual dining. It was a good jump start to the night, afterwards, we bounced from bar to bar stopping at Good Friends, Lafitte’s Corner Pocket and 700 Club. The crowds had already started, some bars had lines formed around the block. It had already looked like Decadence was in full swing. Friday, Halloween New Orleans held their annual Decadence host party at Jim Perrier’s mansion on St. Charles Avenue which was once the Real World set. The place was flawless and the array of hot men that showed up was breathtaking. I went with my friends Laura, Larry and David, who were visiting from New York. Then we went to the Quarter and attended the Krewe of Armeinius’s Masquerade Party at the Bourbon Orleans. There was some very cool costumes and the vibe was high energy. After the party, we went to the drag show that never ends: The Southern Decadence Drag Show at Golden Lantern to officially kick off the weekend. I had a blast there, they had a boisterous group of people in the audience and all the queens gave it their all. We danced, drank and partied the night until the wee hours of the morning. Before turning in that night, I had to stop and visit my neighborhood bars JohnPaul’s and the Phoenix, whose block party was a raging success. Hundreds of bears lined the street outside and the two floors inside for some masculine fun. Saturday, I started my day of frolic in the Quarter with a party at Razzle Dazzle on Royal Street. They had a shopping celebration for Decadence where the served Razzletinis. There was a lot of people who packed the store and helped the city’s economy, I was no exception. It is amazing
wager over whether a horse will be able to plow a field or not—things get weightier once the action shifts to the battlefields on the Continent. War has never been so hellish as Albert, now a young man, first encounters a group of injured soldiers that look like the living dead and then continues
[continued on 35] how fast your purse strings loosen with a few cocktails. Many of the retailers in LA and New York have followed this concept. The Tommy Bahama store on 5th Avenue has a full bar in it. Brilliant! Next up we went to Dallas Socialite C Ray’s (no relation to our former mayor) party at the Hotel Ste. Marie. This is such a great party and Beaux, Barrett and I met so many people from the Big D. There was lots of food by Vacherie and the bar was supplied by the Country Club with Drew himself making the cocktails. It is always nice to hang out in a more relaxed setting meeting all kinds of new people. After the party, we traipsed to the Corner Pocket to see the Montreal Boys dancing, then I decided to head back to my Marigny hood stopping at JohnPaul’s then visiting the Phoenix’s block party that was just swarming with men. I love this weekend, you cannot go more than two feet without tripping over a guy. The powers above smiled on us on Sunday. I have to say that this was one of the best Southern Decadences. Thank you to all who helped to make it fabulous. I started the day with a little brunch at my house while my friends and I got into costumes. We decided to go all out in an Absolutely Fabulous way. I was Edina, Elizabeth Bouvier was Patsy and Barbara Ella was Sapphie. And, in my opinion, we were fierce, albeit a little messy, especially near the end of the parade. After brunch we went to the make-up party at the Friendly Bar where the grand marshals and their entourage were getting ready. We had a few cocktails then had a Pedi cab pick us up. It seemed like a brilliant idea, since I was a novice to long periods in high heels, now I just have to get the sitting like a lady down pat. We began our march to the Golden Lantern where we met up with everyone else and the excitement was in the air. There were more cocktails and we were off to the races. The parade moved at a leisurely pace winding through the streets of New Orleans. Ruth, our driver, was simply marvelous and kept us in line, even doing some bicycle tricks for the throngs of people who lined the streets. And like true Ab Fab fashion, the paparazzi were out. Snap, snap darling, snap, snap! After the parade, we went to locals Bill and Rob’s Decadence party in their courtyard in the Quarter where over a hundred guests danced to wicked beats from DJ Jon Buckley and had specialty cocktails. After the party winded down, we meandered to a few bars stopping at Good Friends, Lafitte’s and Oz, where we met the hottest boys from Washington DC. I tell you being in drag is empowering, it is like having free license to change your personality completely. You can become bolder. After getting tipsy, this is when Barbara Ella commandeered us a ride from a complete stranger back to the Marigny. Now you know this woman has a story to tell for the rest of her days about how she gave three strangers dressed in drag a ride. That is what Decadence is all about, memories. Back in the Marigny, we had a few drinks at JohnPaul’s then stopped at the Phoenix block party for a nightcap
before calling it a night. Monday morning was quite the lovely picture waking up still in full makeup, talk about having my Halloween costume on early. Labor Day was my day to rest where I ended it with having a few friends over for a laid back barbecue and some drinks to toast the outstanding time we had this holiday. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did, and I cannot wait until next year.
