Ambush Magazine Volume 35 Issue 05

2 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Feb. 21-Mar c h 13, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.c om

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THE OFFICIAL MAG

the "official" dish

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:

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

53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards Stars World Famous Bianca Del Rio & Varla Jean Merman; Prizes Worth $2,500 World famous Bianca Del Rio and Varla Jean Merman will MC the 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards. Set for Mardi Gras day, February 28 at 12noon, Wood Enterprises brings us this fantastic contest!

The ultimate costume contest is sponsored by Good Friends Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Rawhide 2010, Clover Grill, Mary's Ace French Quarter Hardware, Ambush Magazine, Whitney Bank, Fire Ball, Red Bull, Bud Light, French Quarter Realty, and Glazer's Distributors.

In 2017, the awards returns to where it all began to Wood Enterprises. This year the stage will be in the 900 block of St. Ann at the corner of Dauphine Streets, outside of Good Friends Bar with the stage facing towards Bourbon Street. (www.GayMardiGras.com/bbb.htm) Contest award prizes are worth a total of $2,500! Categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, and Best Group with 1st place in each category winning $500 cash and trophy. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping $1,000 cash prize and trophy plus trophy for runner-up.

Pre-contestant registration will be at Good Friends Bar, 940 Dauphine, on Lundi Gras, Feb. 27 from 12noon-4pm. Mardi Gras Day registration will be at Rawhide 2010 beginning at 10am. Contestant line-up is on St. Ann from Rawhide towards Dauphine.

The 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” It is followed at 2pm by the 30th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq) at the Ambush Mansion.

The Trade Name, Service Mark, Bourbon Street Awards is being used by permission by the John L. Chisholm Family Trust.

King Cake Queen Issues Proclamation, Will Lead 30th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss The Proclamation celebrating the 68th Gay Mardi Gras has been issued by King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. Reigning as the Pride Queen of 2017, Synclaire-Kennedy's edict reads, "Her Imperial Majesty sends greetings and announces with pleasure her invitation for all to gather from near and far and join in the many celebrations under the Rainbow Banner of the 68th Gay Mardi Gras leading up to the 30th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss February 28, 2pm, at the Ambush Mansion, 828 Bourbon Street."

The Krewe of Queenateenas will host the 30th Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss with the theme, "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos!" Fifty invited guests will gather at the Ambush Mansion tossing thousands of beads to revelers on Mardi Gras day. The King Cake Queen will be joined by King Cake King and

inside

St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras Highlights issue out March 14, DEADLINE: March 7

celebrazzi/easter grand marshals moments in gay new orleans history snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans 30th gay mardi gras bead toss 53rd bourbon street awards under the gaydar trodding the boards 18th gay easter parade

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classifieds real estate a community within communities out front ambush paparazzi/new orleans foodilicious/metairie, nola

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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

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

King Cake Queen XXIII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy The Pride Queen of 2017 Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers' Grand Reveler III Napoleon "Rip" Naquin.

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

Top 20 Picks for Gay Carnival 2017 Catch a bit of everything Gay Carnival has to offer leading up to Mardi Gras, Feb. 28! Ambush Magazine has chosen its "Top 20 Picks" for 2017!

1] Don't miss out on our exciting New Orleans culinary choices at Ambush's best bets: Mumbo Gumbo @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie; Boudin Burger @ Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave.; house made Cheese Burger & Onion Rings @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.; Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.; Stuffed Bell Pepper Special @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.; Mona Lisa Special Pizza @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.; Oysters Earl @ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans; and New Orleans Muffuletta @ Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. 2] Take the Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency by appointment, 638 St. Ann St. Wednesday, Feb. 22nd 3] 12noon, This Mardi Gras Drink Where The Locals Drink @ The Double Play, 439 Dauphine St. 4] 5pm, Get a Hand Grenade @ Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St. 5] 10pm, Famous Wet Jockey Shorts Contest @ The Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis St. Thursday, Feb. 23rd 6] 9pm,Ru Paul's All Stars' Roxxxy Andrews @ The Four Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, Metairie 7] 9pm, Special Mardi Gras Black Out Party @ Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St. 8] 12midnight, Mardi Gras Strip

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

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

Off, wiin $300 in cash with host Persana Shoulders @ Oz, 800 Bourbon St. Friday, Feb. 24th 9] 8pm, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras 2017 Ball: Hollywood Gone Bad @ The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St. 10] 10pm, Bayou Boylesque starring ALL 5 Scorpio Boys @ GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart 11] 10pm, Dancin' til Dawn @ The Page, 542 N. Rampart 12] 11pm, Mardi Gras with Jake Mitchell on stage @ The Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields Saturday, Feb. 25th [continued on 8]

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celebrazzi Glen Kharman & Bootsie deVille will Reign as 18th Easter Grand Marshals It's "official"! The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade are proud to announce Glen Kharman and Bootsie DeVille as Easter Grand Marshals XVIII. Both individuals have been supporters, sponsors, and have ridden in the parade for years. They will lead the 18th Annual Gay Easter Parade on Easter Sunday, April 16 at 4:30pm through the streets of the French Quarter.

Glen Kahrman is a former Marine who grew up in New England. He moved to New Orleans in 1987 and he and his husband Noel have been together 29 years. They have devoted their lives to serving the underserved in our community. Glen volunteered for NO/AIDS Task Force for many years and has been the manager of the Food For Friends program of NO/AIDS CrescentCare Health now for over 12 years. The program feeds hundreds of HIV and Cancer clients annually.

Glen said “I am honored to Easter Grand Marshal 2017. The parade and EGM XVIII Glen Kahrman the events leading up to Easter have contributed a quarter of a million dollars to Food For Friends over many years.

I will ride representing the hundreds of very grateful clients who say thank you to all GEP volunteers and contributors for the nutrition/food the Gay Easter Parade money has provided.”

Bootsie deVille was first introduced to New Orleans at the Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque 47 as Captain of the “Post Cards from the Edge of Extinction as “Charmilla deVille, the last of the Chalmette Strutters”. According to deVille, "Charmilla turned out to be too difficult a name to pronounce. So, one day when friends saw my shipment of 7 pairs of boots in rainbow colors Bootsie was born. Little did anyone know I ordered the boots because they were easy to walk in and a bargain to boot. Bootsie has been active in fundraising for our community.

If I can dawn a frock and lipsink a Broadway tune in perfect pitch to help raise a few dollars I am happy. Being EGM XVIII Bootsie deVille selected as Grand Marshal of the Gay Easter Parade is an amazing honor.

The Gay Easter Parade has raised funds for our community charities through wit and determination. I look forward to continuing this noble tradition."

