Ambush magazine volume 32 issue 07

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 8-21, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om

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fet following the end of the parade at THE OFFICIAL MAG 6pm will also be held at GrandPre's.

The end of the parade route is new this year. It begins at 834 N. Rampart to St. Ann, St. Ann to Bourbon, Bourbon to Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Esplanade, Esplanade to Royal, Royal Gulf South Entertainment/Travel

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain to St. Louis, St. Louis to N. Rampart, N. Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com Rampart ending at 834 N. Rampart.

Official Gay Easter Parade Guide The parade showcases the fashOfficial Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Spring Fever, Bunnies In The Big Easy Up Next ion and creativity of the entire LGBT Official Southern Decadence Guide The final fundraisers for this year's 15th Gay Easter Parade are up next. The community with gentlemen in summer OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: parade minus expenses benefits the reason for the Easter Season, Food For suits/tux with hats, and ladies in Easter 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 Friends program of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the suits/dresses with Easter hats.

USA The parade would not be possible parade has raised over $171,101 for charity the past 12 years.

OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] without the generosity of its many spon(www.GayEasterParade.com) Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com sors including: PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 Platinum-Friday Night Before Mardi 12th Annual Spring Fever Extravaganza @ 4 Seasons ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: The 12th Annual Spring Fever Extravaganza will be hosted by Gay Easter Gras, Deja Deja-Vue’ & Jim May; 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Gold-Krewe of Amon-Ra, EGM XV Parade Board's Electra City and Tittie Toulouse on Saturday, April 12th at 4 Alabama-Mobile Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie, with a $10 door donation. VIP Todd Blauvelt, EGM XV Stuart Nettles Florida - Pensacola & EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGM XII Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Tables of 4 are $50. Call 504.920.2065 for table reservations.

Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell The VIP meet and greet is from 7-8pm with show time 8-10pm. You can look Gary Vandeventer; Krewe of Satyricon, Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston for spectacular performances, live auctions, prizes, raffles and more. The show EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, Dr. Barry STAFF: stars Southern Decadence Grand Marshal (SDGM) 39 Tami Tarmac, SDGM 37 Rutherford, Noel Twilbeck & Glen PUBLISHER/EDITOR Tiffany Alexander, Easter Grand Marshal (EGM) XII Elizabeth Bouvier, Natasha Kahrman, Mary King Dodwell, The Herb R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Sinclair, Karli LaCorre, EGM IX Safonda Peters and surprise guests. Among the Import Company; M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans Silver-EGM XIII Darwin Reed & auctions is the Jeweled Bunny Limoge direct from Vietnam donated by Electra GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES City and Tittie Toulouse; the Butterfly Spring Garden Egg (musical and rotating) EGM VII Opal Masters, EGM VIII Rona Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES donated by Rona Conners; plus the new “Basket of Love” auction; and Jewelry Conners, New Orleans Bear & Bear Frank Joseph 504.444.8327 Trapper Social Club, Dwain Hertz/Al and Wigs by Paul Davis.

Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 .

Join Easter Grand Marshals XV Todd Blauvelt and Stuart Nettles to raise Dugas/Eugene Theroit, EGM VIII THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Michael & EGM XIV Thomas Elias/The Brian Sands more $$$ for Food For Friends.

Corner Pocket, Scott Vincent & Scott AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Frank Joseph, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, McRae, Johnny Chisholm/Oz New Or5th Bunnies in the Big Easy April 18th @ Bourbon View Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans leans, Wood Enterprises, EGM XIII Bob Brunson, MIss Cie & John, Leon WeekleyThe 5th Annual Bunnies in the Big Easy: Putting the Good Back in Friday, Mobile, AL Rhonda Roget & David Roget, EGM IV under the direction of Tony Leggio and Rona Conners, is set for Good Friday, April Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse; National Advertising Rep: 18th, 7-9:30pm, at Bourbon View, 501 Bourbon St. Bronze-James Garner/The Golden Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Honoring Easter Grand Marshals XV Todd Blauvelt and Stuart Nettles, the Ambush Mag is published on alternate TuesLantern, CW X Frank Joseph & KCQ event features a hot spinning DJ, hot 2014 Bunny Boys, fab performances, special days of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip NaquinXX Dusty Debris, Justin Moffatt & EGM Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADEaster Egg Hunt, and incredible live auctions plus many more surprises!

XIV Starr Daniels, Wayne Chambless/ LINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication Advance tickets are $35, limited to 100 tickets, so get your tickets today by Sir Speedy, Anonymous, EGM X Tony week, accepted via e-mail only: calling Tony Leggio at 504.252.5476. Included in the ticket price is award winning except for special holiLeggio, EGM II Larry Bagneris, Peter marsha@ripandmarsha.com, days. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for cuisine, vodka cocktails, wine & beer bar, and non-alcoholic beverages. & Frank Abbruscato, Ken Grandpre/ the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject The event brings the talents of King Cake Queen XXI Barbara Ella, EGM XII GrandPre’s, EGM IX Orlando Aloe, any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name Elizabeth Bouvier, EGM VII Opal Masters and EGM IX Safonda Peters to photograph in this publication implies nothing Jeremy Weinberg, Barret DeLong/ or about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, entertain you. Auctions include the Royal Bunny Faux Faberge’ Egg (musical & NOLAonReview, Jim Tideman, John stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily rotating) donated by Rona Conners, and the Jeweled Bunny Limoge direct from East, Wolfman, KCQ XXI Barbara Ella/ the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Vietnam donated by Electra City and Tittie Toulouse. rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year.

King Cake Queen Royalty Club, The Subscription Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail.

Big Easy Sisters, Kenneth H. Carleton, ©1982-2014, AMBUSH, INC.,ALL RIGHTS RE15th Gay Easter Parade Easter Rolls Sunday, April 20 Roy Smith & Nick Olivares, Bill SERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPROThe 15th Gay Easter Parade rolls through the streets of the French Quarter McCarthy, Michael Ducote & Doug DUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF on Easter Sunday, April 20th beginning at 4:30pm sharp. Led by Easter Grand Minich, Jim Mondoro, Michael THE PUBLISHER INCLUDINGAD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Marshals XV Todd Blauvelt and Durocher, Bobby Vallecillo & Andy Donation Stuart Nettles, the Pre-Parade Ehlers, The Berwick Girls, National Party and checkin is at GrandPre's, Association of Catering Executives, Seasons, Bourbon View, Larry Gra834 N. Rampart from 3-4pm. Glenn Paul Melancon, Kookie Baker & ham-GrahamStudioOne.com.

Visit www.GayEasterParade.com Please see Parade Lineup Chair Reba Douglas; for more information.

Steve Patrick inside the door on the Venue/In-Kind: Cutter’s, Grandright side for your line-up ticket in Pre’s, Oz New Orleans, Double Play, 4 [continued on 8] the parade. The parade entry deadline was April 1st, so the parade is Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo issue out April 22 now closed to any further entries. >DEADLINE: Tues., April 15 Carriages, wagons and trolleys are followed by vehicles. under the gaydar 30 gep spring fever, bunnies in big easy 6 Carriages, wagons and trolhouston paparazzi 32 making a difference 10 leys are set to arrive at 3:45pm mobile paparazzi 34 trodding the boards 12 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 36 moments in gay new orleans history 12 lining up on the Armstrong Park 12th marigny bunny hop 37 celebrazzi 16 side from St. Ann back towards ambush pics/new orleans, metairie 38 gep eggstravaganza paparazzi 18 Esplanade. All carriages, wagons gep drag extravaganza paparazzi 24 and trolleys must be boarded be15th gay easter parade 26 AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 classifieds 28 tween 4-4:30pm. Walking groups marsha@ripandmarsha.com and vehicles also must be in correct order for departure. The paGulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 rade leaves promptly at 4:30pm.

