Ambush magazine volume 35 issue 07

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the "official" dish

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

7th Sponsorship Party rakes in $11,950 for Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends The Gay Easter Parade's 7th annual Sponsorship Party kick off raised $11,950, the largest total in the history of the party. This year the party was hosted by the Food For Friends Kitchen at the corner of Jefferson and Claiborne.

It gave sponsors an inside view of what Food For Friends accomplishes because the parade in the largest single donor for Food For Friends. Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille, who are this year's Easter Grand Marshals XVIII, greeted guests.

For the past 15 years, the parade has raised $264,700 for charity. In 2016, Food For Friends distributed 40,000 home delivered meals, 18,500 pounds of groceries, and 9,500 bags of groceries.

Under the direction of Glen Kahrman as manager of Food For Friends over the past 12 years, he and his staff catered the sponsorship party. It was quite delicious serving salmon/crab cakes topped with remoulade sauce, turkey meatballs with a Sicilian sauce and beef tips. Glen and his partner, CrescentCare CEO Noel Twilbeck, Jr. donated vodka for the event.

A very special debt of gratitude to all of the sponsors including: Presenting - Ambush Magazine; Platinum - Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, EGM XVIII Glen Kahrman & Noel Twilbeck, James Garner/The Golden Lantern, Alva John Groth II; Gold - EGM XII Gary Vandeventer, Joann Guidos/Kajun’s Pub, Krewe of Amon-Ra, EGM XVIII Bootsie DeVille, Jeff Bater & Tim Irving, Ken GrandPre’/ GrandPre’s, Michael & Tommy Elias/The Corner Pocket, EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Ron Iafrate/Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Pub; Silver - EGM XV Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Rodney Thoulion & RJ Buras, Rachel Bufkin & Sharon Barreca, King Amon-Ra LII Ronnie White/ EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & King Amon-Ra XLVII David Roget, Dwain Hertz & Gene Theriot/Gene’s Po-Boys, Wood Enterprises, SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca J. Mesa, GR II William G. Antill, Matt Giglio/700 Club; Bronze - EGM XV Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, EGM IX Orlando Aloe, Jr., EGM X & SDGM XLII Tony Leggio, Krewe of Armeinius, SDGM XLII Felicia Phillips, EGM XIII Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters, James deBlanc, Natasha Sinclair, Robert Cook, Jim Hochadel, Gerard A Scavo, In Memoriam: EGM VIII Rona Conners; and Venue/In Kind - Food For Friends Kitchen, Four Seasons, GrandPre’s, Oz New Orleans, The Double Play, House of Blues Music Hall, Larry Graham/ GrahamStudioOne. A special thank you to Jake Morris of Four Seasons fame, assisted by Shawn Tillman, who donated their to time to bartend at the function.

You too can still become a sponsor. There are 5 levels of sponsorship including Presenting $2,500, Platinum $1,000, Gold $500, Silver $250 and Bronze $100. Sponsorship forms are available at www.gayeasterparade.com/ images/gepsponsorform.pdf.

15th Spring Fever Extravaganza raises $2,707 for Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food for Friends @ Four Seasons, Metairie Gay Easter Parade Board's Electra City and Tittie Toulouse hosted the 15th Spring Fever Extravaganza at Metairie's only LGBT+ club Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar which the couple owns. The festive evening began with an all-you-can-

BIG Easter issue out April 11 DEADLINE: April 4

inside a community within communities moments in gay new orleans history obiturary/kevin donahugh gep's 16th drag extravaganza gep's 18th purple party celebrazzi/gep 7th sponsor party gep's 15th spring fever paparazzi out front, mobile paparazzi under the gaydar

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real estate classifieds trodding the boards big easy paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie

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eat shrimp boil, followed by a show chockful of entertainers, and a huge number of auctions. This was definitely the night to be in Metairie celebrating with Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille!

Tittie Toulouse did the event's signature "Basket of Love" performance raising $630. The audience is asked to make $20 donations throughout this song. Each $20 buys a 3-week bag of groceries for a Food For Friends client.

The event raised: Show Tips $268 50/50 Raffle $42 Shots $30 Easter Eggs $67 Basket of Love $630 Door Sales $315 Auctions: Victor Victoria Photo by Rodney Thoulion $325 George Dureau Photo by Bootsie DeVille $275 Rosary from Rome by Lee $100 Lee Dugas Luxueux Soaps by Sebastin Alexander $40 Flute Painting by James Trembly $30 Small WIne Basket by Lee Dugas $40 Ice Cooler Boom Box by Michelle Broussard $20 Ceramic Candle Hoder by Sebastin Alexander $15 Black Magic Backpack by Sabastin Alexander $20 Two Anastascia Dolls by Edward McDaniel $30 Anastascia Easter Carriage by Edward McDaniel $25 Large Wine Basket by Bobby Vallecillo $60 Large Premium Liquor Basket by Tony Leggio $75 Total $2,707 Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop did a Gold $500 Sponsorship.

Gay Easter Parade Entry Deadline April 5 The 18th Gay Easter Parade sold out of carriages in a record three day period. Only one as of press time remains. It is the 5-person Cinderella carriage which is $750. The parade will

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be led by Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille.

The parade is still accepting car convertibles for $200 each and marching/walking groups of 25 for $150 each.

Due to city and insurance restrictions, NO trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, motorized vehicles, floats, trailers, rickshaws or pedicabs are allowed in parade.

Parade Entry Deadline is Monday, April 3, 2017 (entry form available at www.gayeasterparade.com/images/ gepentryform.pdf). Parade attire is [continued on 8]

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a community within communities

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

The Holy Days “Why have you forsaken me?”

These are some of the last words that Jesus spoke on the cross as reported

by Matthew. How many of us have spoken the same in so many contexts.

Such begs the question, “why?”

Why did this happen to an innocent Rabbi? Why do we dwell on this violent event? How does this apply to us today? Finally, what effect, if any, does it have in the sacred milieu?

The historical context of why might look something like offing your competition. The power brokers of the time were threatened by this Rabbi Jesus.

So, “batten down the hatches and demonize him.” They called him a heretic; how many times in our Western history have progressive visionaries and devout holy people been called heretics?

How many times have God believers in this LGBTQ community been marginalized and crucified either socially or actually (I am mindful of Matthew Sheperd)? So, in this Rabbi we have an image of power and fear conspiring to condone state sponsored killing of “the innocent of innocents.” In this image we could lose hope but we know, don’t we, that such still go on in our world. This happened to this innocent Rabbi because he was a threat – his weapon was love and justice in union with each other. He called to account the very power brokers that would eventually kill him on a cross.

The focus on the crucifixion is impactful on our culture even our couture and I believe our psyche. Crosses on tanks, crosses on clothing, crosses in gardens and on pendants and on gold or silver chains, “My, that is such a pretty cross that you are wearing.”

Historically, it is also a symbol of injustice at the hands of religious institutions like the crusades or inquisition. Yet, this instrument of torture becomes a symbol of hope and a symbol of survival for some. It becomes a symbol of the possibility of something more in the face of disaster and even death. The implications are profound. To the churches who have hurt us we say, “Why have you forsaken me?” Yes, we dwell on this event even if it is subconsciously. Are we not all in some way victims?

The effect of the crucifixion is to give a broad context to sacrifice, death, and even to the darkness that often surrounds us. It is the broadest context of all. It brings into the conversation our very sympathies and questions of self.

Am I worthy for the love that this Rabbi had for the whole world and yes even me? For some that is the question. The

answer is found three days later. For we Christians we believe that this Holy Three days are a cosmic and supernatural event that forever changes everything. It is a sacrifice and it is a promise. It casts a faith tradition that understands pain and suffering not in a glorious way but as a way that ‘the world’ inflicts so many.

