Ambush Magazine Volume 36 Issue 06

Volume 36 Issue 06 March 13 · 26, 2018 Facebook.COM/AmbushMag

Award Winning

Brunch Guide, St Patrick’s Day & Pre-Easter Parade @AmbushMag

Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture!

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment/Travel Guide · 36th Anniversary 1982-2018 · For Adults Only

2 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

WHAT’S AT THE RAINBOWS END?

The Music of

Senator Ken Fridays 7:30–9:30pm

Live Shows Play Girlz

hosted by Gia GiaVanni

Fridays 10–11:30pm

The Music of the

Vanessa Carr Band Saturdays 7:30–9:30pm

n o r a b A Gay ! y a D s k c i r t a St. P

Golden

The Official Home of Southern Decadence.

Jubilee: Dragging for Jesus with Reba Douglas

Divas R Us starring Monica

Synclaire-Kennedy

Saturdays 10–11:30pm

Sundays 5:00–7:00pm

Best Happy Hour in the Quar ter!

THE

Lantern

1239 Royal St. New Orleans • facebook.com/GoldenLanternBar

HAPPY HOUR 8AM – 8PM DAILY

N E V E R A C O V E R AT THE GOLDEN LANTERN

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 3

The “Official” Dish

by Frank Pizzolato, Publisher Email: frank@ambushpublishing.com

There are cold days, wet days, great days, and election days. Let this be your not-so-gentle call-to-action to get off your ass and vote, because there is yet another special election in the Crescent City on March 24th and early voting is underway now. So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!

There are two judgeships up this time and a special election to fill the House seat vacant because of Helena Moreno’s election to the City Council.

Richard Perque is running for an open seat at Civil District Court and is running hard. With a long family history in Louisiana politics, it comes naturally to him. The LGBT community would benefit greatly with his election. There is also an open seat on the Court of

Appeals, where Judge Robin Pittman got into the race early on and is working hard to get elected. A longtime friend, Royce Duplessis, is running for the District 93 House seat. He has the advantage of having worked for former Councilman James Carter, as well as having other hands on involvement in the City. Any time we have the chance to cast a vote it is very important to do so. Just go. Go. Go! I don’t care how.

Just go VOTE!!!

Easter is coming! Fundraising events benefitting Food for Friends leading up to the Gay Easter Parade are in full swing! Matt, Brice, and Matt at 700 and Faubourg Bistro were a great help in kicking off the “season” with the Sponsorship Party. As always, the month-long series of parties,

shows, and events will culminate in the Parade on Easter Sunday afternoon.

We are looking forward to the upcoming events at Four Seasons, OZ, and The Double Play and the always popular Bunnies in the Big Easy, this year at the Mardi Gras Museum on Conti St. Anytime you get a room full of Big Easy Bunnies, fun is bound to be had.

It doesn’t get any better than raising money for a great cause and having a lot of fun doing it. Bunny Ears, Easter Bonnets, and Cotton Tails, who could ask for more?!

5

Book Review

6

Hurricane Bianca: The Suicide Rate Will Go Up

7

Commentary

11

A Community within Communities

11

Snap Paparazzi

12 13-16

Sports Tricentennial Events

16

Snap Paparazzi

17

New Orleans Brunch Guide Snap Paparazzi

18-23 19 & 21

Moments in Gay History

24

Announcement

24

Tricentennial Profile in History

24

Commentary by Noel Twilbeck

26

Commentary by CrescentCare

17

Snap Paparazzi

26, 27, 28

2018 Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshalls Announced

28

Under the Gaydar

29

Snap Paparazzi

23

LGBTQ Owned/Friendly Business Directory

34-35

Trodding the Boards

36

Snap Paparazzi

38

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 Email: info@ambushpublishing.com ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online

Inside this Issue of Ambush Do I Really Need to Forgive?

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©

CIRCULATION: Alabama - Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!

Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted

We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.

Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted

Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events.

If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com 4 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Frank Pizzolato, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Jim Tomeny, New Orleans 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 Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.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 PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS.

Do I Really Need to Forgive?

by Pastor Allie Rowland, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO) Email: alisan.rowland42@gmail.com Website: www.mccneworleans.com

Do I Really Need to Forgive?

power over us. And yet, the honest truth is that some wounds run deep.

Sometimes deeper healing needs to The last year has tested some of take place within ourselves. Or, we my relationships. As someone who need to gain some wisdom in order to considers herself an activist, I am not forgive. It sometimes feels easier to new to standing up and speaking out live with the unresolved feelings than on behalf of my rights, or calling out to do the work it takes to forgive othan injustice. Yet, I found that last year er people. Both the inner work within I reached a new level of frustration ourselves, and the work of communiwith family members or even people cating with someone who has hurt us who claim to be allies who were willcan feel absolutely daunting. So, why ing to support leaders who clearly do even make the effort? not have the best interests of my comDuring the time I worked as a spirmunity at heart. Along those lines, acitual counselor at a hospital, I came tivists I know who have been seeking across the Buddhist Prayer of Forracial justice have become increasgiveness. I fell in love with this prayer ingly frustrated with people who deny because it named how we often harm their experiences or the reality of sysourselves and others in confusion; not temic racism in our justice system and even truly understanding what we have throughout our country. Last year bedone. came a time for social justice activists If I have harmed anyone in any way to call out hyprocrisy both inside and either knowingly or unknowingly outside of their communities. through my own confusions I ask their After clashing with a family forgiveness. member for exactly those reasons, I If anyone has harmed me in any way began to ask myself a question. Do I either knowingly or unknowingly really need to forgive this person? My through their own confusions I forgive social media feed said “no.” A number them. of my community activist colleagues And if there is a situation I am not yet were blocking people, unfriending ready to forgive them, and not looking back. I found I forgive myself for that. myself shutting down and not commuFor all the ways that I harm myself, nicating as well. I wanted to protect negate, doubt, belittle myself, myself emotionally. But I also began to judge or be unkind to myself through wonder, was shutting down a convermy own confusions sation that could be transformative for I forgive myself. this family member the best choice?

It may seem impossible to forgive Which brings me back to my people who have harmed us in some initial question. Should I be seeking a way, and yet when we can forgive, we way to forgive? My spiritual path has gain our own freedom from bitterness, led me to the belief that all life is interpain, and anger, and begin to find connected, and that all life has value. peace. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and To really love my neighbor as I love myRev. Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth’s self means that I shouldn’t give up on book, The Book of Forgiving reads: my neighbor when we disagree—even I want to be willing to forgive when my neighbor But I dare not ask for the doesn’t yet underwhen we can forgive, will to forgive stand how I’ve been In case you give it to we gain our own freeharmed. me… dom from bitterness, It’s easier I am not yet ready for the pain, and anger, and for me to consider journey forgiving when I unbegin to find peace I am not yet interested in derstand that forgivethe path ness doesn’t need to I am at the prayer before the prayer of mean that I’m giving others permission forgiveness… to harm me. I can still set limits, and can You and me create healthy boundaries as I need to The place in the middle in order to protect myself from people Where we straddle the lines who continue to behave in ways that Where you are right are harmful to me.

And I am right too At the same time, I know that And both of us are wrong and wronged from previous experience, holding onto Can we meet there? the bitterness, pain, and anger from And look for the place where the path the past, can prevent us from having begins peace, contentment, and joy in our The path that ends when we forgive. lives. What we cannot forgive, has GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 5

Book Review

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

The New Orleans Tribune: An Introduction to America’s First Black Daily Newspaper.

Mark Charles Roudane. Self-Published. 41 pages. $11.95.

As New Orleans celebrates its 300th Anniversary, the profound contributions of African-Americans to the city’s fascinating history cannot be overstated. One of the more significant of those contributions was made by a free man of color named Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, who founded the nation’s first daily newspaper for blacks—The New Orleans Tribune.

The incredible story of the Tribune is the subject of The New Orleans Tribune: An Introduction to America’s First Black Daily Newspaper. What makes the story even more compelling is the book’s author is the great, great grandson of Dr. Roudanez, who didn’t discover his family’s ethnic and literary heritage until he was well into adulthood.

Roudane observes, “My roots are in Africa, France, Haiti, and Louisiana.

My 4th great paternal and maternal

grandmothers were enslaved in SaintDomingue (now Haiti). Both had children with French colonists. Their descendants lived as free people of color in Louisiana, including Jean Baptiste Roudanez, the publisher of the New Orleans Tribune, and Louis Charles Roudanez, the newspaper’s founder and my great, great grandfather. My father, also named Louis Charles Roudanez, was the first to be listed as white on his birth certificate. My paternal ancestry was hidden from me, and I did not discover my Afro-Creole roots until after his death. Inspired by my heritage, I have spent the last several years passionately reading and researching the South’s first Black newspaper, L’Union, and America’s first Black daily newspaper, the New Orleans Tribune.”

