Ambush magazine volume 35 issue 09

2 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 3

the "official" dish

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

Ambush Magazine Endorses Suzy Montero-Judge Civil District Court in April 29 Runoff Election Ambush Magazine joins Forum for Equality endorsing attorney M. Suzanne "Suzy" Montero in the runoff for a judicial seat in Civil District Court for Orleans Parish. Montero ran first for this seat in the primary election. Montero has proven why she is the best candidate for our interests in her overwhelming support of the LGBTQ community.

The runoff election is set for April 29, the first Saturday of Jazz Fest. Please make every effort to get to your polling precinct before joining the Fest, and vote #11 M. Suzanne "Suzy" Montero. Voting hours is 7 am to 8 pm. Don’t forget to bring your picture ID to the polls!

In addition to Ambush and Forum For Equality, she is endorsed by Alliance for Good Government, Independent Women’s Organization (IWO), New Orleans Coalition, Our Revolution-New Orleans, Orleans Parish Republican Executive Committee (OPREC), and Regular Democratic Organization of LA (RDO).

Visit www.suzymontero.com for more information on the candidate.

Find Out Who Will be the 2017 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals May 18 @ Oz Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips and Derek Penton-Robicheaux will make it "official" on Thursday, May 18 when they announce the 43rd SDGMs! Yes, it will be an exciting few weeks leading up to the 2017 SDGM Announcement Extravaganza to be hosted at Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon Street.

The evening is set for 8 pm until 10 pm, and promises to bring to the stage an interesting array of current and past grand marshals for your entertainment pleasure.

The Southern Decadence XLVI (46) celebration of LGBT+ life, music and culture is Labor Day Weekend, Wednesday, Aug. 30-Mon., Sept. 4, 2017. For official information, visit www.SouthernDecadence.com.

18th Gay Easter Parade Raises over $22,000 for Food For Friends The 18th Gay Easter Parade led by Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille has raised an incredible $22,057.32 for Food For Friends, a vital program of the NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans.

The parade minus expenses has now raised a whopping $286,842.13 for charity the past 16 years.

This year the parade boasted 47 units including 29 carriages, wagons and trolleys; 7 convertibles; 2 bands; and 11 walking groups.

The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade: Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Electra City, Tittie Toulouse, Opal Masters, Darwin Reed, Tony Leggio, and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy would like to extend its debt of gratitude to all who made this possible.

It would have been impossible without the generous support of its many

sponsors including: Presenting - Ambush Magazine donating over $10,000 in an Ambush Advertising Grant Donation; 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, Cam Zimmerman/Irish Channel Funding; 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 by R&M, Michael Sullivan, Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, Solitaire, John & Therese Vignone; 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. 18th Gay Easter Parade/Financial Report/2017 includes: Revenues11,950.00 7th Sponsorship Party, 1,400.00 Additional Sponsorships, 2,707.00 15th Spring Fever Extravaganza, 1,238.00 9th Eggstravaganza, 1,928.00 16th Super Star-Studded Extravaganza, 3,488.00 18th Purple Party, 5,290.00 8th Bunnies in the Big Easy, 2,900.00 Convertible/Walking Group Entry Fees, 585.00 Parade Day Collection for 31,486.00 in total revenues; Expenses-144.00 Wine/Sponsorship Party, 75.00 EGM Pins, 235.78 Sponsorship Pins, 730.00 EGM Carriages, 100.25 Parade Permit, 2,640.85

inside

THE OFFICIAL MAG

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

Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

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 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-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

Police Detail, 2,037.86 Parade Insurance, 40.00 Drag Extravaganza/Light [continued on 8]

Pre-Memorial Wknd., Mother's Day issue out May 9 DEADLINE: May 2

celebrazzi moments in gay new orleans history 18th gay easter parade paparazzi 18th gay easter parade paparazzi 18th purple party paparazzi under the gaydar real estate

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murder on bourbon street oz, mobile paparazzi classifieds 8th bunnies in the big easy pics trodding the boards big easy paparazzi/nola, metairie communities, out front

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

4 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

celebrazzi

Easter Grand Marshal XVIII Glen Kahrman, director of Food For Friends, led some 47 units in the 18th annual Gay Easter Parade through the streets of the historic French Quarter. The largest crowds yet greeted the popular parade on Easter Sunday with over 40,000 lining the streets! Glen was joined by partner Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare. (Photo by Lea Lousteau Telthorst)

Easter Grand Marshal Bootsie DeVille, Queen Petronius L, led the 18th annual Gay Easter Parade which raised over $22,000 for Food For Friends this year, a vital program of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Bootsie was joined by friend Arthur Alarcon. (Photo by Lea Lousteau Telthorst) Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille received a mayoral certificate honoring them as Easter Grand Marshals XVIII from the city's Larry Bagneris at the 18th Purple Party Grand Marshals Reception hosted at The Double Play in New Orleans. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys) Chuck Turner and Bill Miller celebrate their 46th Anniversary with GEP Board's Tony Leggio at the 18th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception at The Double Play raising $3,488 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends. (Photo by Rip Naquin)

Southern Decadence's Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain accept the award for Southern Decadence as winner of Best Festival Destination in the world from Communify's Dustin Woehrmann. The Best of Gay Cities 2016 award was presented at the quarterly meeting of New Orleans LGBT Hospitality Alliance at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on Canal Street. The city of New Orleans itself also ranked 4th in the Best City category. (www.SouthernDecadence.com) (Photo by Tony Leggio)

Bunny Boy Steven, Gay Easter Parade Board's Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Bunny Boy Daxton, and GEP Board's Tony Leggio help raise $4,590 at the 8th Bunnies in The Big Easy bash in the Music Hall at House of Blues. The annual event benefits Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends. (www.GayEasterParade.com)

Jose Gonzalez and Richard Savoy win Best of the Best award, presented

by Ambush Magazine, in the 15th Marigny Bunny Hop at the Phoenix.

(Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)

Daniel Dean won the New Orleans Stoli Key West Classic in competition at Oz New Orleans presenting his winning cocktail, the Venetian Razberi. He will travel to Key West Pride to compete for the national championship in June. (Photo by Christopher Drue Photography)

6 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 7

moments in gay new orleans history

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

2017 Oracle Gala to Highlight Transgender Rights The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s 2017 Oracle Gala will highlight the transgender community by featuring BreakOUT!, an advocacy group that works to end the criminalization of LGBTQ youth in New Orleans.

The Oracle Gala is the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s annual flagship fundraiser. Each year the event features an individual or organization that has made a substantial donation of historical material to an area library or museum.

The first Oracle Gala, held in 2015, highlighted the late Alan Robinson—an activist whose collection of personal papers and memorabilia was donated to the Louisiana Research Collection at Tulane University. Robinson was a co-founder of the Gertrude Stein Society and the owner of the FM bookstore. He also coorganized the Jackson Square protest rally and march against Anita Bryant in 1977.

the "official" dish ...from 4 Tech, 700.00 Bunnies in the Big Easy/ House of Blues, 2,225.00 Bands, 500.00 Post Parade Cleanup, for a total of 9,428.74 in expenses; generating a 22,057.32 total raised for Food For Friends.

18th Purple Party raises $3,488 @ Double Play for Gay Easter Parade The 18th annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception honored EGMs XVIII Glen Kahrman and Bootsie DeVille at The Double Play in New Orleans. Emceed by GEP Board's Tony Leggio and EGM Bootsie DeVille, the event was chock full of auctions and entertainment raising $3,488 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends.

The event brought in 1,030.00 Door, 296.00 Egg Raffles, 42.00 Jello Shots, 227.00 Stage Performance Tips, 104.00 50/50 Raffle, 104.00 50/50 Raffle Winner Henry Baptist donation, 500.00 Donation/Paul Rearick for a 2,303.00 event subtotal; and in Auctions: 130.00 Giant Pink Pig/Noel Twilbeck, 50.00 Antique Bunny Basket/Gene Theriot, 50.00 3-Piece Art Collection/Beaux DeLong-Church, 120.00 Giant Baby Lamb/James Garner, 60.00 Chinese Easter Basket/ Michael Elias, 60.00 4-Piece Art Collection/Brett Messmer, 110.00 Barbara Striesand Signed Poster/David Dowhan, 125.00 Giant Blue Bunny/Cam Zimmerman, 300.00 Sylvia Frank Easter Egg/Ronnie White, 200.00 Bunny Liquor Basket/Ellen Miller, 80.00 Silver Bootsie Boots/Ellen Miller, 40.00 Gold Bootsie Boots/Regina Adams, 80.00 Holiday Wreath/Gene Theriot, 80.00 Big Momma's Wine Basket/Gene Theriot, 100.00 Giant Liquor Basket/ Bill Miller, 70.00 Regina Adams' Basket/Gary Vandeventer, 90.00 Bill Miller donates Giant Liquor Basket back/Ellen Miller, 70.00 Bootsie Boots/Felicia Phillips, for a 1,185.00 auction subto-

tal; with a 3,488.00 event total.

8th Bunnies In The Big Easy raises $4,590 @ HOB Music Hall for Gay Easter Parade Gay Easter Parade Board's Tony Leggio and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy hosted the 8th Bunnies In The Big Easy in the Music Hall at House of Blues.

Guests were treated to entertainment with emcees Persana Shoulders and Elizabeth Bouvier, and auctions raising $4,590 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends.

There were 3,045.00 Tickets, 290.00 Performance Tips; and in Auctions: 100.00 Patron Gift Set/Mark Fort, 60.00 Purple Lamb/ Blake Robertson, 50.00 Relaxation Basket/Cam Zimmerman, 80.00 Pink Pig/ Vanessa West, 75.00 Fleur de Lis/ Chuck Turner, 1,000.00 Dinner for 10/ Chuck Turner, 70.00 Tony's Basket of Surprises/Coca Mesa, 100.00 House of Blues Auction/Cam Zimmerman, 70.00 Armeinius Gift Basket/Will Antill, 180.00 Art Against AIDS/Bow Tie Combo/Chuck Turner, 170.00 Art Against AIDS/Bow Tie Combo donated back by Chuck Turner to Patti Garcia, for a 1,955.00 auction sub-total; and a 5,290.00 event sub-total; Expenses: 700.00 DJ/House of Blues Staff; leaving a 4,590.00 event sub-total; plus 500.00 Gold Sponsor/Cam Zimmerman-Irish Channel Funding, and 100.00 Bronze Sponsor/John & Therese Vignone.

Frank Perez to Teach French Quarter History Ambush columnist and local author Frank Perez will teach French Quarter History at Delgado Community College.

The course focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood.

While the French, Spanish, and early

The second Oracle Gala paid homage to Mike Moreau, a charter member of the gay Carnival krewe, Amon-Ra. Moreau, a costume designer, donated his, and husband Darwin Reed’s, King and Queen L(50)’s costumes to the Louisiana State Museum. At the 2016 Oracle Gala, Carnival curator Wayne Phillips organized an exhibit of AmonRa material from Moreau’s personal collection.

The 2017 Oracle Gala will be the first to feature an organization.

BreakOut! was founded in 2011.