That inflicting of pain, suffering, and estrangement is imbedded in true Christianity and as such sets the text for the Resurrection. In light of this event the Resurrection becomes an astounding and marvelous beacon of hope. The preoccupation with these series of events, such as the entry into Jerusalem and subsequent betrayal of the people speaks volumes. Have you ever been betrayed? The use of power and force to silence love such as the Sanhedrin vs. The Christ: Have we known that in DOMA? The forgiving of those that have tormented and killed the Christ, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” How do we forgive those that have shown prejudice or “can’t we just get along?” In the ‘Stations of the Cross’ Simon the Cyrene takes of the cross from the shoulders of Jesus. Have you ever taken up a cross to bear out of compassion or even out of circumstance? In LGBTQ community I so often see the community rally around those who are sick or ill.

So, my friends, this faith that I profess, and some of you might, is a faith that knows the world for what it is, and yet, it still sings out and rejoices because we are made for this singular purpose “to love.” This Rabbi, we believe, rose from the dead in order to prove that love rules and will always, when entered into sacredly, triumph over evil. That is the eternal promise of Easter. When we struck down DOMA it was our Easter. When many churches not only welcomed in LGBTQ members but offered apology and then invited them into full communion and indeed elevated them to Pastors, Priests, Bishops and dignitaries it was our Easter. When a gay couple is married and then has a child and fulfills the need to nurture – that is our Easter.

When our church or any church hosts “Gay organizations” and considers them not oddities but forces for good and collaborates with them it is our Easter.

When all is said and done the community, this Community within communities, knows that pain of the cross and is now starting to know the joy of Resurrection. Like the first Disciples after the Resurrection there will still be an effort

the "official" dish ...from 4 Gentlemen: Summer Suits/Tux with Hats, Ladies: Easter Suits/Dresses with Easter Hats. No nudity, partial nudity or sexually explicit throws, gum or upwrapped candy are allowed in the parade.

The 18th Gay Easter Parade is Easter Sunday, April 16. Arrival/check in time is 3pm at GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart Street. Carriages load at 4pm with complete parade lineup. Departure time is 4:30pm sharp, ending at 6pm for the Post-Parade Party & Buffet at GrandPre's.

Line-Up is on North Rampart (Armstrong Park side) beginning at St. Ann back towards Dumaine and beyond to Esplanade on park side of street.

The parade route is: start N. Rampart @ Armstrong Arch, left on St. Ann, left on Bourbon, right on Esplanade, right on Royal, right on St. Louis, right on N. Rampart, ending at 834 N. Rampart at GrandPre's Visit www.GayEasterParade.com and click on Parade Entry Form.

GEP's Drag Extravaganza, Purple Party & Bunnies in The Big Easy Up Next The 18th Gay Easter Parade has three remaining fundraisers scheduled.

The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, and has now raised an incredible $264,784.41 for charity the past 15 years.

The 16th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza (https:// www. f a c e b o o k . c o m / e v e n ts / 164251067415129) is at Oz New Orleans on Saturday, April 1st, 8-10pm, with MCs Tony Leggio and Persana Shoulders, and incredible auctions with Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille, plus “Man I Feel Like A Woman” put EGM Glen

EGMs Glen Kahrman & Bootsie DeVille (Photo by Larry Graham) to thwart what has been earned but we will not go back into the tomb but rise grandly in Love. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” who said, “I leave you with this last commandment, love one another.”

Kahrman in Drag Auction. Stars already slated to appear include: Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, King Cake Queen XXIII Monica SynclaireKennedy, Queen Armeinius XLIX Beau DeLong-Church, Queen Mwindo XIX Krystal Knight, King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire, King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois, Krewe of Stars' Marshall Harris and Entertainer of the Year Connie Hung.

VIP Tables of 4 are $100 (call Rip for reservations 504.522.8049), There's a $10 door donation.

The 18th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception (https:// www.facebook.com/events / 1334902993243197) is at The Double Play, 439 Dauphine, on Saturday, April 8th, 8-11pm, with a fabulous buffet, auctions and show starring EGM XVIII Bootsie DeVille, Clorox Bleachman, Coca Mesa, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, Angel and guests. The evening also celebrates proprietors Bill Miller and Chuck Turner's 46th anniversary. The highlight will be the auction of a rare Sylvia Frank Easter Egg (circa 1980s) named the “Krewe of Petronius” donated from the private collection of EGMs I Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain.

There is a $10 door donation.

The 8th Bunnies in the Big Easy (https://www.facebook.com/events/ 440353049629014) is at House of Blues Music Hall on Friday, April 14th, 7-9:30pm. hosted by GEP's Tony Leggio with food, an open wine, beer and vodka bar, auctions, entertainment and the fabulous Bunny Boys! $35 tickets available at https://gay-easterparade.ticketleap.com/bunnies-in-thebig-easy-2017.

For additional information, visit www.GayEasterParade.com.

Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Contest in New Orleans @ Oz The 4th annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic brings its bartending contest to world famous Oz New Orleans, both Dance and Show Club of the Year. Set for Wednesday, April 12, 9pm-12midnight, the first 100 RSVP’d guests through the door upon check-in will receive a Stoli drink ticket plus a wristband to sample all of the contestants cocktails and vote for their favorite bartender. "We’ll drink to that!"

This year, OUT is serving up coverage of all things #StoliPride for the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic – the world’s largest annual LGBT bartending competition! Check out http:/ /www.out.com/keywestcocktailclassic for information on how you can compete, support your favorite bartenders, RSVP to events near you, and have a chance to win a VIP trip for 2 to the finale in Key West, Florida.

Audience voting will account for an average 17-20 percent sway in scoring [continued on 8]

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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

“John Q. Hustler”” The year is 1999. A young man, 20 years old, from small town, Ohio, arrives in the French Quarter. A brief stint in the Navy didn’t work out and he knew he didn’t want to work in a factory or on a farm, which, he recalls, is all there was back home.

He soon finds himself dancing on the bar at the Corner Pocket. “I made $125 during one song. And I was wearing Taco Bell boxers,” he remembers. “I was hooked.” A fellow dancer began “showing him the ropes.” At first he declined offers to “go home” with patrons to do “private dances,” but he would go bar-hopping with some bar patrons. He accompanied his friend on a private dance and didn’t do anything sexual but was paid $200 for his company. His resistance eventually broke down. After being paid $1,200 for oral sex, he became a hustler—a job he maintains to this day.

“Prostitution allowed me to explore my sexuality.” It also helped pay for his

drug addiction. “I started using at 18 years old. That was when I had my first beer, my first cigarette, my first joint, and my first sexual experience.” When asked today what his drug of choice is, he responds, “What do you have?”

He is unique in that of all the hustlers that have passed through the French Quarter, he has lasted. Most end up dead, in jail, or transitioning into what some might call “a normal life.”

And through his 17 years hustling the streets, he has attained a certain wisdom that has garnered the respect of other, younger hustlers. He has become an “elder statesman,” if you will, of the streets. His assessment of the young working men of today? “They don’t know how to converse, and they’re dumb. They start shooting up too early.

They don’t listen. And they don’t sleep enough.”

Prostitution has always thrived in New Orleans and hustling, whether for money or food or shelter or whatever

the "official" dish ...from 6 per bartender based on 4 judges per event with 50 points max per bartender each.

This event will be followed by followed by Show Night featuring the Ladies of Oz.

Lords 5th Friday Beer “Buzz” & Pride Kick-Off March is ending but the fun and “buzz” at the Phoenix is just beginning.

Come out on Friday, March 31 for the Lords of Leather’s 5th Friday Beer “Buzz” from 9pm – midnight on the bar patio.

A mere $10 gets you all the keg beer/ soda you can swallow plus snacks along with unlimited “Leather, Love and Laughter” as the Krewe and its new members begin its 35th year!