The booklet provides an in-depth look at race relations in New Orleans during the Civil War Era and includes excerpts from the paper that illustrate why the Tribune was one of the most significant voices of civil rights in the 19th Century.

Mr. Roudané was born in New Or-

leans and currently resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. An educator, author, and public speaker, Mr. Roudané’s recent release, The New Orleans Tribune, An Introduction to America’s First Black Daily Newspaper, has sold over 800 copies. His articles have appeared in the South Atlantic Review and the Journal of the Louisiana Creole Research Association. Mr. Roudané was featured as the keynote speaker at the

GEP

Presents

150th Anniversary of the Tribune at Dillard University and recently presented lectures on Tribune history at Savannah State University and at the Louisiana Public History Forum.

The New Orleans Tribune: An Introduction to America’s First Black Daily Newspaper is available on-line and in New Orleans at the 1850 House gift shop in the lower Pontalba Building.

GayEasterParade.com

Easter Grand Marshals THE 19th ANNUAL

Photo by Arthur Severio

EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS Sunday, March 11: EGGSTRAVAGANZA The Golden Lantern 3pm-5pm

The Four Seasons 9pm-11pm

Saturday, March 24: PURPLE PARTY Double Play 7pm-10pm

&

Saturday, March 17: SPRING FEVER Sunday, March 18: DRAG SHOW NIGHT Oz New Orleans 7:30pm & 9:30pm

@GayEasterParade

6 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

Hurricane Bianca: The Suicide Rate Will Go Up

by John Harper Email: john@grapple.news

When I caught up with Bianca Del Rio it was February. She was on a bus somewhere between frozen-ass Minnesota and frozen-ass Illinois. Onboard were four black sequined dresses, a couple sewing projects, her friend and business manager, Jamie Autin, and a book about Norma Shearer, a sexually liberated silent film actress from the 20s, 30s and 40s.

“I don’t read on Kindle because that’s stupid. I like the actual book.”

The New Orleans born and bread drag queen has achieved global appeal. Four years after winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, the internationally broadcast television drag competition, Del Rio sells out shows in 2,500 seat auditoriums as far away as Hong Kong. Yet she still prefers travel by bus, and she still stops in places like Milwaukee and Richmond.

Unlike many of her peer champions from Drag Race, Bianca doesn’t have a fashion line set up in her name.

She hasn’t spun off a lingerie campaign, she doesn’t do calendars and Instagram shoots. Her social media feeds consist mostly of selfies, both in drag and out of drag (his name is Roy Haylock), and sass. Lot’s of sass.

The heart of Del Rio’s career remains the same as it was a decade earlier when she was working weeknights at Oz. Bianca reads, Bianca performs, rarely stopping for more than a day in any one place.

“I prefer to do shows back to back to back,” she said. “It keeps the momentum up.”

Bianca doesn’t want music videos.

She doesn’t plug for more YouTube followers. Bianca wants YOU, the audience.

As she heads out on an ambitious 75 city tour this year, she is squarely focused on the thing that she always has been: insulting people in-person, to their face. Bianca is set out to cure the world of its delusions, one room at a time, and drag is her license for murder.

“I could never be Kardashian because I have talent.”

At odds with the views of of Drag Race matriarch RuPaul, Bianca says that drag is approaching mainstream status. With mainstream comes the trash, and Bianca sees it coming.

“I disagree with Ru. I see the world and it’s close (to mainstream). Drag is everywhere,” Bianca said. “Sadly, with the show (Drag Race), there is a dark

side. Anybody who does drag now thinks they can get on the show and they’re fierce and they’re amazing and they’re wonderful in their Insta photos.

But they have no substance.”

Not that Bianca has qualms with Drag Race. She credits the program, which this year garnered a cover spot in New York Times Magazine as the “most radical show on television,” for bringing to light otherwise hidden talent.

But often the glitz and the glam override the artform, she said, and overwhelms young drag queens.

Perhaps for this reason, Bianca has kept her act uniquely personal. Unlike many of the younger, Instagram-ready queens of 2018, Bianca’s substance comes most often from the same place it always has: whatever room she’s in.

As one of the elder alumnae of Drag Race (girl turned 42 last year), Bianca uses maturity and a deep repertoire of insults to her advantage.

“A lot of them do music videos and make calendars which is great, but that’s not me and not what I want to do,” she said. “If this happened when I was 20, I would have lost my mind. I see so many stories about how people find success too soon too fast and fall into alcohol and drugs and all that. I’m like, girl I already did that, I’m from New Orleans.”

Even as her career has grown and net worth ballooned into seven figure territory, Bianca has averted glitz, instead doubling down on an uncanny ability to read a room, make quick insults. Hurricane Bianca rolls in, and Hurricane Bianca rolls out, leaving crowds choked with laughter.

“She’s not looking to drop a music video, she’s not looking to do a death drop, because she doesn’t have to.

She’s an insult comic, and she’s here to disavow you of your bullshit,” said Persana Shoulders, the drag queen in residence and emcee at Oz, who succeeded Del Rio as co-host in 2005.

Bianca credits New Orleans with providing the incubator for her unique talent -- her ability to read a room like she reads a book. While working shows at Oz, Bianca learned to fill time as drag queens changed outfits by exchanging banter with the adequately sauced audience.

“It’s just about truth, it’s about looking up and seeing what’s going on,” she said. “You know how when your friend is dating someone, or a family member brings someone new to dinner and you immediately have a reaction to them and you don’t know why? It’s like that. You just see who people are. Peo-

ple get drunk and the truth comes out.”

Shoulders agrees that Oz provides drag queens with a unique stream of “fresh material” -- in the form of tourists and sauced-up newcomers -- in a way that few other gay bars can match.

Bianca’s dynamite is her ability to turn anything into an insult.

“Nobody can tell her anything because she can turn right back around and sink you with it,” Shoulders said.

“As you’re speaking, she’s flipping through her rolodex of hate and pulling out that card and she’s pulled out four cards in her mind. Whenever you say the last word, she pulls the card and gives the insult.”

To this day, Bianca begins her shows with a decree: “three drinks for you, three drinks for me, and we’ll all be laughing at the same shit.” If a teaspoon of sugar helps the truth go down, Bianca Del Rio is a cane field.

“I’m not really wanting to be a girl, I’m an actor who performs in drag.

Some things, if I would say tem out of drag they would say oh what a hateful faggot. If I say it in drag they go oh my God, that’s hilarious. It’s the packaging to get away with murder.”

Of the joys and surprises that come with travel, Bianca said she’s most surprised by the broad appeal of drag. She tells the story of a young boy who showed to one of her shows in heels, makeup and fake eyelashes.

He was with his 80-something-year-old grandmother.

“After the show, I was talking to the grandmother, “you know, some of what I say up there is pretty racy.” She said “why the fuck do you think I’m here.”

With that knowledge, Bianca is making moves to methodically reach more people, Instagram or not.

After waiting patiently, she found a mate in Harper Collins, which will release the book in hardcover May 22.

Dr. Phil provided Bianca with inspiration for her authority on just about every subject.

“I thought if Dr. Phil can strew his bullshit and make millions, why can’t I,” Bianca said. “He looks like a bloated walrus, if they take advice from that asshole they can take advice from me.”

The book will precede a sequel to Bianca’s 2016 film, Hurricane Bianca.

In the original, Haylock plays a version of himself as a gay man, Richard Martinez. After moving from New York to Texas, Martinez is fired from his job as a science teacher when the principal finds a gay personal ad. Martinez’s antidote is drag, and Bianca Del Rio returns to her former former position, armed with loud eyeliner and mouth.

Bianca is cheeky with details about the forthcoming film, From Russia With Hate. The film is again produced by Matt Kugelman, and Rachel Dratch, formerly of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live, returns as Bianca’s co-star.

Bianca said that Dratch opens the movie in a Texas prison after molesting high school students.

“She’s still as hateful as ever, she gets out of jail with me, and I end up in Russia, one of the most homophobic places ever, with her,” Bianca said. “ It’s definitely not going to be serious.

We’re not doing Gone With The Wind.”

We can only hope Bianca succeeds in disavowing Russia of its pernicious homophobia.

Her Blame It On Bianca Del Rio tour stopped in New Orleans March 3.

“The Suicide Rate Will Go Up”

That caveat introduces Bianca’s forthcoming self-help book, titled “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio, The Expert On Nothing With An Opinion On Everything.”

The book provides a gay best friend’s advice on just about everything.

“The suicide rate will go up, but its flat out everything you’d want to say to a friend or a family member, in the moment, no bullshit. Love, education, work and family,” Bianca said.

It took a few years before a publisher was willing to touch Bianca’s racy text, she said.

