Ambush Magazine Volume 35 Issue 02

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Lynn Foxx/2003 KCQ XII: The Amazon Queen, Savanna DeLorean/2005 KCQ XIII: The Diamond Queen, Raven Kennedy/2006 KCQ XIV: The Fantasy Queen, Princesse Stephaney/2007

the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com

Pre-Super Bowl Ambush The excitement continues as Ambush moves into its second issue of the year, PreSuper Bowl. New Orleans is coming off a huge MLK weekend featuring the 34th Mardi Gras Classic, presented by Volleyball New Orleans, bringing in some 52 teams from across the country. Loads of visitors were seen throughout the French Quarter with a huge contingent at Oz for the big registration party kicking off the weekend.

And Carnival is moving into high swing across the Gulf South as balls, parties and parades commence. There are three krewes up during this time period including Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Bal Masque XXXVI on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Baton Rouge, the Krewe of Queenateenas 23rd King Cake Queen Coronation in New Orleans, also on Jan. 21, and the Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XIX on Saturday, Jan. 28 in New Orleans. Invitations are already out for those who have supported these krewes throughout the year by attending their functions and fundraisers. You can find more on the 68th Gay Mardi Gras season at www.GayMardiGras.com.

Don't miss the next issue of Ambush covering Super Bowl, Krewe du Vieux, and Valentine's running Jan. 31-Feb. 13. Get your ads, press releases and photos off to ripna@ambushmag.com by deadline day, Tuesday, Jan. 24, or call Rip Naquin at 504.522.8049.

Krewe of Queenateenas Welcome New Royalty @ 23rd King Cake Queen Coronation The 23rd annual King Cake Queen Coronation is set for Saturday, Jan. 21, at historic Ambush Mansion in New Orleans. None other than Monica Synclaire-Kennedy will reign as King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras: The Pride Queen of 2017! Her coronation promises to be one of the most dazzling in recent history celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos". She will join new King Cake King for Life Napoleon "Rip" Naquin as they welcome guests to the one of the most exclusive parties in the entire French Quarter.

The affair is always a who's who of Gay Carnival Society, and this year will be no different. By invitation only, each guest must have an admit card for entry.

The bash will feature "The Rainbow Feast" served on two floors, the Ambush offices on the first, and formal dining room on the second. Prepared by Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, the culinary samplings will include: Turtle & Venison Sauce Piquante, Salisbury Steak Balls with Shiitakes, Cajun Corn Maque Choux with Andouille, Baby Shrimp with Tomatillo Remoulade, Grilled Antipasti with Assorted Cheeses, Mayan Fiesta Pyramid with Blue Tostadas, and Antoine’s King Cake stuffed with cream cheese.

Reigning Easter Grand Marshals XVII Ken GrandPre and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy (the new King Cake Queen) will present $33,110.08 to Food for Friends, proceeds after expenses from the 17th Gay Easter Parade (www.GayEasterParade.com) The highlight of the party is the King Cake Queen gift exchange held at 9 pm in the first floor Ambush offices.

The King Cake Queen Royalty Club includes: KCQ II & KCQ Emeritus: Jewel of the Nile, Jay A. Loomis/1995 KCQ III: The Rainbow Queen, the late Smurf Murphy/1996 KCQ IV: Pearl of the Sea, Reba Douglas/1997

KCQ V: The She Devil, Elizabeth Simms/1998 KCQ VI: The Czarina, the late Christine Cheridon/1999 KCQ VII: Sex Goddess, Stephanie Williams/2000 KCQ VIII: The Peacock Queen, Phyllis Denmark/2001 KCQ IX: The Freedom Queen, Lisa Beaumann/2002 KCQ X: The Voodoo Queen, Teryl-

out Jan. 31 inside Super Bowl/Krewe du Vieux/Valentine's DEADLINE: Jan. 24 spotlight feature/grand reveler III 8 snap paparazzi/new orleans 10 snap paparazzi/rue royale revelers 12 celebrazzi/foodilicious 13 ambush paparazzi/metairie, nola 17 moments in gay new orleans history 18 under the gaydar 18 classifieds 20-21

real estate a community within communities trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/new orleans mobile paparazzi

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AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

KCQ XV: The Fleur de Lis Queen, Marsha Naquin-Delain/2008 KCQ XVI: The Grandee Queen, Tami Tarmac/2009 KCQ XVII: The Parisian Queen, Opal Masters/2010 KCQ XVIII: The Chrysthemum Queen the late Rona Conners/2011 KCQ XIX: The Samba Queen, Nicole DuBois/2012 KCQ XX: The Platinum Queen, Dusty Debris/2013 KCQ XXI: The Borghese Queen, Barbara Ella/2014 KCQ XXII: Queen of the Opera, Aubrey Synclaire/2015-2016 The coronation is by invitation only (admit card required at entrance), Attire: Gentlemen - Tuxedo or Suit, Ladies Evening Gown or Evening Suit. Crowns, Sashes and Badges of Honor are welcome.

As the 23rd King Cake Queen, Monica will lead the 30th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2 pm, at Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon Street, following the 53rd Bourbon Street Awards.

For more information, visit www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq.

68th Gay Mardi Gras EVENTS/BALLS Saturday, January 21st... ~7pm, Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Bal Masque XXXVI, River Center Ball Room, Baton Rouge ~8pm, 23rd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation of Monica SynclaireKennedy celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos", by invitation only Saturday, January 28th... ~8pm, Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XIX: Mwindo on Broadway, The Lion Center, New Orleans Saturday, February 4th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon-Ra Mardi Gras Ball LII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette, LA Saturday, February 11th... ~8 pm, Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette Bal Masque XLI, Cajun Dome Convention Center, Lafayette, Louisiana Friday, February 17th... ~8 pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque cancelled for 2017 Saturday, February 18th... ~Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LVI, TBA Friday, February 24th... ~8pm, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVIII: Hollywood Gone Bad, The Cannery, New Orleans Saturday, February 25th...

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:

Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.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, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Misti Gaiter, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans MIss Cie, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL 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. ©1982-2017 AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIX: Festival of Festivals, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette, LA Sunday, February 26th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXIV: Magic To Do, John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center, Westwego, LA MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 28th... ~12 noon, 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards, presented by Wood Enterprises, Corner of Bourbon and Dumaine Streets ~2pm, 30th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras Monica Synclaire-

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the "official" dish ...from 4 Kennedy celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos", Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

Oz Kicks Off Mardi Gras Feb. 22 & 23 Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans will kick off Mardi Gras week on Wednesday, Feb. 22 with a special show night. Join GAA Show Bar of the Year as they unveil their brand new monthly themed edition of Show Night beginning with Carnival - a kick off to Gay Mardi Gras! The show is hosted by 6x GAA Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders and stars the award-winning Ladies of Oz. 13x GAA DJ of the Year, Tim Pflueger, spins all night long with show time at 10:30pm.

The Jeff D Mardi Gras Comedy Cabaret is on Thursday, Feb. 23. Laugh Out Loud with local comedian, Jeff D and his Comedy Cabaret! Join Jeff, Carla Cahlua, Miss Louisiana Leatherette - Gia GiaVanni, and special guest comedians and drag queens as they entertain you and get you in the Mardi Gras spirit. DJ Tim Pflueger spins all night with show time at 10pm.