In December of 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating corruption and inefficiencies in the New Orleans Police Department. In the course of its investigation, Justice officials met with representatives from Women With a Vision (a communitybased nonprofit organization founded in 1991 by a grassroots collective of African-American women in response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in communities of color), Brotherhood Inc. (a nonprofit group that aids young black males avoid the criminal justice system and reenter society after being incarcerated), and the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana. Also at the meeting were a group of young glbtq people, mostly black transgendered women.

On May 17, 2011— the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia—BreakOUT was born.

The group’s founding members were Lhundyn, Amhari, Dee, Kenisha, Milan, Jonathan. Reflecting on why she became involved with BreakOUT, founding member Milan Alexander, who now serves as one of two full-time youth organizers for the group, says, “I’ve experienced racial and gender profiling myself. It actually became the norm of my life. Getting involved with BreakOUT! helped me realize that I’m more than just transgendered; I’m a human being.”

The group’s founding was also aided by Wesley Ware, who had just received a Soros Justice Fellowship, a monetary grant awarded to individuals

who spearhead projects to reform the U.S. criminal justice system. Ware had served as the GLBTQ Youth Director for the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana. In that capacity, Ware authored an insightful report entitled Locked Up and Out: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth in Louisiana’s Juvenile Justice System. In addition to

American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history. Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, historical preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter.

The class meets Tuesday evenings from May 2—June 13. Tuition is $249.

The course is non-credit. Registration is now open at the Delgado Community College website www.dcc.edu.

and Sunday, April 30 at 9:30 pm! Join the GAA Show Bar of the Year as they bring a brand new monthly themed edition of Show Night! The Ladies are taking you on a magic carpet ride through your favorite animated Disney classics! Show hosted by 6x GAA Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders and starring the awardwinning Ladies of Oz: Lisa Beaumann, Coca J Mesa, Gia GiaVanni, ChiChi Rodriquez, Connie Hung, Anastacia Davenport, and Nicole Lynn Foxx. 13x GAA DJ of the Year, Tim Pflueger, spins all night long. Stay tuned for new themes each month On May 1, join Oz as they host An Evening With Britney DeLorean, a benefit show to help send Miss Gay New Orleans Louisiana USofA, Britney DeLorean, to the Miss Gay USofA pageant. Hosted by Persana Shoulders, in addition to Britney DeLorean, there will be an all-star cast of local entertainers. Show time is 10 pm.

Oz presents "Best of Disney" & Britney DeLorean Benefit The Ladies of Oz present "The Best of Disney" Wednesday, April 26 at 10:30 pm

serving as Director of BreakOUT, Ware also serves on the Advisory Board of the Equity Project, a national initiative which advocates for glbtq youth in the juvenile justice system.

Today, BreakOUT! is led by CoDirectors Shaena Johnson and Wesley Ware. BreakOUT! recently decided to make the Newcomb College Institute Archives the official repository for its organizational records. Chloe Raub, Head of Archives and Special Collections at Newcomb notes, “This is an incredibly significant acquisition not only because of the important social justice work BreakOUT! is doing, but also because the most of their material is almost entirely digital.”

The mission of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Louisiana. The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is a non-profit organization aims to educate the public about the importance of historical preservation and how individuals can safely entrust local archives with the care of the historical treasures they possess.

The project also helps make these materials more accessible to researchers and the public at large by maintaining a catalog of LGBT+-related collections in archives around the state.

The 2017 Oracle Gala will be held at the Joy Theatre on Saturday, November 11. For more information, visit www.lgbtarchivesla.org.

8 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 9

paparazzi

10 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

18th Gay Easter Parade led by Easter Grand Marshals XVIII Glen Kahrman & Bootsie DeVille ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Lea Lousteau Telthorst, Hubert S Monkeys

snap

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

circuit/events

classifieds

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. 20-22, 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 Feb. 9-13, 2018, 69th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 11, 2018, 19th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.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

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

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 21

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.

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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

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

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

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real estate

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

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

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22 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

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24 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

8th Bunnies in The Big Easy raises $4,590 @ House of Blues for GEP/Food For Friends ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Darwin Reed

paparazzi

trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Hand to God at The Theatre at St. Claude through April 29 There’s an exciting moment in The Storyville Collective’s vital production of Hand to God about midway through the first act. It doesn’t happen on stage, though.

It happens in your mind as you’re watching John Fitzpatrick’s astounding performance and you think “Who is this guy and where has he been?!”

I actually wondered “Has he done this role before elsewhere?” because, in Robert Askins’ provocative dramedy, Fitzpatrick so surely toggles between the sweet teenage Jason and the evil sock puppet Tyrone that’s virtually attached to his hand, that the concept of “acting” this challenging role disappears, replaced by “living” it.

As it turns out, Fitzpatrick is making his NOLA debut in Hand in which Jason may be possessed, literally, by the Devil. Or he may just be venting a violent, foulmouthed part of himself via Tyrone that he has heretofore kept under control. In any case, Fitzpatrick is by turns sure of himself and conflicted, gentle and fierce, innocent and devious. As he metamorphoses back and forth between mild teenager and demon puppet, this young actor never lets the seams show, convincing an audience that there’s actually another creature up there beside him.

And for the record, this is his first time in the role.

Of course, Hand to God is about more than just Jason. Jason’s father has recently died leaving mother Margery (Andrea Watson) financially adrift. Rev. Greg (Mike Harkins) of the small Lutheran church in their East Texas town helps out by hiring Margery to lead after-school activities for teenagers. But the sock puppet tutorial ain’t exactly wowing the kids.

Meredith Owens and John Fitzpatrick in Hand to God These kids are Jason, quiet Jessica (Meredith Owens) and pugnacious Timothy (Kyle Woods) who has a crush on Margery. Rev. Greg does, too, putting Margery in an awkward situation. Jason’s infatuation with Jessica remains unacknowledged until Tyrone opens his mouth and then more awkwardness ensues.

