Ambush magazine volume 32 issue 08

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Excitement Mounts for Announcement of 40th Southern Decadence Grand Marshals May 3

the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

HAART presents Dining Out For Life April 24 in Baton Rouge HAART is proud to present the second annual Dining Out For Life® in Baton Rouge. This Thursday, April 24 six restaurants in the Capital City will join sponsors and diners in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Those six local restaurants are generously donating 25% of their lunch or dinner sales to HIV/ AIDS Alliance for Region Two (HAART)!

Be sure to dine out at Bistro Byronz, Jambalaya Shoppe on Government St., Mestizos, Monjunis, Restaurant IPO, or Table is Bread.

As you may know, Baton Rouge is now #1 for AIDS cases and #3 for HIV cases in the U.S. HAART, a local non-profit organization, provides medical and housing services to individual and families living with or are at risk for HIV/AIDS. In addition, the organization works extensively in the community providing HIV education and free testing.

Dining Out For Life® is a great way to help in the fight for HIV/AIDS and to assist in helping families impacted by this disease. In 1991, Dining Out For Life® was created by an Action-AIDS volunteer in Philadelphia. Dining Out is now produced in 60 cities throughout the United States and Canada. More than 3,000 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from this one special day of dining to the licensed AIDS service agency in their city. More than $3 million dollars a year is raised to support the missions of these organizations. With the exception of the annual licensing fee of $1,150, all money raised in these cities stays locally.

With the help of sponsors Take Red Avenue Studios, Avita Drugs Pharmacy, and Takeout Express, the participating restaurants and diners like you, Baton Rouge can “Dine Out and Save Lives”. To learn more about the event, please go to

www.diningoutforlife.com/batonrouge.

45th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 25-27 & May 1-4 The 45th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has announced another stellar year for one of the nation’s top-rated musical events. It has everyone's favorite genre including country, gospel, blues, zydeco, R&B, rock and roll, and Jazz. Some of the biggest names on today’s music scene will be coming to the Crescent City for the two-weekend, seven-day fest at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course.

For more information, visit www.nojazzfest.com.

6th Chili Cook-Off April 26 benefits Food For Friends

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The 6th Annual Wood Enterprises Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, April 26th, at Cafe Lafitte’s, Good Friends Bar, Rawhide, and Oz. Contestants will cook their chili from 1pm until 4pm. They will be supplied with table space and a hot plate. They will be required to supply everything else, including cookware to make two gallons of chili. All preparation will be done at the bars. No pre-cooked ingredients will be allowed. From 4pm until 6pm, people will be allowed to taste the chili for a fee of $10, then at 6pm, the tasters will vote for the chili they like best at each location. The winner at each location will go up against each other at Lafitte's, and the tasters will vote for the Grand Champion there.

The winner will receive half the money collected and the other half will go to the Food for Friends. If you are interested in participating please see Tony at Good Friends, Richard at Rawhide, or Benjamin at Cafe Lafitte's. "We hope you can join us for this great event!!" (www.Lafittes.com)

Mother's Day/Pre-Memorial Weekend issue out May 6 >DEADLINE: Tues., April 29

inside

celebrazzi/celebration of life spotlight feature moments in gay new orleans history under the gaydar gep purple party paparazzi gep spring fever paparazzi a community within communities trodding the boards 15th gay easter parade sponsors

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ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds houston paparazzi mobile paparazzi chop chop/restaurant guide ambush pics/new orleans, metairie

AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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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Excitement is mounting as reigning Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago get ready to anounce Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL. The official 2014 Southern Decadence Announcement Party is Saturday, May 3rd, 8pm, at Lucky Pierre's, 735 Bourbon Street. The new grand marshals will set the tone for this year's giant Labor Day Weekend blowout!

Sources say some nine past grand marshals will hit the stage for your entertainment pleasure. You are urged to "Feel The Moment" by wearing the official 2013 colors of fuschia pink, tangerine orange and gold, celebrating "Live, Laugh, Love." For more information, visit www.SouthernDecadence.com.

15th Purple Party Raises $3,816 The Gay Easter Parade's 15th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception, benefiting Food For Friends, raised $3,556, plus $260 in sponsorships for a total or $3,816.

Hosted at The Double Play in New Orleans, the event raised the following: $631 door, $296 prize raffles, $365 egg raffles, $132 jello shots, $62 Cutter's Anniversary buffet donations; and from auctions: $110 Ice Chest with Beer & Coke from Helen, $75 Mystery Basket from Frank Perez, $25 Humpty Dumpty Bunny Family w/ Elizabeth Taylor Passion from Toby Lefort, $60 Easter Wreath from Gene Theriot, $275 Kajun's Pub's Liquor Lagniappe Basket from Ellen Miller, $55 Mystery Basket from Steven Emling, $115 Jeweled Bunny Limoge from EGM Todd Blauvelt, $55 Mystery Basket from Electra City, $70 Giant Scooby Doo from Todd Blauvelt, $290 Gold Half Eagle Coin from Deja Deja-Vue', $275 Beautiful Peacock Goose Egg from Chuck Turner, $65 Mystery Basket from Frank Perez, and $600 Pink Lamb Basket from Gene Theriot; plus sponsorships of $160 for Zsa Zsa D'LaHor Memorial Sponsorship, and $100 from Jo-Jo Holding LLC.

12th Spring Fever Extravaganza @ Four Seasons raises $3,695 The 12th Annual Gay Easter Parade's Spring Fever Extravaganza raised $3,445 plus a $250 Silver Sponsorship from Four Seasons for a total of $3,695 benefiting Food For Friends Monies raised included $350 door, $272 stage performance tips, $104 egg raffles, $117 50/50 Raffle, $117 50/50 Raffle Winner Marsha Delain Donation, $100 table sale/Ellen Miller,

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 Frank Joseph 504.444.8327 Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Frank Joseph, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Frank Perez, 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. ©1982-2014, 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

Mina Hernandez; and auctions $100 French Quarter Wknd. Basket from Ellen Miller, $45 Drag Accessories Gift Basket from Barbara Ella, $75 Paul Davis Diva Wig from James Stevens, $200 Kajun's Pub Liquor Lagniappe Basket from Ellen Miller, $705 Basket of Love from (Electra & Tittie, Rip & Marsha, Trevor, Mina, Misty, Chuck, Chris, DJ Jet, Jeff, Chuck, Danny, Orlando, Stuart, Todd, James, Wayword Girls, Gordon, Anonymous), $50 New Orleans Bars-Framed Artwork from Chuck Turner, $10 Easter Tree from Dee, $40 Electra City Surprise Basket from Jeff, $150 Gold Rhinestone Limoge Bunny from Bill Miller, $75 Marigny Get Away Basket from Ellen Miller, $180 Butterfly Spring Garden [continued on 8]

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celebrazzi

Easter Grand Marshals XV Stuart Nettles and Todd Blauvelt receive a mayoral certificate recognizing them for their important contributions made to the community from New Orleans Human Relations Commission Executive Director Larry Bagneris. The grand marshals were feted at the 15th Annual Gay Easter Parade Purple Party Grand Marshals Reception at The Double Play raising $3,556 for Food For Friends, plus $260 in sponsorships, for a total of $3,816.