828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 The Post-Parade Party & Bufmarsha@ripandmarsha.com

the "official" dish

inside

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the "official" dish ...from 4

6th Eggstravaganza Raises $3,501 for GEP/ Food For Friends Gay Easter Parade's 6th Annual Eggstravaganza raised $3,501 at GrandPre's in New Orleans benefiting the reason for the Easter Season, Food For Friends. Under the direction of GEP Board's Opal Masters and Darwin Reed, MCs Masters and Antoinette Chardonnay led a bevy of star performances from Easter Grand Marshal XII Elizabeth Bouvier and Sidney Williams, to male dancers Tone and Andy.

Auctions raised $2,250 including $110 for the Easter Basket from Shawn, $60 for Butler's Tray from Mina Hernandez, $150 for the Sylvia Frank Egg from Stuart Nettles, $85 for the Hotel Stay/DVD Basket from Doug Minich, $120 for the Dinner on the Natchez with Trevor Santos from Freddie Guess, $55 for a Pair of Earrings from Rhonda Roget, $100 for a Pair of Earrings from Rip Naquin $80 for a Rhinestone Necklace Set from Kevin Limberg, $85 for a Rhinestone Necklace Set from Mina Hernandez, $155 for the Limoge Jeweled Bunny from Elizabeth Bouvier, $70 for the1st Shower Dancer from Marsha Delain,

$60 for the 2nd Shower Dancer from Anonymous, $100 for the Dancer Underwear Auction from Tony Leggio, $275 for the Easter Basket Eggstravaganza from Darwin Reed, and $750 for the Drown A Drag Queen Opal Masters auction from Rip & Marsha, Stuart & Safonda, Robert Cook, Michael Ducote, Trevor Santos, Electra & Tittie, and Jeremy Weinberg.

Another $520 was raised from door donations, $245 from stage performance tips, $155 from 50/50 raffle, $115 from 50/50 raffle donation from winner Michael Ducote, $122 donation from bartenders Scott Turverville & Jim Mondro, $80 from jello shots, and $9 from Tone's tip donation.

13th Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza Raises $4,387 Gay Easter Parade's 13th Annual Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza raised $4,387 at Oz in New Orleans.

Under the direction of GEP Boards Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, the event was emceed by reigning King Cake Queen XXI Barbara Ella and King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris. The roster of celebrity guests raised $724

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making a difference

by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

The LGBT Rally & March Against Hate & Violence Between 80 and 100 people gathered Wednesday night (April 2) at the entrance to Armstrong Park to protest violence against members of the LGBT community. The rally opened with brief remarks by the event’s organizers, Adikus Sulpizi and Bill Naquin. “Many attacks are not reported . . . We want victims to feel empowered to come forward,” Naquin said. Sulpizi followed up by observing that he saw at least half a dozen people in the crowd that had been victims of hate crimes but never reported them. “If the police don’t know what’s going on, how can they help?” he asked rhetorically. The group then marched through the lower French Quarter and ended at the Golden Lantern.

In July of last year, Sulpizi and his partner, David Chase, were brutally attacked by homophobes on Bourbon Street between Governor Nichols and Barracks Streets. Chase was beaten and kicked while his attacker screamed, “You f**king faggots need to die!” Chase was hosPhoto by Hubert S Monkeys pitalized as a result of the attack, yet police failed to report the incident as a hate crime. The police told Sulpizi that since Orleans Parish juries tend to take pity on homophobic attackers, they could not classify it as a hate crime. Such an explanation was insensitive and made no sense but then again, the New Orleans Police Department is not known for its sensitivity or sense.

An alternative demonstration and march dubbed the “LGBTQ March and Rally For Safety In Solidarity,” attended by about 40 people, was staged across N. Rampart Street at the corner of Orleans and N. Rampart. This group was also LGBT friendly and supported the idea of anti-violence but argued that more policing and tougher jail sentences were false solutions. The alternative demonstration was supported by several local advocacy groups including

BreakOUT!, Women With A Vision, Critical Resistance, Black & Pink, Safe Streets Strong Communities, Equality Louisiana, Trystereo—New Orleans Harm Reduction Network, Louisiana Trans Advocates, European Dissent, Queerspiracy, and Occupy New Orleans. Some of these groups have traditionally and consistently criticized the criminal justice system as being systematically unfair, prejudiced and ineffectual.

Lesbian Herstory Panel Discussion Convenes at Tulane University On March 26, a group of area lesbians and other interested persons gathered at Newcomb College Institute on the Tulane University campus to discuss the Role of New Orleans Lesbians in the Feminist Movement of the 1970s.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Janet Allured, a Professor of History and Director of Women’s Studies at McNeese State University and the Editor of Louisiana Women: Their Lives and Times, and Dr. Karissa Haugeberg, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Newcomb College Institute and editor of the Newcomb College Institute Research on Women & Gender. Panelists included: Susan Allen, Co-founder of the local Delta Women’s Clinic and former and former member of the Board of Directors for NARAL; Pat Denton, President of the Louisiana Women’s Political Caucus; Clay Latimer, founder of ERA Central of New Orleans and former Louisiana NOW State Coordinator; Liz Simon, battered women’s activist and organizer of Women Against Violence Against Women and the Take Back the Night March; and Phyllis Parun, co-founder of the women’s Marxist Study Group and the Women’s Center.

About 60 people attended the event and heard the panelists recall their involvement in groups such as NOW, ERA Central, the Women’s Political Caucus, the YWCA, the Women’s Liberation Coalition, the New Orleans Women’s Center, and Sisters Helping Sisters. Throughout the discussion, as the panelists recounted their personal journeys in political activism, two themes emerged: First, lesbians were at the forefront of the women’s movement in Louisiana, and secondly, many of these lesbians were fighting primarily for women’s rights, not necessarily lesbian rights.

For those interested, the Newcomb College Archives has extensive holdings in women’s studies. Allured and Latimer are currently working on a book on the Women’s Movement in Louisiana.

the "official" dish ...from 8 in stage performance tips including Easter Grand Marshal I Marsha NaquinDelain, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXIX Tami Tarmac, Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois, King Cake Queen XIII Raven Kennedy, Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels, Miss Splash America Aubrey Synclaire, Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates, Transgender of the Year Chi-Chi Rodriguez, Queen of the North Shore Big Momma Lavouge, and The Big Easy Sisters.

One of the highlights of the evening was the “Man I Feel Like A Woman” Put Bartender of the Year Jeff Palmquist in Drag auction which raised $764. It included $150 for the dress won by Lafitte's, $50 for blush and eye shadow won by Mark, $40 for lipstick won by Frank Perez, $65 for eyelashes won by Rhonda Roget, $40 for earrings won Chuck and Bill, $50 for the wig won by Tim Wilson, $40 for shoes won by partner Coca Mesa, $125 for name that queen "Bottom Palmquist" won by Rip Naquin, $100 for the song "Man I Feel Like A Woman" won by Rip Naquin, and $94 in stage performance tips.

The event also brought in $1,410 from the door, $89 in additional door donations, and $200 from VIP tables.