Then, the next night, Saturday April 1, Lord Troy Powell, Mr. New Orleans Pride 2017 will hold a Pride Kickoff Fundraiser at the Phoenix at 10pm. A 50/50 raffle will be held, a gift basket will be on the auction block, a Cuervo shot guy will be working the crowd and many other drink specials will be in effect as well.

And, to “top” off your weekend, the Phoenix is bringing in the hot and sexy duo of Tyler Saint and Ace Banner to entertain the audience BOTH Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30pm!

Come out, bring your friends and take it all in as we celebrate Leather, Pride and the arrival of Spring!

The 34th French Quarter Festival is April 6-9 French Quarter Festivals, Inc. proudly announces details about the 34th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron. The largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world will take place April 6-9, 2017.

Festival-goers can expect over 60 of New Orleans’ finest restaurants at ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,’ music from over 1,700 world-class, local musicians, and over a dozen special events. French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron has been called the “one thing to do in Louisiana” by the Huffington Post and voted “Best Festival in New Orleans” by New Orleans Magazine readers.

What started as a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ event’ has grown into the largest event in Louisiana behind Mardi Gras, with an average economic impact of approximately $190 million.

French Quarter Festival organizers welcome more than 20 new acts to the 2017 Festival. On Locals’ Lagniappe Day, Thursday, April 6, Aaron Neville will make his debut on the riverfront Abita Beer Stage. The performance is presented by musician sponsor, AOS. Aaron Neville is synonymous with New Orleans, celebrated throughout the world as part of the legendary Neville Brothers and as a Grammy-winning solo artist. He has had numerous Plati-

has always been an integral part of the city. Some of the city’s very first residents were thieves and prostitutes and roguish men who did what they had to do to survive with little regard for the law and conventional morality. The old joke is that here in New Orleans, we don’t have laws but rather suggestions.

The French Crown’s imperial neglect of the colony made such a carefree attitude inevitable. France never adequately funded or supplied the colony and early colonists did what they had to do. This attitude of the ends justifies the means when it comes to survival has deep roots in New Orleans and makes it the perfect place today for hustlers to thrive.

Many people are familiar with Storyville, the city’s fabled Red Light District from 1897—1917, but there were other, similar districts before Storyville. In the mid-1800s, Gallatin Street at the French Market was called the most wicked street in America.

Girls who could not secure work in brothels walked the street with rolled up mats and plied their trade on the sidewalk. And “the Swamp,” in what we now call the CBD / Warehouse District, was almost as bad.

The history of male prostitution in New Orleans is less clear. Homosexuality in any form was not something people wanted to document; to do so num albums and Top 10 hits. His most recent album, Apache, was released in July 2016. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is thrilled to welcome him to the Abita Beer Stage.

Other debuts include: Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole, Cole Williams Band, Cupid, Messy Cookers Jazz Band, Mo’Fess, Love Evolution, Perdido Jazz Band, T’Monde, Valerie Sassyfrass, and more.

Year after year, French Quarter Festival is voted ‘local favorite’ while also attracting a tremendous out-oftown audience. A huge part of the appeal is that attendees get a true and authentic New Orleans experience – a broad range of Louisiana artists and a diverse variety of musical styles and genres. Since 1984, French Quarter Festival has been committed to featuring New Orleans’ finest artists every day of the festival, on stages all over the French Quarter. The tradition continues in 2017 with the expansion of the Jack Daniel’s Stage, which moves from Bourbon Street to JAX Brewery. The stage will have entertainment all four days of festival. Artists include: Otra, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, King James & The Special Men, Soul Rebels, and Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet. French Quarter Festival 2017 will also bring a stage to KIPP McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts located at 721 St Philip Street.

The GE Digital Big River Stage returns with every genre from Bounce to Rockabilly. Artists include Alex

could land a person in jail or a mental asylum. Consequently, much of local gay history remains in the closet. The earliest reference to any gay themed business is found in a book on the history of jazz and references a male brothel near what was then Storyville.

As gay bars, or “Queershops” as they were called, began popping up throughout the Quarter, hustling found a natural fomenting ground. And while some bars catered to hustlers and Johns, street hustling still persisted.

The lower Quarter, especially around Cabrini Park was a particularly active area, as was exchange place alley near Iberville Street. Closeted men would often drive around in circles in the Quarter, slowing down to cruise young men loitering on corners. Often a furtive glance and a head nod was enough; sometimes the liaison was initiated by the ancient symbol of rubbing thumb and forefinger together.

Today, the hustling marketplace still exists on the streets and in the bars but has also moved to cyberspace.

Social media and hook-up apps like Grindr and Scruff have expanded the hustling game and made it easier for both hustlers and johns.

John Q. Hustler ends our interview by mentioning he has to get ready to visit a client, one of three long-term regulars. I ask him a final question: What lessons does the French Quarter have for young men who are trying to find their way? His response conveys a wisdom only a life on the streets can confer: “How to make and lose money.

How to drink. And patience.”

McMurray, Brass-A-Holics, Partners N Crime & The Big Easy Band featuring DJ Jubilee, and Rory Danger & the Danger Dangers. The stage, which will have music all four days of festival, has over 20 bands performing. The alwayspopular Popeyes Brass Band Jam will bring three full days of brass bands to the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Performers include Leroy Jones’ Original Hurricane Brass Band, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Red Wolf Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, and many more.

The 2017 French Quarter Festival will feature over 1,700 local artists.

Festival-organizers remain committed to growing the Musician Sponsorship Program; every dollar donated goes directly to the artists. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has raised $1 million in contributions. In 2016, over 100 individuals, foundations, and businesses signed up to support local musicians by ‘adopting an artist.’ Sponsors come from all over the United States – from California to Maryland to Michigan to Washington State – to help keep French Quarter Festival free – a true community event. In 2017, AOS Interior Environments sponsors Aaron [continued on 13]

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obituary Kevin Donald Donahugh July 5, 1953 – March 13, 2017 In the early afternoon of March 13, Kevin succumbed from complications of recently-diagnosed bone cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Mary Pat Donahugh. He is survived by two children and six grandchildren: son, Tim Donahugh and his wife Katie, and children Trevor, Parker and Samantha; and daughter Megaen Koscinski and husband Steve, and children Jesselyn, Shannon, and Thomas. He is also survived by his siblings: Jim Donahugh and wife Debbie; John Donahugh and wife Eileen; Colleen Klein and husband Joe; Mary Kahl (Kathy) and husband Rich; and Mary Ellen Diggory and husband Sean; fifteen nieces and nephews; aunts Janie Gelanis and husband Tom; Sr. Diane Kennedy; Mary Kay Mulkay; and uncle, Fr. Donald Donahugh.

Among his New Orleans “family” he is survived by Barry Rutherford, Jack Molisani, Ben Warshaw, Christopher Leonard, Jo Divelbess, Susan Byro “Ginger” Miller, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and many friends Kevin was a well-known figure in the New Orleans LGBTQ+ community. As an entertainer, he performed as Cathy Fox and was a member of FourPlay with Elizabeth Bouvier, Lauren Brown, and Tami Tarmac. He was on the Board of Directors of Pride New Orleans, and served as Pride Grand Marshall in 2010. As a member of the Lords of Leather, he represented the Krewe as Miss Louisiana Leatherette in 2010. In 2012, he was the founder of the Chapter of the Muddy Waters, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, where he served as Abbess until shortly before his death. He worked tirelessly for the community on issues he felt were important: increased awareness of HIV/AIDS and safe sex; the growth and sustainability of the Pride organization; and, the preservation of gay history through mentoring. He will be sorely missed, but leaves a strong legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on April 2 at 940 Elysian Fields (Mag’s 940) beginning at 4pm. The service will be followed by a second line in the Marigny neighborhood he called home, and a show at 6pm benefitting local charities. The family requests memorials in his name be made to the American Cancer Society.