Amon-Ra Brings Out The Broadway Divas The Krewe of Amon-Ra is presenting their very popular Girls Gone Broadway on Saturday, September 21 at 7pm. For all you theatre queens out there, this is one show not to be missed. There will be a fabulous Broadway show with a delicious buffet included in the price of the tickets. And like at a real Broadway show, there are always surprises throughout the night. So come let these girls entertain you. Girls Gone Broadway will be held at 2300 Chartres Street. For more information, check out their Facebook Page.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom I think it is only fitting that we as a city and community thank Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago on a job extremely well done this Southern Decadence weekend. These two people worked their proverbial butts off to assure that the city and the gay community had a celebration that was epic. They succeeded tremendously and I personally wanted to tell them how appreciative I am of all their efforts. I understand this was not done alone; they had many people behind them helping along the way. Rip and Marsha from Ambush, even though you may be Susan Luccis, you never ever falter from your main purpose of making this gay community stronger and bringing it together. This was the first year I ever participated in the parade and could not think of a better year to pop my cherry. It was a vibrant, decadently fun stroll through the French Quarter to thousands of appreciative people, both locals and visitors alike. Elizabeth Bouvier and I were the incomparable Patsy and Edina from Absolutely Fabulous, joined by Barbara Ella as my daughter Sapphie. My friends Beaux and Barrett rounded out our motley crew as our masculine man purses and drink runners. Being a part of something so wonderfully New Orleans was such an exhilarating thrill and I think that everyone in the gay community should be a part of this parade next year. This is our chance to strut our individuality and have fun doing it. There is no cost to be a part of the parade and it definitely gives the tourists to our city quite a show. This is just one of the holidays the gay community celebrates with pizazz; next up is Halloween, Gay Mardi Gras and of course Easter. Make it your goal to become part of all the festivities our community has and help support their efforts. Each year Decadence gets bigger and so does the expenses, so please show your appreciation for all the hard work the grand marshals and their team do and give to the cause. Now what am I going to do for a Halloween costume? Decisions, decisions. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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trodding the boards ...from 34 to serve his country, hoping to survive the carnage and be reunited with his horse. What distinguishes War Horse are the magnificent lifesized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company and the spectacular use to which Directors Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris put them. The horse, Joey, is first seen as an awkward foal; his transformation into a much larger stallion is thrilling. Among the other highlights is the exit of a horse through a theater aisle and the senseless death of an officer who is shot while riding his steed in battle.” Other notable headliners at the Saenger include Diana Ross (Oct. 30), Bill Maher (Nov. 16), and Bonnie Raitt (Dec. 7). Across the street from the Saenger, The Joy Theater has initiated a theatrical series debuting on September 12 with Beatlemania Now which promises “rousing, note-fornote renditions of Beatles’ classics performed against a dynamic backdrop of evocative historical images.” It continues through the 22nd. The series proceeds with One Funny Mother – I’m Not Crazy! (Oct. 11-20), Dena Blizzard’s one-woman romp through the quirks, curiosities and inevitable imperfections of marriage and motherhood. Then comes the interactive Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Oct. 29-Nov. 3), and Valentine’s Burlesque (Nov. 7-17), a stylish tribute to 1940’s Burlesque shows featuring dancers, comedians, and variety acts, along with plenty of sparkling rhinestone tassels. Finally, New Orleans’ own America’s Got Talent semifinalists Lightwire Theater return home with Lightwire – A Very Electric Christmas (Dec. 12-22) after starring for five months in AGT’s live Las Vegas stage show. These dancing electroluminescent puppeteers will premiere their newest production in which a variety of characters pursue a holiday journey of inspiration and light, set to holiday classics, including songs from Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky and Mariah Carey. Over at The Shadowbox Theatre (2400 St. Claude), two shows will be running simultaneously from September 13-29. Fridays through Sundays at 7pm, *NU* Theatre will present What Do You Say To a Shadow?, an original one-