Auctions raised $100 for the Black Bag Drag won by Bride-to-be Jen, $200 for Mint Easter Basket Egg won

by Tony Leggio, $100 for the purple satin gown won by Coca Mesa, $300 for the Quiozel Tiffany Inspired Lamp donated by Fisher Gambino won by Elizabeth Bouvier, and $500 for the Giant Easter Basket won by Michael Elias.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons Announces Spring Tour New York, NY - Patience will be rewarded this spring for ignored cities clamoring to get a look at another stellar lineup on the spark-igniting Battle of the Seasons tour for Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, airing on Mondays at 9pm. Featuring cast members from this wildly successful and original compe-

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Tennessee Williams Festival After 2013’s disturbing dearth of theatrical productions, The Tennessee Williams Festival came roaring back this year with two productions of major Williams plays and a major presentation of some of his one-acts. It felt like a proper balance had been restored to the universe.

The Hotel Plays, comprised of squoushed into rooms, hallways and four short works of Williams, had pre- entryways to see the plays unfold, a viously been done elsewhere. While frisson of excitement filled the air as we one may wonder why it took so long to felt privy to secrets exposed, up close get to New Orleans, it was well worth and personal. the wait.

In Green Eyes (1970), a newly Presented at the Hermann-Grima married young couple fights about what House, at the start the audience was may, or may not, have happened the divided into three groups. Each group night before after they argued and saw the playlets in a different order. As broke up on Bourbon Street. Matt Rein we rotated through the house museum, as the hungover soldier Boy and, espeeach play was repeated until all three cially, Jaimi Page as the contrary, white groups saw all the plays. trashy Girl kept the mystery going— It was a wonderful idea as Williams wonderfully—until the ambiguous endset many of his plays in hotel rooms and ing. boarding houses and, while I’m sure it’s The Traveling Companion from been equally effective in other cities, to 1981 can now seem almost quaint and see it in the French Quarter, where somewhat obvious. Jeremy Lawrence, three of the episodes take place, in a however, made Vieux, an older writer historic building was sublime, a rare self-described as “too much,” touching mash-up of history, literature, design, and ultimately pitiful in a noble way, architecture, theater and the Quarter’s while Matt Story, displaying, at first, a ineffable atmosphere. And as we lean and hungry look as the hustler

moments in gay new orleans history

by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

“The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana” The late great gay historian Allan Berube’s classic book, Coming Out Under Fire (1990), has its origins (at least in part) in a trash dumpster. In 1974 someone in San Francisco threw away a bundle of letters written by enlisted men and women during Word War II. A neighbor who was taking out the trash noticed the letters and salvaged them. Five years later, this person mentioned to a friend that some of the letters were written by gay men and lesbians. The friend mentioned that Allan Berube was very interested in the lives of gay folk in World War II and the letters eventually found their way into Berube’s possession and became the nucleus of his landmark book.

Coming Out Under Fire went on to win the Lambda Literary Award and has become a classic book on gay history.

That the seeds of such an important work were found in a trash dumpster raises a question: how much more of our history has been discarded?

Unfortunately, the answer is far more than we can possible imagine. Much of gay history is lost and that is regrettable but the good news is that efforts are now being taken to preserve our history.

The idea of preserving our local history was on the minds of Stewart Butler, Otis Fennell, and Mark Gonzales in 2012. In that year they founded the Legacy Project with the aim of compiling oral histories. After completing one interview (with Stewart Butler), they realized that the time, logistics, and money involved was somewhat overwhelming and the Legacy Project eventually fell by the wayside. However, the need and desire to preserve local gay history was still strong and from the ashes of the project rose the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

In June of 2013, a handful of people interested in local gay history began meeting to discuss the need to preserve our history and ways in which such an endeavor might be undertaken.

It was decided early on that an organization was needed to provide information and resources to those interested

Beau, revealed, as power shifted, greater depth than he at first let on.

My rotation concluded with the two early works Mister Paradise and Lady of Larkspur Lotion in which Williams was already exploring faded hopes and dreams and the deceptions we cling to. Francesca McKenzie, Kathryn Talbot, and David Landon were all fine, with Desiree Ledet as a tough-as-nails landlady particularly so.

Directors Jef Hall-Flavin (Green Eyes) and David Kaplan (the other three) knowingly brought out Williams’ hard truths that never go out of fashion, and showcased how his characters, even minor ones, blaze with theatrical life and passion.

With no offense meant towards its components, The Hotel Plays’ extraordinary whole is greater than the sum of its worthy parts. The Tennessee Williams Festival and Hermann-Grima House would be wise to recast The Hotel Plays with a full complement of local actors and run it year-round. I would like to think that there’s a large and ongoing market for this singular experience.

At Le Petit, The NOLA Project presented Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

James Yeargain and Randy Cheramie, as Brick and Big Daddy respectively, were exceptional, finding nuance in their well-known characters and facing off in a crackling Act Two finale. Cecile Monteyne’s Maggie the Cat was good in local gay history.

One of the first steps was to survey what LGBT holdings currently existed in local libraries and collections.

Questionnaires were sent to archivists at several local institutions. In addition, on-site visits were made to several local repositories. In October of 2013, the Society of American Archivists held their national conference in New Orleans and several members of that group’s LGBT Roundtable met with members of the LGBT+ Archive Project of Louisiana. In November, a community meeting was held in order to gather input from the public.

After several months of information gathering, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana adopted the following Mission Statement: The mission of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Louisiana.

To achieve this mission, it contemplates these objectives: (1) Educate the community on the importance of ensuring that LGBT historical materials are archived and made available for future generations to access, research, and study (2) Promote the proper maintenance and preservation of historical LGBT materials (3) Provide an informational direc-

but predictable, while Yvette Hargis’ Big Mama fell somewhere in between.

What puzzled me was Director Beau Bratcher’s very traditional approach as this was a production that could’ve been done 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years ago. Watching this Cat, I was [continued on 14]

the "official" dish ...from 10 tition produced by World of Wonder, a night with these frisky performers drawn from the first five seasons will be an unforgettable experience.

Sassy and wicked, sexy and beautiful, each drop-dead diva will attempt to outshine her rivals in a fast-paced, live presentation hosted by popular judge Michelle Visage, with special guest DJ Mimi Imfurst.

Exceptional venues will prepare their stages to welcome Jinkx Monsoon, Sharon Needles, Carmen Carrera, Ivy Winters, Pandora Boxx, and Phi Phi O’Hara.

Some of the cities include April 22 – Atlanta – Center Stage, and April 23 – New Orleans – The Civic Theatre. General and limited VIP tickets can be purchased at: http://tiny.cc/rupaulbots.

tory of archival resources where LGBT historical materials may be deposited or accessed for research and study (4) Index, publish, and maintain a current list of locations of archived historical LGBT materials (5) Develop financial resources to assist in the preservation and availability of certain LGBT collections The Archives Project aims to educate the public about the importance of historical preservation and how individuals can safely entrust local archives with the care of the historical treasures they possess. The project also plans to help make these materials more accessible to researchers and the public at large by maintaining a catalog of LGBT+-related collections in archives around the state. It is important to note that this project does not contemplate setting up an archive of its own. Rather, it aims to educate the public about the resources and attributes of existing archives in Louisiana.

The Project is in its beginning stages. As previously mentioned, a mission statement has been adopted, a set of bylaws is in place, and the organization has incorporated with the Secretary of State’s office. Now that the group is formally organized, the next step is electing officers and a Board of Directors. Then the real work begins. Membership drives are planned and volunteers are needed.

Your help is needed. If you would like more information about how to get involved or if you would like information about how / where to donate archival materials, please contact me at the email address listed above. You can also visit the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ lgbtarchivesla. Liking and sharing the Facebook page will help raise awareness of the Archives Project and its important work.