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the "official" dish ...from 13 Neville, and Pan-American Life Insurance Group is underwriting all Latin and world music for a second year. Making a debut is Aloft New Orleans Downtown sponsoring Sweet Crude and Alexis and the Samurai.

Thursday April 6, the French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala will return to Antoine’s Restaurant. Established in 1840 Antoine’s is the country’s oldest family-run restaurant. During the Gala, guests will enjoy the original Main Dining Room, the Mardi Gras-themed Rex, Proteus, and 12th Night Revelers rooms, the Mystery Room, 1840 Room, the Tabasco Room, and the Wine Cellar, which holds approximately 25,000 bottles when fully stocked. French Quarter Festival is the only time of the year when Antoine’s allows a non-profit community organization to ‘take over’ – celebrating the opening of French Quarter Festival at this grand Gala event.

Gala guests will enjoy music by Players Ella and Louis Tribute Band, tastings by Antoine’s and other festival favorites, an open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Republic Beverages, and mingling with the Merry Antoinettes. Tony Green and Gypsy Jazz will perform at the Patron Party, which takes place from 7-8pm, immediately before the Gala which takes place from 8-10:30pm. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at

www.fqfi.org or by calling 504.227.3124. Patron tickets are $250 and Gala tickets are $155 ($175 beginning April 1). In addition to single tickets, a limited number of VIP packages are available; packages include private gala seating with dedicated waiter and wristbands for front-of-stage access at festival.

In a city famous for its wealth of delicious and unique traditional food, French Quarter Festival gives attendees a taste of the best of the best at the “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch”. More than 60 vendors feature classic New Orleans dishes as well as cuisine from the finest restaurants in the region. A number of restaurants have been with the festival since its beginning in 1984, and have been great partners for 30 years: Antoine’s, Pat O’Brien’s, Trey Yuen, Tujague’s, Vaucresson Sausage, Desire Oyster Bar, and Court of Two Sisters. Other festival favorites returning for 2017 include Galatoire’s, Muriel’s, Praline Connection, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Restaurant R’evolution, Broussard’s, Love at First Bite, Royal House, GW Fins, House of Blues, Jacques-Imo’s, K-Paul’s, Mrs. Wheat’s, Lasyone’s Meat Pies, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Three Muses, and more.

For more info, visit http://fqfi.org.

Gretna Mainstreet New Music Theatre Festival April 7-8 Producers Vatican Lokey* and Edward R. Cox* are thrilled to announce The Gretna Mainstreet New

Music Theatre Festival, April 7th and 8th at the new Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts in Old Gretna, LA. The Festival, a project that the Messrs.

Lokey and Cox have been working on for over six years, presents two brand new musicals over two nights in staged concert readings: "Move It, And It’s Yours!" by Bill Weeden, David Finkle, and Sally Fay, April 7th at 7:30pm; and "Gumbo" by Brett Macias and New Orleans writer Christina Quintana, April 8th at 8pm.

The two shows are winners of the Mainstreet Musicals annual competition. Established in 1984 by Broadway veteran Timothy Jerome, Mainstreet Musicals takes dozens of applications each year for all-new music theatre scripts and puts them through a rigorous adjudication process with some of Broadway’s biggest names, selecting three shows to be sent out across the United States and Canada to be performed in staged readings: minimal sets and costumes, a single piano, and the audience. The actors perform the show with their scripts and scores in hand, bringing the essence of these winning productions to audiences and theatrical producers that otherwise would never have the opportunity to enjoy. Currently, The Gretna Mainstreet New Music Theatre Festival is the latest entry onto the Mainstreet Musicals festival circuit of 20 American and Canadian cities.

For their first year, the GMNMTF will enjoy some of the brightest professional and community talents in the city.

Film and television star Lance Nichols* heads the Festival casts alongside AEA actors Idella Johnson*, Ronald Flagge*, Wendy Miklovic*, Soline McLain*, and Donald Lewis*, as well as Big Easy Award winner Michael Sullivan, current Big Easy Award nominee Preston Meche II, and New Orleans stage and music stars Givonna Joseph^ and Aria Mason^ (of OperaCrèole,) Eric “Shoeless” Pollard, Nori Pritchard, Greg Nacozy, Annette Foulkes, Keith Beverly, Nathaniel Jackson, Kebron Woodfin, Evan Autin, and Marigold Pascual. The production manager for the Festival is Stacey Morigeau. (* denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the professional actors’ union.) ( ^ denotes members of the American Guild of Musical Artists, the professional opera union.)

“Move It, And It’s Yours!” and “Gumbo” are presented under the auspices of Actors’ Equity Association’s Members’ Project Code.

The Festival is made possible through the generosity of The Post Backstage, NOLA Voice Theatre, and The City of Gretna.

Tickets for The Gretna Mainstreet New Music Theatre Festival are $15 each, with all proceeds benefitting the new Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts, 740 4th St., corner of Huey P. Long Avenue in Old Gretna.

For tickets, go to www.shows.gretnacca.com.

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14 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Mar c h 28-April 10, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om

7th Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Party raises $11,950 @ Food For Friends Kitchen ~ Photos by Darwin Reed

celebrazzi Noel Twilbeck with Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman & Bootsie DeVille in the kitchen...

GEP Board & EGM IV Electra City & Gold Sponsor EGM XV Todd Blauvelt

Silver Sponsors Rodney Thoulion & RJ Buras, Platinum Sponsor Noel Twilbeck

GEP Boards & Bronze Sponsors EGM X Tony Leggio & EGM XVII Opal Masters

Silver Sponsors Rachel Bufkin & Sharon Barreca

Bronze Sponsors Justin Moffatt & EGM XIV Starr Daniels

Platinum Sponsor Alva John Groth II & Bronze Sponsor Jimmy deBlanc

Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Bootsie DeVille and Glen Kahrman in the kitchen at Food For Friends welcoming guests to the 7th Sponsorship Party raising $11,950 for Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. This year the party was hosted and catered by the Food For Friends Kitchen at the corner of Jefferson and Claiborne. It gave sponsors an inside view of what Food For Friends accomplishes because the parade in the largest single donor for Food For Friends. (Photo by Darwin Reed) (www.GayEasterParade.com)

Sponsors - Bronze: Robert Cook, Silver: Rhonda Roget & Dwain Hertz, Gold: EGM XVII Ken GrandPre

Bronze Sponsors Jim Hochadel & Gerard Scavo Gay Easter Parade Boards Tittie Toulouse and Electra City join Easter Grand Marshal XVIII Bootsie DeVille, EGM XVII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, and EGM XVIII Glen Kahrman at the 15th Spring Fever Extravaganza. Here Monica presented the new grand marshals with their "official" gm pins. Hosted at Four Seasons Patio & Stage Bar in Metairie, Louisiana, the event raised $2,707 for the 18th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. (Photo by Rip Naquin) (www.GayEasterParade.com) Bronze Sponsor Natasha Sinclair & Gold Sponsor Jeff Bater

Gold Sponsors Lisa & Joann Guidos/Kajun's Pub

Silver Sponsors Dwain Hertz, EGM IX Safonda Peters & EGM XV Stuart Nettles

Sponsors - Gold: Bootsie DeVille, Platinum: Glen Kahrman, & Gold: Tim Irving & Jeff Bater

Presenting Sponsors Ambush Magazines's Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain, EGMs I

President Cary Oswald, Function Lt. Jeremy Weinberg, Treasurer Ron Issler, Vice President Pete Netuail, and Ball Lt. John East welcomed the largest class of new members at the Krewe of Amon-Ra Rush Party hosted in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. The krewe's 53rd consecutive Mardi Gras Ball is set for Jan. 20, 2018. Not pictured is Captain Errol Rizzutto. (Photo by Darwin Reed) (www.KreweOfAmonRa.com)

The staff at Cafe’ Lafitte in Exile personally made Mardi Gras wreaths early in Carnival Season, hosting a silent auction raising $2,115 for Belle Reve in New Orleans.