Photo by Darwin Reed. (www.GayEasterParade.com)

Electra City and Tittie Toulouse join Bill Miller and Chuck Turner as the new owners of 4 Seasons in Metairie, announced during Gay Easter Parade’s 12th Spring Fever Extravaganza. The event raised $3,445 plus a $250 Silver Sponsorship from 4 Seasons for a total of $3,695 for “the reason for the Easter Season,” Food For Friends. Photo by Darwin Reed. (www.GayEasterParade.com)

celebration of life Memorial Celebratrion for Frederick Wright Frederick Douglas Wright (Aug. 26, 1946 - March 19, 2014) was many things: a Cajun gourmet, a Notre Dame professor, in retirement, a bartender extraordinaire and the consummate impresario of Bon Temps. His ability to foment fun naturally led to his being chosen the First Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence. His spirit will forever reign.

There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial for Frederick on Sunday, April 27th in New Orleans: 4-6pm at The Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis Street;

GM Greg Jones joins Bianca del Rio, and Oz host Persana Shoulders at Oz New Orleans for RuPaul's Drag Race. Bianca was feted at an exclusive VIP party with both cocktails and eats before airing last week's episode. The packed crowd downstairs got to see the episode, and then Bianca's outrageous stage performance pulling unsuspecting victims from the audience for her sizzling brand of humor. (www.OzNewOrleans.com)

Jeremy, aka Dead-Eye Dickless, won the 4th Annual Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Rejects contest against fellow contestants Deja Deja-Vue', and Misti Ates, aka Little Tittie. Whoever raises the most money, wins the contest and a free carriage in the Gay Easter Parade. Photo by Darwin Reed. (www.KreweOfAmonRa.com) and 6-8pm at Cutter’s, 706 Franklin Avenue.

Pot Luck & Show for Zsa Zsa D’LaHor (John Martin) Zsa Zsa D'LaHor's Celebration of Life is set for Saturday, May 10th, 57pm, at GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans.

Zsa Zsa was always there to help support this community which she loved dearly, Please come and celebrate his life with a potluck and show. The potluck buffet on the Patio at GrandPre’s is from 5-6pm. Please contact Starr Daniels, Kyle Scott, or Justin Moffatt on Facebook if you could bring some-

thing to share. Then from 6-7 a show will be hosted to raise some funds for Zsa Zsa's final expenses.

Starr Daniels is putting the show together so please contact her if you would like to perform a number. Much love to you all....see you there!

Info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1470867793130707/ ?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming.

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spotlight feature Party Drug or Prevention Breakthrough?

by Rachel Gress & T. J. Rogers Over the last week, you may have heard about a controversial new HIV prevention strategy called PrEP, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, that’s caught the attention of national media as a number of talking heads have started a heated debate on the topic. Porn producer Michael Lucas heralded it as “arguably the most important breakthrough in HIV medicine since the mid-1990s,” in an op-ed piece on Out.com. His article was sparked by inflammatory comments made by Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation when he told the Associated Press, “If something comes along that’s better than condoms, I’m all for it, but Truvada is not that. Let’s be honest: It’s a party drug.”

The reality of the situation most likely lies somewhere in the middle. Here are the basics: PrEP is for people who do not have HIV and involves taking medication daily to reduce the risk of becoming HIV infected. Health care isn’t just about treating the condition but preventing it and so NO/AIDS Task Force (NATF) is pleased to now offer a PrEP Clinic to reduce the spread of HIV. Interested? Check out the frequently asked questions below to see if PrEP is right for you.

How does PrEP work?

PrEP works as a complimentary therapy to behavioral modification, which means taking a daily pill (Truvada) in addition to using condoms; using the pill and condoms together allow you to have much safer sex. Truvada is a combination drug of two HIV medica- third Wednesday of every month from tions: tenofovir and emtricitabine and is 4 to 8pm. It is located within the NO/ approved by the Food and Drug Admin- AIDS Task Force C.A.N. office at 507 istration (FDA) for both prevention and Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA. treatment of HIV. HIV is transmitted Who is eligible for the PrEP through the semen, pre-cum, or vaginal Clinic? fluids of a HIV-positive person and the Currently, the Task Force is not medication works by preventing HIV accepting uninsured patients because from replicating inside of your body. of the need for lab work but we hope to In addition to the drug therapy in the near future; therefore currently a itself, PrEP Clinic patients will work client has to have some kind of funding with a comprehensive risk counselor to and fall into a high-risk group. create sex positive behavioral changes.

How much will PrEP cost?

Patients must also complete blood work The medication cost will depend on on a regular basis to monitor their your insurance coverage. Check with general health. your insurance provider to determine if Are there any side effects?

PrEP is covered.

Clinical studies show Truvada to have minimal side effects. Truvada’s the "official" dish ...from 4 short term side effects include headEgg from Chris Ward, $100 Paul Davis aches, weight loss, and stomach probWig from Marsha Delain, $75 Black Tie lems such as nausea, diarrhea, and gut Gala/Art Auction from Trevor Santos, pain. The long term side effects seen $30 Bunny Hop Liquor Basket from are bone loss and kidney damage.

Tony Leggio, $10 Easter Tree from How effective is PrEP? Dee, $175 Stuart's Easter Basket from PrEP is most effective when it’s Ellen Miller, $225 Monster Liquor Bastaken every day at around the same ket from Ellen Miller, $50 Antique Look time in conjunction with other safe sex Stereo System from EGM Todd practices (e.g. condoms). The risk of Blauvelt, $50 Easter Trio from EGM HIV infection was reduced by at least Stuart Nettles, $20 Task Force Basket 90% in clinical studies in which individufrom Chuck Turner-donated basket als took the medication every day. back, and $20 Task Force Basket from Studies in which individuals took Truvada Ellen Miller. less frequently also showed a reduction in HIV infection although it was at a Lords of Leather Cuatro lower percentage of protection.