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trodding the boards ...from 12 reminded of Stephen Eckert, another fine young director. Like Eckert, Bratcher is true to the text, a worthy attribute when working on new plays as demonstrated by his recent Big Easy Award for A Truckload of Ink. Like Eckert, who guided Mary Pauley and Bob Edes, Jr. to well-deserved Big Easies for Long Day’s Journey Into Night and Equus respectively, Bratcher has a sure way with actors.

But, also like Eckert in his approach to modern classics, Bratcher offered no new insights into Cat in his staging or interpretation of the work.

Perhaps the Williams Fest wanted a straightforward version but I’m only guessing. Still, I find this baffling for a young director who, I assume, would like to make his mark.

That said, I had friends who saw and enjoyed Cat who had never seen it before and appreciated the conventional approach. Yet I wonder if we’d encourage artists to paint in the style of Titian and Rubens simply because some people may have never seen Old Master paintings before. As I wrote previously, it is incumbent upon each generation of theater artists to take chances and bring their own challenging and idiosyncratic perspectives to the classics. Otherwise, we might as well just watch re-runs on the Late Show (or whatever cable channel is showing them these days).

While, as of press time, I had not yet had the opportunity to see the other big Williams production, Southern Rep’s The Night of the Iguana, I did enjoy A Conversation With Diane Ladd.

Described by her cousin Tennessee as “A splash of tabasco—tart, tasty and capable of turning the bland into the exotic,” this future three-time Oscar nominee really didn’t get to know her famed relative until she was 17 and living in New York. Although she told Williams, regarding an off-off-Broadway revival that “I think [Orpheus Descending] has a bad ending,” he came

Oscar nominee Diane Ladd with her cousin at the Tennessee Williams Festival

around to her point of view and eventually became “a very loving friend.”

Originally from Mississippi, Ladd came to New Orleans as a teenager. A case of appendicitis prevented her from appearing at Le Petit but she did wind up performing at the Circle Gallery Theater. From here, she journeyed an improbable path into show business that included meeting Richard Nixon’s mother on a train and having a paranormal experience involving Martha Mitchell, the subject of a movie Martin Scorsese may produce with her starring.

A true Southerner, at 81 years young, Ladd tells a great story with a firm voice, keen humor, and oodles of personality. Down-to-earth yet a tough cookie, she looks vibrantly youthful and not in that “Hollywood” way. I, and interviewer Foster Hirsch, just wished she had more to say about Cousin Tom himself. Thirty-one years after Williams’ passing, sadly, it seems that there are less and less people who can fulfill the title of the Festival’s oncepopular event “I Remember Tennessee.”

As usual, the Williams Festival offered more events, performances, panel discussions, walking tours, etc., than any one person could take in. Which is as it should be. Let’s hope, though, that theater will continue to have a central role in this Festival honoring one of America’s greatest dramatists.

Broadway in New Orleans/Memphis at The Saenger Theatre returning May 13-18 Every time I saw a clip of Memphis (on the Tony’s or wherever) I was less and less impressed with it. But seeing it in person at the Saenger, I was pleasantly surprised. A kind of Hairspray meetsDreamgirls, this tale of interracial love set amidst the music industry of the 1950s started out somewhat bland but got better and better inducing smiles and even a few lump-inthe-throat moments as it went along.

That Memphis did win Tony Awards for score (Joe DiPietro and David Bryan) and book (DiPietro) is less a testament to Memphis’ strengths than to the weakness of 2010’s field.

Still, the show was smooth and wellmeaning with cute and interesting stuff along the way, particularly when it was recreating the style of the pre-rock’n’roll era.

As Huey, a lovable loser who finally finds his purpose in life as a radio DJ showcasing R&B songs, Joey Elrose brought this sympathetic but hardheaded character to memorable life.

Inspired in part by the careers of Dewey Phillips and Alan Freed, Elrose’s twang sounded so authentic that I was surprised to read that he’s a native New Yorker.

Jasmin Richardson conveyed in-

fectious enthusiasm and charm as Huey’s love interest Felicia, but grounded her in an understandable realpolitik. She delivered two of the show’s stand-out numbers, Colored Woman and Someday, with forcefulness and powerful conviction.

The rest of the cast all provided thoroughly enjoyable performances especially Pat Sibley, last seen here ten years ago in Oklahoma! and equally first-rate then, as Huey’s mother whose narrow-mindedness evaporates once her son starts bringing in the big bucks.

Production values were all top-notch.

Unlike some Tony Award-winning musicals, Memphis is, like some people I know, easy to like, hard to love. But that’s still better than most musicals these days.

Next up at the Saenger, May 1318, is an easy-to-love show, the Tony Award-winning War Horse. If it’s anything like the Lincoln Center production, it’ll be a theatrical experience you’re likely never to forget!

In Brief —I recently journeyed to Baton Rouge’s Swine Palace on the LSU campus to see Leigh Fondakowski’s SPILL about the BP Gulf oil disaster.

Fondakowski was one of the creators of The Laramie Project and, as with that ground-breaking show, she used interviews with the people who worked on the Deepwater Horizon and their relatives as well as those living in the coastal area who were directly affected by the oil spill to create her script.

It is a noble approach and Fondakowski did an admirable job of explicating what happened plus humanizing the men on the ship who lost their lives or were gravely injured. Yet, though intermittently moving, at over two and half hours, it came off as a TV movie-of-the-week or an expanded version of 60 Minutes. Unlike Laramie Project, there was little sense of a community awakening and changing its opinions in response to a national event.

And, though it may be unavoidable, four years after the fact SPILL already fills a bit out-of-date as BP noxiously polishes its image and has been allowed back in the Gulf.

Along with her entire design team and artist/choreographer Reeva Wortel, Fondakowski, who directed as well, provided visually compelling images. The entire cast, especially the extraordinarily versatile Kelli Simpkins, did justice to the people they were portraying. Yet, unfortunately, this may be a case of too much, too late.

—Blake Coheley and the folks at NOCCA continue to astonish as they take dross and turn it into gold. Curtains, a backstage murder mystery and the final collaboration between John Kander and Fred Ebb, is nobody’s idea of a great musical. But don’t tell that to the Musical Theater Division’s kids who

gave it their all.

Eboni Mitchell perfectly embodied a New Yawk Broadway Producer, singing and acting with aplomb. Madison Kerth, who’s already starred in a national your of Annie, was a graceful, and gracious, leading lady. With his matinee idol looks and copious talents, Dominic Fontana clearly has a bright future ahead of him—the only question is will it be in the world of theater or ballet?

Others to keep your eyes on as they rise through the ranks and assume even larger roles next year are Knox Van Horn, Prinsey Walker, and Coldin Grundmeyer, the latter two whom I’ve already had the pleasure of working with (okay, maybe I’m prejudiced).

Next up: a concert version of Ragtime May 21-23. See these folks now so when you’ll see them on Broadway you can have “I saw them then” bragging rights!

Coming SOON! Liza! Need I say more? If you want to see her—and if you’re reading this I assume you do or give back your gay card—in her Simply Liza concert on

Friday, April 11 at the IP Casino/ Resort’s Studio Ain Biloxi, get your tickets NOW at www.ipbiloxi.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or call Ticketmaster at 228.385.2600.

For despite Ellen’s silly/nasty dig at the Oscars, Liza’s as big a star as ever. As the NYTimes said last May, “she can infuse an electric excitement into a Bob Fosse shoulder shrug.” It’s been a while since Ms. Minnelli has been down here. I’ve regretted missing the last time she was here. There’ll be no regrets this time.