Bootsie served as Captain of the Krewe of Petronius for 6 years as well as president and function lieutenant. "I am very proud of rebuilding the post Katrina Krewe of Petronius, the oldest in gay Mardi Gras founded in 1961. The membership was just 8 people that grew to over 40 for our 50th Anniversary Ball that I was honored to be Queen Petronius L. Gay Mardi Gras started as a haven for gay people to socialize in the late fifties. To be able to support the traditions, art and satire have continued to be an important part of my life. I implemented a charity partner program for the

krewe to raise funds for charities with a goal of giving 5% of our annual budget. I was a member of the Krewe of Armeinius serving as president, function lieutenant, and crowned King Armeinius 38 in the krewe’s first post Katrina Ball. My pageant life began and ended with being crowned The Krewe of Amon-Ra's first Miss Playboy Bunny Reject."

Bootsie’s alter ego Bill McCarthy grew up in Massachusetts. "My career path in theatre and film design allowed me to work all over the United States and Canada. Over 25 years ago, a New Orleans’ Mardi Gras vacation hooked me on 'the New Orleans’ life.'

Luckily in a few years I was able to make New Orleans my home.

My work as an interior designer can be seen in homes from Miami to California."

7th Sponsorship Party March 12 @ Food For Friends Kitchen The 18th Annual Gay Easter Parade kicks off 2017 festivities with its 7th Sponsorship Party on Sunday, March 12, 4-6pm. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, and has now raised an incredible $264,784.41 for charity the past 15 years.

This year the party will be at the Food For Friends Kitchen located at First Unitarian Universalist Church on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and S. Claiborne in the Broadmoor area at 2903 Jefferson Ave. The kitchen is in the back of the church on Jefferson Avenue. This will give sponsors the opportunity to see what all the monies raised has helped Food For Friends achieve. This party is under the direction of GEP Board's Darwin Reed and Opal Masters.

If you join the sponsorship party, each sponsor will receive complimentary Vodka, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Pinot Noir, bottled water and soft drinks, as well as a scrumptious buffet catered

by Food For Friends. But the best prize is each sponsorship receives the coveted 2017 Easter Pin selected to signify the sponsors of the 18th Gay Easter Parade. Sponsorship levels include: Platinum $1,000, Gold $500, Silver $250 and Bronze $100. Sponsorship forms will be available at the party and are also available at http:// www.gayeasterparade.com/images/ gepsponsorform.pdf.

The afternoon reception will honor Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie deVille.

The Food For Friends (FFF) Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries, household/personal care products, and home deliv-

ered meals to clients and their families in the greater New Orleans area for over two decades. FFF is one of the 38 programs that NO/AIDS Task Force offers to the HIV and AIDS infected and affected community. NO/AIDS has been serving the community for over 30 years.

GEP Sets Remaining Events/Fundraisers The remaining events/fundraisers for the 18th Gay Easter Parade include: Saturday, March 18th, 15th Spring Fever Extravaganza @ Four Seasons with VIP Reception 6:30-8pm, Show 8-10pm, $15 donation, under the direction of GEP Board's Tittie Toulouse and Electra City; Saturday, March 25th, 9th Eggstravaganza @ GrandPre’s, 7:309:30pm, $10 donation under the direction of GEP Board's Monica SynclaireKennedy and Tony Leggio; Saturday, April 1st, 16th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza @ Oz, $10 donation, under the direction of GEP Board's Rip & Marsha NaquinDelain; Saturday, April 8th, 8-11pm, 18th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception @ Double Play, $10 donation, hosted by GEP Board; Friday, April 14th, 7-9:30pm, 8th Bunnies in the Big Easy, location TBA, under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Monica SynclaireKennedy; and Sunday, April 16th, 3:30pm, GEP Pre-Parade Party @ GrandPre's; 4:30pm, 18th Gay Easter Parade hosted by GEP Board; and 6pm, GEP Post Parade Party & Buffet @ GrandPre's.

Parade information including carriage prices/reservations will be available after Mardi Gras.

Sponsored by Ambush Magazine, more information is available at www.GayEasterParade.com or w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / GayEasterParade.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 13] 8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIX: Festival of Festivals @ Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette, LA 14] 10pm, Divas R Us starring King Cake Queen XXIII Monica SynclaireKennedy @ The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. Sunday, Feb. 26th 15] 4pm, Mardi Gras Trash Disco @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St. 16] 8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXIV: Magic To Do hosted

by Bianca Del Rio & Darwin Singleton @ John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center, Westwego, LA Lundi Gras, Feb. 27th 17] 12noon, Karaoke Gras @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude Mardi Gras, Feb. 28th 18] 11am, Catch the 53rd Bourbon Street Awards @ Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St. 19] 12 noon, 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards, hosted by Wood Enterprises, with MC's International super star Bianca Del Rio & New Orleans own Varla Jean Merman, in the 900 block of St. Ann at the corner of Dauphine Streets, outside of Good Friends Bar with the stage facing towards Bourbon Street. (www.GayMardiGras.com/ bbb.htm) 20] 2pm, 30th Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXIII Monica SynclaireKennedy, The Pride Queen of 2017 @ Ambush Mansion, 828 Bourbon St.

Oz Kicks Off Mardi Gras Feb. 22 Oz kicks off Mardi Gras week on Wednesday, Feb. 22 with a special show night: CARNIVALE. Join GAA Show Bar of the Year as they unveil their brand new monthly themed edition of Show Night beginning with the 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!

Keep tuned for a sensational Mardi

Gras weekend Feb. 25-28. The club's fabulous resident DJs (DJ Kyle D, DJ Tim Pflueger, and DJ JRB) will all weekend long with weekend hostess Persana Shoulders.

Sexy gogos starring Seth Fornea, Jared Bradford, David Emmanuel, Stephen Land, Juan de la Torre, Samuel Lemar, and introducing Bryan and Hugo will be dancing on top of the bar for your viewing pleasure!

Join Stephen Ledet and Oz as they present Miss Gay Vieux Carre Louisiana USofA Wednesday, March 8. Come for a fierce night of competition as queens battle it out for the last remaining slots for the Miss Gay Louisiana USofA pageant - it is the last preliminary pageant before state. Categories include interview, formal gown, and talent. For more information on entering the pageant, contact Stephen Ledet or Dominique DeLorean.

Capture the Crown: A Benefit For Chi-Chi Rodriquez is set for Tuesday, March 14. Join Oz as they host a benefit show to help send Chi-Chi Rodriquez to the Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Pageant. Hosted by Persana Shoulders the benefit stars Chi-Chi Rodriquez and a bevy of local entertainers! A 50/50 raffle will be held.