It is followed by the Mardi Gras edition of Oz Strip Off at midnight! Boys battle it out to win $300 in cash and prizes sponsored

by Swiss Navy Lube! Hosted by Persana Shoulders, it features celebrity guest judges and sexy gogos!

Lords’ Bal Masque XXXIV Feb. 26 The Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather is proud to present “Magic To Do” as its

theme for this year’s Mardi Gras Ball to be held on Sunday evening, Sunday, Feb. 26 at the John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center in Westwego, LA. The emcees will once again be the incomparable duo of Bianca del Rio and Mobile, Alabama TV personality Darwin Singleton.

Join the Krewe as they celebrate 34 years of “Leather, Love and Laughter”. The ball was a sellout last year so select your seats now at www.lordsofleather.org. Tickets are $54 or $38. Attire is strictly formal or full leather - for women floor length evening gown or full leather; for men black tie or full leather. No jeans.

Attendees may provide their own food, however no outside beverages are permitted. Doors open at 7pm and Tableau begins promptly at 8pm.

The Lords look forward to seeing you for this “Magical” evening.

New Tom Atwood Photography Book Features 60 Celebrities Kings & Queens in Their Castles (published by Damiani, March 28 2017, $45 / €40 / £35) has been called the most ambitious photo series ever conducted of the LGBTQ experience in the USA. Over 15 years, Tom Atwood photographed more than 350 subjects at home nationwide (with over 160 in the book), including nearly 100 celebrities (with about 60 in the book). With individuals from 30 states, Atwood offers a window into the lives and homes of some of America’s most intriguing and eccentric personalities.

Among the luminaries depicted are Meredith Baxter, Alan Cumming, Don Lemon, John Waters, George Takei, Alison Bechdel, Barney Frank, Don Bachardy, Billy Porter, Ari Shapiro, Arthur Tress, Michael Urie, Greg Louganis, Charles Busch,

Kate Clinton, Dan Savage, Tommy Tune, Jonathan Adler, Simon Doonan, Leslie Jordan, Anthony Rapp, John Berendt, Bruce Vilanch, John Corigliano, Anthony Goicolea, Elizabeth Streb, Michael Musto, Carson Kressley, Joel Schumacher, Christian Siriano, John Ashbery, Terrence McNally and Christine Vachon. Modern day tableaux vivants, the images portray whimsical, intimate moments of daily life that shift between the pictorial and the theatrical.

“The access Tom Atwood tirelessly worked to achieve is absolutely astonishing,” says Brian Clamp of ClampArt, adding, “With charm, pizzazz, and sheer determination, Atwood captures the intimate lives of many of the most fascinating and respected members of our LGBTQ community.”

Equally fascinating are many of the everyday individuals. Alongside creatives such as artists, fashion designers, writers, actors, directors, music makers and dancers, the series features business men and women, activists and clergy members. It includes those who keep civilization running, such as farmers, beekeepers, doctors, chefs, bartenders and innkeepers. Some miscellaneous athletes, students, professors and socialites. As well as a cartoonist, barista, poet, comedian, navy technician and paleontologist.

Also sublimely depicted are several transgender subjects, including a transgender deputy sheriff and transgender Native American activist, as well as several female impersonators and drag queens. The series also features bohemians, beatniks, mavericks and iconoclasts, many of whom blossomed in the 1960s and 1970s but seem to be slowly disappearing.

“I shoot subjects at home because our natural habitats bring out our true character,” Atwood explains. His approach blends portraiture and architectural photography, to illustrate that subjects and environments are a unified fabric — Congressman Barney Frank surrounded by government documents, actor Anthony Rapp leaning against his award-filled bookcase, and artist Don Bachardy enveloped by colorful paintings. Atwood uses a wide-angle lens and wide depth of field so that neither subject nor home predominates. Re-

sulting in “marvelous photographs that capture our idiosyncrasies and obsessions,” according to playwright, Tony Kushner.

T h e backdrops are often packed with personal belongings, paraphernalia Marsha & Rip Naquinand detail — Delain, magazine director John publishers, NOLA Wa t e r s ’ pinup-adorned home office, and actor George Takei’s trinket-filled dining room. And other times portray sweeping exterior views — cityscape balcony vistas of dancer Tommy Tune and CNN anchor Don Lemon, and transgender cop Anthony Barreto-Neto’s long pastoral Vermont driveway. With a flair for design, many of these subjects have crafted playful, often outlandish homes that tell stories about their inhabitants.

“There is a common LGBTQ sensibility that sets us apart that I wanted to recognize and celebrate, says Atwood. “This sensibility shares an outlook with the sensibility of creative and cultural leaders — an awareness of difference, of other, of possibility — an avant-garde mindset.”

One fascinating phenomenon the series explores is just how many creative and cultural leaders are LGBTQ. “Alternative sexuality or gender practices and extraordinary talent in arts and culture often seem to be intertwined,” Atwood explains.

Many of the book’s subjects are kings or queens of their professions, and many of the interiors are visually rich in the way that medieval decorations were — strong, deep colors, and lavish fabrics.

Preview: http://www.tomatwood.com/kingsqueens.

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spotlight feature Coronation leads to Double Crown of 68th Gay Mardi Gras in New Orleans The Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers kicked off Gay Carnival with their 4th annual 12th Night Party and coronation of Grand Reveler III on Friday, Jan. 6 in New Orleans. Lord of Misrule Frank Perez shocked all in attendance when he removed the Pope of Bourbon Street's mitre and had the Pope crown himself, Grand Reveler III, Napoleon "Rip" Naquin. The Reveler's costumer Opal Masters removed the Pope's chasuble which had been altered with velcro to be ripped off showcasing the Reveler's Napoleonesque jeweled costume.

Shortly thereafter, The Meeting of the Courts commenced as the Rue Royale Revelers welcomed the Krewe of Queenateenas. Queenateenas' Captain Marsha Delain then proclaimed, "I Marsha Delain, Captain of the Krewe of Queenateenas crown you King Cake King for Life."

It's believed to be the first time that a male monarch will reign as royalty over two krewes in Gay Mardi Gras History. The new Grand Reveler introduced his two lieutenants, his soul mate and partner of over 43 years, Marsha Delain; and oldest friend in New Orleans. Michael Sullivan.

In addition to cocktails a plenty, Grey Sweeney Perkins, director of the culinary delights amassed an incredible feast for all with the help of many members of the Rue Royale Revelers. The 12th Night Feast was prepared by and included: Lesley Caracci Blackwell - deviled eggs, Philip Anthony - meatballs, Eric Wallace Shrimp Hollingsworth, Brenda Butler - king cake, Mary Dugas - cannolis , Robi Robichaux - Cajun jambalaya, David Feldman - Italian bread salad, RoseAleta Barbee - buffalo chicken bites, William Antill - mirliton casserole, Kevin Petefish - chicken satay, Frank Abbruscato deviled eggs, Jeffrey Palmquist - gumbo, Robert McWhirter - sweet bars, Billy Pennington cornbread, TJ Kinzel - chicken wings, Trevor Levens - king cake, Grey - Carolina pulled pork BBQ and rolls; mixed smoked sausages with tricolor peppers; pesto pasta with chicken, olives, and tomatoes; and Bunny - expert

bartending and the mystery punch du jour.