(Photo by Jimmy Armstrong: Wood Enterprises' Chris Ward, Belle Reve's Vicki Weeks, Jason Griffin, JuMichael Grow, Lafitte's Manager Foster Fox, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeff Palmquist) (www.Lafittes.com)

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Gay Easter Parade's 15th Spring Fever under the direction of Electra City & Tittie Toulouse raises $2,707 @ Four Seasons ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

snap paparazzi

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out front New Orleans now has its own rugby team which welcomes the LGBT+ community, the Crescent City Rougaroux RFC. According to a spokesman for the team, "Our primary goal is always going to be to have fun and continue growing with anyone who wants to be a part of the Crescent City Rougaroux RFC. We are a new team that is eager to learn and support one another as we get better - and we’re truly starting from the ground up."

Brian & Miss Cie

Miss Cie & New Orleans' Coca Mesa

B-Bob's proprietor Jerry & Corey

"We feel like we have fantastic leadership in our coach and mentors, that is going to prepare us to eventually compete with the best teams out there.

The rugby community, especially in New Orleans, is one of the most accepting groups worldwide and we are looking forward to sharing that sense of community and our love of the sport with New Orleans’ LGBTQ community and beyond. We’ve actually gotten a lot of responses asking why the team has to be 'gay'.

The team itself isn’t gay, but the chances are good the players are. All of the New Orleans rugby teams are inclusive, and we will be thrilled to have ANYONE on our team, but ultimately we want to be more involved in IGR and one day participate in the Bingham Cup. It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome and encouraged to come out (in case any straight people are reading this)!!!"

The team coach is Jessica Mallandine, who also coaches the National Champion Tulane Women’s Rugby Team. Currently team officers include: President Luke Layfield, Vice President Patrick Button, and Treasurer/Secretary Brian Gibbons.

The organization is actively accepting new teammates and currently over 30 people are participating. Practices will be held on alternating Saturdays until later in the summer when the team shifts to a Tuesday/Thursday evening format. The team has the opportunity to hold joint practices with another local team, the Crescent City Blues, when they meet on Thursday evenings.

The team is registered with USA Rugby and in the process of registering with International Gay Rugby (IGR). Both organizations have a commitment to inclusivity within the sport and will support those goals here in New Orleans. "While we establish ourselves, most of our matches with be played with fellow IGR teams throughout the Southeast and also some 'friendlies' with local teams."

For more information, visit http:// rougarouxrugby.org or www.facebook.com/ groups/rougarouxrugby.

Miss Cie & Adam

Gavin & company

Pensacola's Lauren Mitchell

Mercedes Alexander @ B-Bob’s

Party time

All smiles...

mobile

paparazzi

Rachel Meredith @B-Bob’s

Zamareyah Dawn @ B-Bob’s

Miss Cie & Camille Sherrington

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Night Life @ B-Bob's & Flip Side Bar & Patio ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie, Anne Halston

New Orleans Welcomes LGBT+ Rugby Players

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under the gaydar

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

Bartender of the Month

Hot Happenings

My bartender for the month of March is sort of unique because they are more of a dynamic duo then just one person. I am talking about none other than Johnny Passion and her wonderful wife Cat. Talk about a working couple. They normally bartend as a team, but you can see them solo sometimes at The Four, the new hip name for the Four Seasons Lounge.

Mardi Gras is over and as luck (of the Irish) would have it we have St. Patrick and St. Joseph Day celebrations around town, and before you know it, Easter will be here. Time flies when you live in the city of parties and merriment! Here are just a few ideas hot happenings to check out as spring approaches.

Thursday, March 30 Come out and enjoy a fun filled movie night in the balcony bar of Lafitte’s in Exile (901 Bourbon Street) featuring The Birdcage. Hosts Lulu, Jeff and Bobby will be collecting items for ARNO (Animal Rescue New Orleans). They are asking for cat/dog food, toys and beds. The movie starts at 8pm. There will be cocktail specials and free popcorn.

Bartender of the Month Cat & Misti Gaither duo @ Four Seasons Misti (aka Johnny) has been bartending for about 2 years now. Their normal scheduled shifts are Friday and Saturday evenings. They are also there for almost all special events.

Misti in addition to her fabulousness as a bartender is also the bar’s special events coordinator. That is quite the double duty.

What I love about Misti and Cat is the personal touch they give all patrons; both of them are friendly and exude Southern hospitality. And Misti makes one mean cocktail, she is the creator of the Tony Passion drink, a libation we made up after a night of heavy drinking. It has a sweet and tart taste, you can decipher who is the sweet and who is the tart one in this combination. Misti and Cat fit together perfectly behind the bar and in life (they are married).

Misti’s specialty drinks are the Vanilla White Russians and Bloody Marys. Affectionately known as the Lesbian Mafia, this duo does it all, entertain and serves you cocktails. Both ladies enjoy bartending very much as it enables them the opportunity to meet new people and get to know others better in a different setting. Get out to the Four Seasons to check out the ladies, or better yet, host a private party in their specious patio and get them all to yourself. The Four Seasons is located at 3229 North Causeway Boulevard in Metairie.

Friday, March 31 Record-breaking six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald returns to New Orleans for Broadway at NOCCA (2800 Charters Street) in a benefit performance for The NOCCA Institute. The Broadway legend will be joined on stage by series host and pianist Seth Rudetsky, who this past November starred in the five-star London premiere of his Broadway musical Disaster! The performance will also include a special guest appearance by McDonald’s husband, Will Swenson, the Tony-nominated star of Hair and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and is produced by Mark Cortale. The evening will include a mix of intimate, behindthe-scenes stories from one of Broadway’s biggest stars — prompted

by Rudetsky’s probing, funny, revealing questions — and Audra singing some of the biggest hits from her musical theatre repertoire. This is a spontaneous evening of hilarity and showstopping songs not to be missed. The event starts at 8pm.

Friday, March 31 Join the Phoenix Bar (941 Elysian Fields) and The Lords of Leather at their first “5th Friday Beer Buzz” from 9pm-midnight! On the patio, a $10 donation to Lords’ will get you unlimited keg beer, snacks, or soda. The Phoenix Bar featured dancers are Tyler Saint and Ace Banner! Leather, Love, and Laughter are always free!

Saturday, April 1 Join the Gay Easter Parade for their 16th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza, 8-10pm at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. I will join Oz's Persana

Shoulders to emcee the event benefiting Food For Friends. Their are incredible auctions with Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman & Bootsie DeVille, plus the “Man I Feel Like A Woman” put EGM Glen Kahrman in Drag Auction.

Stars already slated to appear include: Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, King Cake Queen XXIII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Queen Armeinius XLIX Beau DeLong-Church, King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire, King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois, and Entertainer of the Year Connie Hung.

Reserve your VIP Table for $100 (call Rip for reservations 504.522.8049).

It's a $10 door donation at the door.

Saturday, April 1 Mr. New Orleans Pride Troy Powell will be hosting a kickoff party for New Orleans Pride at his favorite bar - the Phoenix (941 Elysian Fields) from 9pm to midnight. There will be a 50/50 raffle with a great basket of sponsor items, a very handsome shot boy with Jose Cuervo for sale and the beautiful dancers Tyler Saint and Ace Banner will donate part of their tips. Also Adikus Sulpizi will be on hand with information from Mr. Friendly.

Tuesday, April 4 – Sunday, April 9 The New Orleans Theatre Association is delighted to announce the first U.S. National tour of the hit musical THE BODYGUARD at the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street) as part of the East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2016 – 2017 season. Grammy® Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B/pop recording artist and film/TV actress Deborah Cox will star as Rachel Marron. In the role of bodyguard Frank Farmer is television star Judson Mills. Tickets for THE BODYGUARD start at $31.29 and will go on sale Friday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m.