Who should take PrEP? de Mayo Party People with a high-risk for HIV Just leave it to the Lords of Leather to exposure, such as men who have sex be different. They will be celebrating the with men or mixed-status partners, Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo a day early should take PrEP. However, PrEP may this year on the Cuatro (4th) of May. So find be taken by any individual so long as that sombrero and serape and join the they do not have chronic kidney prob- Lords at the Phoenix Bar on Sunday evening, May 4th. There will be a $5 beer lems or Hepatitis B. bust from 6-9pm on the patio. In addition, What are the location and hours there will be $1 tequila (gummy worm of the NATF PrEP Clinic? included) jello shots. (Just like the real The PrEP Clinic is offered on the worm!) Ole‘!

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moments in gay new orleans history

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

“Pioneering Lesbian Barbara Scott Was Ahead of Her Time” Last year, the Louisiana House of Representatives rejected a bill by Representative Austin Badon (D-New Orleans) that would have outlawed discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The legislature refuses to pass anti-gay bullying legislation and has yet to repeal the state’s unconstitutional anti-sodomy law.

Same-sex marriage and civil unions are prohibited in the state constitution.

Louisiana is one of only eight states that have never had an openly gay legislator.

Clearly this needs to change.

Barbara Scott thought so fortytwo years ago. Lesbian feminist Barbara Scott made history in 1972 by being the first openly gay political candidate from New Orleans. She ran for the State House of Representatives on what was then considered a radical platform: she was against discrimination against women in the workplace, for equal pay for women, for decriminalizing homosexuality, and for the reform of marijuana laws. Although she polled only 38% of the popular vote, she did succeed in introducing the issue of women’s rights in local politics. In subsequent years, other local lesbians rose to the forefront of the women’s movement in Louisiana and crusaded

for the ERA, fought to repeal the state’s “head and master” laws, defended women’s reproductive rights, and advocated for battered women.

Scott also made history in 1969 when she founded Distaff, the longest running feminist newspaper in America (1969-1982). Distaff was a women’s journal that featured biographical sketches, illustrations, cartoons, essays, poetry, short stories, reviews, and of course, political commentary. It was the only feminist newspaper in the South. Scott edited the paper for the first year or so before Mary Gehman assumed editorial responsibilities. (For those interested, copies of Distaff are available at the Newcomb College In-

stitute Archives on the Tulane Campus.)

In addition to promoting feminism, Scott was also a strong advocate for the French Quarter. She helped defeat the Riverfront Expressway (an ill-conceived proposal that would have positioned the I-10 overpass currently over Claiborne Avenue behind the French Market and Café du Monde opposite Jackson Square. Furthermore, Scott won an award from the Vieux Carre Commission for restoring the Creole cottage at 719 Toulouse Street (currently Little Vic’s). And from 1967 to 1972, she co-owned The Fatted Calf, a popular restaurant and bar at 727 St. Peter Street (currently Yo Mama’s).

After her unsuccessful campaign for the State House in 1972, Scott moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

There she bought an old Victorian style hotel called the New Orleans. Scott billed the place as the nation’s first “Feminist Resort.” Shortly after it opened, a feminist newswire wrote a story on the hotel which was picked up by over 200 newspapers across the nation, including the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. Soon not only feminists began flocking to Eureka Springs, but also battered

women from around the country with no place to go. Scott opened the doors of her hotel to them and offered them sanctuary.

Scott’s success in Eureka Springs is also credited with helping that resort town become the “Gay Capital of the Ozarks.” Today Eureka Springs is the only city in Arkansas to have a registry of domestic partnerships and it is the only city in that state to provide employee health insurance coverage to domestic partners. The city has a disproportionately high LGBT+ population and celebrates that distinction each year with a lively Pride Celebration and several “Diversity Weekends.”

A gay Mecca in Arkansas might not have happened if Barbara Scott had won her House race in 1972. New Orleans’ loss was Eureka Springs’ gain.

Currently, of the state legislature’s 144 members, only eighteen are women (fourteen in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate). Of the 126 men who comprise the state legislature, the vast majority are stubbornly conservative and utterly insensitive, if not outright hostile, to issues concerning women and the LGBT+ community.

In this regard, Barbara Scott was ahead of her time.

under the gaydar

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

Book of the Month Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is once again on another adventure in Dan Brown’s newest novel Inferno. And this time Langdon will go through hell itself both literally and figuratively as he explores the mysterious world of Dante’s first poem in his Divine Comedy trilogy The Inferno. Brown, whose other novels include the widely popular The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, returns with a story that is both thought provoking and exciting.

This entry in the series finds Langdon waking up in the middle of the night in a hospital, disoriented and suffering from a head wound. Not only does he not remember anything that has happened to him over the past few days, he does not even recall how he got to his current location of Florence, Italy. As with Brown’s other books, Inferno focuses on a famous historic figure and his masterpiece, Dante Alighieri’s dark masterpiece The Inferno.

The action pretty much starts from

the first chapter and does not let up as Robert finds himself in a race against time to stop an obsessed scientist from unleashing something unimaginable on the world. Brown’s attention to history interweaved with his masterful descriptions of some of the world’s most gorgeous locations transports readers into the story. There is intrigue at every turn as Langdon has to decipher the code before time runs out while being pursued by mysterious people.

History has never been so much fun and venturesome. The book is a fast read with unrelenting action. His characters leap off the pages keeping the reader motivated and engaged.

There are many twists and turns that will have you guessing up until the end.

For more information on Inferno or any other of Dan Brown’s works, go to www.danbrown.com.

Steven Forster Turns 35!

The wonderfully talented photographer Steven Forster is celebrating

Ray Charles his 35th year in photography and it is going to be one major party. And no one knows parties better than the man who has photographed literally thousands of them first for the Times Picayune for many years and now for The Advocate. Everyone is invited to his show on Thursday Jazz Fest Eve April 24th from 5 to 7pm. This not-to-bemissed event will be held at the Angela King Gallery located at 241 Royal Street in the French Quarter. There will be entertainment by Raphael and Norbert and food by the Cake Cafe. “The Jazz Fest Show” will include selected black and white photographs, both new and from the vault of Steven Forster featuring Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and more. Also included in the show are Lenticular Photographs by Bruce

Johnson (the flow of the nude in motion) and photographs by Alexei Kazantsev (Mardi Gras Indians). Angela King Gallery is presenting an exhibition of three unique approaches to the medium of photography, imagery, depicting essential elements of New Orleans Culture: movement, music and mask.