Some 200 guests attended the affair at the Royal Street digs of the Lord of Misrule. Proceeds minus expenses benefit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

According to Grand Reveler III Napoleon Naquin, "12th Night 2017 was an evening I will never soon forget. I don’t know where to start... perhaps from the beginning.

When the Lord of Misrule, Frank Perez, as I like to call him the Grand Putata, first asked me to be Grand Reveler III, I was taken aback not thinking I qualified for Frank’s demented, heathen sense of humor. But once he pointed out my numerous flaws which he so eloquently

mentioned, the same ones he told all at the Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers’ 12th Night Party, I accepted. My only request that it be kept secret until the big reveal, which I believe was accomplished.

When I told Marsha Delain, my soul mate of over 43 years, she immediately said, “As the Captain of the Krewe of Queenateenas, I will double crown you the same night as King Cake King for Life.” I’m thinking out loud that might just be too much... to which she said she was doing it regardless of what I thought. Now anyone that knows my sweet Baby Lips knows you cannot argue with a queen loaded with razor sharp finger nails!

I was excited to follow in the footsteps of Grand Reveler I and II Jeffrey Palmquist and William Antill knowing I had some big shoes to fill to keep up with the standards of the League of Distinguished Revelers.

In preparation for the big night, I had to choose two lieutenants, a crown and costume.

I chose my soul mate Marsha and our oldest friend in New Orleans, Michael Sullivan. We’ve known Michael for over 30 years working with him at Petunias, and partying with him across town, and especially in the Financial District at Le Roundup; and Gregory’s, aka The Wild Side, aka today, The Double Play; and The Corner Pocket.

With the help of two of our best friends, Darwin Reed and Opal Masters, we found a crown which would represent both the Rue Royal Revelers and Queenateenas. The crosses in the crown represented the Pope of Bourbon Street’s ascension to Rue Royale Revelers’ Grand Reveler III, while the fleur de lis’ represented the Queenateenas’ King Cake King.

When I told Opal this whole thing would be hysterical if we did a play on Napoleon Bonaparte as the Emperor of both realms, hence Napoleon Naquin in a blinged out interpretation, all was set in stone, many stones, lol.

Next was the problem of how the Pope of Bourbon Street would be able to transform into Napoleon Naquin before all in attendance.

Opal’s solution was to wear the Napoleon costume under the Pope vestments, and alter the Pope’s vestments with velcro to rip it off for the coronation. And it worked! A salute to all those drag stars who led the way with onstage costume changes.

Finally, it was the time for the big reveal and coronation at the 12th Night Party. I was somewhat nervous as we had not rehearsed exactly how this would all culminate. It was a little bumpy but it was finally done at which point the Lord of Misrule did the deed and proceeded with the customary roast of the Grand Reveler. Frank rattled off a bunch of houie including cooking contest wins for the Lafitte’s Spam Cookoff, Amon-Ra’s Gumbo Cookoff and GrandPre’s Potato Salad Contest, thus dubbing me the “Award Winning Grand Reveler”.

The Lord of Misrule then welcomed officials from the Krewe of Queenateenas for the Meeting of the Courts, and champagne toast to King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire, and fellow Grand Revelers. Since there were no glasses, the group of royals drank non-alcoholic champagne straight from the bottles, very classy indeed.

It was absolutely a wonderful evening in spite of the weather. Thanks to all of you for joining in this special event in my life, and for all the well wishes. To sum it up in one sentence, I would like to use a quote from Jack A. Jones, 'All Hail King Pope Naquin, so, all this rain was tears of joy, from Rona (Conners).'

I think you were right Jack, Rona sent us a big message...thanks to all, and to all a good night!"

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(www.GayMardiGras.com/rrr) (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq)

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The Golden Lantern

The Double Play

The Phoenix

GrandPre's

snap Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon

paparazzi

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paparazzi

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Rue Royale Revelers' Grand Reveler III-King Cake King Coronation ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed, Jeremy Weinberg

snap

The 4th Annual Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers 12th Night Party @ the Royal Street digs of Lord of Misrule Frank Perez Proceeds minus expenses benefits LGBT+ Archives Project of LA (www.GayMardiGras.com/rrr)

foodilicious

The Pope of Bourbon Street named Grand Reveler III by Lord of Misrule Frank Perez (Photo by Darwin Reed)

Veal Parmesan

The Double Crown of 68th Gay Mardi Gras: Grand Reveler III & King Cake King for Life Napoleon "Rip" Naquin Official Portrait by Larry Graham, www.GrahamStudioOne.com

The Pope of Bourbon Street crowns himself Grand Reveler III, Napoleon "Rip" Naquin (Photo by Jeremy Weinberg)

Mona Lisa Special Pizza

The League of Distinguished Revelers: GR I Jeffrey Palmquist, GR II William Antill & GR III Napoleon "Rip" Naquin (Photo by Darwin Reed) Grand Reveler III receives official pin from Grand Reveler II Will Antill (Photo by Darwin Reed)

Queenateenas' Captain Marsha Delain crowns Grand Reveler III King Cake King for Life (Photo by Darwin Reed)

celebrazzi

King Cake Queen Royalty Club: KCQ XV Marsha Delain, King Cake King Napoleon "Rip" Naquin, KCQ XXII Aubrey Synclaire & KCQ XXIII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy (Photo by Darwin Reed)

Lord of Misrule & Grand Reveler III Meeting of the Courts: Rue Royale Revelers & Krewe of Queenateenas Champagne Toast (Photo by Darwin Reed)

Dark Lady's 10th Morning Breakfast of League of Distinguished Revelers @ The Clover Grill

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Cafe Lafitte in Exile

New Year's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Poncho LaPerle, Paul Melancon, Ellen Miller

Four Seasons/Metairie

The Page

Oz New Orleans

Jennifer Warner, Oz Strip Off winner & Persana Shoulders with (Photo: Jennifer Warner)

ambush

paparazzi

Bobby B tapping pantsless @ Bourbon Boylesque (Photo: Roy Guste)

Comedian Jeff D

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moments in gay new orleans history

by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

“Cruising Public Bathrooms: An Interview with Retired NOPD Officer Larry Williams, Sr.” FP: What years were you a police officer?

LW: I joined NOPD as a Police Cadet in November 1968 after spending two years at Xavier University of Louisiana studying Political Science and minoring in History.

The Police Cadet was a New Orleans Civil Service classification created in 1963 to bring high school age persons into NOPD. When I joined the program cadets were required to enter Loyola University and major in Criminology white working in clerical jobs in NOPD. However, since I had majored in political Science I was assigned to NOPD’s Intelligence Unit. The unit was tasked with infiltrating political subversive groups such as the Movement For A Democratic Society (MDS), The Black Panther Party (BPP), The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), The Republic of New Africa and other groups listed by the United States Attorney General. The unit also tracked the movements of traditional organized crime in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The main groups were the Mafia and La Cosa Nostra.

FP: What rank did you attain?

LW: I attained the rank of patrolman but when I resigned I was on the Sergeant’s promotional list.

FP: Where are you from?