Askins, who based his tale in part on his own upbringing, not only sends up small town religious hypocrisy—admittedly, an easy target—but, more trenchantly, explores the contradictory urges in all of us. Part Grand Guignol, part wacky farce, Hand to God may make Avenue Q look tame but ultimately it becomes about one family’s touching, if wild, attempt to move on from its past.

And you’ll not soon forget the scene of puppet sex.

Michael E. McKelvey has ingeniously staged this on Dave Raphel’s turntable set with a crisply paced production that’s keenly attuned to Askins’ singular voice, a mix of empathy and vinegar. If it takes a little while for the plot to snap into full focus, that’s the fault of the script, not The Storyville Collective krewe.

Harkins is all oily rectitude as Greg, regularly spouting platitudes that he may or may not believe. But, along with the smarminess, Harkins wisely exhibits enough of the pastor’s genuine decency for a more nuanced portrayal.

Woods rightly emphasizes Timothy’s dimwitted passion, part juvenile delin-

quent, part puppy waiting to be trained.

I’m not sure what his title as “Fight Supervisor” exactly means, but all the slapping and pummeling came off as extremely believable.

Owens builds on her performance in last year’s Pippin and again is utterly charming as Jason’s would-be girlfriend, mixing some spice in with Jessica’s overall sweetness.

Watson pinpoints all of Margery’s ambivalent feelings but stylistically seems somewhat separate from her castmates who embody a more naturalistic approach. It could be that Watson seems a few years too young for the role, which requires a more middle-aged weariness, or that she emanates a natural toughness that puts her slightly at odds with Margery’s mouse-that-eventually-roars persona.

Still, it’s an honest, sympathetic rendering of a complex character.

When I saw Hand to God two years ago on Broadway, its Grade A special effects made it rather ambiguous as to what extent Tyrone was a facet of Jason or the Devil incarnate; as one who likes clarity, this kinda bothered me. With less boomcrash F/X, things now tilt towards the former explanation and I sorta missed the uncertainty. Go figure. The show also loses some of its epic-ness on the Theatre at St. Claude’s smaller stage. These are quibbles though.

More importantly, while McKelvey’s pacing is admirable, the Broadway production ran 15-20 minutes longer than the one here. I emailed McKelvey about this and he replied “I think the Broadway production took more time in set changes.” That may be a partial explanation, but I also think that New York Director Moritz von Stuelpnagel allowed moments to resonate longer and a greater sense of the subtext to come through.

This is more an observation than a criticism as the show had had two productions prior to Broadway and had been running over a month when I saw it there. In the Marigny, I attended only the fifth performance and I’m sure the cast was still discovering various aspects of the script.

Don’t let these qualifiers keep you, however, from seeing this funny, disturbing, charming and substantial play.

It’s a combination too rarely seen in New Orleans and I hope other producers will take a chance on such offbeat, yet satisfying, material. And let’s hope John Fitzpatrick’s awesome twoheaded performance will be the first of many by him here.

Broadway in New Orleans/The Bodyguard at The Saenger Theatre through June 11

Now if only something could be done about the spillover of sound from the other performance space in the theater’s building. It’s an unfortunate distraction to both Hand’s actors and its audiences. Maybe we should call Tyrone to take care of things.

The Broadway in New Orleans series continues May 9-14 with Finding Neverland, a musical inspired by the 2004 semi-biographical film about playwright J. M. Barrie and his relationship with the family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. Chorus boys will be replaced by Lost Boys, presumably without abs of steel.

If I wanted to be catty, I’d just say “See the movie.”

But the stage version of The Bodyguard, anchored by a fine performance from R&B diva Deborah Cox, is a modestly entertaining musical thriller, with the emphasis on the music.

Unless you’re under 30, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that the movie, and its attendant soundtrack, was one of the biggest hits of the 1990s. It’s been reconfigured for the stage and, while most of the thrill is gone, Alexander Dinelaris’ book is solid enough to hold your attention throughout.

That said, every time the 5 chorus boys come onstage, particularly when they’re shirtless, exposing their abs of steel and zero body fat, your attention will be riveted. Well, mine was.

Thea Sharrock’s direction, along with the sleek set of Tim Hatley, gets the job done though she seems to utilize only two options for staging the songs: (a) an MTV-ish style with aerobic choreography by Karen Bruce for the production numbers and (b) a straightforward stand’n’sing for all the ballads, of which there are many.

The latter works only because the songs are mostly classics (yeah, it’s a jukebox musical but how many other non-biomusicals have so many hits in them?) and Cox delivers them with style, clarity, and vocal heft. As her sister/manager Nikki who has some songs of her own, Jasmin Richardson projects both a winsome appeal and an understandable jealousy of her sister’s overpowering success; still, she doesn’t have the star wattage of Cox. The rest of the cast, including Judson Mills as the eponymous bodyguard, are all good, capably fulfilling the demands of their two-dimensional roles, or, in the case of the stalker, a mere one dimension.

The Bodyguard manages to be one of those odd musicals that, when it’s terrible (especially in the first half) it’s lotsa fun as it soars up to the heavens of campiness. As it gets more focused, it just slogs into simple mediocrity. Still, should you see it as it continues its tour in California and Texas en route to a possible Broadway debut, do not leave the theater until the house lights come up. ’Cause after the main story ends, the real fun begins.

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 25

under the gaydar

Hurricane and the Mardi Gras Indians.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information go to www.artsdistrictneworleans.com.

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

14

Hot Happenings Easter has made its way along the Bunny Trail, now it is time for Jazz Fest.

Bring on the music! This has been a busy first half of the year and it is not letting up. Here are some hot happenings.