Show time at 10:30pm after Bourbon Boylesque!

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.

“Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival” Exhibition Now Open @ The Presbytère The Louisiana State Museum, in partnership with the Krewes of Iris, Muses and Nyx, presents “Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival,” an exhibition commemorating the centennial of Iris and exploring the evolution of women’s

krewes in New Orleans from the 1890s to the present. The exhibition is open at the Presbytère, 751 Chartres Street in New Orleans’ Jackson Square.

Open through December 2018, “Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival” is part of the Women of New Orleans: Builders and Rebuilders exhibition initiative of the nonprofit nola4women, launched in honor of New Orleans’s tricentennial.

Visit nola4women.org for more information.

Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for updates on exhibit-related programming, including activities for families and children.

68th Gay Mardi Gras EVENTS/BALLS Friday, February 24th... ~8pm, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVIII: Hollywood Gone Bad, The Cannery, New Orleans Saturday, February 25th... ~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, hosted by Wood Enterprises, with International super star Bianca Del Rio & New Orleans own Varla Jean Merman as MCs, in the 900 block of St. Ann at the corner of Dauphine Streets, outside of Good Friends Bar with the stage facing towards Bourbon Street. Pre-contestant registration @ Good Friends Bar, 940 Dauphine, Lundi Gras, Feb. 27 12noon-4pm; Mardi Gras Day registration @ Rawhide 2010 beginning @10am. Contestant line-up on St. Ann from Rawhide towards Dauphine. (www.GayMardiGras.com/ bbb.htm) ~2pm, 30th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras Monica Synclaire-Kennedy celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos", Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq)

Lords of Leather Rush Party March 5 If you attended the Lords of Leather’s Bal Masques in the past and liked what you saw, you may want to consider joining this creative and funloving group. The krewe is beginning its 35th year of “Leather, Love and Laughter” as a leather-oriented Mardi Gras krewe and is hosting its 2017 Rush Party on Sunday, March 5 from 35pm at the Phoenix Bar at 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Food and keg beer will be provided.

Come socialize with the krewe and

check out the opportunities to actively participate in an organization which builds community throughout the year by hosting many events and appreciates the talents and skills of its members.

Three levels of membership are available: Viscount, Full Lord and Baron. For applications and more information about the krewe please visit their website www.lordsofleather.org or contact a current member.

Panel on the History of HIV/AIDS to be held March 8 A panel discussion on the history of HIV/AIDS in New Orleans will be held March 8 at the Norman-Mayer branch of the New Orleans Public Library at 6pm.

Panelists include Dr. Russ Burkett, Mark Gonzalez, and Noel Twilbeck.

Dr. Burkett is a retired physician who has lived with HIV for decades. Mark Gonzalez is a local attorney who was involved in the local chapter of ACTUP. Noel Twilbeck is the Executive Director of Crescent Care, formerly the NO/ AIDS Task Force.

The panel discussion is being sponsored by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. Admission is free to the public.

UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball Secures Better Futures for Us All UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund) New Orleans Area Office and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will host the 4th annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, March 18th at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

Emceed by native New Orleanians, Stan Verrett, Anchor ESPN and Arthel Neville, Anchor Fox News Network, the event brings together more than 900 business, civic and education leaders in support of UNCF’s work in providing area students the resources to get to and through college. Presidents from two of the 37 private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that UNCF supports will also be in attendance: Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough of Dillard University and Dr. C. Reynold Verret of Xavier University of Louisiana.

Grammy Award-winning group Kool and the Gang, known for hits such as “Jungle Boogie”, “Celebration” and “Hollywood Swinging,” will headline the evening with an electrifying performance.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Mayor Landrieu and the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. It will be an exciting

evening as we bring supporters and stakeholders together to invest in Better Fu-

[continued on 10]

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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

“Mardi Gras and Mythology” When I was a child, I would get more excited about Mardi Gras than I would about Christmas day. Christmas was great—what kid doesn’t love toys and candy and all that—but for me, as exciting as Christmas was, it simply meant Mardi Gras was just around the corner.

Mardi Gras is a magical day, unlike any other. Adequate words to describe Fat Tuesday are elusive. Enchanted, mysterious, fun, joyous all seem to miss the mark in they don’t quite capture the merriment of the day. Comus historian Perry Young came close when he wrote, “Carnival is a butterfly of winter, whose last mad flight of Mardi Gras forever ends its glory. Another season is the glory of another butterfly, and the tattered, scattered fragments of rainbow wings are in turn the record of his day.” the "official" dish ...from 8 tures®,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., President and CEO, UNCF. The event is chaired by Hyatt Regency New Orleans General Manager, Michael O. Smith, and President and General Manager of WDSU-TV, Joel Vilmenay. Queen of Creole Cuisine and James Beard Lifetime Award recipient Chef Leah Chase will receive the M.A.S.K.E.D (Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams) Award for her dedication and support of UNCF’s work. This year’s Presenting Sponsor is: Ochsner Health System; Marquis Sponsors: Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans, Karen and Henry Coaxum, Donna and Paul Flower, Sherry and Alan Leventhal, members of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans Development Team and WDSU-TV. “Together we have raised over $4.6 million to benefit students in local Historically Black Colleges and Universities since 2014. I am grateful for the work of UNCF and our sponsors on this important initiative. This partnership will help to carry hundreds of local college students across the finish line and into the careers of their dreams. Investing in the college education of our young people and local institutions will impact New Orleans for generations to come,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

The event will feature a VIP Reception, Silent Auction, 2016 Nissan Maxima Car raffle donated by Supreme Automotive and dinner provided by award-winning celebrity chefs including: Chef Leah Chase, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, recipient of the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, and James Beard Award Recipients Chefs Alon Shay, Shaya Restaurant, Tory McPhail, Commander’s Palace, and Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon and Peche Restaurants, and Host Chef Eric Damidot of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

The Church, of course, claims Shrove Tuesday as a religious holiday, one last chance to party before Ash Wednesday and Lent, but Carnival’s pagan roots stretch back to the time before Christ. Besides, New Orleans has never needed an excuse to party.

Carnival is the embodiment of what New Orleans is at its deepest core—a Baroque fantasy realm realized, a place of make-believe, a mythical place of transformation. In many ways, Carnival in New Orleans is a reincarnation of the fabled tableaux of King Louis XIV’s Dinner entertainment by New Orleans native and Grammy Award winning PJ Morton, keyboardist for the pop rock band Maroon 5.

For sponsorship or ticket information, please contact: www.uncf.org/ nolamaskedball.