Tickets will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 800.982.2787.

Saturday, April 8 Come out to Gay Easter Parade's 18th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception at Double Play (439 Dauphine Street) from 8 – 11pm. There will be a Buffet, Show, Raffles, Prizes and Auctions for only a $10 door donation.

Monday, April 10 Daniel Nardicio presents the fabulous Dina Martina at Café Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Avenue) at 8pm. This show is entitles Dina Martina Soft Palate – Fallen Arches. For tickets, go to www.dworldnola.com.

Tuesday, April 11 Diamanda Galás Announces two New Albums: All The Way and At Saint

Thomas the Apostle Harlem with a tour featuring a one night stop in New Orleans at the Joy Theatre (1200 Canal Street). To celebrate these albums, Galas is announcing her first US tour in 12 years. The event brought to you by Daniel Nardicio begins at 8pm and for tickets, go to www.dworldnola.com.

Friday, April 14 Be prepared to put the Good back into Friday at Gay Easter Parade's 8th Bunnies in the Big Easy. This year it will be held at the House of Blues Music Hall (225 Decatur Street). Tickets are $35 and include food, open wine, beer and vodka bar, show and auction. This is a wonderful way to kick off the Easter weekend. Your host for the evening will be GEP’s Tony Leggio and several special guests. The event is from 7 – 9:30pm. For tickets, call 504.252.5476.

Saturday, April 15 Come out and join all the boys (and girls) at the 15th Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl. This year’s procession will be led by Bunny Grand Marshal XV Barbara Ella. Participants will be strolling throughout the Marigny going from venue to venue having cocktails and vying to won one of the coveted awards. This year’s awards for best bonnets include: Mag’s 940 (Sassiest Bonnet), The Friendly Bar (Best Couple), Mimi’s in the Marigny (Tallest Bonnet), Big Daddy’s (Widest Bonnet), Cutter’s (Most Glamorous), Who Dat Coffee Café (Best Newbie), Kajun’s Pub (Sissiest Bonnet), The Phoenix (Butchest Bonnet). Also presented at the Phoenix: Best Group, Life of the Hop, Ambush Magazine's Best of the Best, and the Meyer-RouthMurrell Spirit Award. The event will begin at mags 940 at 2pm.

Sunday, April 16 Come on out and celebrate at the 18th Gay Easter Parade beginning at 3:30pm with a Pre-Parade Party at GrandPre’s (834North rampart Street).

The parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a Post Parade Party & Buffet at GrandPre’s starting at 6pm.

More information is available at www.GayEasterParade.com.

Party Down St. Patty’s Day has come and gone and now we are hopping right onto Easter. My crazy two weeks were filled with fundraisers, theatre, shamrocks, altars, cocktails, ballers and racing cars. We have a lot to cover, so let’s begin.

On Tuesday, Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I went to see Beautiful at the Saenger Theatre. I can see why this musical was so well received on Broadway. The life story of Carole King is filled with drama, comedy but [continued on 23]

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under the gaydar ...from 22 most of all music. I never knew how many songs she wrote both by herself and with her husband. The acting was terrific as was the set. Even though the play was right under two and a half hours, I was never bored or fidgety.

Total thumbs up to this play for their upbeat storyline about perseverance, heartbreak, love and some fantastic music!

On Wednesday, I attended the NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders) screening of Reel in the Closet at the Broad Theatre. This interesting documentary focused on home movies from LGBT people from the thirties to now. It was an enlightening and educational feature film giving you an insight to the everyday lives of people just like me. It also showed their struggles as they protested for equal right and during the AIDS epidemic. I love this social aspect of NOAGE bringing people together to enjoy new and favorite films.

I started the weekend by celebrating my close friend Barrett DeLong Church’s birthday party. We held a surprise party for him at a home in the French Quarter complete with a banjo player, lots of nibbles and cocktails. I love surprise parties. It was an intimate group of friends as we enjoyed the cool night air in a French Quarter courtyard. After I met up with some friends from San Francisco who were in town for a convention and we went bar hopping to The Corner Pocket, 700 Club, Oz and The Pub. It has been a while since I hit the main gay strip and it is still as much fun as I remember it.

Although, I have to say, I am slightly older than most of the crowd.

On Saturday, I enjoyed too much Blarney when I went to the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade. My friends and I gathered at Contessa Breaux’s home right off of Magazine Street for some champagne (and other drinks) and some gourmet bites. We hung out and caught up till it was time for the parade and we staked out spot. The route had lots of people but never felt crowded. The parade was festive and you can tell that the participants were having the time of their lives. The marching guys were especially friendly this year. I wore a costume and seemed to get kisses from both the guys and the girls. Everyone was having fun, there were no fights (unlike Metairie Road); it was just a special atmosphere out there that afternoon. Maybe it was too much champagne or the fact that it did not rain even though the weather people said it would, or it could have been hanging out with my dear friends, but this ranks as one of the best years I have had at this event.

Sunday was probably one of the busiest days I have had in a while. I started my day off by going to the convention center and registering for the Catersource conference (a cater-

ing and special events conference) that was in NOLA. Normally this convention is in Vegas, but we were lucky to get it this year. I got my badge and learned the lay of the land since I would be speaking there later this evening. I then went to the Armienius den to ready the place up for their Rush Party. I set up all the food and beverage and then was off to my next stop the Food for Friends Kitchen to help set-up for the Gay Easter Parade Sponsor party. This year one of the Grand Marshals is Glen Karman who runs the kitchen. He is joined this year by the outrageous and funny Bootsie DeVille as they will lead the parade festivities through the season. What I find so special about holding the event at the kitchen (which is a superior facility) is that people can see where their money goes to. Guests were given tours of the kitchen and got to eat some of the same food the clients enjoy. After setting this event up I was off to the Convention center to give my speech. You know there is something wrong about setting up parties that I am unable to enjoy, but such is the life of an event planner.

The speech I gave was on how to enter award submissions and win. I was part of a panel of people who had one awards for their work. I was pretty nervous speaking in front of all these planners who throw parties much more grand than I and are seasoned pros.

What can I teach them, but before I knew it they were asking questions and my fears evaporated. After that talk, I was whipped so I just went home and vegged in front of my TV.

On Monday, I attended a special dinner for some Catering officials at Tableau. What I love about going to dinners like this, is that the restaurant pulls out all the stops. The meal was exquisite as was the company. I hung out with people I had not seen in years.

Great evening of connections and if you have not been to Tableau located adjacent to le petit Theatre, you need to go, you will not be disappointed.

Tuesday, I went to the national Association of catering and events fundraiser held during Catersource at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB). The event consisted of an exciting hors d’oeuvre and punch competition featuring chefs and bartenders from some of New Orleans’ most loved restaurants. This event was off-the charts with scrumptious dishes and potent libations. Each delicious bite was tastier than the next, it was so hard to vote. What made this event so special was meeting so many people in my industry from around the country.

After this event, the International Live events Society held a mixer at Legacy Kitchen located in the Renaissance Arts Hotel. Again we met more people and imbibed copious drinks. Although I do have to say for a craft bar, not only were the bartenders some of the slowest I have ever experienced there, but they were not the friendliest. Remember, ladies and gentleman, I do not care how you dress up your name (mixologist, bar chef, bartender), if you lack customer service skills you do not [continued on 26]

REAL ESTATE

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.

E as t er DE A DL I N E : Tues., April 4 504.522.8049

GayMardiGras.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Marc h 28-April 10, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 23

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

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

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

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

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

real estate

restaurants

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

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,

New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264

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

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

retail/shopping

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To be sure, like Jersey Boys, Beautiful feels like a Wikipedia page come to singing life. But as we learn about King’s meteoric rise as a songwriter, starting when she was still just a teenager, Douglas McGrath’s book infuses the real life characters (including King’s song-writing partner and husband Gerry Goffin as well as their Brill Building colleagues Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil) with humor and some depth. Though it flirts with sentimentality, McGrath’s Tony-nominated scenario never succumbs to it, and remains interesting and well-done throughout.