Four other stars return to Mid City Theater as Golden Girls LIVE! comes back with three new episodes and the inimitable Becky Allen as Dorothy joining Varla Jean Merman, Ricky Graham and Brooklyn Shaffer.

As I wrote about their run last winter, “a fantastic cast brought back to life one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The plots can be silly sometimes, but they can also be warmly, wryly humane with characters as finely etched as in a Restoration comedy.

Even before the lights went down, a boisterous audience was primed to have fun. And they did.”

You can too by calling Su at 504.488.1460 or visiting www.midcitytheater.com. The Girls play through April 27. They’re likely to sell out so if you don’t want to be disappointed, get your tickets today!

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Gay Easter Parade Board's Opal Masters (above left) and Darwin Reed hosted the 6th Annual Eggstravangaza at GrandPre's in New Orleans. The event raised an incredible $3,501 benefiting the reason for the Easter Season, Food For Friends. Auctions raised $2,255, door $520, stage performance tips $245, 50/ 50 raffle $155, 50/50 raffle donation from Michael Ducote $115, bartenders donation $122, jello shots $80, and a tip donation of $9. (www.GayEasterParade.com)

celebrazzi MC and King Cake Queen XXl, Easter Grand Marshal XV Todd Blauvelt, MC and King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris, Easter Grand Marshal X Tony Leggio, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXIX and King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac and Easter Grand Marshal XV Stuart Nettles celebrate raising $4,387 for the 13th Annual Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza at Oz in New Orleans.

The Gay Easter Parade benefits the reason for the Easter Season, Food For Friends. The event raised $3,623 in door donations, VIP Table sales, stage performance tips and auctions, and another $764 in the "Man I Feel Like A Woman" Put Bartender of the Year Jeff Palmquist in Drag auction.

New President Opal Masters joins Project Lazarus' Kim Moss, outgoing president Ron Issler, and returning captain John Zeringue to present Project Lazarus with $1,262 at Good Friends Bar raised by Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois as the charity number in the Krewe of Amon-Ra 49th Mardi Gras Ball in Chalmette, Louisiana.

Bartenders Miss Carol and Chris were given a grand send-off by Le Roundup at their joint Celebration of Life soiree complete with a tribute show, buffet and many friends gathering to remember their dear friends in New Orleans.

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 8-21, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om

“Man I Feel Like A Woman” Put Bartender of the Year Jeff Palmquist in Drag raises $764 for 13th Super-Star Studded Drag Extravaganza @ Oz ~ Photos by Darwin Reed

Tulane Avenue Bar's Bertrand Washington and Pedro Antunes join caterer Iria Williams for the grand opening of Mid-City's first LGBT bar in New Orleans. In addition to culinary delights, and complimentary cocktails, show director Kerry Hutchinson put on a great show including Miss Paris, Wendy G. Kennedy and Raven Kennedy.

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Shawn takes home the fab Easter Basket for $110 from Andy

Freddie takes home the Dinner on the Natchez with Trevor for $120 EGM X Antoinette Chardonnay takes home the Underwear Auction for $100 from Tone & Andy

EGM XIII Rhonda takes home Earrings for $55 from Andy

Jello Shot Boys raise $80

Tony Lala leads the buffet line at the Patio Bar Gold Sponsors Food For Friends’ Glen & NO/AIDS Task Force’s Noel

Kevin takes home Necklace Set for $80 from Andy

Mr. Big Easy Leather A D Kus & buddies

Mina gets the Butlers Serving Tray for $60 from Andy Gold Sponsor Satyricon’s David & Ted flank Gold Sponsor Easter Grand Marshal XV Todd

EGM XV Stuart takes home the Sylvia Frank Easter Egg for $150 from Andy

Doug takes home the Hotel Stay/ DVD Basket for $85 from Andy

Mina takes home Necklace Set for $85 from Andy Silver Sponsor/EGM XIII Darwin with Kajun’s Pub’s David & August, & Gold Sponsor Sidney

EGM XII Elizabeth takes home Limoge Jeweled Bunny for $155 from Andy

Double Play’s Bill & EGM XI Chuck

Gold Sponsor Amon-Ra’s Mina & Nanette with Bronze Sponsor/ EGM IX Orlando & Silver Sponsor/ EGM VII Opal Masters

Gold Sponsor EGM IX Safonda & EGM XV Stuart with Platinum Sponsor FNBMG's Sam

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6th Eggstravaganza raises $3,501 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Grandpre’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed

Opal Masters steps out of the shower raising $750 in the Drown A Drag Queen Auction

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MCs King Cake Queen's XX Dusty Debris & XXI Barbara Ella

Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates & Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels

Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois & Miss Splash America 2013 Aubrey Synclaire

Bride-to-be Jen wins the Black Drag Bag auction with top bid $100 including fab Cruella DeVille

Transgender of the Year Chi-Chi Rodriguez

"Bottom Palmquist" raises $764 in Put Jeff Palmquist in Drag auction EGMs XV Todd Blauvelt & Stuart Nettles say “Hi!”

King Cake Queen XIII Raven Kennedy

GEP Board's Steve Patrick & Bronze Sponsor Paul Melancon at the door

EGM X Tony Leggio takes home the Mint Easter Egg for $200

Easter Grand Marshal I Marsha Naquin-Delain in her only performance each year

Coca Mesa takes home the Purple Satin Rouched Gown for $100

Queen of the North Shore Big Momma Lavouge

EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier takes home the Quoizel Tiffany Lamp for $300 donated by Fischer Gambino

District C’s new Council Person Nadine Ramsey joins EGM I Rip Naquin on stage

Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXIX Tami Tarmac

District Council Person Nadine Ramsey with "Bottom Palmquist"

EGM VIII Michael Elias takes home the Giant Easter Basket for $500

Jen’s Bachelorette Party take 2 VIP Tables for $200

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13th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza raises $4,387 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed

Big Easy Sisters with Hector “This Boys A Bottom”

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Mandeville LA [985] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, #4 Sanctuary Blvd., Suite 304, 985.727.7797, www.tmccordcpa.com Metairie, LA [504] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, 3925 N. I-10 Service Rd., Suite 215, 504.888.8333, www.tmccordcpa.com

alterations 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

bathhouse New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

book stores RT PA M RA

New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is514]

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

accounting

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 GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.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 TULANE AVENUE BAR, 3813 Tulane Ave., 488.1400 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

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 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

circuit/events 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 Aug. 27-Sept. 1, 2014, 43rd Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 150,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 23-26, 2014, Halloween 31, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 26, 2014-Jan. 1, 2015, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 13-17, 2015, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.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, 269.3726

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

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

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, SalonDMalta.COM

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

health New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block.

[0713] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "halfkitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues.

[0813] Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gay-hotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.”

THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 8-21, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om

HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience!

FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.

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 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com.

License #LA4553 [is2614]

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

media

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

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

organizations

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

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 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, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, 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, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.LordsOfLeather.com

Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, services at 10am, 6200 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118; 504.270.1MCC www.mccneworleans.org 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 CELEBRATION in New Orleans 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

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

pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaPharmacy.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years.

Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum INC/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Website: www.SteveRichardsProperties.com, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

restaurants Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 New Orleans, LA [504] Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108.

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy, 525.9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 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

under the gaydar

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

Bartender of the Month The Mid-City neighborhood has always had a large gay population, but now it has its very first gay establishment with the opening of the Tulane Ave. Bar. I have been several times and found it to be a comfortable, wellappointed local hangout that creates an atmosphere of friendship, warmth and fabulousness. That is why my bartender of the month choice for April is Kerry (aka Corynne DeVille).