Amon-Ra's 53rd Rush Party March 12 The Majestic Krewe of Amon-Ra will host its 53rd Rush Party on Sunday, March 12 from 2-4pm in The Balcony Bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile upstairs.

Amon-Ra is the only LGBT krewe to hold 52 consecutive balls in the 68 year history of Gay Mardi Gras. This is your chance to join the krewe who has won Best Carnival Ball 4 different times by public voting in the annual Gay Appreciation Awards.

Enjoy complimentary cocktails for prospective new members, and complimentary food for all. For more information, visit www.KreweOfAmonRa.com or contact Errol Rizzuto.

royal court, a court whose debauchery rivaled pagan Rome at its most depraved. But New Orleans’ joie de vivre as exemplified at Mardi Gras is so much more than just drunken revelry.

The extensive folkloric and cultural value of Mardi Gras is lost on those who view it merely as a massive drunken street orgy. Frederick Starr argues correctly the vulgarity of Mardi Gras is superficial, that in substance, Mardi Gras is “a poetic festival steeped in the exquisite high art of allegory.”

This insight is reflected in the names of the traditional, mainstream krewes: Comus (god of revelry and excess), Momus (god of satire), Bacchus (god of wine), Proteus (god of the sea and mutability), Orpheus (god of poets and musicians), Morpheus (god of dreams), Endymion (god of shepherds and hunters).

This mythological motif is certainly true of Gay Carnival and is evident in some the names of current gay krewes.

Consider: Amon-Ra—Of all the ancient Egyptian gods, Amon Ra was the Supreme deity Armeinius—Greek mythological figure whose love of Narcissus went unrequited Mwindo—Epic hero of the Nyanga people in Central Africa Petronius—Roman satirist who loved luxury Satyricon—A literary satire written

by Petronius Not all of the gay krewes draw their names from mythology. The Lords of

Leather, the Krewe of Queenateenas, and the Krewe de le Rue Royale Revelers all derive their identities from contemporary culture.

Although the gay carnival krewes do not parade, they do produce elaborate balls which have afforded the gay community an opportunity to showcase its creativity and artistry. In decades past, when being in the closet was de rigueur, the gay krewes provided a sense of safety and purpose for gay men as well as an outlet for their gayness to manifest.

The artistry of mythology is a triumph of the imagination. History and imagination are inextricably linked and New Orleans, a city in love with its history, cannot help, then, but be a wellspring of creativity. Carnival Season is the perfect showcase for the city’s ingenuity.

At her core, New Orleans (and Carnival itself), is a fascinating study in desire—its pull, its promises, its lies, and its consequences. In New Orleans, this fixation with desire is what fuels Carnival and Mardi Gras, the music and culinary scenes, the city’s epic obesity and its rampant alcoholism.

Orleans on March 18, which takes place at the historic, uptown New Orleans Audubon Park. Walk MS is an opportunity for people living with MS and those who care about them to connect, join together, and be inspired. In 2016 alone, nearly 300,000 people at more than 550 locations across the country walked to create a world free of MS, raising nearly $50 million.

Genentech is the national sponsor of Walk MS. For more information, visit walk www.MS.org, call 855.372.1331 or email fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.

Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “This weekend the city of New Orleans will celebrate an AllStar Weekend originally slated for Charlotte. Is that the kind of loss Texas lawmakers want to see? We hope that Texas lawmakers will heed this warning better than their North Carolinian counterparts did. Bills such as SB 6 are discriminatory, costly and wrong, and we are glad to see that the NBA and the NFL continue to stand on the side of equality and fairness.”

In July of 2016, the NBA pulled its 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, NC after North Carolina specifically because lawmakers refused to repeal the harmful, discriminatory HB2. Despite the NBA’s repeated warnings that it would have to consider moving the high-profile game out of the state if the anti-LGBTQ law was not repealed, the state’s General Assembly neglected to act to repeal HB2. The 2017 All-Star Game will be played this weekend in New Orleans.

Walk MS Expected to Surpass $1 Billion

NBA Stands up for Equality

Since 1988, hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in Walk MS events across the country raising critical funds and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, the cumulative fundraising is expected to surpass $1 billion.

“Walk MS is a joyous gathering with a wonderful ‘we’re in this together’ feeling,” said Cyndi Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the National MS Society. “Every participant, volunteer, donor and sponsor is helping to drive us toward this exciting $1 billion milestone. Together, we are accelerating progress in making life-changing breakthroughs so that each person with MS can live her or his best life.”

More than 900 people are expected to raise more than $99,000 at Walk MS: New

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, hailed comments from the National Basketball Association, warning Texas lawmakers that any legislative attack on LGBTQ people would factor into a decision as to where big-ticket games, such as the All-Star Game, would be played. The NBA joins the NFL in issuing a warning to lawmakers in Texas, after the National Football League cautioned last week that anti-LGBTQ legislation such as Texas’ SB 6 could affect Texas cities’ future bids for the Super Bowl.

“The NBA’s commitment to the safety, dignity and worth of its players, employees and fans is clear. It’s time for Texas to make the same commitment,” said JoDee

Much like New Orleans herself, Mardi Gras is a wonderfully complex cultural phenomenon, replete with layers of meaning and symbolism. It is revelry, pageantry, and fantasy. It is a chance to wear masks and don different identities—something gay men have historically been thoroughly familiar with.

In a statement, an NBA spokesperson said, “ensuring the environment where those who participate and attend are treated fairly and equally,” is a key factor in the league’s decision-making process when selecting sites for the All-Star Game and others. Last week, the NFL issued a similar statement, saying, “If a proposal that is discriminatory or inconsistent with our values were to become law there, that would certainly be a factor considered when thinking about awarding future events.”

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Krewe of Stars 1st "Show Ball" with King & Queen I Dennis Assaf & Angela Hill @ Jefferson Performing Arts Center ~ Metairie, LA ~ Photos by Margarita Bergen, Ellen Miller

paparazzi

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Carnival Highlights~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Brian Sands

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Oz New Orleans

Mwindo Royalty Party @ The Page

GrandPre's

paparazzi

The Double Play

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

The Clover Grill

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Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Roy Guste, Dwain Hertz, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

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under the gaydar

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

Bartender of the Month I have a new obsession and he is my bartender for the month of February. Very rarely do I get a boy crush, but this guy is definitely swoon worthy.

He is literally got all the right moves, I am talking about none other than Daniel Dean from Oz.

choreograph Persana Shoulder and the drag show productions for about two months.

Whether bartending or performing, Danial aka Atomyc is a fabulous addition to Oz. Come see Daniel either behind or in front of the bar at Oz located at 800 Bourbon Street.