Thursday, April 27 Join the NO/AIDS Task Force for the Bow Tie Bash 2017, featuring entertainment by Anais St. John, an open bar, a boutique auction, a creative bow tie contest, and more! The event will be from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at the Benachi House (2257 Bayou Road). Bow Tie Bash is a CrescentCare event benefitting those affected by cancer and HIV in the New Orleans community. Proceeds from Bow Tie Bash will help our Food For Friends program deliver meals to cancer and HIV-positive clients who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Each year, Bow Tie Bash honors the memory Chet Pourciau, whose exuberant personality and penchant for eye-catching bow-ties inspired those around him. This year, Bow Tie Bash will also honor the memory of Sister Marcy Romine, OSF, long-time advocate for those affected by HIV in the New Orleans community. Tickets start at $50. For tickets, go to http:// neworleans.boldtypetickets.com/ events/42217523/bow-tie-bash-acrescentcare-event.

Friday, April 28 Scorpio Boys Entertainment presents “Bayou Boylesque” at Grand Pre’s (834 North Rampart Street). This month’s cast includes Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Atomyc Adonis aka Daniel Dean, and Midnite Ryder.

The event starts at 10 pm.

Saturday, April 29 Take a walk down memory lane with Lady Magic and her Viva Las Vamps review at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 10 pm. Featured entertainers include Sister LaRoux, Scott Bradley, Passion, Emoni, Introucing Infinity, Nicki Max and Ruba Beauxbi.

Sunday, April 30 Honor the “Crawfish Sabbath” with The Lords of Leather at their annual crawfish boil taking place at Grandpre’ (834 North Rampart Street) from 4 – 7 pm. Your $10 donation at the door gets you boiled crawfish and “the fixins.”

Drinks may be purchased via the lovely and talented Grandpre’ bartenders!

Donations go toward Bal Masque XXXV to be held Sunday, February 11, 2018!

Leather Love and Laughter are always free!

Friday, May 5 The 2017 Whitney Zoo–To–Do returns to the Audubon Zoo Grounds (6500 Magazine Street). Whitney ZooTo–Do will feature live entertainment, local and international cuisine from over 70 New Orleans restaurants, a luxury car raffle, premium cocktails, and a silent auction! Enjoy music from this year’s headlining band, Jessie’s Girls, along with many other live musicians.

All proceeds support Audubon Zoo! Tickets available for purchase at http:/ /audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztd or call 504.861.6160.

The times for the night are as follows: Silent Auction: 7 pm-10 pm; Sponsor/Patron Party: 7 pm-12 am; Gala Admittance: 8 pm-12 am.

Friday, May 5 Who’s ready for Cinco de Mayo?

This year, we’re saying NO to the ridiculous idea that there will EVER be a wall between the US and Mexico.

Enjoy The Witching Hour: Anti-Wall Cinco Show at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 10:30 pm. Along for the ride will be Fatsy Cline, the return of the beautiful Spanish Moss, the lip sync stylings of Beauty Bella, Queen Petronius Elect Deanna, and your lovely hosts Blazen Haven (Towner Blake Hagan) and Laveau Contraire.

Saturday, May 6 Music and art lovers can rejoice at Jammin on Julia. Jammin’ on Julia is an annual festival benefiting the non-profit, Arts District New Orleans. Our nonprofit organization has been diligently ‘rebranding’ and expanding over the past year to become a nationally recognized contemporary fine arts, food and performance destination in a compact, coherent architecturally distinctive historic district.

They have 16 contemporary art galleries, 3 world class museums/institutions presenting visual and performance arts, numerous cafés, bars and star chef restaurants all working together to support and reinforce the unique qualities of the Arts District. The event takes place between the 300 and 700 blocks of Julia from 6 to 9 pm.

There will be art, refreshments and music on the street as well as inside the galleries. Music lineup includes The New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra, Sultan Isham, Showtime Brass Band, Ysrael Trio, Jenn Howard, DJ

Tuesday, May 9 – Sunday, May Broadway’s biggest new hit, FINDING NEVERLAND, is the winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, is coming to the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). Directed by visionary Tony Award®-winner Diane Paulus, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story of one of the world’s most beloved characters, Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving the old world behind for Neverland, a place where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. For tickets, go to www.saengernola.com.

Friday, May 12 The Project Lazarus Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala is their special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Project Lazarus’ most incredible friends and supporters. This year, Vincent Saia, Jr., and Bruce Gallassero will be honored with the Guardian Angel award. We are also excited to be joined by Bryan Batt as the host for the evening. The event will take place at the Ace Hotel (600 Carondelet St.) from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. The elegant event at the fabulous Ace Hotel New Orleans features a cocktail hour, a three-course dinner, an award ceremony, and a high-end silent and live auction. All proceeds benefit our mission of housing and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in New Orleans.

The event is Black tie optional. To buy tickets go to, www.projectlazarus.net or email Lily Hannigan at lhannigan@projectlazarus.net.

Saturday, May 13 The Krewes of Amon-Ra and Armeinius are hosting the A-List Party upstairs at Café Lafitte’s in Exile from 4 – 6 pm. This is a celebration of Gay Carnival and Camaraderie. Get to meet the krewes and enjoy complimentary food and drink specials.

Saturday, May 13 Come celebrate Lana O Day’s 30th birthday at The Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) for a special edition of Glitter Girls. There will be a birthday celebration at 9 pm, and at 10:30 pm there will be a fabulous show starring Countess C Alice, Tatiana Nye

Dupree, Britney DeLorean, Ilaynnah Eve DeLorean, Dasani Waters, and birthday girl herself - Lana O’Day. Do you like The Little Mermaid? Do you like Mean Girls? Do you like Hairpsray?