The biggest difference between

Beautiful and Boys, however, is that while the latter concentrated almost exclusively on the careers and business dealings of the Four Seasons as though offering a course in an MBA program, Beautiful details the human interactions among its four imperfect subjects who just happen to be successful songwriters. Much more satisfying.

And, of course, all those great songs! Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Up on the Roof, One Fine Day, all by Goffin and King. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling from the Mann/Weil catalogue.

From Tapestry, King’s multi-Grammywinning album, So Far Away, It’s Too

Late, and You’ve Got a Friend. Plus many more. You can’t blame audience members for singing along.

Before the evening was over, I even learned some things. For example, Eva Boyd, aka “Little Eva,” who recorded The Loco-Motion in 1962, had been King and Goffin’s babysitter.

George Benson’s 1978 version of Mann/ Weil’s On Broadway was a cover; the song had been a hit for the Drifters in 1963. And Americans Gerry Goffin and Carole King had written Chains which The Beatles included on their British debut album, Please Please Me. Hey, I never said I was an authority on pop music history.

As Carole King, Julia Knitel radiated a perfect down-to-earthiness salted with NYC neuroticism, but she also conveyed King’s drive and ambition to express herself. Perhaps wisely, the script never addresses how King came up with the tunes for all those classics; Knitel makes you believe that this was simply some innate talent of King’s.

Erika Olson made for a pert and smart Cynthia Weil while Ben Fankhauser’s Barry Mann was an appealingly sexy nebbish, determined to succeed. As Gerry Goffin, Liam Tobin never overplayed the yearning in this brilliant lyricist’s soul to try new things

under the gaydar ...from 23

quite handsome). Good looking and makes vodka, he is swoon worthy in my book.

That evening, some friends and I caught the Downtown Irish Parade in the Marigny. I love having parades start right by my house. The men were in full green form tonight and we had a blast. We ended with dinner at one of my favorite spots in the Marigny – Arabella. Quite the day from start to finish.

Saturday was all about the fundraisers (and an altar), as my friends and I attended two in one night. I stopped at the International House’s St. Joseph Day Altar Celebration to get my Lucky Bean. They gave out samples of Italian cookies as well as had Italian musicians entertaining. The altar itself was decorated with vibrant florals and food items. Ever since I was a kid, I always went to an altar with my grandmother, and even though she has been gone for many years; I always feel her presence beside me whenever I visit one.

Next, I met up with my friends and we went to the first of the two fundraisers for the night. The Spring Fling Party held at the Four Seasons drew a great crowd of Gay Easter Parade supporters. There was a shrimp boil, as well as silent auction and show.

Tittie Toulouse and Electra City did an outstanding job at putting this event together. We followed up that event with the Toast of the Coast fundraiser at the Swamp Exhibit at the Audubon Zoo. This event helps restore the

wetlands and features the Pelicans basketball team. I loved rubbing elbows with all the basketball stars except my elbows literally only came up to their knees. There was a noteworthy silent auction, delicious food and a dance band. It was lovely weather at this indoor/outdoor venue that allows you to enjoy the exhibits. The otters were all out and playing for the guests enjoyment. I finally ended the night with a nightcap at the Phoenix before crashing.

I ended my two weeks on Sunday by going to see Tarzan at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. First and foremost, let me say that this facility is a gorgeous, state of the art theatre and concert venue. I was very impressed by the facility and seeing the Disney classic on this stage was quite a treat.

Tarzan was a fantastic musical with a talented cast and a super-hot leading man. That James Royce Edwards is mesmerizing as he swung across the stage wearing nothing but a loin cloth.

All I have to say, is the make-up artist on this show must love their job. The rest of the cast came together nicely to create a great musical experience for the audience.

Afterwards, I met Elizabeth Bouvier for a few afternoon cocktails at The Friendly Bar. As always this neighborhood watering hole is a chill place to enjoy good times with friends and was the perfect way to wind down from a crazy two weeks. So until next week, keep hopping and support the Gay Easter Parade fundraisers.

trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Broadway in New Orleans/Beautiful at The Saenger Theatre through June 11 I was not impressed with the jukebox bio-musical Jersey Boys, which tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, when I saw it at the Saenger in December. So I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to the jukebox bio-musical Beautiful, which tells Carole King’s life story, when it played the Saenger a week after Mardi Gras. Well, surprise—it turned out to be a delight!

get tips. I swear straight bars need to take lessons from the gay bars. In gay bars you sink or swim. If one bartender is busy, or too slow or rude, there is another one right next to him that will be more than happy to help you and take your tips.

My Friday (St. Patrick’s Day) started out fun from morning until night.

My office had an H day, which is basically a fun Hosts Day where we spend the day doing unique and fun things around the city. We started at Biscuits and Buns for breakfast which is an amazing restaurant in Mid-City that has mouth-watering food. Then we took a private bus to the Westbank to NOLA Motorsports where I got to drive a racecar on their track. We took a tour of their facility and then they let us actually drive the GTR sports car around their track for a few laps. It was a thrilling experience and a first for me. If you have never done this, you need to make your appointment now to do that.

If the bigger cars make you nervous, they also have ago-kart track. Next, we went to Seventy Three Distillery which is located in Treme on Claiborne Avenue under the bridge. This cool facility was just written about in the newspaper after one of the top parties if NBAAll Star weekend was held there.

We tried their new St. Roch Vodka (love it) and had a specially catered lunch by Johnny Sanchez, which was tasty. We learned how the vodka is made by their master distiller (who is

which eventually led to involvement with drugs and resultant mental illness challenges.

The entire cast, which included New Orleans native and NOCCA grad Ximone Rose, brought energy and showbiz style to their portrayals of a variety of groups who recorded King’s songs in the 1950s and ’60s. If “The Shirelles” and “The Drifters” came off a bit waxworks-y in recreations of their hits, it’s less the fault of the performers than the thumbnail nature of their appearances in Beautiful. Nevertheless, they’re still very entertaining.

Alejo Vietti’s terrific costumes and Charles G. LaPointe’s fantastic wigs and hair design keenly charted, with believable precision, the changes in styles over the years, not only, as expected, for the women, but for the men as well.

As I joyfully exited the Saenger humming tunes from the Carole King songbook, I just hoped that we will not be deluged with more jukebox biomusicals; as it is On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan is now in its second year on Broadway.

Fortunately, this season has already seen a bumper crop of new, highly regarded musicals including Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and the glorious The Band’s Visit.

Next up at the Saenger, based on the hit film and starring Grammy Awardnominee Deborah Cox, is The Bodyguard (April 4-9) which may be jukebox-y (So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and I Will Always Love You) but at least it’s not another bio-musical.

Daniel Nardicio Presents/This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier through April 11 John Waters recently returned to the Joy Theater with his show This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier. I don’t know if it was any dirtier or filthier than when it was part of the 2015 Tennessee Williams Festival, but, like a fine wine, Waters is just getting better with age.

Waters performs This Filthy World a few dozen times each year throughout the country. Some material is fairly consistent; he always includes a rough chronology of his career as a film director, relating anecdotes about the making of each film.

But the majority of what came out of Waters mouth was new. And at age 70, Waters was as sharp as ever. As he said, “I’m happy not to be 69 any more cause who wants to be the same age as a sex act?”

The rightly dubbed “Pope of Trash” [continued 27]

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Renegade Bears St. Patrick's Day Beer Bust @ The Phoenix

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Autour de la ville ~ Photos by Duaine Daniels, Oz

hit the stage talking and didn’t stop for a solid 75 minutes. His is a non-stop, barely-take-a-breath delivery. As he said to me later, “If I slow down, I might forget what to say.”