Amon-Ra Sizzles The Krewe of Amon-Ra is hosting their annual and delectable Fish Fry on Sunday, May 4th from 1 to 3pm. at GrandPre’s. Join the krewe and meet new friends at this fantastic venue along with freshly fried fish and all the fixings.

This is one of my favorite socials hosted by Amon-Ra because it is fun in [continued on 12]

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under the gaydar ...from 10 a relaxed atmosphere. The donation is a mere $15. Advance tickets are available for dinners from any Krewe of Amon-Ra Member. For more information, go to www.kreweofamonra.com.

GrandPre’s is located at 834 North Rampart Street.

Crawfish Season Is Here I love those delightful little mudbugs and nothing is more New Orleans than an old-fashioned crawfish boil. And now you can have all the crawfish you can eat and help a good cause at the same time. Toby Lefort’s Annual Crawfish Boil and Auction benefitting the NO/ AIDS Walk is being held on Sunday, May 4th at the Four Seasons located at 3229 North Causeway Boulevard in Metairie. The crawfish start coming out at 2pm and auction starts at 5pm.

A $20 donation at the door gets you all crawfish you can eat.

Experience A Night In The Kingdom Of Oz Those who think that Game of Thrones is ruthless have never been in a gay pageant before. Just kidding, the gay pageants are some of the most entertaining and enjoyable evenings.

Known for their incredible shows, Oz New Orleans and Persana Shoulders are pleased to present the oldest preliminary in the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageantry System, Miss Gay New Orleans America 2014, “A Night in the Kingdom!” celebrating the reign of Monica Synclaire-Kennedy.

The entrance fee for Miss Gay New Orleans America is $75. The Winner receives $500, a 1 year Planet Beach Contempo-Spa Package, and Custom Austrian Crystal Jewlery - The MGNOA Official Jewelry from Lucinda Holiday - Made for a Queen Jewelry, Crown & Sash. The 1st Alternate gets $250 and a 6 month Planet Beach Contempo-Spa Package.

The pageant will be emceed by the comical Persana Shoulders with special appearances by the original ladies of Oz as well as Raquel Chevallier Miss Gay America 2005; Teryl-Lynn Foxx - Miss Essence International Classic 2014 & Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 1992; Lisa Beaumann - former SDGM, EGM, and KCQ on her way to Miss Gay USofA Classic; Miss Gay Louisiana America 1991/93 Tiffany Alexander; Miss Gay Louisiana America 2012Mercedes Ellis Loreal; Miss Gay Louisiana America 2005 - Dominique DeLorean; and Miss Gay Louisiana America 2010 - Zhane’ Kennedy.

For more information or to sign up please contact: Persana Shoulders at 504.300.9525 or persana@ozneworleans.com or on Facebook by messaging us at www.facebook.com/ozneworleans.

For more information on the Miss Gay Louisiana America System check them out online www.missgaylouisianaamerica.info.

The categories include Male Interview, Solo Talent, Evening Gown, On Stage Question and Talent. Registration is at 5:30pm contestants must come in their “Male Interview” attire and interview will happen immediately upon registering at 6pm.

Come out and show your support and have a great time at the show. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.

Party Down The first of many festivals has passed as we celebrated in high style French Quarter Festival. But we still have many more Spring parties and events coming up so let’s get started.

On both Mondays of my two weeks I met some friends at the Tulane Avenue Bar to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race.

This is a fun neighborhood bar that gets a good crowd on Monday nights. It is a laid back atmosphere with drink specials and food. Also, if you guess who gets kicked off, you receive a complimentary cocktail. Now this is way to enjoy must-see TV. On Thursday of both weeks, I saw some of the most amazing local theatrical productions. Week one I saw “The Night of the Iguana” at the Art Klub on Elysian Fields and the following week, I saw “The Normal Heart” at the Allways Theatre. Southern Rep is at its finest with their newest production of Tennessee William’s The Night of the Iguana. The Art Klub warehouse on Elysian Fields in the Marigny provides a perfect location for this play.

The audience truly feels like they have been transported to a “tropical paradise” where an assortment of characters find themselves at the end of their ropes, much like the iguana tied to the post in the show. And Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart is truly New Orleans local theatre at its best. Brought to the stage by Jonathan Mares Productions, The Normal Heart is a searing snapshot of the AIDS crisis in New York between 1981 and 1984 as seen through the eyes of Ned Weeks, a writer and activist, played brilliantly by Nick Shackleford. Directed by Kris Shaw, the play kept me mesmerized feeling a mixture of many differing emotions: anger, disbelief, compassion and most of all fear. The entire cast of The Normal Heart works like a well-oiled machine to create an unforgettable night of theatre.

Friday was a complete “wine” down evening. I began the night going to the opening of Bin 248, a unique wine, beer and spirits shop located at 2801 Magazine Street. Opened by the owners of Tujaque’s Restaurant, their Executive Chef was there creating some culinary delicacies as guests shopped and sipped some of the merchandise. Afterwards I went to a spontaneous old-

school porch party. I love this city where a two people sitting together on a stoop can draw a crowd and before you know it, there is a group of friends sharing some laughs, drinking some wine (mostly the wine we just bought) and enjoying each other’s company.

Each Saturday was devoted to Gay Easter Parade fundraisers, with the first one being the Purple Party at Double Play. This annual event draws a crowd of enthusiastic Easter participants clad in my favorite color (can you guess). Owners Chuck and Bill pulled out all the stops with lots of food, auction items and good music. We followed up the night by stopping at the Corner Pocket to see some more baskets.

On Sunday, the Gay Carnival krewes have started their fundraisers for the upcoming 2015 Mardi Gras season. I attended two of them beginning with Amon-Ra’s Bunny Reject Party at Oz and ending with Petronius’ Craftin’ and Cocktails. The Bunny Reject event is a fun parody in conjunction with the season, as three contestants gave it their all in categories like swimwear, talent and evening gown. Each one had a basket to auction off full of goodies, I was lucky enough to win the Johnny Passion basket. In the end, Jeremy proved victorious and wins a carriage in the Gay Easter Parade. Keeping with the Easter theme, Petronius had guests build their own bonnet. A gay person with a glue gun can be a very dangerous and sparkly thing.

The following weekend began on Friday with another Petronius fundraiser, this time it was a Fish Fry complete with lightly breaded catfish, creamy mac and cheese, cole slaw and very decadent desserts. On Saturday, was the second Gay Easter Parade fundraiser in the two week period at The Four Seasons Lounge in Metairie. The 12th Annual Spring Fever Extravaganza had great performers and lots of auction prizes. The weather was beautiful and it was an amazing night to enjoy a courtyard soiree.