If you answered yes to any of those... you’ll love the production numbers the ladies have prepared.

Book of the Month Everyone has those guilty pleasures that you would rather no one know you like. Well mine is a trashy teenage soap opera aimed at young girls called Pretty Little Liars. It has all the things I love, drama, hot men who are always shirtless and lots of cat fights. So I hate admitting to people I am Hooke don it, but before it was a television series, it was a series of books. Well I discovered a new author by the name of Amanda Morgan who just wrote her first novel entitled Secrets, Lies and Scandals. Picture Pretty Little Liars meets I Know What You Did Last Summer and you have summed up this book. And I loved it.

The premise is simple five teenagers commit an unspeakable act and aren caught up in their own lies and paranoia in order to keep their teacher’s death a secret in this fast-paced suspense thriller. The five main characters are somewhat cliched, but you can sort of forgive that. In a nutshell, you have Ivy who used to be on top of the social ladder trying to regain her foothold again. Tyler is the bad boy, Kinley his the perfect student with a secret of her own, Mattie is the new kid and the LGBT character and then there is Cade who is the sociopath (picture JR Ewing in high school).

There is an accidental murder, a cover-up and the ensuing police investigation. There are lots of twists and turns and Morgan set up the novel for a sequel, so look out PLL, there are some new kids in town.

Party Down I cannot believe Easter has come and gone. This year is flying by, now Jazz Fest is upon us and it is May already. My two weeks leading up to Easter was hopping (pun intended).

There was theater performances, fundraisers, cocktails (and queens), and culminated in the fabulous Gay Easter Parade. My event calendar started early on week one, with my friend Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I going to see The Bodyguard on Tuesday. Now this is not high brown theatre and I would not say it is the best thing I have seen at the Saenger Theatre, but I had a blast. We started off with dinner at the 700 Club before the show. If you have not tried the food at this gay bar, definitely put it on your list.

The fried macaroni and cheese bites are to die for. But all the food is great, the service is wonderful and they were

16 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

[continued on 18]

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GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 17

commentary Coming to terms... Murder on Bourbon Street

by Rip Naquin Where do I even begin... We started Tuesday, April 4 as just another deadline day for Ambush Magazine. Having an early appointment, Marsha (my partner) went for the car around 9:15 am. I locked up the office, and on the way out noticed a police car down the block on Bourbon Street with its lights on. Figured it was just another drunk passed out on the sidewalk, and thought nothing about it as I hopped into the car with Marsha on Dumaine.

When we returned we could not access any street to our block, the 800 block.

There were police cars, a swat team, and crime tape everywhere. Marsha dropped me at the corner of Dumaine and Bourbon. The police would not let us return to our office and home. All they would say was there was reported to be a murder, and a standoff. A short while later members of the swat team approached us, and said they could only let one of us in our building, because they wanted to position a sharp shooter on our balcony. What! OMG, so Marsha took them in.

In the meantime our cells and emails were blowing up with concerns from around the country when news outlets reported there had been a murder in the 800 block of Bourbon Street. Quickly, I did a Facebook post: "We are both safe.

A sharp shooter is on our balcony... It’s a hostage situation, following a murder across the street."

We then learned that the victim was our neighbor friend Cleve Guillot, Jr., and reportedly his partner of some 14 years Luis Conde had confessed, "I killed him."

It still has not sunk in. Both guys were pleasant, and always cheery when we saw them. We had known Cleve for over 30 years, and Luis for over 10. The majority of neighbors in the 800 block of Bourbon have known each other as long as we've been here, all of us staying through Hurricane Katrina, and not leaving until after the storm. Luis has been charged with second-degree murder.

under the gaydar ...from 16 having a martini happy hour. Talk about a perfect start to the night.

The Bodyguard had the lovely Deborah Cox playing the lead role made famous by Whitney Houston and she was fantastic. The show contained all of Whitney’s hits, so you could not help but love the soundtrack. And whoever was the guy who played the stalker, talk about user-sexy. This man was hot. I was like Deborah why the hell are you running away from him. But alas the play was called The Bodyguard, not the Stalker.

On Thursday, I took in another show called Hand to God at the Theatre on St. Claude. This Tony nominated play was presented by the Storyville Collective and was a mashup of Avenue Q and the Exorcist with a little Graduate thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed the show as a whole, but did not find it as funny as most of the other people in the theatre. It may have been me, but I felt as like I have seen this storyline played out before. But the actor who played Jason, John Fitzpatrick was phenomenal. He kept you mesmerized that you forgot the puppet on his hand was not a real character. All in all, the show was lots of fun.

On Friday, I cut out of work early and went French Quarter festing with my friend Beaux. We hit several of the food booths, had large amounts of daiquiri and beer and listened to some great bands. We even got to pal around with Charmaine Neville for a

little while. Talk about a lady who knows how to have a good time. She is a true New Orleanian. After the music shut down we headed over to my favorite seafood restaurant in the Bywater, Jack Dempsey’s for some delicious eats (and more beer).

Saturday was a day of fundraisers beginning with the Krewe of Petronius’ fundraiser, Cocktails and Crowns. The event was held at the Museum of Costume and Culture and was a perfect setting for this event, who brought out royalty past and present of the different krewes to celebrate the gay oldest carnival krewe. People mingled amongst the elaborate costumes found in the museum. Afterwards, I was off to the Double Play to attend the Purple Party, a fundraiser for the Gay Easter Parade. Purple was the color of the night as owner Chuck rolled out the red carpet for the guests. His food spread is always bountiful and delicious. I got to emcee the event with Easter Grand Marshal XVIII Bootsie Deville. The live auction had some great deals in it, and there was plenty of bidding. After enjoying the two worthy causes, I decided it was time to take in a little culture so I went to the ballet (The Corner Pocket) to see some more unique moves. I love Saturdays in New Orleans, they are always so eclectic; you never know where you may end up.