The first offer I had right when Drag Race happened, there was a group of people that were like well, you can’t say this, you can’t do that,” she said. “If I can’t present myself as who I am, I’m not going to do it.”

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 7

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex.

This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:

Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative.  Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.  You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months.  If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away.  To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:  Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.  Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

 Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.  Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include:  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP?  All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

 Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

 If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA.

 Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

 If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

 If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

 All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.  If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

8 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com TVDC0162_PrEP_B_10-25x12.5_Ambush_Drag_p1.indd 1-2

I’m irresistible, not irresponsible.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices.  TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex.  You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

Learn more at truvada.com

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 9 2/13/18 11:30 AM

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP:

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:

• Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

• You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

• You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP.

• If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including:

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including:

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

• Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0162 07/17

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2/13/18 11:30 AM

A Community within Communities

by The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

It’s still Lent – Lost that 5 lbs. yet?

Lent is all around us punctuated by a few parties and a parade or two.

It is hard to take Lent seriously: there is that St. Paddy’s day thing and the St. Joe Altars and the parades which would make any penitent pause. “The penitential season” in New Orleans is always subject to interpretation. Like everything we do here … we interpret and if that translation includes cocktails and parades and spandex all the better.

So, it’s Lent in the Big Easy and easily we go down our penitential road “giving up meat” for Lent and ordering an oyster loaf instead. Oh how we mortify our flesh. The only mortification I often see is Fridays with expanding waist lines. We have a fascinating way of avoiding the austere and replacing it with gold lamé. It is not always a bad trait and it makes us “resilient” because the bad stuff gets turned around into good stuff. At least that is the way it seems.

All of that being said Lent can have its virtues. Lent, properly understood today, is a time of reflection and self-appraisal. How often do we honestly take time to do that? No, I am not talking about your eye shadow or tiara in the mirror, although that is self-appraisal; I am talking about the visceral stuff. I am talking about how we live and how we succeed or fail as humans and a part of the human community. For many such

is difficult and to be avoided. We avoid by doing what we in New Orleans have taken to a new level – we rationalize our behaviors and live in perpetual denial. Now, I do not mean that in an extreme way but in some subdued way that is incipient and stands in the background. I think that most of us have an idea of how we fall short; some are too hard on themselves and some not hard enough. But, generally in New Orleans we manage to avoid discomfort at all costs. Here is the thing about Lent it should, by its very nature, be a bit uncomfortable. Why? Because of a honest self-inventory which may point out that “gee we are not perfect” maybe we are “fabulous” but not perfect.

Lent is about understanding that we are never, as humans, a finished or diminishing creation. We, all of us, are always a work in progress. Be nice now and don’t look down that bar and say, “some of us are more works in progress than others” or “I guess her progress broke.” Be nice! If you are looking anywhere around the bar look in the mirror not checking yourself out or the hunk behind you but look into your own eyes. Lent is about being a work in progress and adorning that work with new facets and glorifying that work by stripping off the old and hurtful self and replacing it with a fresh coat of reality.

In Lent, that reality is that we have capacities to love, create, and work for justice. If we are already doing that can’t we do more? If we are not doing love, creativity, and justice work then

we must ask ourselves why not? One objective of Lent is to identify the “why nots” or “obstacles to grace” and to work to remove them. Lent rolls around each year and so a season of reflection, that is intentional, rolls around each year.

Like doing a long term project we can think of Lent as project based. It need not be overly comprehensive it can and indeed should have focus.

On St. Anna’s FB page the banner reads, “LENT: Pray, Fast, Give.” It shows a hand with dust and ashes in it pouring the same out. Lent starts by reminding us that we only have so much time on this earth. Do not fritter it away.

Strive to be loved and love, strive for justice and peace, strive to become holy and in so doing you are a work in holy progress.

Pray: communicate with the divine communicate by prayer for that which is beyond our reality and represents a greater cosmic reality. For Jews that would be a name like Adonai for Muslims The Great Creator, for we Christians the Trinity but specifically Jesus.

These manifestations are a focal point for us. Lent is a Christian time, but seasons of fasting are common to all world religions and I suspect at their heart all seek to have the penitent come out of the other side a holy person or a better person than when they began the fasting. So, pray and seek and behold, if you can, that which is greater than even our sum total as humans and don’t get bogged down in religion that has hurt you – pray.

Fast: open yourself up to self-appraisal and an honest internal conversation that seeks to embrace the whole

possibility of who and what you are as special creatures beloved by the Creator, by Jesus.

Give: Our community is one of the most giving of communities that I have had the pleasure of considering myself a part of (at least as a mascot or something). Whenever disaster strikes the community gives; where we see poor children the community gives; if a family is hungry or sick “The Community” steps in. Yet, “Give” in this sense is old school, alms giving in quiet. It is as much a spiritual discipline as it is a vehicle of fixing something. Jesus taught his followers this about giving: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

That reward won’t be winning Rue Paul’s Drag Race or the Lottery it will be a sense of deep self-worth. You will be a larger part of the human race and a light for those that surround you. That light will be in your heart and in your spirit. It will not depend on the approval of others or their opinions because it will be deeply personal. Give in secret your love, your wealth, your hope, your food even your peace. Give so that it may be well with thee.

SAVE THE DATE: The Annual Dodwell House Extravaganza, APRIL 7, 2018 Doors Open at 7:00 P.M. Raising funds for building-out Anna’s Place Community Center. The evening’s hostess Miss Elizabeth Bouvier. Tickets on sale at www.dodwellhouse.org or email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

Chief Justice Joseph Henry Lumpkin in 1846. As a jurist, Lumpkin was a champion both of slavery and of the Southern code of honor. Perhaps, not by coincidence, Nunn was the first case in which a court struck down a gun law on the basis of the Second Amendment.

The U.S. Supreme Court cited Nunn in District of Columbia v. Heller, its landmark 2008 decision holding, for the first time in over 200 years, that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a handgun in the home for self-defense.”

The NRA also doesn’t want you to know that the Founders regulated guns. For example, Blacks could not own them and Militia weapons were registered.

Former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger, a conservative appointed by Richard Nixon stated in 1991 the idea that there was an indi-

vidual right to bear arms was “a fraud.”

He also said if he were writing the Bill of Rights now, “There wouldn’t be any such thing as the Second Amendment.”

Southern states like Virginia refused to ratify the Bill of Rights unless the Second Amendment was included.

During debate, Patrick Henry argued, “If the country be invaded, a state may go to war, but cannot suppress [slave] insurrections [under this new Constitution]. If there should happen an insurrection of slaves, the country cannot be said to be invaded. They cannot, therefore, suppress it without the interposition of Congress.... Congress, and Congress only [under this new Constitution], can call forth the militia.”

The gun culture exemplified by the NRA is inextricably linked with racism.

Any discussion of sensible gun policy must not ignore this ugly truth.

Commentary

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

Is the Second Amendment Really Necessary?

In all the public discourse recently about guns and violence and the Second Amendment, a very disturbing truth has been left out of the conversation—the Second Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to preserve the slave patrol militias in the southern states.

When the Constitution was being written, government tyranny was the primary evil on everyone’s mind. After all, the U.S. was born out of a mistrust of the British Monarchy. The King’s “long train of abuses” were listed in the Declaration of Independence. For

this reason, the Founders did not want a centralized Federal army; rather, they preferred state militias. When a National standing army was eventually sanctioned, the founders “checked” the danger of the state military in two ways—one, Congress would fund the national army for two years at a time, and two, the states would have militias (today’s national guards).

The NRA would have us believe that the founders intended to guarantee every individual citizen’s right to “bear arms,” but history suggests otherwise. According to the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law, “Nunn v. State, a state-court decision written by Georgia

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Zurich Classic embraces well-received team format

by Jimmy Headrick, Crescent City Sports

In 2017, the Zurich Classic took the road less traveled.

In its 69 year history, the PGA Tour stop in New Orleans was a traditional four round event. Then it changed to a two person team championship last year.

The first New Orleans Open held in 1938 became a regular stop on the PGA Tour in 1958. A twist that takes on the personality of New Orleans laissez les bons temps rouler – ”Let the good times roll” – vibe has made the Zurich Classic a special tour event. he 2017 championship had the distinct drama of a New Orleans night as Kevin Kisner holed a wedge shot in the darkness for eagle on the 72nd hole at TPC Louisiana that forced a next day playoff with his partner Scott Brown against Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith.

The shot chosen in the top 5 best for the year in golf.

Both teams finished at 27 under par in the best ball/alternate shot for-

mat. The night magic was not there in the early Monday morning playoff for Kisner and Brown as Blixt and Smith captured the championship on the fourth playoff hole, marking the third victory on the PGA Tour for Blixt and the first for Smith.

Now let’s fast forward to the 2018 Zurich Classic Media Day Teleconference with Blixt and Smith. We learned that New Orleans is more than just a tour stop for the defending champions.