LW: I was born September 7, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan but grew up in New Orleans.

FP: Why, specifically, did you found the Black Organization of Police?

LW: While on NOPD I noticed the black officers were treated differently in the areas of where assigned, in promotions and discipline. So several black officers formed the Black Organization of Police.

FP: What led to the lawsuit you and others filed in 1973?

LW: The lawsuit sought to correct the manner black officers were treated. Once the suit was filed in Federal Court, we expanded the suit to include female officers. I personally approached three black officers who were known to by gay and asked each of them to join the suit as gay men to complain about the questions on the polygraph. Each declined not wanting to be publically “outed.” A number of black officers were opposed to including the gay officers in the suit.

FP: What were your duties when working for the Vice Squad?

LW: I was never specifically assigned to the Vice Squad. I was detailed or loaned on an “as needed basis.” My duties included arresting prostitutes, bookies, and persons who engaged in what was known as “crimes against nature.” Later included the arrests of gay men who propositioned me to engage in oral and anal sex acts in public restrooms, vehicles and hotels.

FP: What was the attitude in NOPD at the time regarding homosexuality? Has it changed?

LW: During the selection process for police cadet I was given a polygraph. One of the questions sought to ascertain my

sexual orientation by asking if I had ever had sex with a male. My answer was in the negative. During my time with NOPD I would hear gays referred to as “queers,” “homos,” “freaks,” and “degenerates.” I would say most of the officers who expressed feeling about gays were negative.

FP: What was / is your attitude toward homosexuality? Has it evolved?

LW: I grew up in the Hollygrove neighborhood of the city. A gay boy lived next door to us. He would come over and visit, watch television and cook with my grandmother. He was quite effeminate. Although he was very polite, his visits annoyed my grandfather. However, two blocks down the street lived a gay teenager who was masculine. He too was one of my playmates. Although I understood both of these neighbors were different, I did not really understand until my father explained homosexuality when I was about 12 years of age.

The subject came up when I asked him why my uncle (his brother) held hands with another man.

My father explained that some men liked men as most men liked women. Also I attended St. Augustine High School which was an all-black Catholic school. In my class there were two gay students and a number of gay students in the student body.

Because of by exposure to gays in my neighborhood and my own family, I had no negative attitudes toward gays. In fact I sought to include gays in the lawsuit against NOPD because growing up I came to understand that in NOPD gays were marginalized as were blacks and women.

My views about homosexuality “evolved” when I was a teenager. It was the conversation I had with my father that shaped my attitudes about gay people.

FP: What did you think at the time of arresting men in bathrooms?

LW: I viewed arresting gay men in bathrooms as the enforcement of public decency just as I arrested heterosexual couples who engaged in “natural” sex acts in cars or cemeteries. It was not because of sexual orientation. I viewed the same sex acts as something that was out of place in a public restroom.

FP: What is your best estimate on the number of men you arrested?

LW: I estimate I arrested about 30 or more men for what was termed as “crime against nature.”

My change of heart occurred when I was involved in an arrest that resulted in the arrestee falling to the floor and wailing because he thought the arrest would embarrass him publically and cause the loss of his employment. I was involved in the arrest of executives, civil servants, military personnel, protestant ministers and priests.

FP: What was the criteria for an arrest? Eye contact? A verbal suggestion?

LW: On days when we would go out to make “crime against nature” arrests, a three person team would leave the vice squad office located in the basement of the

old police department headquarters at 2700 Tulane Avenue. We would drive river bound first stopping at the New Orleans Public Library located at 219 Loyola Avenue. I would enter the first floor restroom and stand at the urinal exposing myself until a person stood at the adjoining urinal and started a conversation. I would wait until he made a sexual remark or advance usually admiring my penis. I waited until he asked me if I wanted to have sexual contact. We would enter a stall, he would drop to his knees and unzip my pants. I would then ask him if he was sure he wanted to do this. If he said “Yes,” I would reach over his head and unlock the door to the stall and the two other vice detectives would enter and place the gay under arrest. Often I was “arrested” so as not to “blow my cover.” This deception would allow me to return to the restroom in the future and maintain my cover. After the library the vice team would go to Maison Blanche then located at 901 Canal Street, the Center Theater at 912 Canal Street and then finally we would visit the public restroom located at Madison and Decatur at the French Market.

At times we would look below a bathroom stall door and see two pairs of legs or a person—male or female kneeling down and say we were there to clean the interior of the stall. Once the door was opened we would arrest the couple whether same sex or a hetero couple.

Several cases stand out in my time doing vice work. Once while sitting in the audience in the Center Theater a gay man began flirting with and moved down the row next to me. After introductions we retired to the restroom. After he kneeled down to perform oral sex he started to masturbate.

He stood up and slowly moved close to me continuing to pleasure himself. At that moment I unlatched the stall and my partners entered and shouted, “Vice Squad, you’re under arrest.” The suspect –startled turned around and ejaculated on one of the entering detectives. In spite of the ejaculate hitting the detective, he reminded calm and did seem ashamed to appear in court to testify to the facts.

The second memorable arrest occurred one Saturday. We were at Jackson Square when the chef from a very famous French Quarter restaurant approached me as I sat on a bench and started a conversation. He asked if I had some free time and I responded in the affirmative so he asked me

to come home with him. As we walked, my partners walked behind us until we entered a residence. Once inside the gentleman started to massage my crouch and began to undress. He asked me to follow him as he led me to a bedroom which had a gurney with leather belts attached to both sides.

He laid on the gurney face down and asked me to strap him down and beat him with a whip that was lying beside the gurney.

When he was not looking I opened the door and my partners entered. However, we could not think of how a violation occurred so we left.

FP: What was the department’s reaction to the Up Stairs arson?

LW: When the Upstairs Lounge occurred I was assigned to the Fifth District as a uniform patrol officer so I was not privy to discussions about the incident. However, as a part of my duties when working vice cases I would visit 604 Iberville to make prostitution arrests but I don’t recall if the establishment was known as the Upstairs Lounge.

FP: Did you participate in raids of other gay bars? Lesbian bars?

LW: I never participated in the raid of any bars because of gay or lesbian activities.

FP: Did you ever have to testify at trial? Or did most of these men plea out?

LW: I did testify in “crime against nature” cases but it was very rare because most arrestees pled guilty hoping to avoid publicity.

FP: Were you ever assigned to the Southern Decadence parade?

LW: I was never assigned to the Southern Decadence Parade.

FP: In the 1970s, there were several types of gay bars, some of which catered to hustlers and Johns. Do you remember any of those?

LW: I don’t recall the names of bars that catered to gays or lesbians.

FP: Do you remember the Anita Bryant protest in Jackson Square in June of 1977?

LW: Yes. FP: Gay folk, along with other groups, have long complained about police brutality and excessive use of force. Did you ever witness that? And how effective was / is the “blue code of silence?”

LW: I never witnessed brutality by a police officer against a member of the gay or lesbian community.

under the gaydar

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

Bartender of the Month I love starting the New Year off with something a little daring and risqué. And my bartender for the month of January has both of those attributes. I am talking about the fabulously striking Adam Tatar at The Phoenix. There is not enough wonderful things I can say about Adam except he is an exceptional bartender with an equal personality to match.