act by local author Michael Allen Zell, in which a quiet elderly woman seeks refuge from assailants in a bookstore and weaves a tale where “nothing is what it seems.” Shadow stars Mary Pauley and Richard Mayer, and is directed by Angela Strohm. At 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays, Four Humours Theater will be mounting William (Extremities and The Woolgatherer) Mastrosimone’s Shivaree, which plays out a gentle romance complicated by astronomy, hemophilia and belly dancing. Jane C. McNulty directs Ashton Akridge, Blake Buckert, Rebecca Holligsworth, Mason Joiner, and Cammie West. Further afield, Playmakers Theater in Covington (19106
Playmakers Rd.) continues through September 22 with the delightful Tony-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a hilariously charming tale of overachievers’ angst that chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders competing in a spelling bee, the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
DESPERATE TIMES!! “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Jesus as found in Matthew and Luke. Fear! Fear is a prime operator, I believe, in the denial of rights to citizens, in support for systems that break cycles of poverty, and in “isms” – sexism, homophobia, racism and all the rest. I am frustrated and angry with the established power elite! Despite several years of service to the community; despite several years of proven positive outcomes; despite several years of saving lives; despite several years of saving the community millions of dollars – not a single major benefactor or established institution is willing to provide substantial on-going support for St. Anna’s Mobile Medical Mission S.A.M.M.). Why even the Federal Government takes the position that a “mobile” unit cannot provide services needed by communities so there is no direct funding for such. FEAR! Since 2007 S.A.M.M. has gone into
trodding the boards ...from 35 Rivertown Theaters in Kenner (325 Minor St.) kicks off its 2013-2014 Season with the toe-tapping Tony Award-winner 42nd Street. The show’s many memorable songs include You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me, Dames, We’re In the Money, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Lullaby of Broadway, plus the classic line “You’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!” 42nd Street features Ambie Awardwinners Kelly Fouchi and Jason Kirkpatrick along with some names new to me, and will run Sept. 13-28. Trivia note: Choreographer Danielle Harrell Scheib, who toured Germany with a production of the show, is the granddaughter of local icon and internationally renowned clarinetist Pete Fountain. Also out in Jefferson Parish, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) will be giving the world premiere to Blueberry Hill. This new musical by Butch Caire tells a story of everyday people dealing with love and betrayal using classic New Orleans R&B songs made famous by such musical icons as Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, and many others. Blueberry Hill begins performances on September 20 at Teatro Wego! (177 Sala Ave., Westwego) and continues there through October 6 before moving to Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington for three more shows Oct. 18-20. If you’re looking for something a bit different than 42nd Street and Blueberry Hill, you might want to check out Transgender Seeking at the AllWays Lounge (2240 St. Claude Ave.). This 45minute confession of a queer romance-aholic is written, directed and performed by