Sunday Funday took the all day partying to the extreme, like many things we do in the Crescent City. My friends Beaux and Barrett joined me at French Quarter Festival as we tried various dishes and enjoyed the music on this gorgeous day. In the afternoon, we went to the first of the Halloween New Orleans fundraisers as Oz. It was like Tea Dance on steroids; there was a plethora of handsome muscular men in tank tops that I thought I was in a casting call for America’s Next Top Gay Male Model. After we had our fill of eye candy, the most non-fattening form, we traipsed to our friend Jose Luis’ pool/ birthday party. There were many wellwishers on hand to celebrate with him as he hosted a fabulous crawfish boil.

And no night would be complete without visiting a few of the gay establishments before calling it a day.

That concludes my two weeks of fun, rest up my pretties because Jazz Fest is knocking at our door.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom Recently, Halloween New Orleans held its first host party beginning the festivities for one of New Orleans’ most prominent events in the gay community. Halloween XXXI is slated for October 23 – 26, 2014. I urge you to become a host this year if you have not before. There are many reasons to become a host in addition to helping a worthy cause. You get the VIP experience for the four-day extravaganza and enjoy monthly host parties leading up to the big event.

What is a host? Halloween Hosts are the core of the organization. The hosts fee helps raise more for Project Lazarus and thus allows them access to the VIP areas of the Friday and Saturday parties (along with t-shirts and gift bags). Halloween New Orleans have the hosting system because money is needed earlier in the year for deposits on locations and other expenses. This year hosts that pay before September 1, 2014 receive a discount. 100% of what is made each year goes to Project Lazarus.

There is also a first-time host promotion sponsored by Avita Drugs Pharmacy. They will match $100 of the Host donation for new Hosts meaning they pay $300. It’s a great way to become a part of the Halloween Host family.

For more information on becoming a host or Halloween XXXI, go to www.halloweenneworleans.com.

To Quote A Queen Since Jazz Festival is just around the corner and music is in the air. I thought I would share some quotes of one of my favorite musicians, Elton John. He is flamboyant, generous, truly talented and his music remains timeless. I mean anyone who can get us doing the Crocodile Rock has to be fabulous.

“When Little Richard used to stand up and play it was just fabulous, and Liberace had the candlesticks and the rings and the gift of the gab. The piano’s is the most ungainly rock’ n’ roll instrument of all time but those two people transcended it, as did Jerry Lee Lewis.”

“If you write great songs with meaning and emotion, they will last forever because songs are the key to everything. Songs will outlast the artist and they will go on forever if they are good.”

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

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paparazzi

Food For Friends’ Glen with NO/ AIDS Task Force’s Michael & Noel Toby Lefort takes home the Humpty Dumpty Bunny Family with ET Gift Pack for $25

EGM XV Todd Blauvelt takes home the Giant Scooby Doo for $70

Fun @ the benefit

Catherine, Misti & Gene

EGMs XV Stuart & Todd flank Chuck & Bill celebrating their 43rd Anniversary Ellen Miller takes home the Kajun’s Pub Lagnaippe Basket for $275

Leonard Williams takes home the Gold Half Eagle for $290

The Miller gang & friends Purple Party Boys with Corner Pocket’s Michael & Jeremy EGM XV Todd Blauvelt takes home the Jeweled Bunny Limoge for $115

Helen wins the Ice Chest w/beer & coke auction for $110

Steven takes home a Mystery Basket for $55

Frank Perez takes home a Mystery Basket for $75

EGM IV Electra City takes home a Mystery Basket for $55

EGM XI Chuck Turner takes home the Peacock Goose Egg for $275

Frank Perez takes home a 2nd Mystery Basket for $65

Gene Theriot takes home the Pink Lamb Basket for $600 & Easter Wreath for $60

Bill Miller, Chuck Turner & Momma Turner enjoying family time for Chuck & Bill's 43rd Anniversary

EGM II Larry, Sidney & EGM VII Opal

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15th GEP Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception Raises $3,556 for Food For Friends @ Double Play ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed

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EGM XII Elizabeth, KCQ XXI Barbara, Natasha & EGM X Tony Trevor Santos takes home the Black Tie Gala/Art Auction for $75 EGM XI Chuck Turner takes home the framed Bar Poster for $50

Ellen Miller with the Monster Liquor Basket, one of her 6 baskets won bringing in a total of $795

EGM X Tony Leggio takes home the Bunny Hop Liquor Basket for $30

SDGM Tami Tarmac, Karli LaCour & Miss Gay New Orleans America Monica Synclaire-Kennedy

Dee takes home both Easter Trees for $10 each

Barbara Ella wins Drag Accessories Gift Basket bidding $45

Jeff takes home Electra City Surprise Basket for $40

EGM IX Safonda Peters EGM XV Todd Blauvelt takes home the Antique Look Stereo System for $50

The circle of love...

James takes home a Paul Davis Wig for $75

Basket of Love brings in $705 from multiple donors

Bill Miller takes home the Gold Rhinestone Limoge Bunny for $150

Wood Enterprises’ Chris Ward takes home the Butterfly Easter Egg for $180

EGM XV Stuart Nettles takes home the Easter Trio for $50

Chuck Turner donates auction basket back, snatched up by Ellen Miller making $40

Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates

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12th Spring Fever Extravaganza Raises $3,445 for Food For Friends @ Four Seasons ~ Metairie, LA ~ Photos by Darwin Reed

Spring Fever hosts Tittie & Electra join Paul & Steve welcoming guests @ the door

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a community within communities

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

As I write this the rain is coming down outside, thunder is in the offing, and it is a day for memories and just thinking. I know, “don’t get a headache.” Yesterday was the last day of French Quarter Fest and Palm Sunday.

The day was almost humid but not quite. The day was sunny but tempered with clouds. The day had a breeze but was not windy. Altogether it was not a bad day weather wise.

At St. Anna’s we start Palm Sunday off with a procession. But such is a recognizable New Orleans procession.

Basically, a second line led by the famed Storyville Stompers Brass Band.

For many it is the highlight of their church life. We parade through the Tremé, Marigny, and the fringes of the Quarter. Along the way spectators join in what is a fun time. Music echoes off of old homes, balconies, and budding trees. People are dancing and shuffling and the bands are playing.