Even in the darkened Upstairs of The Phoenix, Adam is a shining light drawing customers from the first floor to partake in libatious (it’s a word) pleasures as well as their other unique offerings. Adam says he

likes to play with all his customers especially the cute ones. He has been at the bar for three years and his favorite drink to make is a New Orleans Pimm’s Cup. His favorite cocktail to consume is a Rose Kennedy with a summer hat. Now that is a gay guy’s drink if ever I heard one.

Don’t know what that is, then you need to go see Adam and find out. All kidding aside, Adam is professional, fun and creates a great atmosphere for all his patrons. His great customer service along with his im-

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bartender of the month ...from 18 pressive cocktailing skills make him popular among both locals and visitors alike. He also exudes a naughty sexiness that adds to his smoldering presence.

Bartender of the Month Adam Tatar @ The Phoenix So for 2017, take a walk on the wild side and go upstairs at The Phoenix and see Adam. Besides “the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” Get it. The Phoenix is located at 941 Elysian Fields.

Hot Happenings Happy New Year, we have passed 12th Night and are in the midst of the Carnival Season. It goes without saying that there is going to be so many hot happenings coming up. Here are just a few ideas for you.

Through – Sunday, January 29 Hakuna Matada Y’all! The Lion King is back in New Orleans. The North American touring productions of THE LION KING

have been seen by more than 17 million theatergoers and grossed more than $1.2 billion to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its New Orleans debut at the Saenger Theatre.

The full schedule can be found at www.saengernola.com/shows/the-lionking. For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

Friday, January 20 The Pussyfooter’s famous Blush Ball 2017 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, and proceeds once again go to benefit Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. The event takes place at Generations Hall from 8pm – midnight. Back by popular demand this year is headliner Big Sam’s Funky Nation along with DJ Ronnie Roux spinning tunes on the dance floor all night long, MC Fresh Johnson and, of course, special performances by the Pussyfooters. For more information go to www.BlushBall.org.

Saturday, January 21 Come out and enjoy one of the cutest spots in the area at Rivertown After dark (410 Williams Blvd. in Kenner). Rivertown is a cute area with shops, a fabulous theatre, restaurants and museums that is designed after old street USA. At this event, there will be art, music, food in an outdoor arts market in Rivertown’s historic Main Street Arts District. The event is from 6 – 9 pm.

Friday, January 27, 2017 Come out for the next installment of “Bayou Boylesque” At Grand Pre’s (834 N.

Rampart St.). This month’s performers include Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Danger Rockwell, Logan James Van Meter, and a special performance by Dionysus Sea! Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm, only $5 cover to see some sexy men taking it off!

Friday, January 27 The time has come for The Witching Hour Season 2 at The Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 10:30pm. The “girls” are back for another round of sickening themed drag shows and shenanigans but this time. Their first show back will be our Ru Girl Show, featuring performances inspired by Rupaul’s Drag Race and the queens we’ve seen on the show. There might even be a few lip sync battles throughout the night. Performers include Blazen Haven, Laveua Contraire, Tara Shay Montgomery and the fiery Ke’Charra Illuminati all the way from Jackson, MS. Thursday, February 2 JUST GOLD may just be pure gold as the radical Faeries make America Great again at their Just Gold Bridget’s ball at Café Istanbul (2372 St. Clause Ave.). Think 1970s Disco and all its Fabulousness. We Celebrate the Years of New Orleans Radical Faeries on the Sacred Winter spoke of the year (Feb 2. Imbolg/ Saint Bridget). The evening will include The Crowning of the New Empress, Ritual, Food, Performance, Dancing and More. Guest Blessings and Performers Include: The New Orleans Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Skinz N Bones. The event is from 7pm – midnight.

Friday, February 3 The Stompers are throwing their annual Sweet 610 Debutante Ball at Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Pl.).

Come dressed as your favorite wrestler or make up one of your own. Either way, get your tickets now before they are gone! The event is from 8pm – midnight with the Patron party starting at 7pm. Tickets are $40-$60 General Admission / $100-$150 (Patron Party). For tickets or more information, go to www.610stompers.com.

Saturday, February 4 SweetArts 2017 celebrates the CAC’s 40th Anniversary Season with a Black Tie Birthday Party-themed gala. In this milestone year, we toast to the Contemporary Arts Center’s four decades as a leading multidisciplinary contemporary arts center.

SweetArts is the CAC’s premier annual gala. Since 1984, the CAC has recognized the exceptional and diverse artists, performers, educators, and philanthropists whose influence and contributions shape New Orleans’ arts and culture community.

The event at the CAC (900 Camp St.) from 7 – 11pm. For tickets or more information, go to www.cacno.org.

Book of the Month So over the holiday period (Christmas and New Year’s) I like to read books that take place over the same time period. So I spent a lot of time with my family and tried a new author my mom likes and was quickly enthralled. My book for January is Jeffery Deaver’s The Devil’s Teardrop (which was also made into a TV movie). The premise

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Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J an. 17-30, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 19

TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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

circuit/events

classifieds

Feb. 24-28, 2017, 68th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, 18th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2017, 46th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.com Oct. 26-29, 2017 Halloween 34, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com Dec. 29, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018 Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.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

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671

guides bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BIG EASY DAIQUIRIS, 216 Bourbon, 501 Bourbon, 409 Decatur, 617 Decatur

THE BLACK PENNY, 700 N. Rampart BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM MAG'S 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM THE PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 875.4976 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM

favorite bars are within one block.

[0715] BLUES60 GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, www.blues60guesthouse.com, info@blues60guesthouse.com. The Blue60 Guest House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. [1115] 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, www.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.

[0815] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: Info@frenchquarterguesthouses.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 unforgettable authentic French Quarter experience!

THE NATCHEZ, 530 Natchez St., Phone: 504.881.1243, www.thenatchez.com, reservations@thenatchez.com. Steps from the French Quarter located centrally in Downtown New Orleans with luxury 2, 3, and 4 bedroom suites are available for rent.

[10/16] THE ST. PHILIP HOTEL, 612 St. Philip St., Phone: 504.523.2197, www.thestphilip.com, reservations@thestphiliphotel.com. The St. Philip Hotel (circa 1839) is a Mediterranean-style building in the French Quarter that is centrally located to everything in the French Quarter. The hotel is only a 2-3 minute walk to the French Market, Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Bourbon Street.

[10/16]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.co

organizations

AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397

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

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, www.ingramhaus.com/xqey, e-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queen-size beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several

FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext.

254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA 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 HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area.

HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush

20 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • J an. 17-30, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.c om

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 NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, www.kreweofpetroius.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.lordsofleather.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 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 504.821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com 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

pharmacy Avita Pharmacy, offers personalized care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacy 24/7. www.avitapharmacy.com.

Locations: Baton Rouge, LA, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Suite 102, Tel: 225.924.9130 or 888.792.8482, 70808; New Orleans, LA , Tulane Tower, 2601 Tulans Ave., Suite 445, Tel: 504.822.0131 or 877.424.2930, 70119; New Orleans, LA, Marine Building, 3308 Tulane Ave., Suite 102, 70119, Tel: 504.309.2557 or 844.309.2557.

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

restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, 945.0742 Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861,

www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net

Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063

services New Orleans, LA [504] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd.

LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743

REAL ESTATE

tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM

1005 Barracks St., NOLA $449,000 – 1084 square feet!

Great value for a 2-bedroom, 2-full bathroom French Quarter Condo in excellent condition. Features include an exclusive street balcony, renovated kitchen, new electric (2015), new plumbing (2015), hardwood floors, private master suite & washer/dryer inside the unit. Small, boutique building with large pool & courtyard. Call/Text Mark @ 504.655.2233.

Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J an. 17-30, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 21

a community within communities

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

“I’m pissed!”

Did I get your attention? I hope so. I’ve been working in the Treme for about 14 years now. I frequent local bars, pubs, restaurants, and other venues. I lived in the Bywater for quite some time, almost ten years. I was born and raised in New Orleans and was educated in the Public School system. OK, for you locals I went to Fortier High School. That was an age ago and yes one could get a reasonable if not excellent education in Public Schools then.

So, I am pissed to the hilt and I don’t care who reads this. Anna’s Place NOLA has about 30 kids during the weekdays and sometimes as few as 15. During Saturdays we have as many as 60 children and as few as 40. We invest about 15 hours of real class time in the children. Most, not all, of the children come from poverty. Most, but not all, attend schools that are located below Canal Street. Many of the children have been with us as little as 2 years and as long as 8 years. We’ve gotten to know them and as hard as it is sometimes to fall in love with these children.

These are hard kids. Most, not all, have witnessed at least one murder, been close to or involved in real domestic violence (verbal or physical), and we suspect

that some a few have been subject to some sort of sexual abuse. We are a “mandatory reporting” agency and so when we know it happens we report it. I’m pissed.

On the few occasions we have reported abuse absolutely nothing or something less than nothing has happened! I’m pissed. But yes our backs are covered because we reported. Nothing happened.

I’m pissed.

Recently one of our students became upset and agitated. She had been with us for 8 years along with her two other siblings.

Before Christmas she, in something of a tirade, demanded tutoring! Our emphasis has been on the arts. This young woman is now in 7th grade. So, taking her demand as seriously as we could and respecting her desire to learn we embarked on an adventure of out of the box deployment.

We have an old relationship with Sylvan Learning Centers and in fact my own son attended some years ago. The results are generally substantial with very accelerated improvement in the central academic areas of math and reading. Before Katrina I had about ten young men ages 13-15 attend the center in The East. Some took advantage of it and improved some did not.

under the gaydar ...from 19

ing new authors. Even though this is an older novel, I would add it to your list if you love a good thriller. I especially enjoyed reading it in the days leading up to the New Year celebration. For more information, go to www.jefferydeaver.com.

The other book I finished over the holidays was James Patterson’s newest Women’s Murder Club thriller The 15th Affair. The premise is as Lindsay Boxer (the pseudo head of the club) settles into motherhood and a happy marriage, an alluring blonde woman with links to the CIA disappears from the scene of a brutal murder at a downtown luxury hotel. Before she can track down the woman for questioning, a plane crash plunges San Francisco into chaos and Lindsay’s husband Joe vanishes. The deeper she digs, the more Lindsay suspects that Joe shares a secret past with the mystery blonde. Thrown into a tailspin and questioning everything she thought she knew, Lindsay turns to the Women’s Murder Club for help as she tries to uncover the truth.

As always Patterson does not disappoint with this entry into the series. He sweeps the reader into a vortex of no-stop action while the meshing the personal trials and tribulations of his heroines brilliantly into the story. With each new novel, the reader becomes more engrossed in these characters lives. For more information on James Patterson, go to www.jamespatterson.com.

is it is New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1999, and Washington, D.C., is under siege. Early in the day, a grisly machine gun attack in the Dupont Circle Metro station leaves dozens dead and the city crippled with fear. A note delivered to the mayor’s office pins the massacre on the Digger, a robot like assassin programmed to wreak havoc on the capital every four hours — until midnight.

Only a ransom of $20 million delivered to the Digger’s accomplice — and mastermind — will end the death and terror. But the Digger becomes a far more sinister threat when his accomplice is killed in a freak accident while en route to the money drop.

With the ransom note as the single scrap of evidence, Special Agent Margaret Lukas calls upon Parker Kincaid, a retired FBI agent and the top forensic document examiner in the country. The attack happened at 10am and now the Digger will kill large amounts of people every two hours until midnight. Somehow, they must find the Digger before he finds them.

This books was filled with lots of plot twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Deaver is a master storyteller who balances character development with action. A former journalist, folksinger and attorney, Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world.

The author of thirty-eight novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, and a lyricist of a country-western album, he’s received or been shortlisted for dozens of awards around the world. He is best known for his Lincoln Rhyme novels (and Lincoln does make a cameo in this novel). As a devout reader, I love discover-

Party Down We made it into 2017 with all the new possibilities it has to offer. I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year’s but after the whirlwind holiday season I experienced, it was only slightly calmer. My two weeks

But it was a real shot at changing the cycle of ignorance and lack of education. Not a bunch of nice folks trying hard to make a difference but ill equipped to do so but real educators with real systems. It was a good plan.

So, we went back to that plan as a pilot project. We selected six kids that we thought needed help. One, of course, was our advocating student, let’s call her “Damien. “ The kids ranged in grades from 3rd grade to 7th grade - all but one in public school and one in a local private school.

PLEASE STAY WITH ME AT THIS POINT. I want you pissed, angry, and perhaps even shedding a tear. I want all embarrassed and humiliated. Get another cocktail or coffee and settle down. Here is why I want you stunned.

Step one is to test the kids to see where they are at academically. The results set a grade level for competency. Here are the results of the testing (the names are fiction) the first number is their actual grade level the second is their grade competency level: Jumon-Current grade 5/5 Jumon-Current grade 5/5 Now sit down ….

Edna-Reading Grade 7/5 Edna-Math Grade 7/5.7 Talia- Reading Grade 7/3.2 Talia- Math Grade 7/2.1

Lori – Reading Grade 4/2.9 Lori – Math Grade 4/2.4 Damien – Reading Grade 7/5.8 Damien- Math Grade 7/7 Frank-Reading Grade 3/1.7 Frank – Math Grade 3/1.6 I’m sick to my stomach. We have children in 7th grade who read like 3rd grade with math skills even worse. We wonder why there is violence in our neighborhoods. We wonder why so many folks are on welfare or underemployed. We wonder but do not demand better than you systems are doing!

It’s a news blip. If WE don’t get outraged then who will? The poor folks have too little political capital to leverage change in this day and age. Churches, yes churches have forgotten how to become community centers for organizing political action. So if the public educational system is broken and it just takes too much effort to turn that ship around why are we not building a private/ public school to reach out to these specific children?

The charter schools below Canal in our area are generally failures rating “D” or worse. There is not one accredited public access Pre-School in the 7th Ward or Upper 9 that I am aware of. We, as a community are a disaster when it comes to our stew-

were sort of mellow till the weekend. The first Friday, Elizabeth Bouvier (aka Jeff Mallon) hosted a pre-New Year’s Eve Party at her Chalmansion for about two dozen close friends. The champagne flowed well into the morning with everyone catching up on their lives and the past year. We also played one of my favorite parlor games – Cards Against Humanity. This game is hysterically politically incorrect and with a large group of queens the fur started flying.