From my first visit to the new venue, Kerry was quick to make me and my friends feel right at home. The success of neighborhood bars is the repeat clientele from the locals, so making sure that they are well taken care of is a major priority. Personable attitude and superior customer service is key.

Remember these people are going to be your core market.

Different than a bar in the French Quarter that caters to mostly tourists, your customers are people who live close by, who will bring friends and spread the word on your place. Kerry not only keeps the libations flowing, but he also manages to put together their weekend drag shows, karaoke nights and many more of their special events.

There is literally something to do every day of the week there.

Kerry’s jovial personality and funloving manner makes him a wonderful ambassador for Tulane Ave. Bar. He remembers faces and drinks of his XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 N. Rampart St., 232.3063, www.XXXShopp.com

spas New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., 208.1180, TheJoyTheater.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] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM

Putting the Good Back Into Good Friday!

Easter is here and with that is the return that means one of the most provocative and sexy fundraisers supporting the Gay Easter Parade. Bunnies in the Big Easy is back with more excitement, more fun and the 2014 Bunny Boys. I have to admit that this year’s crop of Bunny Boys who will be strutting their stuff auctioning off their full baskets. The event this year will be on Good Friday, April 18th from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Bourbon Vieux.

Tickets are $35 and only 100 will be sold so get your tickets now before they run out. Your admission to this event includes food, an open bar of wine, beer and vodka, a silent auction, a show with special guests and a very creatively unique Easter Egg Hunt.

Bourbon Vieux is located at 501 Bourbon Street. For tickets or more information, call 504.252.5476 or go to www.gayeasterparade.com.

Celebrate Easter in the Marigny Bartender of the Month Kerry @ Tulane Avenue Bar customers and welcomes everyone with a smile and boisterous greeting. His cocktail making skills are excellent and you never have an empty glass when he is on duty. So come out and support Mid-City’s newest hot spot Tulane Ave. Bar located at 3813 Tulane Avenue.

Promenade Your Parasol Nothing says Spring in the South like a stroll through a beautiful garden with a parasol. Now you can have the opportunity to do both and help the theatrical community at the same time.

The Leading Ladies Guild of The Jefferson Performing Arts Society is hosting its Fifth Annual Parasol Promenade & Tea on Sunday, April 13th at the Longue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans.

Guests are encouraged to don their finest Sunday attire and create their own designs for the popular Parasol Contest. Categories include “Best Parasol” and “Best Ensemble”. Enjoy scrumptious sandwiches, sweet-cakes, tea and complimentary champagne.

Other highlights include a guided tour of “the Mansion” and a performance by the award-winning JPAS Theatre Kids!

Participants will enjoy shopping at the Fashion Boutique for unique jewelry and Easter hats as well as a raffle and 50/50. Proceeds benefit the JPAS Youth Programs throughout the 37th Season. For more information about JPAS Theatre Kids!, please visit www.jpas.org.

The event will take place from 2 4:30pm. For reservations, Contact: Mrs. Jolene Ryan, 504.472.5973. The cost is $40 per person.

Get ready to show off your Easter bonnet at the 12thAnnual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl that will be held on Saturday, April 19th.

Everyone is invited to don their most creative or outrageous Easter “bonnet” and join the promenade as it makes its way to eight different gay owned businesses in the Marigny. At each stop, bonnets will be judged in various categories by the bartenders and staff, and trophies will be presented. This year, the Bunny Marshals (BMs) leading the festivities will be The Betties (fun-loving local social group). They will be responsible for guiding the Easter revelers along the route. Previous Bunny Marshals (BMs) include: Lewis Routh I-III, Guadelupe IV, Poncho V, Fish VI, Rip & Marsha VII, Joanne & Lisa Guidos VIII, Tony Leggio IX, Jeff Mallon & Marty Curtin X, and Princesse Stephaney XI. The event will begin at 2pm at The Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres, and will make stops at the following locations where the various trophies will be presented: The Friendly Bar- Best Couple Big Daddy’s - Widest Bonnet Mimi’s - Tallest Bonnet Cutter’s - Most Glamorous Bonnet Who Dat Cafe - Best Newbie (for first time participants) Kajun’s Pub - Sissiest Bonnet The Phoenix - Butchest Bonnet & Ambush Magazine - Best of Best Mag’s 940 - Best Group (minimum of three members) & Event Organizers - Meyer-Routh-Murrell Spirit Award This year the event will also include a 50/50 raffle benefiting the Gay Easter Parade and Food for Friends.

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under the gaydar ...from 30

Dinner with Degas Continues The Degas House is continuing their monthly Dinner with Degas series with its next featured chef, Ryan Haigler on Wednesday, April 16th. Each month a noted New Orleans chef interprets Hearn’s Creole Cookbook in seven courses. Presented in the Degas House Grand Parlor, Ryan will bring his personal flair to the meal, and will recreate the Creole hospitality of Edgar Degas, and his New Orleans family, the Mussons. Guests will enjoy a true Creole experience with absinthe, food, music, and conversation all surrounded by the art and spirit of Edgar Degas.

Ryan Haigler, the noted sous chef at R’evolution, has worked in tandem with John Folse and Rick Tramonto to build R’evolution into the premiere restaurant that it is. Local mixologist Paige Torres will create another original absinthe cocktail to start the evening.

The festivities begin at 6:30pm with an Absinthe Cocktail and the first course will be served at 7pm. The Degas House is located at 2306 Esplanade Avenue and the cost is $78 per person.

To Purchase Tickets: Call Degas House at 504.821.5009. You may bring your own wine. There will be no corkage fee. Reserve your tickets now; seating is limited number (only 50 tickets will be sold).

Chita Rivera and Forum For Equality: A Perfect Combination As many of you know The Forum for Equality has filed a lawsuit with four Louisiana couples to force recognition of their legal out-of-state marriages.

This brings Louisiana one step closer toward marriage equality but it needs our help. The suit has been filed and the arduous task now begins, but leaders and advocates in Louisiana’s LGBTQ community will help cover expenses related to the suit.

And how do we raise funds in this city, we throw a party, but not just any party: An Engagement Party. Join the Engagement Party. FFE is estimating over $50,000 in expenses related to the marriage recognition lawsuit. You can join the Engagement Party by donating at least $500 as an individual and $1,000 per couple and become part of the influential group of supporters paving the road to equality in Louisiana.

That’s less than $50 a month to helping secure the rights and recognitions LGBTQ families deserve. And you’ll get amazing benefits and experiences for your support: •Ticket(s) to an exclusive Engagement Party on April 16th where you can learn more about equality efforts and meet the plaintiffs.

•VIP tickets to see the legendary Chita Rivera at Le Petit Theatre on April 19th, and a meet and greet with Chita after the 8:30pm show.

•Recognition on WeAreEngagedLA.org and printed materials related to this fundraising and awareness campaign.

•You or your business can also become a sponsor of events and position yourself as an advocate for equality and voice of change.

For more information on how to Get Engaged, go to www.WeAreEngagedLA.com.

Party Down When people joke about surviving the holidays, they usually mean Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amateurs, they need to come down to the Crescent City where nearly every weekend is a cause for celebration. This year St. Patrick’s Day seemed rougher for me than Mardi Gras if you can believe that.