Whether it is Blixt’s enjoying with his family Bruce Springsteen at Jazz Fest or Smith’s gaining four pounds fast from his love of New Orleans seafood, this tour stop is always unique for the pros.

The 24-year old Australian Smith is off to the best start of his young career with three top 10 finishes, $1.5 million in earnings, a No. 22 ranking in the FedEx Cup Standings and the No. 52 spot in the World Golf Rankings.

We learned that on the flipside, 33 year old Swede Blixt is having his most

“We knew the team format was going to have an impact, but we really didn’t know how far it was going to go.”

difficult start in his pro career, missing the cut in six of his last seven starts while battling back issues. Under doctor’s orders, he will be sitting out the next couple of tournaments as he sets his sights on trying to gain a spot in The Masters.

“We knew the team format was going to have an impact,” Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!

Kids Foundation, that produces the Zurich Classic, said. “But we really didn’t know how far it going to go.”

Worthy shared his excitement about what the new team format is bringing to the Zurich Classic, with last year having seven of the world’s top 10 in the field. In fact, winners of the next 18 consecutive PGA Tour events were in the 2017 field.

A promising field is shaping up for 2018, featuring two time Masters champion Bubba Watson with partner and crowd favorite Matt Kuchar as well as defending Masters champion Sergio Garcia teamed up with a fellow Spaniard, Rafael Cabrera Bello, ranked 21st in the World Golf Rankings.

When Blixt and Smith come to TPC Louisiana April 27-30 to defend their championship, one thing is for sure. The Zurich Classic has taken on a new vibe, a relaxing atmosphere for the players in this team format and great entertainment for the fans.

New Orleans has a way of creating lasting memories, and the $7.2 million Zurich Classic is set to keep the good times rolling.

For tournament information, go to www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

A promising field is shaping up for 2018, featuring Bubba Watson & Matt Kuchar.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

Saints to sign former Panthers safety Kurt Coleman to three-year contract

by CCS Staff, Crescent City Sports

The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with veteran free agent safety Kurt Coleman on a three-year contract Friday night, The Advocate’s Nick Underhill first tweeted late Friday evening.

According to the NFL Network, Coleman’s deal is worth $18 million, including $6.5M in the first year.

Released last month by the Carolina Panthers, the 29-year old Coleman met this week with both the Saints and Bengals in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, so the expectation was a deal was going to get done at some point in the near future.

The Panthers signed Coleman to a four-year, $18.2 million contract that included $7 million guaranteed in 2016 after his first season with Carolina.

He was released by the Panthers in a cost-cutting move.

In 2017, Coleman appeared in 12

games for the Panthers and recorded 76 tackles, a fumble recovery and three pass defenses. The Ohio State product has 11 career interceptions.

Coleman, a former seventh-round pick of the Eagles back in 2010, joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2014 season after four seasons with Philadelphia.

The move marks the first significant free agent addition for the Saints this offseason. The official opening of the NFL’s free agency period Wednesday, March 14 provides the chance for New Orleans to aim higher than the NFC Divisional round in 2018.

The move marks the first significant free agent addition for the Saints this offseason.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

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Retiring offensive tackle Zach Strief personsifies class, success of the Saints under Payton

by Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports

METAIRIE – It simply doesn’t get is that seventh-round draft picks selany better than this. dom make in the NFL. Strief thought Zach Strief had as good of a reme may be seeing the handwriting on tirement announcement as anyone will the wall. His father told him to stick it ever have. If anyone wants to model out, along with encouragement from such an occurrence for himself or hertight ends coach Terry Malone. Strief self in the future, just reference Strief’s said he had a constant urge to prove performance Monday afternoon. It was himself. He set out on that journey in flawless.

New Orleans. It covered 12 years. It From self-effacing, self-deprecatwas special. ing humor and raw emotion, Strief was Instead, injuries to other offensive about everything but himself. He was linemen allowed him to get an enorall about his college coach, his famimous number of reps at practice and ly, his Saints teammates and former helped him in his quest to make the teammates, his coaches, his general team and stick around. He took advanmanager, the fans and the city itself. tage of the opportunity.

Strief checked all of the boxes.

Ultimately, he became the “reports That comes as as an eligible receivno surprise to anyone er” additional blocker who has spent time Strief overcame odds in goal-line situaaround the mountain tions. every step of the way. of a man during the From 2006course of his career.

2010, Strief played in A virtual after71 games but started thought as a seventh-round draft just seven. He broke through in 2011 choice (210th overall) in 2006, Strief after his mentor, Jon Stinchcomb readmitted to nearly quitting in the midtired, and became a starter for the next dle of his first training camp in 2006 at six seasons, playing solidly at right steamy Millsaps College in Jackson, tackle. He opened the 2017 season MS. as a starter before going down with a Strief is a pragmatic, practical, knee injury. professional man. He has a solid grip That injury provided an opportunity on reality. The reality of the situation to Ryan Ramczyk, who seized the day

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and became an instant star. with. Strief was accessible and honest.

Ironically, while injuries paved the Then, there was his presence in way for Strief to make the roster in the community.

2006, an injury expedited the developIf there was an event going on that ment and starting status of Ramczyk.

Strief could lend himself to, he was Of course, there is a vast differthere. I can vouch for that on a perence, considering Ramczyk was a firstsonal level with his loyal attendance to round investment.

Saints Hall of Fame Strief overcame events. Strief has If there was an event consistently raised odds every step of the way. money for pediatric going on that Strief While he will be research and could lend himself to, cancer missed as a playhas provided his serhe was there. I can er, his leadership vices to many other ability in the locker leadership efforts vouch for that on a room will be sorely throughout the repersonal level with missed. Sean Paygion. ton acknowledged as To win in the his loyal attendance much. Strief served NFL, you need solid to Saints Hall of as a team captain scouting, good orgaFame events. five times. nizational leadership, Then, there is the outstanding coaching relationship with the fans, city and meand excellent players. If you have playdia. ers with character, the ability to win beFortunately, Strief has invested in a comes incrementally easier and better. business in the New Orleans area with When you look back at 2006 and The Port of Orleans Brewing Company the signings of Drew Brees, Scott on Tchopitoulas Street and he married Shanle and Scott Fujita, in particular, a New Orleans lady. His ties to the city and you look at the draft, which prowill remain and that is a good thing. duced six players who played at least Strief was as good with the media 10 years in the league, the scouting as anyone on the Saints squad. He and organizational leadership was in may have been the very best to deal Continued on Page 15

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place and obvious in its excellence.

The hiring of Sean Payton gave the Saints a dynamic, aggressive, hungry, motivated young coach with tunnel vision. The players took care of the rest.

An NFC championship game appearance followed in the first season of the new regime as a fragile metropolitan area nursed itself back to health following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. As Strief said Monday, seeing the city on its knees, barren and scarred, bruised and beaten in 2006 and to see it today has been an amazing growth process, one to marvel at and appreciate.

Thanks to Mickey Loomis, Sean Payton and players like Zach Strief, the recovery was made easier by a football team that exceeded expectations and gave everyone something to latch on to, enjoy and to be proud of.

By 2009, the Saints were a championship team. Strief was part of it.

The nostalgia of today was not lost on everyone present at the press conference.

With Strief retiring, only Brees remains from the original group of players Payton began his journey with in 2006. For that matter, only Brees and Thomas Morstead remain from the Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010.

As for Brees, he and his wife Brittney were on hand for the retirement announcement, along with many other teammates of Strief. So, too, was Gayle Benson, who made the appearance despite her husband remaining hospitalized. That is how well respected Strief was by those who encountered him.

Nothing lasts forever. Change is inevitable. Time marches on. The players and coaches will change. Someone else will soon wear No. 64 in black and gold.

While Brees has, should and will always command the lion’s share of the attention for the success of the Saints under Sean Payton, the contributions of people like Jahri Evans, Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Carl Nicks, Jermon Bushrod, Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, Devery Henderson, Stinchcomb, Jonathan Goodwin, Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Jonathan Vilma, Morstead, Shanle, Fujita and so many others must always be remembered and appreciated.