Sunday was a pretty easy day, just brunch with friends at the Cheezy Cajun with bottomless mimosas, then back home to my place to work in my courtyard replanting everything that died over the winter. That is my favorite

So one can just imagine our distress over this entire situation. Each morning when we rise, we open the shades in our third floor bedroom, and see Cleve's beautiful mansion at 819 Bourbon. However, now that view is disturbing just imagining the horror of Cleve's last few moments in this world.

He was reportedly bludgeoned and stabbed to death... God rest his soul.

819 Bourbon Street as seen from Ambush Mansion (Photo by Rip Naquin)

Obituary Cleveland Joseph Guillot, Jr., “Cleve” was born June 18, 1955. He was the beloved only son of the late Cleveland Joseph Guillot, Sr. and the late Dorothea “Pat” Casso Guillot. Cleve attended and graduated from Isidore

thing to do on a Sunday evening is pitter around my courtyard with a glass of wine enjoying the beautiful weather and feeling so lucky that I can call this city home.

The following weekend was the final fundraiser before the Gay Easter Parade. Bunnies in the Big Easy is the event I host (alongside Monica Synclaire-Kennedy). This year it was held in the Music Hall of the House of Blues and was an impressive party. A big thanks goes out to the House of Blues for supplying us with the venue.

Princesse Stephaney, Trey Ming, Bootise Neville, Daniel Dean and the Bunny Boys all performed. The show was emceed by Elizabeth Bouvier and Persana Shoulders. We even had American Idol performer James Miller do a spotlight song. The live auction was fast and furious with some great prizes especially a dinner for ten people completely catered and paired with wine that went for $1,000. I personally would like to thank everyone who came out to support the event and all those who helped out to make it another successful year.

On Saturday, I found myself hopping down the bunny trail at the Marigny Bunny Hop led by Bunny Marshal Barbara Ella the year. The festive bar crawl had over 100 attendees this year and keeps getting bigger. Each year attendees stroll throughout the Marigny stopping at several of the bars and businesses. At each stop an award is given to a certain style ion bonnet such as sassiest or widest. It is great fun and I have my own award the Tony

Newman School, attended Washington University in St. Louis, Montana and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Tulane University before joining the sales staff at Coleman E. Adler and Sons in 1982. Cleve was a long tenured, highly respected member of the staff. He earned a dual graduate gemologist certification in diamonds and color stones from the Gemological Institute of America in their New York office. After Hurricane Katrina, Cleve managed Waldhorn and Adler, an Adler entity specializing in antique furniture and jewelry. He retired from Adler’s in 2012 to care for his aging parents, and did so until their deaths in 2010 and 2016.

Cleve was a longtime resident of the French Quarter. He especially enjoyed traveling the world, and dining out, both in the company of friends and family. Philanthropic causes close to his heart included Project Lazarus, The New Orleans Museum of Art, The Preservation Resource Center, The New Orleans Ballet Association, The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hermann-Grima–Gallier Historic Houses, and The Friends of the VieuxCarre. A memorial service is being planned for Mid-June. Lake Lawn Metairie in charge of arrangements.

Leggio’s Life of the Hop Award which this year was given to newcomer Frankie Fierce. If you did not have a chance to participate this year, mark your calendars for this Easter event.

Easter Sunday was quite a busy day for me. I never in my wildest dream growing thought that Easter would become one of my busiest holidays but it is one non-stop weekend. I started my day with hosting a brunch at my home for friends and family. I think all holidays should be ushered in with endless mimosas and bloody Mary’s. Around the mid-afternoon we made our way to the parade site to party at GrandPre’s.

We boarded my carriage and we were off. The rain held off again this year as we paraded down the streets of the French Quarter to record crowds. This year we had lots of coverage. Meg Ferrris and her cameraman rode with us and interviewed and filmed all my participants It was great fun and we even had a celebrity guest on our float when Sidney Torres hopped on our carriage to do an interview with Meg. Talk about one hot piece of man meat.

He can be my next mayor anytime. It was such a splendid ride and a perfect culmination to all the hard work all season. Afterwards, I attended the post-parade party at GrandPre’s where they had drink specials and a huge buffet. I stopped for more cocktails in the Marigny with friends at Mag's 940 and the Phoenix before calling it a day.

Another spectacular Easter holiday.

Until next time, have fun and happy festing!

18 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 19

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

The Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic @ Dance & Show Club of the Year Oz New Orleans ~ Photos by eyeLucius, Christopher Drue Photography

Persana Shoulders hosting the Oz Strip Off

The Ladies of Oz working it out in their opening production

The contestants of the New Orleans Stoli Key West Classic

A night out in the land of dance

bigeasy

paparazzi Trixie Minx encouraging everyone to drink up

mobile

paparazzi

20 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

Krewe of Mwindo Good Friday Fish Fry @ The Page

The Corner Pocket

Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Metairie, Louisiana

Sunday Brunch @ Cheezy Cajun

Divas R Us with King Cake Queen Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ The Golden Lantern

bigeasy

paparazzi

Grillades & Cheddar Grits

Breakfast Eggs Beny

26 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com

C'est Si Bon ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Misti Gaither, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg

Mr. Louisiana Leather Ross Ransom brings in over 50 Easter Baskets for St. Anna's Kids @ The Phoenix

a community within communities

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

East, Jazz Fest, and Life!