Hot Happenings Happy Fat Tuesday! It is time to put on that costume, dance in the streets and make all kinds of mischief. Here are just a few ideas hot happenings to help you get your party started this Carnival!

Bartender of the Month Daniel Dean @ Oz I recently got to know Daniel more when I was on a video shoot on Bourbon Street for Oz for literally nine hours, so in between takes, he kept me plied with libations. First of all, Daniel does more than just bartend, you may recognize him from his performances as Atomyc Adonis. I mean, is that just not the best alias ever! Oh and his physique and performances both in front of and behind the bar lives up to his moniker. He is a bartending God. Not only does he have an incredible body and handsome features, but he is a great mixologist and knows how to captivate his patrons.

Daniel loves working behind the bar at Oz because it is always different and never boring. His favorite drink to consume is Stoli Vodka, soda water and a splash of orange juice, but his favorite cocktail to make is a top shelf margarita shaken with fresh fruit.

In addition to his moves behind the bar, Daniel has been performing almost his whole life. First as an elite competitive gymnast and then turning to circus arts doing Silk and Lycra. He also has been dancing for 17 years and been choreographing for national pageant contestants and for production shows for about nine years and been with Oz since July 2016. He can be seen in the Bourbon Boylesque show being an original featured performer since its inception in September every Tuesday night. He also aides in helping

Thursday, February 23 Roxxxy Andrews leads a FABULOUS cast LIVE at The Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.), ONE NIGHT ONLY! Direct from RU PAUL’s ALL STARS, Roxxxy Andrews brings her amazing talents to the city. Here show starts at 9pm. Come see this outstanding and spicy DIVA! Buy tickets on Eventbrite, or go to the Facebook page at ROXXXY ANDREWS LIVE AT THE FOUR SEASONS. Friday, February 24 The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras will host their 2017 Ball entitled Hollywood Gone Bad at The Cannery (3803 Toulouse Street) in Mid-City, an elegant venue that brings the “best of the worst of Hollywood” to life. This year’s theme encourages all things “bad” from Hollywood ... bad B movies, terrible plot lines, misguided facelifts, starlets and harlots ... wherever your trip down the Reckless Red Carpet may lead.

The event is from 8pm to midnight.

Music … Dancing … New culinary stations … A fabulous auction … Costume contest … For tickets or more information go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.

Friday, February 24 The Scorpio Boys will be performing in this Mardi Gras special event at GrandPre’s (834 N. Rampart St) starting at 10pm. Bayou Boylesque will have Co-Creaters Poseidon S Davenport and Eros S Guillen alongside Danger Rockwell, Dionysus Sea, and Phathoms Deep!

Saturday, February 25 The Krewe of Armeinius returns for its 49th ball, presenting the Festival of Festivals, at the Frederick Sigur Center (8245 Judge Perez)! Doors open at 7pm with the Tableau at 8pm. Come

experience the lavish costumes celebrating the festivals of the world. Come see the largest Gay Mardi Gras Krewe and the winners of the 2016 Bourbon Street Awards. See the ball and all its glory and experience this once in a lifetime event. Reserve your seat today. Gay Mardi Gras is a spectacle for everyone over the age of 18 gay or straight and we welcome everyone to come enjoy a well-hidden secrets of Mardi Gras since 1969. For information or tickets, go to www.armeinius.org.

Saturday, March 4 I love this event which is near and dear to my heart. Wiener Dog Racing presented by Double M Feed, Garden & Pet Supply returns to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (1751 Gentilly Blvd.) from 1 – 7pm. The same format as seasons past will be used to crown the racing champion: 48 pure-bred dachshunds and six alternates will be selected to participate from all eligible applicants and will be divided into four heats of twelve dogs apiece. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of each of the four heats will compete in a final race to determine the champion. Top finishers will receive cash prizes with goodie baskets valued at $100 with the overall winner taking home $500 cash.

For additional questions, please contact Leslie Monson by email at Leslie.Monson@fgno.com or by phone at 504.948.1231. General admission for wiener dog racing will be $5, with standard $10 clubhouse admission. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free.

Sunday, March 5 It is never too early to think about next Mardi Gras or joining a fabulous gay krewe. Join the Lords of Leather for their rush party at the Phoenix (941 Elysian Fields) from 3 – 5pm. Come meet the krewe, officers, and royalty, and learn more about what a year of Leather Love and Laughter can mean for you! Applications will be available (and you can apply for only $25!)

Sunday, March 5 Get your tickets for the Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway) Crawfish Boil. Join them for their first crawfish boil of the year! Tickets are $20.00 which be all you can eat and includes all the fixings; they will also have hamburgers on the grill for those who do not eat crawfish. You can purchase your tickets at the link on Facebook. There will also be drink specials and music.

The event is from 3 – 8pm.

Tuesday, March 7 – Sunday, March 12 Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ ATV Music Publishing are proud to announce the Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning Broadway hit BEAUTIFUL—THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, depicting the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/

songwriter, will make its New Orleans debut at The Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). Presented by the New Orleans Theatre Association, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL is part of the East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2016 – 2017 season. Tickets for BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL start at $36.54 and will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 800.982.2787.

Wednesday, March 8 Come out to the Norman Mayor Branch of the New Orleans Public Library (3001 Gentilly Blvd.) for the Panel on the History of HIV / AIDS in New Orleans from 6 – 8pm. Panelists include Dr. Russ Burkett, Mark Gonzalez, and Noel Twilbeck. Dr. Burkett is a retired physician who has lived with HIV for decades. Mark Gonzalez is a local attorney who was involved in the local chapter of ACTUP. Noel Twilbeck is the Executive Director of Crescent Care, formerly the NO/AIDS Task Force. The panel discussion is being sponsored by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. Admission is free to the public.

Wednesday, March 8 Stephen Ledet & USofA Pageants LLC invites you to Miss Gay Vieux Carre Louisiana USofA, An Official Preliminary to Miss Gay Louisiana USofA! The event takes place at Oz (800 bourbon Street) starting at 10pm. Categories include interview, formal gown, and talent.

Friday, March 10 Come out to the Fairgrounds Racetrack and Slots (1751 Gentilly Blvd) for Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Absolut, Jameson, Event Producers and B97 with musical guests The Mixed Nuts & DJ Crush from 5 – 11pm. The evening racing event has a first post of 5pm. The DJ plays from 6-10pm in the Miller Time Beer Garden and the band plays from 7-11pm in the Clubhouse. Must be 21 years or older to enter the Miller Time Beer Garden.