I have to say that bringing together many gays with different opinions, strong personalities, add lots of alcohol, shake well and it proves to be a very interesting night. And after most of the guests left, a few of us diehards decided to make it a slumber party and we watched Hurricane Bianca with popcorn. I do not seeing the movie winning any Oscars, but it was great fun, sort of like a Gay themed Harper Valley PTA. On New Year’s Eve, a large group of us went to Marche, the new venue overlooking the Mississippi River (the old Bayona and Galvez). The place has been remodeled and now if a sparkling jewel for parties.

They hosted an incredible evening of food, libations, live music provided by the Benchwarmers and fireworks. In fact, the fireworks barge parked directly in front of the restaurant so we had a birds’ eye view of all the action. The food was amazing and they never ran out of champagne or vodka, although I think our group put quite a dent in their supply. After the party we went traipsing into the Marigny stopping at Mag's 940 and The Phoenix before calling it a night. It is always wonderful to start the New Year with great friends and memorable times.

On Sunday, it was quality time with mom, as I spent the day with her. We drive to Island View casino in Biloxi and gambled the day away and had a wonderful brunch that included all the mainstays, Black Eyed Peas for luck and cabbage for money. And it must have worked because I went home a winner. The remainder of the evening, I spent binging on Netflix movies and shows I had been wanting to catch up on.

The next week was pretty easy also. I

did attend the Lion King at the Saenger Theatre on Thursday. If you have an opportunity to see this show in its multiple week run, do it. The sets and costumes are breathtaking. The storyline is basically like the movie with lots of enhancements and new music. Disney knows how to wow audiences. Hakuna Matada!

And because in this city we do not get any rest, Friday was 12th Night and the start of the Carnival season. Good Lord, no rest for us Orleanians. I started my night off by attending the opening of Carl Mack’s new Mardi Gras Costume Museum located on Conti Street in the French Quarter. It was a festive soiree as guests sipped champagne while looking at the gorgeous and intricately designed costumes he had on display. I followed up with Frank Perez’s fabulous 12th night party at his apartment on Royal Street. I think this had to be his best one yet with a nice crowd who weathered the storm to come out and see who was crowned the new Grand Reveler III which was our own Rip Naquin. There was plenty of great food and a delectable vodka punch.

After that, I met up with some friends at Lafitte’s for a little nightcap then moved to the Phoenix for another one and then ended at Mag's 940 for another one, but it turned out to be an eye opener. Here I go starting the year with an all-nighter.

Heaven Knows was my motto on Saturday when I went to see the very talented Anais St. John in Last Dance: The Donna Summer Tribute Show at the Joy Theatre.

It was a crazy night of disco revelry and I was honored to be asked to judge the costume contest. The Joy turned into Studio 54 as people danced the night away as Anais belted out the Queen of Disco’s best hits. But two nights in a row of partying was not in the cards for me, so after I took the brand new streetcar back to the Marigny and it is very nice. What a great addition to the city.

Well that ends my two weeks of fun.

We are officially in Mardi Gras season, so get your costumes ready (although I have already been to two costume events this year). Let the party begin!

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Lion King at The Saenger Theatre All hail The King! The Tony Award-winning The Lion King has returned to New Orleans for its first engagement at The Saenger Theatre, and happily so. Having played at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in 2012, the Saenger, with its beautifully restored Italian Baroque interior decor, offers a more suitable home for this timeless tale than the contemporary design of the Mahalia Jackson or, for that matter, its current Broadway home, the Minskoff Theatre.

Having seen the show at the Minskoff nearly ten years ago, this touring production is no less spectacular than its Broadway cousin.

Julie Taymor’s peerless costumes wittily define the characters. The masks and puppets, designed by Taymor & Michael Curry, evince African and Asian influences as well as Indonesian ones for the shadow puppets; all are breathtaking.

Richard Hudson’s simple but sublime sets effortlessly transform the stage from the savannah to the jungle as plants, bushes and trees ingeniously materialize. The lighting by Donald Holder takes us from blazingly hot noon to the inky darkness of night. At the Saenger, you get lagniappe during the They Live in You number when the dozens of lights embedded in the theater’s ceiling twinkle along with the ones that are part of the production itself for a glorious effect.

The renowned choreographer Garth Fagan’s splendid dances are a gumbo of African and Brazilian references with a helping of Dunham technique. Added together, we’re treated to a veritable modern dance performance rather than mere Broadway razzmatazz.

communities ...from 22 ardship of these children. We so often want to blame anyone or anything else instead of sucking it up and taking responsibility and doing SOMETHING ABOUT IT! What you ask?

Contribute your money mightily to Anna’s Place because each of these children needs to receive about 100 hours of intense tutoring in each of the two focus areas to even stand a chance to get up to grade level. That is not cheap. At least in the short run. Once we establish a successful performance based data platform help us to attract donors, benefactors, and corporate sponsors to work with us and Sylvan (who are giving deep discounts to us) to educate and enable these kids. Perhaps we can even raise enough sustainable funding to establish an accredited and successful PreSchool for our neighborhood.

We all like the idea of our little tribes that live our delightful lives in some of the most wonderful and eccentric neighborhoods in the U.S.A. So perhaps we can get pissed off enough to care about our future and the future of these kids. They want to learn, they don’t know how to learn so let’s teach them. If we don’t we will all be sitting on our bar stools and chatting and giving opinions why so many are mad and why is there so much violence? We will continue to pay tax dollars for incarceration and public support and wonder why our tax dollars are going to the “lazy” folks. They aren’t born lazy and they aren’t born mad.

“They” are our children.

[Editor's note: Donations are accepted online at www.stannanola.org/ donate. You can select Anna's Arts for Kids as your specific beneficiary.]

Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi’s book, adapted from the screenplay, captivates an audience from the beginning; unlike The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast we don’t have to slog through an first act full of exposition until we feel genuinely involved. They’ve not only liberally sprinkled humor throughout, but have kept it updated; if a “Tar-zhet” mention is probably from the original script, giving Let It Go from 2013’s Frozen its own Disney in-joke keeps things fresh.

Not only does the score feature the five great Elton John/Tim Rice songs from the movie (Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, et al.), but the South African Grammy-winner Lebo M has furnished additional material ensuring African authenticity; percussionists on either side of the stage play a vast array of instruments to evoke this.

Taymor’s brilliant direction pulls all these elements together from the Circle of Life, perhaps musical theater’s greatest opening number, to the satisfying conclusion. To call her a “genius” is no overstatement; she’s already received the MacArthur “Genius” Award.

This touring cast is topnotch.

With his unctuous voice, Mark Campbell exudes sly malevolence as the evil Scar. Mpume Sikakane, an understudy, brought a powerful voice to the pride’s shaman, Rafiki.

As the Young Simba, 12-year-old Jordan Williams radiates charisma and promises to be a future star. Savanna Fleisher makes a lovely yet willful Young Nala, qualities we also see in the adult Nala of Nia Holloway.

Not only is Dashaun Young a triple threat actor/singer/dancer (and a hunk), but as the adult Simba, he provides the show’s emotional heft in the second act. Gerald Ramsey is good as the lion king Mufasa, but like many an actor with a resonant voice, he relies a bit too much on it rather than conjuring majesty from within.