On occasion a tourist or even local is so caught up in the sounds of jazz, old Gospel songs, incense, and lace that they find themselves following the procession right into the church. The little church is rocking people standing, music playing, the choir swaying, the sounds of full on unreserved joy. It’s New Orleans. Censing the altar to a deep jazz rhythm takes on new dimensions all on its own. No it's not your daddy’s church that is for sure. People continue to stand and the adrenaline is rushing through the veins…

The BANG! The Passion of the Christ is read. Stillness ensues and silence, deep abiding silence. The air is punctuated with a sense of profound irony, perhaps confusion, we were just smiling, clapping hands, dancing, rejoicing then…crucifixion. The jazz buzz is busted! The rest of the service remains largely solemn recalling the death of Jesus and the causes and forces surrounding his execution. Irony, pathos, confusion and interplaying with those sounds of joy still muted but hanging in the background – distraction!

The worship service rolls on and then in a sudden twist of double irony the brass band strikes up again and a powerful, truly jazz driven version of “I’ll Fly Away” is sung by all. The dancing starts, the choir begins to sway, the crowd is once again animated and it reminds one of a tent revival in the Deep South. Keep in mind though, “All are welcomed, none are shunned.” No, it doesn’t look like a revival it just sounds like one. People pour out of the church and gather around great tables of fresh boiled crawfish and continue the day

outside in that delightful New Orleans spring. Irony, pathos, a new track to follow and Crucifixion perhaps forgotten already; maybe a memory now thrust way into the back of ones mind.

How much was this Palm Sunday like New Orleans? We live in a city besieged by murder and violence. Yet, it becomes a distant memory as we enjoin each other in revelry of the moment. Perhaps it's because we are a city beset by the always present possibility of turmoil that we do party so hard. Live for today or carpe diem. I have an app which is a new gadget for an old guy like me. It is a local TV station with their “app”. Often in the morning or evening I will check it out.

Weather first, then news, my priorities right?!On the day before Palm Sunday I expected a lot of news about French Quarter Fest, just as a lot of reports will be filed about Jazz Fest or Cinco de Mayo by the time you read this. But the irony of Palm Sunday played on this application on an android device. The litany and yes it was a litany went something like this: Great Crowds at Fest Great Weather brings out Fest Goers Iron Man triathlon route Man shot in 7th Ward <an ad for cheap insurance> Four shot one dead in shooting spree Mother and baby shot in Treme Tensions rise in Ukraine Saints make a trade Body found in bayou New Orleans ranked as one of fastest growing cities In this litany what do you remember what will you read about. Crucifixion, a lingering thought in the back of your mind. Almost gone but not quite and subdued by the persistent joy seeking. This need not be a “jazz buzz kill” but rather a reminder that we have much to do. While we party we must make time for making this world right.

Enjoy, grab life fully, rejoice because there is so much good. While grabbing the joy, hold on to enough of it to bring it into the darkness so that light can shine. Bring joy into the conversation about reconciliation. Bring joy and jazz into the work of eradicating poverty.

Bring music to the song that says educate the great minds of children living in poverty. Perhaps if we do so the tragedies that surround us may be as transformative as the crucifixion was and through our awareness we might just bring Easter into the mix. Then the litany of news might have room for:

Mentoring Program for Youth Fully Funded; Marriage Equality National Norm; Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Ukrainian President; yes, friends these

things are possible and they start with faith, hope, love, and vigor. Crucifixion no longer a distant memory but a gateway to resurrection.

trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Golden Girls at Mid-City Theatre through April 27 The Girls are back! If you missed Golden Girls LIVE! when it played at MidCity Theatre earlier this year, you have another opportunity to see some of New Orleans’ finest comic actors bring to life the beloved sitcom from the 1980s.

This incarnation of The Golden Girls features three new episodes. In the first, Rose discovers that her boyfriend has kicked the bucket in her bed...and another thing or two about him as well. Next up, Dorothy’s new best friend turns out to be not quite the erudite sophisticate she thought she was. Last, in a trip down memory lane, Blanche’s brother reveals something that surprises even his unflappable sister.

late, great Estelle Getty and is likewise hilarious in a cameo as a Boca Raton matron with just a touch of Bette Davis in her. Without overdoing it, Varla adds a few winks and nods to the audience to Blanche’s repertoire of outrageousness which keeps these Girls from being mere xeroxes of the TV show.

The great scripts are still funny, some special effects add a nice touch, and local, national & even international commercials between the episodes will give you another reason to laugh. Just get to the theater early (or buy reserved front-row seats) to insure that the theater’s central pole doesn’t get in your way of seeing all the fun!

Shoebox Lounge at The Shadowbox Theatre through April 26

Varla Jean Merman, Becky Allen, Ricky Graham and Brooklyn Shaffer in The Golden Girls (clockwise from top) Becky Allen has replaced Sean Patterson as Dorothy and fits in perfectly. Allen doesn’t try to “do” Bea Arthur but, rather gives us a softer, gentler version of the New Yawker of the bunch which is just fine.

Allen, Varla Jean Merman (Blanche), Brooklyn Shaffer (Rose) and Ricky Graham (Sophia) work off of each other flawlessly like a Superbowlwinning football team of four along with featured batters Brian Johnston and Jefferson Turner (Hmmm...I probably need to go to the penalty box for that metaphor).

If I had to pick a favorite, I suppose it would be Shaffer whose Rose tosses off jokes so casually—and so brilliantly— in a slyly naive way. Shaffer also brings out Rose’s trusting heart and innate sweetness; I’d love to see her as another sitcom icon, Edith Bunker.

Graham continues to channel the

In Shoebox Lounge Jen Pagan charts three generations of Latinas in a loving but occasionally combative family. A 55-minute intimate group portrait written and performed by Pagan, Shoebox depicts abusive relationships, an exploration of spirituality, and the absolute love of shoes.

Shoebox Lounge takes a meandering path as Pagan presents scenes from her life. There’s humor and warmhearted reminiscences but when it comes to battles with alcoholism and men, Pagan wisely avoids all sentimentality.

Pagan, a wickedly talented, chameleon-like actress, is able to enchant an audience with her viola-tinged voice as she metamorphoses among not only old and young, male and female, Latina, Caucasian and African-American, but fiery and gentle, wise and innocent.

As a playwright, Pagan can coin a marvelous turn of phrase (“we danced together on and off the dance floor”) and conjure up her grandmother’s preening personality in just a few words (“an abuelita from Honduras who insists she’s from Spain”).