Party Down Mardi Gras has finally arrived with all the pomp and circumstance that is heralded in with the largest party in the world! Because of the Ambush deadlines, you only have to experience one week of my crazy antics. My week of event began on Wednesday evening with the New Orleans Magazine Tops of the Town Masquerade event at The Monastery located on Rampart Street.

This new venue is an incredible place for a party and this was the perfect night for a Masquerade Ball. Guests dressed in the theme colors of black, [continued on 20]

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Bourbon Boylesque at Oz, Ongoing on Tuesday Nights It’s Tuesday night. You want go out but where? Why not head to Oz for their weekly Bourbon Boylesque. It might make Wednesday feel like less of a hump day.

In a town where you can find burlesque shows starring women almost any day of the week, Bourbon Boylesque is one of the few productions that offers copious displays of male flesh. And not merely male flesh, but male flesh that tap dances, does aerial acrobatics, roller skates and playfully teases. As a bonus, having seen two shows recently, no matter how many times you visit Boylesque, it’s never going to be the exact same experience.

The cast of Bourbon Boylesque @ Oz (Expecta Patrone, Bobby B, Phathoms Deep, Persana Shoulders, Atomyc Adonis, Poseidon S Davenport, Danger Rockwell) Produced by Trixie Minx, the Queen of New Orleans Burlesque, Bourbon Boylesque stars the Men of Oz (Bobby B, Phathoms Deep, Atomyc Adonis, Danger Rockwell). On any given evening, however, one or two guest stars, another boylesquer, say, or a drag queen who’ll do a sensual lip-sync number, are likely to appear.

Danger Rockwell, who looks like the prototypical “boy next door” albeit a naughty one, led off the first show I saw in January in a bird outfit with white feathers. He proceeded to molt down to a black & gold sequined jockstrap.

He later returned in a King Arthurthemed ensemble complete with sword and shield; you can imagine what he did with that sword.

Atomyc Adonis, tattooed and hot as can be, followed with an acrobatic dance to Sleigh Ride, awesomely doing full splits. His second number, in glittery vest and shiny red hot pants, was to the soulful Unsteady by X Ambassadors.

Bobby B, nicknamed the Dapper Tapper, tap danced all over the stage, on top of the bar and even did somer-

saults. If a young and sexy Fred Astaire had done burlesque, he might have looked like this. Bobby followed this with a number on roller skates that lit up; his dancing and skating would’ve been impressive even if he hadn’t been nearly naked. As they say in Gypsy, “You Gotta Have a Gimmick”—and what a great one his is!

Special guest star Arianna Amour (aka Nicole Lynn Foxx) was beguiling in a gossamer negligee. Performing to a cover of Radiohead’s Creep she seemed like a sensual butterfly floating through space. In contrast, she conjured up an intense and fabulous diva— Debbie Harry, perhaps—for It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.

With wry humor and ingenuous charm, Trixie hosted the show. She made her first entrance wearing a pink wig and a spectacular French Revolution-inspired dress—and not the kind the peasants wore. Her Mariah Carey impersonation was priceless. When she did her number, to both classic and disco versions of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and her gown broke away piece by piece, she made clear

how burlesque should be done.

Trixie was away when I returned on Valentine’s Day but Oz’s Director of Entertainment Persana Shoulders, full of sassy humor despite dealing with a broken nose (long story), delivered an equally superb emcee turn, keeping the evening’s momentum going even better than Ms. Minx had.

Bobby B, Atomyc Adonis, and Danger Rockwell were back, though Danger kept his clothes on this time, overseeing apparel retrieval at the end of each routine. If Bobby repeated his tap and roller skating acts, both still sensational, Adonis had something new up his sleeve.

To Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, Adonis did aerial acrobatics, flying

through the air at one point, using two floor-to-ceiling curtains. It was pretty fabulous at the start when he was wearing a gold vest & other finery, and only got better when he stripped down to a pair of mesh shorts.

Man of Oz Phathoms Deep was back in the line-up, adding not only some welcome diversity to the festivities, but also his lithe, lean dancer’s body and 1,000-watt smile. In his white suit, red bow tie, and candy canestriped walking stick, he and his 6-pack abs looked like the yummiest Valentine’s treat you’ve ever seen.

Special guest performer Poseidon S Davenport, the current Mr. Gulf Coast

under the gayday ...from 18

see the parade. And both parades were bawdy and spot on with their depiction of the state of affairs of our city and country.

Sunday, I was actually in a parade of sorts, but in reverse. The City of New Orleans commissioned an LGBT Marketing video for New Orleans Tourism. Everyone in the parade was a volunteer to help the city and the LGBT movement. Basically we filmed a pride style parade that moved backwards to send a message that New Orleans— and the LGBTQ community at large— is always open. Always moving forward. So I was one of the principals in costume in the parade and there were many other people in the crowd scenes.

We walked backwards over Bourbon Street by St. Ann and Bourbon, stripping away our colors, costumes, and makeup—covering up in drab clothing.

Instead of walking forward on the street, we went back, disappear into the crowd and hide. A band will play music that will go from happy and celebratory to monotonic. There was lots of choreography and I was there along with many other troopers from 8am to 5:30pm. But it honestly was an amazing experience and another thing I can check off my bucket list, be in a film. I got to have makeup and hair done. It was a pretty awesome experience to be standing on Bourbon Street having make-up touched up for a scene while lots of people took photos and watched. Now I so see the appeal with the entire acting gig.

The producers/directors who coordinated the parade were fabulous and very easy on the eyes. And like life, we create our own happy endings, so the parade did have a happy outcome as we all fly out onto the street donning our costumes back on carrying banners and flags that say WE’RE NOT GOING BACK. NEW ORLEANS IS ALWAYS OPEN. The production company who is shooting this momentous event will also craft it into a film, so we can spread this message around the world.

That sums up my week forward to backwards and back again. So Happy Mardi Gras, I will see you in the streets!

white and red as they dined at scrumptious bites from local restaurants, wonderful libations and top notch entertainment. This was a truly awesome place to celebrate the carnival season and mingle with people in the community. I especially loved roaming all the spaces and gardens looking at this historically unique venue.

On Thursday I was off to two events, the first was a hospitality networking happy hour at Latrobe’s on Royal Street. This historic venue is the perfect place to hold a wedding or corporate event, smack dab in the heart of the Quarter. It provides a charming elegance. Many people know about the downstairs venue, but they also have an upstairs penthouse with a balcony that may also be rented out for the right price. Imagine having a private reception in this historic living space designed by Benjamin Latrobe, the Father of American Architecture. Then I went over to another historic building, Le Petit to see Jelly’s last Jam, a wonderful musical about New Orleans jazzman Jelly Roll Morton. The production was incredible with a talented cast and a great set.