The man who was a forgotten man in 2006 has become a man who will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated by Saints personnel and fans. Zach Strief has moved to the top of his class as one of the classiest men to ever don the black and gold. He will be sorely missed.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

LSU players to watch this spring and beyond

by Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports

LSU is a few days from kicking off only freshman back to play with the spring football drills. Many are curious varsity. His first day of practice as a about players who haven’t taken the freshman, Edwards-Helaire ripped off field in a meaningful way, including the three 60-yard runs. most prominent newcomers set to parCurry (5-11, 215) is a downhill runticipate in spring workouts. ner who keeps legs churning with a low I promise it was not intentional just pad level. Compared by many to Marbecause it’s March, but this list can shawn Lynch, Curry attacks defenders be called a ‘Sweet 16’ Tigers to watch and heads straight up the field with (okay, I listed 17 total while combining some wiggle. He runs angry like Dera pair at the same position but roll with rius Guice. it): 5-Terrace Marshall (6-2, 192, 1-Jonathan Giles (5-11, 175) 4.5 forty) The Parkway High product Set to be the “Alpha reminds me a great Catholic High in BaDog” of the receiving deal of Michael Claycorps in ’18, Giles ton Rouge has turned ton when he arrived was the 2016 Biletout a list of outstand- at LSU. Offesnive conikoff semifinalist ordinator Steve Ensing players such as while at Texas Tech minger has followed by grabbing 69 passhis career for years Derrius Guice, Wares for 1,158 yards and knows exactly rick Dunn and Travis and 13 touchdowns. what talents Marshall With two years of elMinor. brings to the table igibility remaining, he as a wide receiver. transferred LSU after considering Ohio Blessed with a great catching radius, State, Florida State, Georgia, WisconMarshall makes difficult grabs looks sin, Tennessee and Oregon. easy at time. He is a very advanced Giles has left onlookers in awe as route runner (that is vital to new assishow graceful and fluid he is catching tant Jerry Sullivan). He is a big receiver passes and getting out of breaks. The who moves like a smaller one.

Missouri City, Texas product should 6-Tyler Shelvin (6-3, 340) You’ll give the offense a jolt of energy as well see a much different version of this as stability, particularly with the deparhulking presence this season. The top tures of D.J. Chark and Russell Gage.

2-Breiden Fehoko (6-3, 305) Another Texas Tech transfer, Fehoko will immediately assume a leadership role.

He has skills similar to Chritian LaCouture. Very physical, he can take up blockers or push the pocket.

3-Badara Traore (6-8, 315) A 2018 signee via JUCO this 4 star prospect from Garden City, New York pulls, traps and finishes blocks. He can mirror pass rushers with good feet and a good punch. Traore will start at one of the tackle spots, most likely on the left side of the line. He has All-SEC potential.

4-The running back tandem (sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire and 2018 signee Chris Curry) Don’t judge Edwards-Helaire by what you witnessed in 2017 since he had only three kick returns, 28 yards rushing and three catches for 48 yards.

The 5-foot-7, 208 pounder plays with a chip on his shoulder. CEH plays similar to Dalton Hilliard based on his strength below his waist. Not overly fast (like Hilliard), he can busts a game wide open when he gets into space. Clyde has superb balance and feet. He plants his foot and heads up the field like a bigger back.

Catholic High in Baton Rouge has turned out a list of outstanding such as Derrius Guice, Warrick Dunn and Travis Minor. Legendary head coach Dale Weiner ran that program for 29 seasons and Edwards-Helaire was the

player in Louisiana from the 2017 class ballooned to 380 pounds. Reportedly, he has a new attitude and is ready to go. Shelvin should be ready for coming out party in the spring.

7-Damien Lewis (6-3, 320) Like Traore, Lewis was a coveted JUCO offensive lineman signed in 2018. He runs a sub 5.0 forty. Lewis drives opponents back and controls them with long arm extension. He should man one of guard spots with a possible look at center. He has three years to play two at LSU. 8-Micah Baskerville (6-2, 215) Evangel A productive player who had 80 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2017, Baskerville reminds me of Duke Riley. As a downhill tackler who embraces contact, he is a leader on defense with a high football IQ. Baskerville locates ball quickly.

9-Ja’Marr Chase (6-1, 200) Remember, I said that these players will make an impact in 2018. He is coming off of injury in the playoffs with Rummel, but Chase will force his way on to the field when he is 100 percent healthy.

He high-points balls and catches away from body with strong hands. Chase models his game after Dez Bryant and Continued on Page 16

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Continued from Page 15

plays with great passion.

10-Kristian Fulton (6-1, 195) I would be surprised if he isn’t starting against Miami. The former 5 star prospect in 2016 has great length. After offfield concerns kept him off the field for the Tigers last season, Fulton is anxious to get back to work and show what he can do. While at Rummel he had 11 interceptions in 2014, including three in one game against Holy Cross.

11-Travez Moore (6-5, 256) Compared by some to Arden Key when he arrived, the Copiah Lincoln JUCO, and Bastrop High product will be afforded every opportunity to fill Key’s shoes.

Moore has dreamed of playing at LSU. He uses his chiseled body to over power blockers and make game-changing plays. His job is to get to the passer.

Moore will be used in both two- or three-point stances as an outside edge defender.

12-Damon Clark (6-3, 218; 4.65 forty) Former LSU QB Marcus Randall coached Clark on the high school level where he had 86 stopsa with 11 sacks in 2017. A rangy athlete who can run, Clark has played wide receiver and dunk a basketball with authority. At LSU, this violent tackler is one to watch at inside linebacker.

13-Kelvin Joseph (6-2, 190; 4.45 forty) He flies up to challenge, demolishing ball carriers. Very athletic, Joseph has been tried ar cornerback but he will probably play much at safety.

Ed Paris, who moved to safety, played corner for two-plus seasons. Joseph provides similar versatility.

14-Cole Smith (6-4, 280) He played all offensive line spots at Pontotoc High, and LSU thinks he will battle Lloyd Cushenberry for a starting spot at center. This early enrollee has superb feet, a high football IQ and energy to compete daily. Smith is known to be tenacious in practice. His father was All-SEC at Mississippi State and played nine seasons in the NFL. 15-Thaddeus Moss (6-3, 247) A transfer from North Carolina State, Moss has a famous father – Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss. The younger Moss could line up at wide out or slot receiver. He has reliable, strong hands but also functions as a good blocker. He considered Georgia, Louisville, Ole Miss and Auburn before landing in Tigertown.

16-Cole Tracy A graduate transfer from Camarillo (Calif.), he was the winner of the 2017 Fred Mitchell award as the top place kicker not from an FBS school. Tracy made 27 field goals with a long of 53 yards. He should make a difference for the Tigers at a position that was less than reliable last season.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

Tricentennial Events

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

March 8—September 2. Salazar: Portraits of Influence in Spanish New Orleans will tell the story of Josef Francisco Xavier de Salazar y Mendoza (c.

1750-1802), whose career spanned most of the Spanish administration of New Orleans. Location: Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. March 25. Treme Cultural Tour.

The Friends of the Cabildo walking tour of Treme provides a rich, detailed perspective on one of the city’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods.

10a.m.Tickets: $20 Members | $25 General Admission.

Departure Point: Basin Street Station (in front of the building, 501 Basin Street) March 28. How to Save a Neighborhood. A public talk by Nathan Chapman and Keith Hardie. Sponsored by VCPORA and the Beauregard-Keyes House. 5:30pm. Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St. April 17. Tricentennial Inter-Faith Prayer Service at St. Louis Cathedral.

The service will be an opportunity for the various faiths of New Orleans to come together in thankfulness and unity.

April 19—April 22. Tall Ships® of America’s unique selection of antique ships will be on display at Woldenberg Park for the weekend.

April 20. This grand opening of the demonstration phase of the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District is the realization of 45 years of community planning, design, and engagement. Join the “Under the Bridge” at Ursulines and Claiborne Avenues as they cut the ribbon and introduce this neighborhood revitalization initiative, complete with new businesses, art, music, and green space.

April 20. Voices of Congo Square.

Produced by Shaka and Naimah Zulu Voices of the Congo Square will bring the essence, culture, and mystique of the Mardi Gras Indians to the Orpheum Theater.

April 20—July 8.

Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans and the American Revolution at the Cabildo. This magnificent exhibition features hundreds of historic artifacts, documents and works of art exploring Spain’s influence on the development of New Orleans, its support of the American Revolution and Spain’s lasting legacy on American culture. Organized by Iberdrola in association with the Louisiana State Museum.

April 22. New Orleans Tricentennial Dog Parade. Celebrate New Orleans’ 300th birthday with a four-legged parade presented by NOLA City Bark

and Gambit. Come out and show your NOLA spirit with a morning dog walk around NOLA City Bark. This fun event will also include a costume contest for the best New Orleans-centric dog attire. Celebrate with the “lucky dogs” that get to call New Orleans home.

Registration begins at 10 am parade begins at 11 am.

June 1—June 30. Nola4Women Global Summit on Women and Girls.

The summit will shine a spotlight on New Orleans as a thought leader in the global conversations about women and girls. The solution-focused summit will look at successful initiatives and share best practices focusing on the critical issues of healthcare, education equity and gender based violence.

August 29. The Gay History of the French Quarter: A public lecture by historian and author Frank Perez.