Yet while important events do occur in Shoebox Lounge, from a first Communion to a sexual assault, it’s [continued on 28]

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Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Reject winner Dead-Eye Dickless @ Oz

DJ Dom spins his last Trash Disco @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Stocking the food pantry @ Food For Friends Bartender Brad @ The Double Play

Mike wins Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Reject contestant Deja Deja-Vue’s basket @ Oz

King Armeinius Bruce, Bianca & Lords of Leather Captain Gary @ RuPaul’s Bianca del Rio blowout @ Oz Bryan, David & Eric cocktailing @ the Phoenix

Charlie Bear doing Drunken Karaoke @ GrandPre’s

Packed house joins Bianca del Rio for RuPaul’s Bianca del Rio blowout @ Oz Miss Love, Clements & Frank @ Voodoo

Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Reject contestant Misty Ates as Little Tittie @ Oz

Baby K ready for you @ Rainbow Room

Andrew Christian Model Topher Dimaggio with Lisa @ The Corner Pocket Ms. Jenkins with Mr. Tami Tarmac @ Playboy Bunny Reject Contest

Mitch & new bartender Mark @ Le Roundup Steve & GM Eric @ Rainbow Room

Catch bartender Daphiny Cook @ Le Roundup

Josh on the bar @ Corner Pocket

Partners Joseph & Phoenix bartender Tom @ Oz for RuPaul's Bianca del Rio bash

Bourbon Pub’s Josh & Good Friends’ Kevin

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The Club Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Frank Joseph, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

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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 [is914]

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

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 22-May 5, 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

GayMardiGras.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • April 22-May 5, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

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.

trodding the boards ...from 22 more expository memoir than compelling dramatic narrative. Clearly inspired by storytelling tradition, Shoebox lacks a “What-happened-next?” inner pull to fully captivate an audience.

Finding tension in a one-person show is always a challenge. Mary Louise Wilson successfully pinned her Full Gallop on whether Diana Vreeland would get a phone call to became a consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. In I’ll Eat You Last, however, despite Bette Midler’s laudable performance as agent

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

Reflections2 at The Anthony Bean Community Theater through April 27

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] 801 Royal, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com 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 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,

Sue Mengers, the hook of “Will Streisand call or not?” was not enough to compensate for Mengers talking ad nauseam at the audience.

With her family’s distinctive tradition of hiding their liquor bottles in shoeboxes, Pagan limns a more interesting tale than Mengers’ dishy palaver but she sometimes sabotages herself by including too many lists of shoes and drinks and foods.

I’m not sure if it’s the lists themselves, which offer fun descriptions but tend to go on and on, or Pagan’s presentation of them (though the lists could be shortened, perhaps, counterintuitively, Pagan might’ve found greater pay-off by fully enacting rather than merely reciting each item), but they interrupt any momentum that Pagan has built up. Sections like these might’ve benefitted from having a director on board who could approach the material with a more objective eye.

Pagan conveys much tenderness as she returns to her abuelita’s postKatrina Lakeview home and discovers some special shoes that survived the flooding unscathed. Yet, after nearly nine years of storm-fueled stories, anything touching on this topic has to be pretty audacious, e.g. Beasts of the Southern Wild, to distinguish itself anymore.

Shoebox Lounge is a very personal piece that Pagan has been reshaping and refining since its debut in 2006. It may now be time for this gifted artist to move on. While I suspect her best is yet to come, a visit to The Shadowbox Theatre will still offer ample rewards.

561.8167 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

Amen for Gwendolyne Foxworth! This prodigiously talented actress can discover the deepest of passions in the simplest snatches of dialog, endowing them with undercurrents of emotion that most others can barely hint at. A Best Actress Ambie Awardwinner for her dazzling Ruby in August Wilson’s King Hedley II, I’d love to see her as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or the Egyptian queen in Anthony and Cleopatra.

For now, however, we must content ourselves with her Angelle Thomas, wife of former City Councilman Oliver Thomas in Reflections2. In Act Two, he’s out of jail and she’s mad at him. Why? Not because he’s having an affair (he isn’t, though she asks) or due to his gambling addiction. But because he forgot their anniversary and, more broadly, because he hasn’t been paying enough attention to her.

All this may be valid enough and, as scripted by Anthony Bean and Oliver Thomas himself, presumably true, but Angelle comes off as self-centered and two-dimensionally petty. Still, with the words coming out of Foxworth’s mouth and echoed by the pained expressions on her face, Angelle becomes a bone-weary combatant in a seemingly one-sided marriage, a near-tragic victim of her husband’s almost messianic desire to save the world.

Subtitled “Oliver Thomas Off Probation; Ready to Talk,” Reflections2 promises to expand on Reflections: A Man and His Time which premiered at The Anthony Bean Community Theater in January 2011. Yet although Bean and Thomas have made some adjustments to the script, they have yet to include any significant revelations as to why Thomas threw away a promising political career for $15,000.

It is certainly possible that Tho- porters serving as a kind of Chorus.

The potential is there. Bean and mas, an effective politician who came from an impoverished background and Thomas create drama reminiscent of was well-liked by both Whites and some of the Bard’s historically-based Blacks, simply wanted to provide more plays with a scene in which a group of for his family than “pork chops three New Orleans religious leaders meet times a week” followed by “chicken with Thomas the day before he plans to three times a week” as a wryly humor- resign his Council seat.

One Pastor, blazingly played by ous passage suggests. We feel for him as he describes the luxury he saw in the Harold X Evans, sees a conspiracy Uptown homes of his supporters that among the White power elite to roll he yearned to bring to his own house- back the gains Blacks have made here in the last thirty years. Besides the hold.

But Bean and Thomas need to rumors that swirled around the city furnish greater psychological insight after Katrina, how does he know this? and lyrical poetry, not to mention a Because Whites talk freely around the stronger dramatic structure, if Reflec- servers and housekeepers that make tions2 is to achieve the Shakespearean up his working class congregation.

In contrast, an African-American dimensions of the fall and redemption of a tragic hero to which it seems to [continued on 30] aspire with its Narrator and News Re-

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houston

Grease Car Show @ Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon ~ Houston, Texas

paparazzi

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mobile

paparazzi

Happy Birthday Cory!!!

O’Brian & Tommy @ Retro Disco The Gulf Coast Doll Estelle Suarez @ B-Bob’s

trodding the boards ...from 28

Party Central ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

Saturday Night Fever ”Palm Sunday”

Mobile Power Rangers

Hello Matthew & Girls...

Flip Side Bar & Patio Staff Corey & Jack with Miss Cie

Happy Birthday!!!

2014 Mobile Miss Gay Pride Giselle Lorde

Bishop of a mega-congregation (a thoughtfully troubled Alfred Aubry), tempers his support of Thomas by observing that “He admits he did it...We have to give them something for them to come after us with.” He quotes the Bible at Evans who responds with taunts about “the uppity members of your African-American church.”