On Tuesday, the day after St. Patty’s some friends and I went to dinner at the Uptown Louisiana Pizza Kitchen in support for the NO/AIDS Task Force. Once a month, the restaurant organizes Dining Out With a Purpose in which 25% of all lunch, dinner, dine-in, take-out and even catering checks will benefit a local charity.

The following day, I went to happy hour at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse. I am all about the happy hours and this place has one of the better ones offering $5 select wines and appetizers. On Thursday, I had another great meal at a restaurant I have not tried before Tivoli & Lee located on Lee Circle.

Located in the Hotel Modern, this restaurant gives their Southern influenced menu a modern outlook. With a spectacular view of Lee Circle and the lumbering streetcars, this is a perfect New Orleans culinary experience that will delight both locals and visitors alike.

Tivoli & Lee takes its namesake from two iconic monuments from the circle. The first was a spinning carousel at what was once then called Tivoli Circle and the second is the Southern war hero that now stands in its place.

The eatery is bright, open and airy featuring large picture windows. Chef Marcu’s Woodham creates a neighborhood-focused farm-to-table menu that supports local farms. Their menu is an inspired take on Southern cuisine with many delicious favorites.

I had gone to dinner with a journalist from Toronto who was doing a travel piece on the city as well as another article on the gay scene. So after dinner I took Andrew on a whirlwind tour of just some of the city’s gay nightlife which included 10 bars (Oz, Pub, Lafitte’s in Exile, 700 Club, Rawhide, Good Friends, Corner Pocket, GrandPre’s and Double Play, Napoleon’s Itch and Lucky Pierre’s). If I missed your bar, I am sorry my stamina is not what it used to be.

On Friday, I attended a reception for Reverend Annie who married Rip and Marsha in New York. She was in town for the Tennessee Williams Festival and they had a lovely gathering at their home in her honor. It was great seeing everyone who went to the wedding and reminiscing about the fun trip.

Afterwards, I met up with my little Toronto journalist for some more French Quarter fun at Oz. Saturday was one of the Easter fundraiser’s, the Eggstravaganza hosted at GrandPre’s. I co-emceed the show with the talented Opal Masters and we raised over $3,500 for Food For Friends. In addition to having boys in the shower, the crowning part of the night was the Drown a Drag Queen in which Opal went under the water literally. And still she never smeared her lipstick, now that is talent.

I took Sunday leisurely only attending the Amon-Ra rush party upstairs at Good Friends. It was great to see the ball again and meet all their new pledges for next year. The anticipation for their 50th anniversary ball is incredible; it is going to be a spectacular show.

On Monday, I attended the Big Easy Awards at Harrah’s Casino. I love this event, because we have such an extensive and lively theatre community, the party is always a blast. With dinner, cocktails and performances from the nominated shows, the evening was memorable. The after party at Masquerade after a few martinis also added to the fun of the night and the hangover the next morning. Monday drinking is always a party, but Tuesday work the next day is no celebration.

I overindulged so much on Monday, it took me till Thursday to recover the strength to go out again, but I made up for lost time attending three events in the night. The first was the Hobnobbers party at the House of Blues hosted by New Orleans Magazine.

Guests mingled, socialized and networked with other New Orleanians, including the magazine’s past and future People to Watch. They are beginning to host these events every month so get on their mailing list. Next I went to the Mayor’s NOLA FOR LIFE fundraiser. This is Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s comprehensive murder reduction strategy to tackle the city’s historically-high murder rate. Recognizing that law enforcement alone cannot solve the murder problem, NOLA FOR LIFE takes a holistic approach to get to the root of the problem, and implements initiatives under five pillars: 1) Stop the Shooting 2) Invest in Prevention 3) Promote Jobs and Opportunity 4) Improve the NOPD 5) Get Involved and Rebuild Neighborhoods This evening the hospitality community recognizing that crime can debilitate a city whose lifeblood is tourism helped raise $78,000. NOLA FOR

LIFE was fueled by the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team in partnership with public safety and public health experts and local service providers.

I ended the evening at “A Renaissance in the Treme” a fundraiser for the New Orleans African American Museum which was held at Basin Street Station and featured the music of PJ Morton. Morton is an American R&B singer, musician and producer who is currently the stand-in keyboardist in pop rock band Maroon 5. In 2013, Morton released his first major-label debut album, New Orleans. The event was a grand soiree that brought all the best elements of food, music and history together at a lovely venue that had a stunning view of the French Quarter.

On Friday Elizabeth Bouvier (aka Jeff Mallon) and I were asked to emcee St. Anna’s Dodwell House fundraiser at Generations Hall. This is our third year doing this exceptional event that combines libations, food, both live and silent auctions and music from children in their program. It was a successful gathering raising funds for this wonderful cause. The Dodwell House will supply space for programs that will help reduce poverty and inequality, provide outreach to at-risk children, maintain a cultural crossroads for the diverse population served by St. Anna’s and furnish a permanent home for its after-school and Hispanic ministries.

Saturday was all about Easter with the Gay Easter Parade's Drag Extravaganza at Oz. This star studded event raised over four thousand dollars for Food For Friends and was very well attended. All the performers gave it their all and special congrats out to Dusty Debris and Barbara Ella for keeping the event funny and moving. Once again I was honored to be able to do the auction which had some marvelous prizes. Jeff Palmquist was an absolute doll and looked radiant as we him dressed in drag for lots of dollars. Who knew he looked like Honey Boo Boo grown up. Afterwards, we continued the party at Lafitte’s in Exile before I had to call it a night.

Ending my two weeks was a completely full Sunday Funday. My friends Beaux, Barrett and I started off the day by taking our dogs to the Dog Day Afternoon fundraiser at City Park to benefit the LaSPCA. There was food, drinks, music and lots of vendors hawking wares to pamper your pooch. There is nothing better than spending a beautiful afternoon playing in the park with man’s best friend. And it was also filled with lots of hot guys, another plus.

Then we went over to Mid City’s newest gay bar the Tulane Ave. Bar for their grand opening soiree. It was nice crowd as they presented a sumptuous fare for guests to enjoy. There was even a daytime drag show. Gotta love [continued on 33]

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houston

It's All About Neon Boots ~ Houston, Texas ~ Photos by Neon Boots

paparazzi

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a community within communities

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

Resurrection Sunday.

Metanoia, ìåôíïéá! It’s all Greek to me!

Why, yes it is my friend. It is precisely a Greek word. It has been the most abused and misunderstood, mis-translated into English ever! Kind of a cute little word as it rolls off the tongue. Nice little syllables that are if nothing else pronounce-able as foreign tongues go; better than BUR-gunDEE. It’s Easter personified. It is a word that has been used and abused.

Easter is about many things. For pagans it is a feast of new birth and spring. So, it is for Christians, at least I hope so because the pollen count is up and azaleas are in bloom. God can be sooooo selfevident. It is also the time when, after our contemplative weight-loss Lent, we become a new person. Knocked off two inches off the waist line; reeled in that credit card gone crazy; maybe even stopped smoking!

under the gaydar ...from 31 this city. We ended our evening with dinner and a movie at my friend Laura’s house. After a full day of energy, relaxing in front of a television watching a movie with friends drinking great wine and eating homemade Mexican is a perfect ending to a rather perfect day.

Do not forget the Bunnies in the Big Easy party and the Gay Easter Parade. We would love for you to show your support. See you on the bunny trail.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom Recently a friend of mine was out of town when the unthinkable happened; his wallet was stolen and he did not have his identification to fly back home. Not having been through this before, I had no idea what to do, but after doing a little research there are actually cases when you can fly without a picture ID. I thought this would be great knowledge to have in case you or someone you know is ever in this situation.