Sponsored by VCPORA and the Beauregard-Keyes House. 5:30pm. Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St. October 26—January 27. New Orleans Museum of Art Duke of Orléans Exhibit (The Orleans Collection). In

celebration of the City of New Orleans’ Tricentennial in 2018, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) will present The Orléans Collection, an exhibition of selections from the magnificent collection of the city’s namesake, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (1689-1723). Universally praised during his lifetime, the exceptional collection was comprised of some of the preeminent works in the history of art.

November 17. Tricentennial Fête des Fromages. The Tricentennial Fête des Fromages is a festival celebrating cheeses from around the world. Hosted by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Chapter at the Old U.S. Mint in the French Quarter.

December 1—December 31. Luna Fête Presented by Arts Council. A visionary initiative that features unusual art installation and a festival of lights employing the city’s iconic architecture as the canvas for large-scale and inspiring contemporary light and video mapping technology.

ELECT

Appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights, Representing the 2nd District Serves on the boards of the Morris Jeff Community School in New Orleans and the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund New Orleans Magazine’s Top Lawyers (2012, 2014 & 2015)

ELECTION DAY IS MARCH 24 Early Voting is Available March 10 - 17

www.perqueforjudge.com | 504.517.3789 | P.O. Box 30568, New Orleans, LA 70190-0568 PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT RICHARD PERQUE

16 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi From New Orleans Softball | Photos by New Orleans Softball / John

NOLA Softball recently kicked off its Spring 2018 Season. This year, 9 teams in C and D Divisions will vie for berths to the 2018 Gay Softball World Series is Tampa, FL. Avita Pharmacy will be the league’s premier sponsor, providing corporate support during the 2018 season.

For the first time since the league formed in 2010, we will be supporting a community organization, The

LGBT Center of New Orleans, with events and fundraising throughout the 2018 season.

D Division Teams Big Easy Bears, sponsored by Phoenix Bar, Krewe of King Arthur, and Pokorn Construction Crawlers, sponsored by White Claw Hard Seltzer Geaux Cups, sponsored by Avita

Phramacy, and Tito’s Vodka Hit Dats, sponsored by Avita Pharmacy, Good Friends Bar, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade NOLA Pride, sponsored by 700 Club Ursa Minors, sponsored by Chef Ron’s

Comprehensive Behavioral Solutions Ursa Majors, sponsored by Chef Ron’s Wizards of Age, sponsored by Louisiana Pizza Kitchen-Uptown

C Division Teams Southern Belles, sponsored by

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 17

New Orleans Brunch Guide Another Broken Egg

by Richard W. Hébert 2917 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 (Garden District) (504) 301-2771 607 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 (Lakeview) (504) 301-4667 anotherbrokenegg.com Let’s be honest, your first time at Another Broken Egg is because you’re nursing a hangover and the wait across the street at Ruby Slipper is too long, but have no fear. You can still love yourself, support local industries, and enjoy a delicious brunch at this national chain with two locations in New Orleans (Garden District & Lakeview). Another Broken Egg partners with Louisiana Seafood and Marketing to provide fresh Louisiana crawfish and shrimp in their dishes. Along those lines, I recommend Stan’s Mardi Gras omelette with hefty portions of crawfish, shrimp, andouille, red peppers, and a tomato hollandaise. For the health-conscious, the salmon power bowl offers a balanced option with an array of fresh vegetables topped with Southwestern-seasoned salmon and a honey-jalepeño vinaigrette. Another Broken Egg has a full bar, so wash down this tasteful and reliable brunch with your favorite cocktail.

Atchafalaya

by Richard W. Hébert 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-9626 atchafalayarestaurant.com Eating brunch at Atchafalaya is not a bucket list item; it should be an essential part of one’s regular self-care regimen. This Irish Channel staple was named by Fodor’s Travel Guide as one of America’s top urban brunch spots in 2015–a title which stands strong in 2018. Start out your visit with a glass of wine or, better yet, the widely-known and universally-loved “vodka salad bar” to build your perfect bloody mary.

In the heated debate surrounding New Orleans’ best shrimp and grits, I side with Atchafalaya. The shrimp and grits features head-on shrimp, andouille, smoked tomatoes (which possibly make the dish), and cream cheese grits. The only way to go wrong with Atchafalaya is by not securing a reservation as weekend brunch can get quite busy, and if weather permits, dine outside in the limited al fresco seating.

Café Beignet

by Greg Kyle Fulton, MD, FAAP One of the kept secrets on Bourbon street is the Café Beignet located in Musical Legends Park.

Tucked away past the bronze statutes of past jazz greats and through the courtyard where a live jazz band is always playing is a Café Beignet outpost serving the best beignets New Orleans has to offer. The beignets are large, warm, and pillowy still with a slight chewy middle covered with just enough powdered sugar to not be overly sweet. Best enjoyed accompanying a cup of chicory coffee or hot chocolate for dipping, under a beautiful cool spring night sky enveloped in upbeat jazz music.

Next time you crave beignets think twice before standing in a line for three hours beside a die hard Trumpkin from Kentucky to get the famously overhyped, over-sugared fried dough down by the river.

table-side is as New Orleans as it gets.

I could go on about the food for days, but I will keep it simple – everything is divine. The turtle soup is not only the best in the city, but also surely the best in the entire world. Don’t forget the sherry! I typically stick to eggs benedict du jour for brunch but you really can’t go wrong. And for dessert, the Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé is perhaps the most decadent and delectable dessert around (maybe a tie with Frank Brigtsen’s Pecan Pie). All of this should be accompanied with several of their award winning bloody marys.

You may feel like you need a nap after brunch at Commander’s Palace, but you’re better off just walking it off on Magazine Street. Keep the good times coming.

Cane and Table

Country Club

by Brian Rivas-Davi French Quarter Flat Price All You Can Drink... and Great Food Do you love Pan-Latin food and rum drinks served out of fresh pineapples? You should. You’re taking a step back to Colonial Times as soon as you walk in. The historic architecture and design really adds to the Latin atmosphere. They offer a ridiculously great brunch for $45 per person allyou-can-drink-in-2-hours. This is the perfect location to get your day drink on and keep a buzz going while you go and explore in the heart of the quarter.

These aren’t your run of the mill Bourbon Street trash drinks. Cane and Table offers a wide selection of cocktails and drinks to choose, from fresh mimosas to a daily punch. Start off with the Puffed Pork Skins with cane syrup and move on to Coconut French Toast. Enjoy your mini vacation and leave drunk and merry.

Commander’s Palace

by Adam Jacob Eversole Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans institution – winning just about every culinary honor offered in its 125year history.

Located on a quiet strip of Washington Avenue in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is stunning from the very beginning. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in spring the setting truly can’t be beat.

Each dining room in Commander’s Palace has a unique charm, but if you’re lucky you’ll be seated in the Garden Room for Sunday Jazz Brunch. The room is elegant and full of light. The jazz trio fill the room with New Orleans sound. Having your turtle soup with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong classics being performed

by John Harper 643 Louisa Street (Bywater) Pay $10 and the mimosas are never ending. Pay another $15 and you can move out back and spend an afternoon in a hot tub with gay boys (though unfortunately the crowd has become more clothed and more straight in recent years).

The Country Club does so many

things oh so well, and brunch is no exception. An oversized front porch, complete with upholstered chairs and fresh flowers, is perfect for al fresco brunching, and feels more plantation home than urban oasis. The interior spaces of the home are no less gentile and luscious.

Start your funday with fried green tomatoes and eggs, or beef debris, or skip onward to truffle mac and cheese.

Finish your day with a poolside Bloody Mary. Sometimes, you really can have it all.

Open 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., everyday.

(504) 945-0742

Compére Lapin

by Brian Rivas-Davi Warehouse District Bring your Date, not your Hookup I have a probably unhealthy obsession with eating in old, funky buildings. The older, the funkier, the better.

Compére Lapin is located in the Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery and is pretty breathtaking. The Executive Chef here is from the island of St. Lucia and uses that to influence her menu style and drinks. Everything on the brunch menu Continued on Page 20

RESTAURANT & BAR LARGE COVERED PATIO ON ESPLANADE

DAILY SPECIALS Open 11am – 10pm Daily Except Mondays

HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS 4 – 6PM

SUNDAY BRUNCH 11AM – 3PM $1 MIMOSAS $3 SANGRIAS & BLOODY MARYS

THE TRADITION LIVES ON AT

3201 ESPLANADE AVE. · 948-0077

18 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi From Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown | Photos by Jim & Rob

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Continued from Page 18

is impeccable. Serving everything from Goat Bolognese to Truffle Fonduta with poached eggs, it’s definitely a foodie’s paradise. Coming from a service background myself, I give major props to their service staff for their tableside manner and timing on everything. They offer a bottom-less punch or dealer’s choice for $20, which considering the area you’re in, is a great price. Be prepared to spend a bit of dough here, as this is one restaurant you come to, to impress. Totally worth it.