the community and provided free flu shots to over 500 citizens. This year we have no financial support to do this work. Since 2007 S.A.M.M. has provided screenings for diabetes and hypertension. On several occasions diagnosing a critical state for an individual and getting them to hospital likely saving a life. On literally hundreds of occasions a medical home was located and established for the medically uninsured and underinsured. For over four years S.A.M.M. has advocated and educated for smoke free workplaces and in particular as respects hospitality industry workers and musicians. It is true that S.A.M.M. received a substantial grant in 2012 that kept it operating. A one-time grant by Rockefeller Foundation via GNOF for residents of ‘oil spill effected communities’ and for that we are grateful. It is equally true that according to Harvard University S.A.M.M. in particular has saved the community $12.5 million in downstream medical savings in 2008 alone! Since then the medical savings to our communities has (sarcastically he says) dropped to an average of only $8-10 million per year! Some thoughts for the community of Sunny Drake. In it, Jimmy is trying to quit romance cold turkey, so he’s joined a Romanceaholics Anonymous group. Since his most recent break-up, he’s been trying to prove that he’s “Great! Fine! Never been better!” but his secret comforts include watching cheesy old black and white romance films. Transgender Seeking plays for only one performance on Monday, September 23, at 8pm. It’s a shame Drake can’t stick around a bit longer as it sounds like he’d fit in perfectly with The New Orleans Fringe Festival that runs November 20-24. The full lineup won’t be announced until October 1 but I’m already happy to hear that Desiree Burch will be returning for her third Fringe appearance with Procrastination: A How-To on How-Not-To following last year’s Tar Baby which was by turns intelligent, thoughtful, funny and even moving. Other intriguing options include Shabana Rehman, Norway’s most famous female Muslim comic (Hmm...how many are there?); Antebellum an immersive experience that presents portraits of four notorious, yet little-known, historic figures in antebellum New Orleans; Gayland, a large cast comedic opera with a broad cross section of performers/creators from New Orleans, transforming bias in the era of gay marriage on its head; and Jenna Bean Veatch and Nadia Tarnawsky performing an interdisciplinary show called 50 Heartbreaks (and I’m Still in Love With YOUkraine), filled with Ukrainian ballads, paintings on cardboard, contemporary dance, animation, and 1960s country songs to tell the story of a Ukrainian-American woman’s family and its war-torn past. I’m sure other shows will appear before the Fringe comes along, but these should keep you going until that wonderful weekend arrives. Break legs!
readers of AMBUSH: Can we as a community fund and support S.A.M.M. as an asset to our community? To fully operate the unit costs about $250,000/year! Can we advocate for funding for S.A.M.M.? Is anyone willing to approach businesses as partners to help operate and keep it rolling? The same is true with Anna’s Arts for Kids. Saving children’s lives is what we do. Same questions asked. Can we as a community? To what ends must service providers like S.A.M.M. and Anna’s Arts go to secure reasoned and effective funding that has a proven track record and – yes – saves lives. Have we become protracted in our community view and so desperate that we are unwilling to share some of our stored up wealth? Have we become so cold toward our brothers and sisters that we are unwilling to look beyond our own immediate and personal needs? What have we become and where will it take us. I keep hearing at various demonstrations and marches the same question, “All of these speeches are nice BUT what is the next step?!” The next step is in the dreary, not glamorous, funding of S.A.M.M.; that my dear is the “next step.” Taking private
responsibility for funding a vehicle of grace and saving lives – that my dears is the next step. If you are reading this and are in a position to make a positive step toward self sufficiency for S.A.M.M. by a donation; linking S.A.M.M. or Anna’s Arts up with a corporate sponsor; or if you are a business owner and would consider sponsoring and supporting one of these two life saving missions – then step, or prance, or waltz up and be counted. Otherwise, like so many good things, they may fade into memory as a nice thing for a time and languish in memory only. A community within communities; what shall we do? If that sounds like a lot of money let me close with this: $200,000 = $1,000 x 200 households per year. $1,000 = the average property tax amount or less; $1,000 about the cost of an NOAC membership; $1,000 about 50 average meals a year at a fair restaurant (for 2); less than half the cost of a Disney Vacation; the litany goes on. In this readership is there a group or persons willing to sink their teeth into this project so that WE can support this vital mission to our community and city? WE instead of THEM! What a great day that would be. If you have an inclination e-mail Fr. Terry at fr.bill@stannanola.org or call 504.947.2121 be a little angry and do not be afraid.
reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER It is there in black and white in the opening credits...LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER is “inspired” by a true story. You should believe that, it is full of historical inaccuracies, things added for dramatic effect. It is a FORREST GUMP-like take on AfroAmerican history from the Jim Crow era to President Obama’s election. LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER is loosely based on the real-life of Eugene Allen. It was written by Danny Strong and directed by Academy Award nominated (PRECIOUS) Lee Daniels. Daniels’ name was added to the title because there was a 1916 silent short film with the same name. Please don’t get confused. It was produced by Pamela Oas Williams, Laura Ziskin, Lee Daniels, Buddy Patrick and Cassian Elwes. It’s from Laura Ziskin Productions and Windy Hill Pictures, distributed by the Weinstein Company. It was released on August 16, 2013 and runs 132 minutes. It had a $30 million budget and has been #1 at the box office for the past 3 weekends, bringing in over $79 million. LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, the butler. It follows him from the cotton fields of Macon, Georgia to the White House. The movie belongs to Whitaker ...if there is an Academy Award nomination in this film, it belongs to him. The movie is about two worlds ...his career as a butler in the White House and his life as a husband and father. It is about his two faces ...one he wears for the white men he serves and one he wears as a proud black man. Oprah Winfrey stars as Gloria, his
wife. I’m on the fence concerning her performance ...while her acting is fine, I still see Oprah Winfrey every time she is on the screen. This would have been ideal role for an unknown or up-and-coming actress. I’m not Oprah bashing but her recognition factor and her popularity have changed greatly since THE COLOR PURPLE. While Eugene Allen had only one son, Cecil Gaines has two. Louis Gaines (David Oyelowo), his oldest son, is a radical, a Freedom Rider, a Black Panther and a political activist. His life moves the story along. Charlie Gaines (Elijah Kelley) is the younger son who gets killed in Vietnam, again moving the story along. LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER has an ensemble cast full of stars and fine actors. Terrence Howard (Howard) is Cecil’s neighbor, a skirt chaser who romantically pursues Gloria. Cuba Gooding, Jr (Carter Wilson) is head butler at the White House, and a lifelong friend of Cecil’s. Lenny Kravitz (James Holloway) is also a butler at the White House. David Banner (Earl Gaines) is Cecil’s father and Mariah Carey (Hattie Mae) is his mother. Vanessa Redgrave is featured as the cotton farm caretaker who makes Cecil a house servant when his father is killed. The movie features Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F Kennedy, Minka Kelley as First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon B. Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan and Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan. All big stars in small rolls in a big ensemble cast. President Ford and President Carter are portrayed in actual television news clips.
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feature Hidden Treasures: Jazz Edition Oct. 14 & 16
pensacola paparazzi
reVIEW ...from 36 Even with it’s historical inaccuracies LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER is relevant in today’s world. We just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. The 50th Anniversary of JFKs assassination is coming up in November. Nelson Mandela, the South African president and leader against apartheid went home from the hospital a few days ago. LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER is truly about two faces and two worlds. It is more fiction than fact. It’s slow at times. The movie belongs to Forest Whitaker, his quiet, deliberate acting style brings Cecil Gaines to life. I saw this at a Labor Day matinee with about 50 people in the audience. No one went to the concession stand or the bathroom during the movie. That may be an odd way to judge a movie, but even with it’s perceived faults, it holds your attention. The movie was filmed in and around New Orleans. FOOTNOTE: I hope everyone had a great Decadence ...maybe that hangover is about gone.
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Action Packed @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
Friends of the Cabildo is proud to announce Hidden Treasures: Jazz Edition at the Old U.S. Mint October 14th and 16th at 6pm and 7pm nightly. Hosted by Louisiana State Museum Director of Collections Greg Lambousy, guests will be given unparalleled access to a collection that dates to the late 19th century to the present day. The Jazz Collection, initially donated by the New Orleans Jazz Club in 1977, is the single largest donation to the Louisiana State Museum and includes recordings, paintings, photography, film and instruments. Some of the highlighted items include Louis Armstrong’s first coronet and bugle, over 10,000 recordings, rare photographs of Jelly Roll Morton and a sign from the San Jacinto Hall on Dumaine Street. A history of the entire music collection at the Louisiana State will be discussed as well the ongoing conservation efforts of the entire music collection. Tickets are $25 for the General Public and $15 for Friends of the Cabildo/Louisiana Museum Foundation Members. Reservations are required and no tickets will be sold the night of the event. Tours are at 6pm and 7pm nightly on Monday, October 14th and Wednesday, October 16th. The Old U.S. Mint is located at 400 Esplanade Ave. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Kaydee Nenninger at 504.523.3939 or go online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.
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ambush
In The Bars Southern Decadence Weekend ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Paul Melancon
paparazzi
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16th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Southern Decadence Fundraisers & Shows ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
paparazzi
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