Bean and Thomas surround these two with four of their peers and are not afraid to show the often adolescent qualities of these men, all sporting major “bling bling” jewelry; the scene crackles with a sense that no one is all right nor all wrong and that the evasive truth and proper moral approach lie somewhere in-between.

In contrast, when a jailed Thomas interviews a young fellow prisoner (played with utter street cred by Alvin Green; as a younger, even more hardened prisoner, Rashif Jones is chilling) it’s informative but dramatically flat until they offer discrepant views of Black history; this brief section pulsates with character-defining humor and perceptiveness missing elsewhere. But then we get an unnecessary rap song that takes the focus off of Thomas where it belongs.

Bean directs the large cast efficiently though he should’ve advised Thomas to speak louder. In her theatrical debut, former City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis acquits herself well playing herself, as does former School Board President and veteran actress Gail Glapion (who had more to work with and did an outstanding job as Big Mama in Anthony Bean’s recent Cat on a Hot Tin Roof).

While Reflections2 does leave us wondering about the state of Thomas’

Next DEADLINE Tues., April 29 Happy Birthday Nicole Du’Bois @ B-Bob’s

Mobile’s own Miss Amber Douglas @ B-Bob’s

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

marriage, it makes absolutely clear Thomas’ commitment to the disadvantaged young people of our city. Getting the youth he mentored in prison to apologize to the community may be only a little gesture, but it’s a start. And for doing that and other essential services, we must be grateful, despite his shortcomings, to Oliver Thomas.

New Orleans Ballet Association at Mahalia Jackson Theater through May 10 The Joffrey Ballet’s recent visit to NOLA was like a three course meal.

Jerome Robbins’ Interplay (1945) served as a playful and fun appetizer.

Related to Fancy Free and West Side Story, despite Jeraldine Mendoza and Graham Maverick’s finding especial lyricism in the Third Movement, this was accessible but decidedly minor Robbins.

Bells (2011) provided an intellectually rigorous and immensely satisfying main course. Yuri Possokhov’s superb choreography implied a gravitas that was a perfect visual realization of Rachmaninoff’s music. In Sandra Woodall’s billowing strawberry and cream-colored costumes, five couples created moods both tender and intense with ineffable ease and gracefulness.

Under a giant disco ball, Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs (1982) with its glorified ballroom dancing provided nothing deep or unexpected but was a pretty treat for the eyes. For dessert what more can you ask for?

NOBA concludes its season with Parsons Dance which will feature a world premiere with music by New Orleans’ own Allen Toussaint. Now that sounds delicious!

Coming SOON! I’ll admit it—prior to Season 6 I hadn’t watched RuPaul’s Drag Race.

But now with New Orleans’ own Bianca Del Rio leading the pack of gender illusionists, I’m a convert and an addict!

So I can’t wait for the RUPD Battle of the Seasons to arrive at the Civic Theater (510 O’Keefe Ave.) on Wednesday, April 23, featuring winners (Jinkx Monsoon, Sharon Needles), Miss Congeniality’s (Pandora Boxx, Ivy Winters), a runner-up (Phi Phi O’Hara) and a break-out star (Carmen Carrera). I’m especially looking forward to Pandora Boxx whose Drag Center recaps each week’s episode in less than five cheeky minutes.

Even more than the girls, I am soooo eager to see Michelle Visage who’ll be hosting the evening. On the panel, her pronouncements are clever, bitchy and on the money. But when she interviews the week’s Queen who had to sashay away on Whatcha Packin’, she is mellow, understanding and a real sweetie to be around. I wonder which side we’ll see at the Civic? To find out, get your tickets at www.civicnola.com.

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chop chop

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Dining in The Big Easy for Jazz Fest Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130

There are so many wonderful festivities to partake this Jazz Fest in New Orleans. But don't forget the incredible culinary array available to you not only in the French Quarter, but the Marigny and Bywater as well, plus out in Metairie.

Ambush recommends 9 great eateries to curb any hunger desires you may have, and of course, many serve up cocktails, a must have in The Big Easy.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide

Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

New Orleans Muffuletta @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.

801 Royal: NOLA Food & Spirits, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com, located between Jackson Square and Bourbon Street on the corner of famous Royal Street and St. Ann, 801 Royal serves authentic New Orleans cuisine and cocktails 7 days a week in the heart of the French Quarter! With 2 big screen TVs, a full bar and kitchen, the eatery has whatever you are looking for, whether it’s “drinks to go” or you prefer to dine in!

Restaurant hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-12midnight, Sat. & Sun. 9am-12midnight; bar hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am til, Sat. & Sun. 9am til.

Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108, Facebook.com/ BorrachoNOLA, hand-made locallysourced charcuterie, proud home of "Drunk food you don't have to be drunk to love." Available Wed.-Mon. 5pm-4am.

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes.

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am3pm.

Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans.

Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush

as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861, is famous for its New Orleans style sandwiches chockful of ingredients.

Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am10pm.

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.

Pimento Cheese & Housemade Pickles, Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2255 St. Claude Ave.

BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie

Laignappe Basket @ 801 Royal: NOLA Food & Spirits, 801 Royal St., combination of shrimp, oysters, catfish & crawfish tails served with coleslaw, crawfish fritter & remoulade sauce

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NEXT Ambush DEADLINE Wednesday, Feb. 13 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com GayMardiGras.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • April 22-May 5, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

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LGBT March & Rally Against Hate & Violence organizer A D Kus Welcome to Tulane Ave Bar

Fun @ The Double Play In for the Halloween Host Party @ Oz

Catching RuPaul’s Drag Race @ Tulane Ave Bar Rawhide manager Richard celebrates his birthday

DJ of the Year JRB & Bianca Del Rio @ Oz

Partners Red & Wood Enterprises’ Chris

Brooklyn, Bianca, Kent & Frankie @ Oz

Southern Barbituates’ Coca, Monalot & Sheeya @ GrandPre’s

Celebrating @ Jose Luis’ birthday party

Halloween Host Party @ Oz

Mike, Jim & Leonard cocktailing

Getting ready for the LGBT Marsh & Rally Against Hate & Violence

LGBT Marsh & Rally Against Hate & Violence in the French Quarter

Newly crowned Miss Gay Crescent City America Connie Hung performing @ Oz

LGBT Marsh & Rally Against Hate & Violence

Ron & Golden Lantern’s Damon @ Kajun’s Pub

Jon, Derek, Courtney & Paul @ French Quarter Fest

Allen Miller & Misti Ates @ Four Seasons in Metairie

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 22-May 5, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om

All Over the Place ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Frank Joseph, Paul Melancon

paparazzi

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36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 22-May 5, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om