The weekend was all about the parades, backwards and in reverse literally. On Saturday, the Krewe du Vieux and the Krewe of DeLusion Parades made their way through the streets of my hood (da Marigny). I party hopped at friends’ houses, starting with Adikus Sulpizi, one of the Two Guys Cutting Hair and his husband David’s wonderful home. They served Russian fare catered by Siberia which was absolutely delicious. And how fitting it was to tailor the menu that way considering the parade pretty much bashed the guy in the White House (no I will never call Donald Trump President) and his relationship with Putin.

The sodomy float was over the top hysterical. Next I went to Laura Tennyson’s home where her husband Gary, an incredible chef, made some delectable treats. And we finally ended up at Kim Smith’s gorgeous home to

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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” PART II I hope that many of the readers of this wonderful community communique read my article titled “I’m Pissed.” In it I laid out the case that our children are being robbed of an education and a life.

That certain parts of our beloved city are in a shambles. That is some way we are all responsible yet the question is asked, “What can we do?”

The LGBTQ community has been such a powerful force in our community in quiet ways. We’ve talked about that a lot. The Anna’s Food Pantry, Foods for Friends, Christmas gifts of the Anna’s Place kids and the list goes on. It seems endless. Yet, here I am asking for your support.

In 1846 a wonderful and grand house was built on Esplanade. Many know the house. It was the site of a movie and has been a wonderful and relatively unaltered piece of our history.

It is called the Marsaudet-Dodwell House. It is a “center hall English Cottage.” It is indeed in need of serious

repairs and restoration work. She sits at 1519 Esplanade. It is a deceptive property and has a grandeur that really needs to be seen to be appreciated- at least a potential grandeur.

For the past six years little St. Anna’s Episcopal Church has been raising monies to service the debt on the property and to throw some money into preservation. It was in very bad condition when we got it. But it has, as they say, good bones. Several hundred man hours have gone into the place so far.

Major engineering work has been done.

New floor joists installed, a good amount of masonry work done, new roofing, new flashings, tons of debris removal have all been done over the course of the past six years. In addition several large trees were recently removed that were destroying foundation and roofing. We have partnered with a wonderful technical college in New York who journey down here each year as a learning lab to do a lot of the work.

and dancing with some women in the audience, it’s the perfect show to take your mom or grandmother to. Or any WWII vets you know (there were two in the audience at a recent performance including one celebrating his 96th birthday). Or, really, anyone you’d like to have a marvelous time with.

trodding the boards ...from 23 come visually static, but Reed advantageously deploys her performers across the span of the stage, occasionally sending them into the audience where, after all the Victory Belle shows, the ladies there finally get a chance to dance with the cast.

As with the Belles, the Stage Door Canteen has fielded a topnotch group for The Vic-Tones. Kevin Murphy, Daniel Shelvin, and Adair Watkins have beautiful, manly voices that harmonize gorgeously. All project engaging personalities that skillfully communicate both comic and more serious lyrics. Wisely, they never try to oversell the songs; while always polished, very, they never come off as slick. Amen!

Heidi Malnar’s choreography, as usual, enhances the production with perfect period flair. Shelvin stands out with his excellent tap dance routine accompanying On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe. The costumes

by Judy Claverie and Reed nicely evoke the age with bomber jackets, suspenders, and really short ties. Musical Director Tom Hook has come up with great arrangements that make the Canteen swing.

The buffet that accompanies Wednesday matinees is a treat (Sunday brunch performances feature a different menu). A tasty Caprese salad with basil pesto dressing tops the menu.

The work is not cosmetic so it appears, often, that not much has been done. But, be assured a lot of work has been done. A lot of work remains to be done. But to what end and what does this have to do with the “I’m Pissed” piece. What does this have to do with poor schools, violent crime, and poverty?

This property has a lot to do with those subjects. It is the future home of Anna’s Place a comprehensive and holistic approach to breaking cycles of poverty, providing educational opportunities, and providing a safe place for ‘at risk populations.’ Recently we have heard a lot about “Sanctuary cities” well the same or a similar idea is to create a sanctuary community center.

We want a place where black community and gay community can meet, use a facility and get to know each other.

We want a safe place where our at risk kids, some in poverty, can find a place of discovery. We want a nice and even grand place that dignifies them simply by its presence. We want to have a deeply historical place that preserves the best of what we were. That place is the Dodwell House.

On Saturday March 25th the doors to the Dodwell House will be open for a fundraiser and gala event. We want you to join us and support this event.

The usual food, silent auctions, booz,

Coming Up

The Vic-Tones (Adair Watkins, Daniel Shelvin, Kevin Murphy) I’d never had chicken grillades and grits but they were succulent; a creole sauce added even more flavor. Glazed baby carrots and haricots verts were both delicious, but the stand-out was baked pasta with caramelized onions which added sweetness to the noodles’ savory tang. An absolute winner!

A scrumptious chocolate bread pudding concluded the meal. The food at the Canteen, which comes from The American Sector Restaurant, is always wonderful, but this combination is especially so.

The Vic-Tones’ first outing takes you back to a kinder, gentler time. With its cast members sweetly serenading

Three shows running just after Carnival may provide you with costume inspirations for Fat Tuesday.

Get out your Farrah Fawcett wigs— Hedwig & the Angry Inch played to packed houses earlier this month at The AllWays Lounge & Theatre. Directed by Dennis Monn and starring Papa Peaches as Hedwig & Sultan as Yitzhak, if it didn’t hit all the emotional notes in the script, it still provided a rockin’ good time. Hedwig returns March 10, 13, 17 and 20. Her creator, John Cameron Mitchell, was in the house when I saw it. Wonder if he’ll be returning too..

Get out your nuns’ habits—The Company of St. Bernard presents the Tony-nominated musical Sister Act at the Valiant Theatre in Arabi March 1019. This is the one in which disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in a convent where, disguised as a nun, she inspires the choir and breathes new life into the church. Silly, but fun.

Get out your loincloths—Jefferson Performing Arts Society gives Tarzan

and entertainment will be there. Just like all the other fundraisers. You will know some of the “celebrities” but more importantly it is time to step up and get this place on line. We can’t keep telling each other later. We can keep telling the kids next year. We can’t keep deferring the restoration. HELP US AND HAVE FUN. PLEASE CONSIDER purchasing a ticket or two and more importantly joining us for the evening so that we, as a community, can have a major impact on our Community within Communities.