Coquette

by Brian Rivas-Davi Garden District When you want to be a Bougie Gay If you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, throw on your Sunday best and hop on a streetcar down to Magazine Street.

Coquette offers a two-course brunch for a surprisingly low price of $20 per person. Don’t be afraid to splurge extra for Deviled Eggs topped with Louisiana Bowfin Caviar. It’s 100% worth it. If you’re dining with a group I recommend ordering a whole family-style fried chicken for the table. When dining under antique chandeliers in a 140-yearold building, one MUST order the nicest bottle of Champagne. They offer an award winning champagne and wine list. Make sure you make reservation ahead of time and be prepared to use your outdoor voice because Coquette goes from zero-to-hero very quickly.

EAT New Orleans

by Brian Rivas-Davi French Quarter Southern Gay Boy Cooking I have a special place in my heart for Jarred Zeringue, the owner and chef of EAT. Not only is he a great dancer, his cooking and cuisine really touches your soul. Using only locally sourced and fresh ingredients, Jarred provides an authentic Cajun experience that anyone will enjoy. My go to here is the Eggs Cochon. It’s a Cajun twist on the eggs benedict with pulled pork over mustard greens, poached eggs, Creole Hollandaise, and a homemade biscuit.

If you want to go more traditional, EAT offers other selections such as burgers and a hefty Big Breakfast Combo. Going with my obsession, they also serve a seasonal Crawfish Pie. Make sure to snag a bottle of bubbles or rosé before hand since EAT is a BYOB establishment and there is no corkage fee for your first bottle or six-pack of beer.

Horns

by Brian Rivas-Davi Marigny Southern Breakfast on Grandma’s Ranch Horns is a local neighborhood favorite located right in the heart of

the Marigny. Let me start off saying that any New Orleans restaurant that serves crawfish for breakfast automatically wins a special spot on my list. If you pass on the sidewalk seating, you can lounge up in the bungalow, which is spot on to any southern auntie’s farmhouse, complete with mismatched tea sets and actual family portraits.

They stay true to their southern roots with biscuits that you’ll dream about and pancakes that make your mouth water. If there was one meal I had to eat for the rest of my life, it would be the Crabby Wife. Eggs and a crab cake soaked in a crawfish étouffée, served with a biscuit. What else can you ask for?

New Orleans Cake Café & Bakery

by Richard W. Hébert 2440 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 943-0010 nolacakes.com I love Cake Café like Oprah loves bread–I could eat there every day. However, Cake Café is closed on Tuesdays.

Nestled in the Marigny, Cake Café is an excellent way to start any Sunday Funday or weekend adventure with a delicious brunch in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Though Cake Café does not serve alcohol, they do serve up some of my favorite dishes in the city.

The roasted vegetable omelette is a stand-out with eggplant, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, red peppers, squash, and goat cheese. Treat yourself to one of their massive, delectable housemade biscuits no matter what you order! It’s perfect for carb-loading before a day out in the French Quarter. The crab sandwich receives an honorable mention with its perfect blend of fresh local crab meat, bacon, melted brie, and sautéed spinach. PS, you can get a cupcake for $1 with any meal. That’s right, cupcakes for breakfast.

with your choice of side, but it should just say grits. Get. the. Grits. Refuel offers a refreshing selection of teas and locally roasted coffee (hot and iced) in addition to the breakfast standard milk and OJ. Be sure to go early and avoid the crowds!

Ruby Slipper

by John Harper 315 South Broad Street (Midcity), 1005 Canal Street (CBD), 200 Magazine Street (CBD), 2802 Magazine Street (Irish Channel), 2001 Burgundy Street (Marigny) Among the best traditional New Orleans brunch spots, Ruby Slippers earns its place. This Midcity institution is a warm, neighborly spot to get your morning binge on.

Efficient service and a well-fleshed out menu of both savory and sweet brunch items makes this a reliable choice for a diverse range of palettes.

Shrimp and grits, smothered in richness, comes in a boat, accompanied with an ascendant biscuit. Eggs Benedict can be served with pulled pork, in lieu of ham or some other boring meat.

Bacon is candied.

On the sweet side, consider Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, which would violate obesity prevention laws in more austere regions. Delicately battered and fried french toast is covered in a banana flambe and applewood-smoked bacon.

Refuel Café

by Richard W. Hébert 8124 Hampson St, New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 872-0187 refuelcafe.com Head Uptown to the River Bend area to enjoy this small but wildly popular brunch spot that specializes in fresh, healthy breakfasts that make for the perfect foundation of any day.

Refuel Café does not sacrifice flavor for healthfulness in any of their dishes. Whether you’re a veggie-lover, a meat-eater, or anything in-between, Refuel has you covered. The breakfast burritos are delicious enough to spend rent money on, but thankfully, they’re affordable. The California has eggs, cheese blend, avocado, pico, and black beans, and The Meat has eggs, bacon, andouille, ham, cheese blend, and potatoes. Breakfast burritos come

20 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

It’s gon’ be good.

Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends.

(504) 525-9355

Santa Fe

by A Friend of Jim Tomeny I arrived early around 10:45 am on a sunny Sunday morning at Santa Fe and saw the owner dressed in kitchen clothes having a coffee break on the patio. She greeted me warmly and told me they were just about to open but that fresh coffee, complimentary jalapeno corn muffins served with honey and $1 mimosas were ready, just to sit, make myself at home and they would take care of the rest.

I picked a table in the shade, was promptly seated by the host. Delicious tiny corn muffins just out of the oven, with just the right amount of honey were immediately brought to me by my polite server. I ordered the first of many mimosas to follow.

I had the opportunity to closely study the rich brunch menu while waiting for my 2 friends to join me that morning and suggested we all order different dishes. We picked SW biscuits with slow roasted pork, chorizo and scrambled eggs, huevos rancheros and a seafood omelette. The first 2 dishes came accompanied by roasted vegetable potato hash, guacamole, Continued on Page 22

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sour cream and pico de gallo, the omelette came with a fresh, home made SW biscuit and a delicious Creole sauce.

Everything was fresh, very creative and delicious. Listening to soft Latin Jazz coming from the speakers on the patio, we took our time to thoroughly enjoy our meal and drinks and decided to share one of Santa Fe’s staple desserts.

Churros was our pick! They were filled with custard, came warm with sides of melted chocolate and cinnamon sugar. Yumm !

By noon, the patio became packed, we ran into friends we hadn’t seen in a while and our group grew.

What started as a quiet Sunday brunch with 2 close friends turned into an enjoyable afternoon spent on beautiful Esplanade Avenue

Seaworthy

by Brian Rivas-Davi CBD Oysters and Eye Candy Speaking of oysters for breakfast. Seaworthy makes you feel like you just walked down to white sands of the west coast. No, but really, they chuck their oysters at the bar and it’s much more amazing than it sounds.

Or smells. Delivering you a diverse oyster menu from this coast to that coast, Seaworthy does not disappoint.

Enjoy your brunch in style as you eat and drink inside a restaurant turned pirate ship. Continuing on with my weird crawfish for breakfast obsession, my go to menu item is their citrus crawfish roll. They offer a huge selection of bubbles that fit any budget, epically if you want to ball out. Make sure you grab your first round down at the bar with bartenders that are able to leave you thirsty well after your third cocktail.

Seed

by Brian Rivas-Davi Lower Garden District Vegan Brunch Before Spin Class On your way to or from morn-

HO

ST

YO

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ing yoga, this spot offers a number of fresh, organic breakfasts and healthy snacks. Vibrant colors and fun music are perfect for getting your day going.

Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a nice touch to your mimosa or spirit of choice. Bring out your inner California girl with some avocado toast or dive in to a Seed Breakfast, which includes a tofu scramble, maple seitan, and wheat toast. Not feeling super hungry?

They offer a whole juice and smoothie menu. Chocolate-Avocado smoothie.

Just saying.

SoBou Restaurant

by Richard W. Hébert 310 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 552-4095 sobounola.com One of the Commander’s family of restaurants, SoBou is situated inside the W Hotel in the French Quarter.

Check out SoBou for any meal, but do not miss the Burlesque Brunch on Sundays. Choose from the special “Legs & Eggs” menu available from 10:30 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m., and enjoy live burlesque performances by world-renowned burlesque performer Bella Blue between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays.

The burlesque show features a live band that, though very talented, can be a bit loud in the small space; however, you can still enjoy the delicious brunch outside of performance hours with dishes such as the crispy fried quail & waffles with a poached egg, crystal hot sauce hollandaise, and pepper jack cheese on cornbread waffles. SoBou also offers a house punch, called the “Hooch,” served in giant flasks, but be careful, the “Hooch” goes down dangerously smooth!

waiters). Antique furniture and classic rock give you a small taste of what’s to come. Sure, you can start with one of their many morning craft cocktails, (Yes, that’s a thing) but the best part about brunch here is their Champagne & Fries. Whether it’s a brunch date or a group outing, this wonderfully delicious combo pairs perfectly together. Make sure you ask for some of their homemade hot sauce. Go for healthy with some shaved Brussels sprouts, but don’t be afraid to stuff your face with some short rib hash or bourbon French toast.