John Waters

Pageant time @ Show Club of the Year Oz

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Even more impressive is how consistently funny and sharp he is. There are no longueurs. Every line gets a laugh. His words are polished to a high sheen.

And what words they are. Transgressive—”Necrophilia is still love, you know, too.” Outrageous—referring to the proliferation of ribbons for various diseases, “I think we should have brown ribbons for anal warts.” Naughty—”I think we have too many gay people.

We should have Coming In Day. I want it to be more elitist.”

Occasionally a gag had passed its expiration date (“I was neglected by child molesters at a Catholic high school.”). But some were so original it seemed they had to come from real life (“I wanted braces [as a kid] so I shoved paper clips in my gums.”).

And of course Waters shared his views on the President. “Trump said one funny thing when he called Elizabeth Warren ‘Pocahontas’.” As for the inauguration, “musical taste is an impeachable offense.”

Nothing is sacred. “Caitlyn deserves our contempt.” And regarding the controversy re bathrooms for transgender people, “Take a shit at home.”

As Waters wondered “How can you be bad at 70?”, he wistfully observed regarding those men of a certain age who express nostalgia for punk rock, “Shaved head or bald? I don’t know any more.”

Waters comes clearly prepared but his talk flows so naturally it seems as though he’s making it up in a brilliant stream of consciousness. Going strong well into the second hour with his rat-atat style, one almost wishes he would vary the pacing just a little bit. But the atmosphere of insouciant fun that he creates is so infectious that one hates to quibble.

Taking questions from the audience, his comment that “The Corner Pocket is my favorite bar in the country” got some of the loudest applause of the evening. Might The Corner Pocket be destined to achieve the same notoriety as Harry’s Bar in Venice?

Waters also revealed that growing up in Baltimore, he “would take Ingmar Bergman movies and turn them into sexploitation movies.”

Wouldn’t you love to see one of those?

Perhaps best of all was his ingenuous response to a query about what the weirdest experience he had when making a movie: “During the filming of Cry Baby, teenage girls tried to buy sewage from underneath Johnny Depp’s trailer.”

Throughout the evening, Waters came off as gracious, friendly and down-to-earth (maybe he should get together with Carole King). Let’s hope he’ll come back to New Orleans soon.

That he has been here as frequently as he has, is due to the efforts of Presenter Daniel Nardicio who has been bringing unique talents to the Big Easy for a few years now. He has two more shows this season featuring talents as singular as Waters.

First up, on April 10, Dina Martina returns to Café Istanbul with her new show Soft Palate, Fallen Arches. Selfdescribed as a “tragic singer, horrible dancer and surreal raconteur” with her gash of a mouth outlined in stop-sign red lipstick and a bushy jet-black mop of hair, Dina could pass as a frowsy, pixilated distant cousin of Elizabeth Taylor.

Combining a free-spirited faux naif persona, out-there humor, and subversive wit, in her last two outings in New Orleans, Dina has played to houses packed with a combination of hipster and arty types, gay and straight, all loving every minute of her hour-long performances. Not sure what this wonderfully witty and fabulously bizarre talent has in store for us this time, but I can’t wait to find out.

The following evening, April 11, at the Joy Theater, Nardicio presents the New Orleans debut of vocalist, composer and avant-garde icon Diamanda Galás who is touring in support of her

new album Saint Thomas The Apostle Harlem, recorded at the titular church in New York.With a searing voice and background in classical and jazz piano, Galás has continually asserted the connection between her art and activism, tackling subjects like torture, genocide and AIDS in philosophically thoughtful and musically incendiary ways.

The concert will feature what Galás calls “death songs” that comprise her new album. Sung in Italian, German, French, and Greek, the performance includes Galás’ dramatic settings of death poems by Cesare Pavese and Ferdinand Freiligrath, as well as renditions of songs by Jacques Brel (Fernand, Amsterdam) and saxophonist Albert Ayler (Angels—Galás has always believed that Ayler’s work is also vocal music). This is one not to miss.

Curtains Up Two interesting, offbeat plays will be having their local premieres in April.

The Storyville Collective presents Robert Askins’ Tony-nominated Hand to God at The Theatre at St. Claude running April 6-29. In it, young Jason wishes Tyrone, his sock puppet that’s virtually attached to his hand, would vanish but that would kill all the fun in this very serious comedy.

Tyrone, you see, may be the Devil.

Literally. Or he may just be a violent, foul-mouthed part of Jason’s personality that he has heretofore kept under control.

Hand to God broadly sends up small town religious hypocrisy. Granted that’s an easy target but who cares when Askins’ unique voice melds a hilarious cartoonishness with an almost operatic intensity of emotion. Part Grand Guignol, part wacky farce, Hand to God may make Avenue Q look tame, but ultimately it describes one family’s touching, if wild, attempt to move on from its past.

Michael McKelvey directs Michael Harkins, Kyle Woods, Meredith Owens, Andrea Watson and John Fitzpatrick as Jason.

Rockfire Theatre’s production of Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins centers on the three Fail sisters and the family clock shop in Chicago in 1928, the last year of each sister’s life. Each of the sisters, however, finds and knows love before passing after a single hopeful suitor shows up at their shop.

Failure takes a bittersweet, charming approach to this melancholic tale.

“The first thing we tell you is that these three women are going to die,” says Director Matt Reed. “The story that follows is so magical and enchanting, despite—and sometimes because of— that looming tragedy.”

The play opens on April 8 at the Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center in the Marigny and continues until April 22.

I’m looking forward to both of these.

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Crescent City Rougaroux RFC (photo by Michael Santiago Cintron) Bartenders Jake & Shawn donate their talents at Gay Easter Parade's 7th Sponsorship Party

Toast of the Coast

Amon-Ra Rush Party in The Balcony Bar @ Lafitte's

snap paparazzi

International House St. Joseph's Day Altar

Ambush's Tony Leggio @ NOLA Motorsports

The Corner Pocket

Natasha Sinclair stalked by Lana Luscious @ GrandPre's Showtime on Rampart

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Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans, Metairie, LA ~ Photos by Dwain Hertz, Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin Darwin Reed, Jeremy Weinberg

Satyricon Rush Party @ GrandPre's

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Pinch me, it’s St. Patrick’s Day @ Dance Club of the Year Oz

Sexy Jake shows us a good time @ Four Seasons in Metairie Hoppin’bunnies Hollywood & Will @ Double Play

Bartender Michael cuttin’ @ GrandPre’s

The 3 leprichaums...bartenders Bob & Jeff with manager Foster @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Stalking James & Double Play bartender Urban @ Rawhide

Brad & Hollywood celebrating Chuck’s retirement @ Double Play

Shawyn celebrating is 38? birthday with partner Kent @ Rawhide 2010

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Cookie & Marsha slingin’ cocktails @ Golden Lantern

DB in town for cocktails @ Double Play

Bartenders Joseph & Khryschian with the big boss, Wood Enterprises’ Derek @ Good

Get your Pride fix @ Bourbon Pride with Kory & Doug Willie & Chris having a cold one @ The Page Friends Bar Michael joins Clover Grill’s Joe (not known as Billy) @ Good Friends Bar

Lafitte’s welcomes DJ E

Bartender DJ & manager David ready for you @ Kajun’s Pub For the best cuts in the Marigny, catch Adikus & Trent @ Two Guys Cutting

St. Patrick’s Day with bartender Cameron & DJ Kyle @ Oz

The Page’s own Willie Mickie & recurring bartender Ray

Bartender Richard slingin' 2 for 1s Wednesdays @ Rawhide

Dwain Hertz & Baroness Pontalba join Dingo @ Oz

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C'est Si Bon ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Dwain Hertz, Rip Naquin

Bartender Tom flapping with his flamingo @ Phoenix

Don, Greg, Dan & Rodney grabbing a cocktail @ The Page

Divas R Us @ Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

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