How was your Easter? Big bonnets for a bunny hop? Perhaps a parade with carriages, bangles, beads, mimosas, and such was in your plans. I hope and suppose that some of you went to church. Or, perhaps it was a time of Passover with traditional meals or Seder or both! It is a time to break out the white suit or perhaps your best seersucker suit. It is the time that the magnolias are in bloom and so are we. Following on the heels of this Easter is Jazz Fest which somehow seems appropriate I guess.

I must say that it was fun doing our Palm Sunday procession with the Storyville Stompers Brass Band through the Marigny during French Quarter Fest.

What a sight and what looks of confusion when tourists first heard a second line type band then saw incense, a cross, and a guy with a cope (cape) in red with a funny hat (biretta). Yes, folks stopping to listen to the most sublime version of Amazing Grace sung by that great local talent Gregory Thompson on a street corner. My favorite is always outside of Buffa’s when the patrons stumble out make a sign of the cross then dance to the music. Only in New Orleans, and yes only in New Orleans do we follow up with a crawfish boil after reading about the Passion of the Christ. Only in New Orleans.

Easter and Christmas are those feast days for we priests that always uplift and at the same time cause indigestion. The “house” is packed with standing room only (literally). The priest knows that most of the folks are doing this out of tradition as a prelude to a great family or friendly meal and usually libations. It is a time to dress up and be seen in your ‘Easter’ best. Then it is, “Great sermon Father, we’ll see ya next year.” But like any packed house it raises and elevates and makes things exciting and transcendent and as priest I can only hope that some of that holiness and beauty rubs off. The message this time of year, irrespective of your flavor of faith, is about possibilities.

For Jews it is about a people out of bondage and into freedom. It is about remembering and with the place setting for Elijah’s cup it offers a place for those that need and for the future hope

of the messiah.

For Christians it is about the Resurrection of the messiah and the hope and belief of the freedom from judgment that flows from grace and faith in that belief. Once again hope.

In a place and time that so often questions hope that masks it with white suits, bonnets, bunny rabbits, and parades hope can be a commodity in short supply. The politics of the age are not doing a lot to raise hopes even with some conservatives. The international politics seem to be turmoil. For some of us that remember air raid drills as children practicing for atomic war the war mongering revolving around North Korea is perhaps terrifying if not terrifying it is anxiety ridden. I suppose for some of us it is a sort of suppressed social PTSD; for some of us anyway.

So, HOPE can seem to be in short supply and we, as we always do in NOLA, have a party. At some point the party is over and then, even then, we will languish in the memories and experiences of that party for a time. Uh, until the next party – Jazz Fest?!

Dealing with the lack of hope is a tough thing and it need not be a downer.

In realizing that things are on the fringe, that it seems like there are dark things on the horizon too terrible to consider we practice avoidance. Not always a bad thing but it adds up over time and sets a stage for darker passages.

St. Paul said, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” So, “faith” and “hope” are linked. What do we hope for? What faith do we have that such will come to pass? There is hope.

Here is what I hope for: I hope that men who have come out

or are coming out will know that they are part of the whole and not broken but beautiful.

I hope that some kids in our poverty laden neighborhoods will get much needed attention early on rather than later on as incarcerated or marginalized dependents of the state.

I hope that my family and friends will live healthy lives with more joy than pain, more love than hate, more peace than disquietude.

I hope that my four dogs are happy, healthy, and content and in some immeasurable way know how much we love them because they give it back to us in so many ways.

I hope that our city maybe even our little community mostly below Canal Street finds peace instead of the violence that seems to haunt us.

I hope that my priesthood is a good

and mostly holy one and I do all that I can to “respect the dignity of every human being.”

I have hope through faith and if you do not have faith give it some thought True hope depends on it and you are worthy of living a life that is filled with hope even until the end of it. Hope can be generous and fortifying and uplifting, not in a naive way but, honest hope.

Honest hope comes from faith. I hope that you can find your faith if you do not have it. If you have it embrace it and let your hope shine before. If you are seeking faith seek someone who has it and seek it with an open mind and open heart.

That at the end of the day is what Easter and The Passover is about.

Hope through Faith. Have a great Jazz Fest.

out front Pink Triangle Press Acquires GuySpy, Popular Gay Dating App TORONTO – Pink Triangle Press has acquired GuySpy, an online social network for gay men, in a deal announced today. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The acquisition brings together under one company, GuySpy and the leading gay hookup website, Squirt.org, allowing gay men to sign up for free, browse from millions of profiles and connect with other gay men in their communities.

“We are very excited to add GuySpy to our family of notable properties engaging the gay community” said David Walberg, Digital Media Chief Executive for Pink Triangle Press. “This acquisition is part of our long-term goal to have greater exposure for Pink Triangle Press and to further grow and expand into an entirely new segment through the GuySpy social network and mobile app”.

GuySpy is a popular online social network for men who like men that allows users to search for men by distance, age, personal stats, sexual positions and more. Users can upload photos, add a personal voice greeting and keep their guys organized through buddy and favorite lists and switch to Travel Mode to see men wherever they go.

The GuySpy mobile dating app makes it easier for guys to connect on their smartphones or tablets, and allows users to view profiles, “like” photos and other postings, send text, video and voice messages as well as the ability to find each other with a GPSenabled map.

“The app gives users the ability to connect faster and browse through a huge array of profiles of guys seeking to meet, date and connect” Walberg said. “As we continue to update the app it will allow GuySpy to expand into new markets and connect new users like never before with the latest mobile technology from iPhone and Android.”

GuySpy, operated by Pink Triangle Press, is a location-based gay dating and chat product that combines the intimacy of voice, video and photos with the immediacy of location. GuySpy is available for iPhone/iPad/iPod, Android, mobile web and web. For more information, visit www.guyspy.com, www.twitter.com/guyspyapp or www.facebook.com/guyspy.gay.dating.apps.

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28 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • April 25-May 8, 2017 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com