For further information go to: www.dodwellhouse.org or call Fr. Bill at 504.947.2121 I would love to speak with you about this project.

out front NOLA Leather to Geaux Returns March 10-12 New Orleans’ only Leather, Kink and Fetish Run returns for the third year March 10-12. The Frenchmen Hotel at 417 Frenchmen Street is the host hotel for this year’s event.

Join locals and visitors who will be wearing their gear and enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer for a fun weekend of parade – watching, food and maybe a little debauchery.

Participants will be welcomed to a cocktail party at the hotel where they may watch and catch beads from the Molly’s at the Market St. Patrick’s Parade as it rolls through the Marigny on Friday March 10 at 6pm. Following the parade the festivities continue with a social at the Rawhide bar in the French Quarter.

Walking history tours of the French Quarter are on the agenda for Saturday with the group convening later that afternoon at the Phoenix Bar for dinner, Naughty Bingo and a Beer Bust.

Sunday will wrap up with the very popular Springtime Brunch on GrandPre’s patio.

Registration is available at www.nolaleathertogeaux.org by clicking on the “Do Attend” link.

Make your hotel reservations now for the Frenchmen Hotel at 504.945.5453; be sure to mention “NOLA Leather to Geaux” for the special rate.

More information can be found at www.nolaleathertogeaux.org, questions can be directed to nolaleathertogeaux@gmail.com and also see us on Facebook ( w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / NOLALeathertoGeaux. the Musical its local premiere, March 17-26, at its home in Metairie. Music and lyrics are by Phil Collins. There’ll by special flying effects and “aerial artistry.” And from the looks of it, James Royce Edwards, JPAS’ Tarzan, would make a fine guest star at Bourbon Boylesque.

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

Mardi Gras Weekend Dancers @ The Corner Pocket

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foodilicious

Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos (ranked Top 5 Gumbos in the city), New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm, closed Sunday.

Mumbo Gumbo Stuffed Bell Pepper Special

Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., www.TheCheezyCajun.com, 265.0045, is one of NOLA's restaurants serving a variety of Cajun foods including Boudin and Cracklins’ mixed with a variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, plus fab party trays. Open Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 8am - 9pm Mon., Tues.,

Boudin Burger and Fri., closed on Tues.-Wed., Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch 8am - 4pm Sat. & Sun.

Cheddar Burger Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days, 24 hours. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab house made burgers grilled right under a hub cap, plus house made onion rings and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes.

Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com, is famous for its New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop at Elysian Fields!

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

Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy

Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ ILYSBistro, offers home cooking and friendly service, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring plates, poboys, and daily specials. Breakfast Mon.Sat. 6am-11am & Sun. 11am-1pm; lunch and dinner 11am-close. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop at Elysian Fields!

Mona Lisa Special Pizza

Oysters Earl Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm.

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, www.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.

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Muffuletta

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trodding the boards ...from 20 Continental, started as a French mime in white face and red beret but, to the tune of Tainted Love, quickly revealed his tattooed bod and well-filled zebra thong. His return in the second half as an imposing Ringmaster in brocaded tails and white-sequined hoop skirt was a surreal delight.

Expecta Patrone, another special guest, though called in at the last minute, made for a terrific Snow White in a mash-up of Whistle While you Work/ Twerk—get the picture? How she got those two little birds to “hold up” the ends of her cape is beyond me.

In addition to the solo turns, expect to see group numbers. Choreographed

by Atomyc Adonis, the Men of Oz might be in sparkly red outfits showing pretty buttcracks to a hip hop Jingle Bells beat or bare-chested and swinging glow lights. You might even be the lucky audience member brought onstage, seated in a chair, and surrounded by their undulating bodies.

Bourbon Boylesque will, understandably be taking a break for Mardi Gras. But for the rest of the year, it’s the most fun place to be in New Orleans on Tuesday nights.

The Vic-Tones at The National WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen thru June 28 The Victory Belles have been entertaining audiences, magnificently, at The National WWII Museum, and around the world, for over seven years.

I’ve always enjoyed this vocal trio made up of a rotating cast of lovely, talented ladies.

I couldn’t help thinking, however, that there should be a similar threesome comprised of manly voices.

The tenors and baritones have now arrived. Since September, The VicTones have been performing at BB’s Stage Door Canteen. The wait was worth it.

The Vic-Tones’ initial show offers

no overarching theme or plot. It’s just 60 minutes of pure entertainment featuring over 40 songs from the WWII era, a “Musical Tribute to the Greatest Generation.”

Victoria Reed, the WWII Museum’s Director of Entertainment, conceived the show and wrote the interstitial dialog which sounds appropriate to the period while avoiding sentimentality or corniness. Some of the musical segments focus on one particular number, others are medleys stitching together up to 13 tunes. All flow effortlessly into the next and build to the top-hat-andtails finale.

After beginning with two songs of the skies (The Bombardier’s Song, Comin’ In on a Wing and a Prayer), there’s a medley of songs featuring girls’ names (“a sure way for a song to be a hit”), followed by three numbers addressed to Mom—an understandably popular subject during World War II. As the revue continues, projections give factoids about some of the songs. We learn that Chattanooga Choo Choo was the first ever gold record , selling 1.2 million copies, and that Pistol Packin’ Mama sold over 3 million copies, making it the largest-selling record of WWII. Who knew?

And then there’s Stalin Wasn’t Stallin’ (A Modern Spiritual), “a patriotic song originally recorded by the a cappella group, Golden Jubilee Quartet,” possibly the only song that rhymes “Beast of Berlin” with “Führer and his vermin.”

As you can tell, Reed has done an admirable job of unearthing lesser known songs of the era, including The Coffee Song (They’ve Got an Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil), a wacky response to the unpopular wartime rationing, and it’s a true pleasure to hear them. She’s also found a satisfying balance between up-tempo, peppy numbers and more contemplative ones.

In addition, Reed has provided simple but effective direction that keeps the focus on the music. A production like this, with its small cast, could be[continued on 26]

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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

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

guides 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

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

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 favorite bars are within one block.

[0118] 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!

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: ripna@ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: ripna@ambushmag.com

organizations 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 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

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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 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

1224 Piety Street, NOLA $189,000 Just renovated Bywater historic home on a deep lot. Features include real hardwood floors, new stainless appliances, tall ceilings & new HVAC. Call/Text Mark @ 504.655.2233.

S t . P at r i c k 's DE A DL I N E : Tues., March 7th 504.522.8049 GayEast erParade.c om • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om • Feb. 21-Mar c h 13, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25

Let us show c ase y o u r B RA N D! as low as $113 per issue (Contact Rip: ripna@ambushmag.com or 504.522.8049)

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