Personally when I travel I always carry two forms of picture ID, my driver’s license or either my passport or a state ID (not a license) that I keep back in my room. That way if you are ever robbed or lose your purse/wallet, you will have a backup form of picture identification. A Louisiana ID Card is less expensive than a driver’s license (usually $18) and is valid for longer.

Other than that here are some helpful tips if your license is stolen and you have to board a plane.

First and foremost if you are robbed, file a police report immediately with local law enforcement if your ID was stolen. Ask for a copy of the report and the name and contact information of the officer taking the report. You can show this type of documentation at the security checkpoint at the airport.

Arrive at the security checkpoint early and explain the situation to the officer at the

New life! Perhaps it is even the time after serious contemplation that you have discovered new potential within your very spirit. I hope so, because that is what Lent was for. Easter is to celebrate the outcome.

So back to metanoia! The big big lie about this little word is that it was translated REPENT! Are you starting to break out in a sweat yet? You can see Preacherman in his high pulpit raising his floppy Bible shouting, “Repent Repent Return to the Lord!” The condition response is guilt, humiliation, a sense of failure. That is then followed by some errant sense of control by Preacherman to cause you to “atone” for your sins (read increase you’re giving and do what I say). “Repent, repent the end of the world is near!” This kind of religion makes me want to choke on my cheerios.

John the Baptist said it. Jesus said it.

[continued on 34] document-checking station. If your ID was stolen, you should also bring a copy of the police report, if you filed one. The officer will then ask you to fill out a form that includes your full name and address. Officials will check this against all publicly available databases. So make sure you are at the airport with extra time to spare (at least three to four hours in advance of your flight).

Prepare for additional screenings and interviews from local police and TSA (Transportation Security Administration) behavior-detection officers. You may also be required to submit to a whole-body pat-down, a body scan and a full luggage check before you are allowed to board your flight.

Check with the TSA agent at the entrance to security and see if they will accept other forms of photo ID you may have, such as a Costco Card, which has the member’s photo embedded in the card, or a work photo ID. These are just some tips, but to get more information you can go to http:// www.tsa.gov/traveler-information.

To Quote A Queen To honor the success of the Tennessee Williams Festival last month, I thought I would share a few of his most celebrated quotes. The love affair between Tennessee Williams and New Orleans is a telling tribute to our city. It features prominently in many of his plays and stories with one of the most famous ones being A Streetcar Named Desire. Enjoy witty repartee from one of the Crescent City’s famous sons. .

“What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it’s curved like a road through mountains.”

“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans.

Everywhere else is Cleveland.”

“You can be young without money, but you can’t be old without it.”

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”

If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.

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Beautiful Mark Happy Twosome Bingo Hostess @ B-Bob’s, Miss Davenport

a community ...from 33 Paul said it. What they said was metanoia not repent! So, why am I all jacked up about this! This wonderful aspect of faith has been so abused, misused, and misunderstood that it has fed haters and allowed condemnation to run rampant in a faith that is much more like Easter. Lovely, it’s about new life and new starts and moving toward fulfillment. Regrettably somewhere in history it was translated into Latin and poorly so. The English counter-part being “repent.” So WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?!

Tell me tell me. It means to change ones heart and persona. No guilt implied. To become a new person and therefore to experience the divine in a new and refreshing way! One theologian said it is to change ones perceptions and therefore the fruit of those perceptions change to charity, grace, love, adoration, hope, wholeness, dignity, giving, chastity, and kindness. Hmm, “repent” I don’t think so.

So, as we enter into the season of Easter – the season of the fruit of metanoia be released to love! You are encouraged to make a new life and to live it fully and wonderfully! This is the call of resurrection: “Once I was dead now I am alive” or “Once I was lost now I am found.” What greater reflection of the natural world of new birth, spring, and growth than resurrection in our personal lives. How powerful is that!

Perhaps that is why, when Easter arrives, we do carriage rides and parades (it’s New Orleans)! Perhaps that is why the pastel colors are broken out and delightful dress adorns us like newly budding camellias! Why because in this new life, a life of forgiving, a life of living, a life of dignity, a life of love, we are adorned. Not adorned by our outward appearance but by the inner glow of our delightful humanity – that part created by a loving God that calls us into brotherhood, sisterhood, humanhood.

As a portal to the divine Jesus said of his relationship to us this: I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Enjoy the possibilities that are ever present. You now know that you can change and that most of all- YOU, yes YOU, are a friend of God. Love each other!

Jasmine Essex performs @ B-Bob’s DJ Leroy & Leon @ B-Bob’s

From Montgomery, Miss Felicia Gallant performs @ B-Bob’s Jason & Greg visit B-Bob’s

Happy Birthday Leon!!!

Hello Boys...

Gulf Coast Legend Miss Cie

Miss Venus

Flip Side Bar & Patio Magic

Jack with B-Bob’s owner Jerry

Justin & Miss Cie

Mercedes Alexander @ B-Bob’s...

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Celebratin’ with the Beautiful People ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

Beautiful Judson & Rick

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Mobile’s own Leon Weekley celebrates his b-day in New Orleans

Paris, Wendy, Kerry & Raven @ Tulane Ave. Bar grand opening

Caleb wins New Meat Amateur Dance Contest @ Corner Pocket

Krewe of Amon-Ra’s new board during their 50th Rush Party @ Good Friends Bar

Bartender Timm @ Tulane Ave. Bar grand opening Bartender Chris welcomes you to Kajun’s Pub

Andrew & Dylan behind the bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Krewe of Armeinius’ new board during 47th Rush Party @ Oz

Ron hangs the new sign for GrandPre’s on N. Rampart

Tom behind the bar @ The Phoenix Angela & Beauty @ Le Roundup

Krewe of Petronius’ 53rd Rush Party @ Kajun’s Pub

Kajun’s Pub’s Joann & Lisa @ Petronius Rush Party Greg & Paloma @ Bourbon Pub & Parade All smiles from bartender Bobby @ The Golden Lantern

Mobile’s Jawakatema Davenport in Big Top Revival @ Lucky Pierre’s

The boys in for Tulane Ave. Bar grand opening

EGM VI Lisa & EGM VIII Michael hosts New Meat Night @ Corner Pocket

The Three Stooges: Jeff, Aletha & Frank @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

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The Social Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

Rip & Marsha flank Rev. Annie @ the Ambush Mansion

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Cowboy on the pole @ Rainbow Room

Divas R Us @ Home of Southern Decadence, The Golden Lantern Bartender Dee @ Ninth Circle Welcome to Clover Grill

In the booth @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Welcome to Mumfrey’s Pharmacy

Celebrating the Lives of Miss Carol & Chris @ Le Roundup You never know who you’ll see @ Clover Grill

Toasting the Lives of Miss Carol & Chris @ Le Roundup James & Raoul @ The Golden Lantern

All smiles @ Rawhide

Felicia Faraday in Sisters @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Le Roundup’s Colette & Candise join Double Play’s Will remembering Miss Carol & Chris Welcome to Mary’s Ace Hardware Miss Gay New Orleans Monica Synclaire-Kennedy in Sisters @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Sabrina & Shaun @ Ninth Circle

Vanessa & Derik @ The Golden Lantern

Glenn cocktailing @ Voodoo Bar

Baby Blanche does Dingo with former Entertainer of the Year Alex @ Oz

Butchie & Miss Eloy celebrate the Lives of Miss Carol & Chris @ Le Roundup

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All Over the Place ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Chuck Hinkley, Charles Jenkins, Paul Melancon

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