Supplying comic relief are Drew Hirshfield (both as actor and puppeteer for Zazu, Mufasa’s majordomo); Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Robbie Swift and understudy John Sloan III (the nasty but goofy hyenas); and Nick Cordileone and Ben Lipitz (the rollicking Hakuna Matata pair, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the flatulent warthog, respectively)—all marvelous.

Dealing with themes of growth, justice and personal responsibility, The Lion King has offered moral lessons for over two decades and is no less timely—and entertaining—today. If you haven’t seen it before, and even if you have, gallop, run, jump or fly to the Saenger for 2½ hours of theatrical magic.

The Savannah Sipping Society at Timberlane Country Club It’s a short and pleasant ride out to the Timberlane Country Club in Gretna where The Savannah Sipping Society is receiving its local premiere. This congenial comedy about “Middleaged Women getting their groove back,” as the bold print on the program’s cover informs us, makes no claims to being cutting edge, but it

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Rawhide 2010

Clover Grill

The Corner Pocket

ambush

paparazzi

Bourbon Pride

Kajun's Pub

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli

Good Friends Bar

Voodoo

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C'est si Bon ~ New Orleans~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg

Black Penny

trodding the boards ...from 23 offers laughs and some gentle insights into the challenges women face.

Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, TSSS gives us three women who are each at a crossroads. Marlafaye (Sandy Bravender), a brassy Texas gal, just lost her husband to a young dental hygienist. Ditzy Dot (Crystal Thomassie) must go on with her life after her husband’s untimely passing. Architect Randa (Danni Laurent), scion of a prominent family, needs to pick up the pieces after losing her job.

Enter Jinx (Shelly Lauman) a self-designated “Life Coach” who guides the others into taking chances and expanding their horizons, romantically and otherwise.

Sure, this has the makings of a Lifetime movie or a mash-up of Designing Women and Golden Girls, but under Dane Rhodes’ steady, if broad, direction, the cast has a field day getting all the laughs out of the script.

If the authors tend to employ a paint-bynumbers approach to move the plot along, they’ve come up with enough zesty one liners to keep us amused– —”It’s not flirting. It’s chatting with intent.”

—”Instead of cleaning, I just turn the lights out.”

—and one describes the women’s ages as “late late late late 40s...(pause)...50s” But if the writers do best when they stick to comedy—they seem to lose their way whenever things get serious—they aptly convey the underlying insecurities that most women have to deal with at some point in their lives. One could almost sense the distaff side of the mostly female audience nodding along at those moments when the characters must confront them.

Interestingly, the show’s most successful moments are wordless ones, such as Laurent/ Randa’s delighted reaction at the discovery that she’s inherited a small fortune, when the actresses’ expressive faces communicate their feelings better than any words can.

Lauman makes for a vivacious and wellmeaning Jinx. Thomassie’s Dot may be a bit slow on the uptake, but she’s sweet and provides silly fun.

Aided by her sure comic timing, Bravender gets a big laugh merely by entering and exclaiming “Holy cowshit!”; she’s also the good-natured butt of the show’s biggest visual joke when she can’t find a proper costume for a Renaissance fair. With her kewpie doll face, Laurent can be both meticulously proper and as sassy as Bravender, but she also touchingly reveals the pain Randa feels from years of being undervalued by her family.

Only Helen Williams, as a writer/narrator who’s creating the script which we see played out, is superfluous. It’s a lazy device of the three actual playwrights to dole out exposition this way and slows the entire production down.

Sunlight streamed into the Country Club’s spacious Live Oak Bar & Grille from floor-toceiling windows during a recent matinee performance, a perfect setting for the Live Oak’s preshow buffet.

The buffet started off with a fresh mixed green salad with 3 homemade dressings, and yummy spinach Madeline accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips. The main course offered tender roasted pork tenderloin and succulent fried filets of catfish. Sides included crisp green bean almondine and hearty garlic mashed potatoes. All were very tasty.

(I’m sure the bread pudding with rum sauce was too, but it was gone by the time I was ready for dessert. Which was fine ’cause I was full.)

The Savannah Sipping Society isn’t vital theater but it doesn’t claim to be. What it is is an enjoyable two hours that demonstrates how healthy community theater is here. And add on another $11 to the ticket price for the buffet and you’ll have a satisfying afternoon or evening for both body and soul.

Curtains Up The first, pre-Mardi Gras section of our season is in full swing all around town with some shows already running and more about to open.

Here are some of them— The inaugural production of Poor Yorick, a new theater company, is the unique White Rabbit, Red Rabbit by the Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour for which a different guest performer each night reads a script they see for the first time as they step onstage in front of a live audience.

Soleimanpour is a conscientious objector who refused to take part in military service, mandatory for all Iranian men. Yet, using a menagerie of allegorical animals, White Rabbit, Red Rabbit is not about Iran, but grapples with the social phenomena of power, obedience, and manipulation.

Performances are Uptown at the St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (583 Broadway St.) with these actor/readers: Devyn Tyler (Jan. 19), James Bartelle (Jan. 20), Michael “Quess?” Moore aka “A Scribe Called Quess?”

(Jan. 26), and Clare Moncrief (Jan. 27).

In the Bywater, Generate INK continues its series of new plays with Jessie Strauss’ Grace & Igor which deals with a young lady who is experiencing the onset of a debilitating disorder and her

budding friendship with a Russian street performer and puppeteer.

Rebecca Frank directs Tenea Intriago and Robert Edes Jr. in this one-act play that runs January 20-22 at The Tigermen Den (3113 Royal St.).

Over in Central City, Junebug Productions presents Gomela/to return: Movement of Our Mother Tongue at Ashé Powerhouse (1731 Baronne St.) from January 19 to 29. Making evident the connection between Africa, Haiti, and New Orleans, Gomela is an experience of collective memories passed down from generation to generation, using dance, drumming and contemporary artistic expression, such as spoken word, hip-hop and jazz. It’s a tapestry woven by a group of multi-disciplinary artists (dancers Kesha McKey, Kai Knight, Jeremy Guyton, poet Sunni Patterson and drummer Jawara Simon) who represent the diversity of African Americans who call New Orleans home.

At the UNO Performing Arts Center’s

Robert E. Nims Theater, ArtSpot Productions will be remounting Jeff Becker’s Sea of Common Catastrophe January 19-28. Sea is inspired by a passage from Gabriel Garçía Márquez’s novella Sea of Lost Time in which a town drowns on a Sunday afternoon but persists, submerged, in its daily life, as if the deluge had never occurred.

Seen last year during its workshop run at Catapult, I thought Jeff Becker’s immersive set and Evan Spigelman’s variegated lighting to be the best of 2016 with Sean LaRocca’s original music also impressive. While the show was a visual delight, the narrative remained a little murky so I’ll be curious to see if it’s evolved since then.

And over in St. Tammany Parish, from January 20 until February 5, Slidell Little Theater is presenting the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q which features some of the wittiest puppets and adorable songs—or is that wittiest songs and adorable puppets—since, well, The Lion King!

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B-Bob's & Flip Side Bar & Patio ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie

m obile paparazzi

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