Stanley

by John Harper 547 Saint Ann Street (French Quarter) Located conveniently on the periphery of the Fruit Loop, right at the corner of Jackson Square, Stanley is a fun, bright, Frenchy space in which to begin a drunk day in the Quarter. After all, you can’t be drunk all day if you don’t start first thing in the morning.

Mimosas and Bloody Marys can be ordered in generous large glasses.

Bloodies come garnished with thick, peppery, well crisped bacon strips.

The restaurant’s signature brunch item, Eggs Stanley, is sure to please any oyster-loving lush. Cornbread-fried oysters adorn poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Similar benedicts are available with other local, seasonal seafoods, including but not limited to

Sylvain

by Brian Rivas-Davi French Quarter Two Words: Champagne. Fries.

Trust me when I say it’s worth dodging mobs of tourists and horrible drivers for a courtyard table here. Walking in you can see that it’s the Old South meets Brooklyn(including hot hipster

N

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soft shell crab and shrimp. Sophisticated takes on many regional specialities make for a great New Orleans morning (many would call such time ‘afternoon’, not us).

Seating can be tight on weekends, but the bar is spacious and the staff are a joy. Expansive glass-paneled doors mean not missing out on whatever is happening in The Square.

Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

(504) 587-0093

St. Roch Market

by Brian Rivas-Davi St. Roch For All of Your Indecisive Friends St. Roch Market is basically the end all of any “What do you want to eat?” argument. Your boyfriend wants a breakfast burrito and you want a lox sandwich? No problem. This trendy spot offers a fantastic selection of food vendors that cater to anyone’s cravings or diets. Reminiscent of such markets in Europe, St. Roch is very aesthetically pleasing with giant marble columns and tall white ceilings. Grab one of the many seat yourself tables or pop off to the Mayhaw Bar for a tiki cocktail served in the most adorable parrot glass. Bonus: Service Industry and Teachers get Happy Hour all day, every day. Didn’t get your seafood craving covered? This is New Orleans, Continued on Page 23

Continued from Page 22

baby. It’s never too early for oysters and champagne. Elysain Oyster Bar has you covered.

Toast

by John Harper 1845 Gentilly Boulevard (Fairgrounds) and 5433 Laurel Street (Lower Garden District) Don’t let the name deceive, Toast is less about bread and more about what you can put between it. This cozy neighborhood spot is really good at stacking unique combinations of food and putting them between two slices of something.

Consider the waffle sandwich.

Thick slices of ham, fried egg, avocado and warm tomatoes are smothered in pimento cheese. The waffles hold it all together. Crepes can be filled any number of ways, but if you haven’t tried prosciutto and brie, you haven’t really lived yet.

Bloody Marys are generous, as are portions in general. Service is warm, friendly and laid back. Feel free to come out in basketball shorts. Brunch at Toast feels like walking out of your living room and into your neighbor’s very lively and well stocked kitchen.

Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends.

CBD: (504) 267-3260 Fairgrounds: (504) 351-3664

Turkey and the Wolf

by Brian Sands When you go to Turkey and the Wolf (739 Jackson Ave.), order the collard green melt and fried bologna sandwiches and two fried pot pies. Each of you take one of the pot pies and a half of the sandwiches. The result--heaven in your mouth! Everything else on the menu is fine (deviled eggs, salads, etc.) but those are the items that likely caused Bon Appétit magazine to name it “Restaurant of the Year.” Service is always friendly and attentive. You order at the counter and I’ve been consistently fortunate to arrive when the line is short. If the line is way out the door, you might want to consider going to another nearby place and returning another time. Enjoy!

Vessel NOLA

by Brian Rivas-Davi Mid City Brunch to Forgive Your Sins New Orleans is a city of no judgment but if you’re feeling extra dirty after a long weekend be sure to bless yourself with one of Vessel’s craft cocktails. Every Sunday it’s quite the sight to see as all the sinners and saints line up in front of this iconic restored 1914 church only a block from the Canal Streetcar. What’s better than chugging fresh mimosas and chowing down some heavenly fried chicken and waffles in a historic landmark? Don’t let the stained glass windows fool you because the only Father you’ll see here is far from holy. Vessel pretty much coined their own eggs benedict and rightfully so. If you’re in need for some salvation this is a must eat Sunday brunch that won’t break the bank.

Willa Jean

by Richard W. Hébert 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 509-7334 willajean.com With Saturday and Sunday brunch hours of 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the South Market District, Willa Jean is perfect for early risers and late starters. The brunch menu is short, but it is obvious that much care and thought was put into developing this exceptional selection of dishes that pack a tasty punch and remind you of home. Say “yes ma’am” to the croque madame consisting of toasted white bread, mustard béchamel, ham, gruyère, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side up egg. At the helm for Willa Jean, Chef Kelly Fields is nominated for the 2018 James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, and the hype is backed up

by Chef Fields’ extraordinary talent. On the way out, treat yo’self with a frosé (frozen rosé) and one of Willa Jean’s many delicious desserts like the front counter banana puddin’!

Own the Perfect Pied-à-terre Steps from the French Quarter 917 Esplanade #7 ∙ 1 Bed, 1.5 Bath, 695 SF ∙ $349,900 Situated on beautiful Oak-lined Esplanade Avenue, this condo is the ideal weekend getaway. The location offers easy acces to everything the French Quarter, Marigny and the city has to offer! Don’t miss this opportunity! +1 504-777-1773 ∙ Michael.Styles@evusa.com

ENGEL&VÖLKERS MICHAEL STYLES

Engel & Völkers New Orleans ∙ +1 504-875-3555 ∙ neworleans@evusa.com 601 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 ∙ 722 Martin Behrman Ave., Metairie, LA 70005 ©2018 Engel & Völkers. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Licensed in Louisiana.

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 23

Moments in Gay New Orleans History

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

The Rainbow Fleur de Lis

This year New Orleans turns 300 years old. Here are just a few of the LGBT people who have made the last three centuries so fabulous.

Gaston Pontalba (1828—1875) Designed the ironwork on the iconic Pontalba Buildings in Jackson Square Walt Whitman (1819—1892) Poet who lived briefly in New Orleans in 1848 and drew much inspiration from the city Tony Jackson (1882—1921) Jazz pianist who wrote “Pretty Baby” and mentored Jelly Roll Morton Miss Big Nellie (dates unknown) Operated a gay brothel in “Black Storyville” William Ratcliffe Irby (1860—1926) Philanthropist and French Quarter preservationist Mary Collins (dates unknown) co-founder of Café Lafitte in Exile Lyle Saxon (1891—1946) Writer and French Quarter preservationist William Spratling (1900—1967) Artist, silversmith, and jewelry designer Francis Benjamin Johnston (1864—1952) First official White House photographer Elmo Avet (1896—1969) Pioneer of Gay Carnival and antique store owner Tennessee Williams (1911—1983) Playwright who wrote A Streetcar

Named Desire Truman Capote (1924—1984) Author of Other Voices, Other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and In Cold Blood Dixie Fasnacht (1910—2011) Musician and bar owner Clay Shaw (1913—1974) Businessman, war hero, and French Quarter Preservationist George Dureau (1930—2014) Artist and photographer who mentored Robert Mapplethorpe Alice Brady (1928—2012) Popular bar proprietor Storme Delarverie (1920—2014) Drag King who threw the first punch at the Stonewall Inn Frederick Wright (1946—2014) Co-founder of Southern Decadence and the first Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Alan Robinson (1949—2012) Political activist and owner of the Faubourg Marigny Bookstore Charlene Schneider (1940—2006) Activist and bar proprietor James Booker (1939—1983) Musician and piano master Wallace Sherwood Marcy Marcell (1947—2011) Bartender and entertainer Rip Naquin (1954—2017) & Marsha Delain (1953—2017) Founders and publishers of Ambush Magazine

Announcement by Frank Perez Lecture Series—The Vieux Carre at 300: New Perspectives on an Old Neighborhood

The Vieux Carre Property Owners and Residents Association (VCPORA) and the Beauregard-Keyes House have partnered to sponsor a series of lectures throughout 2018 to celebrate New Orleans’ Tricentennial.

Annie Irvin, the Executive Director of the Beauregard-Keyes Historic House and Garden, notes, “The whole point is for us to introduce the French Quarter to both its residents and visitors as a dynamic neighborhood and to pay homage to all those who contributed to its history, especially those who haven’t been included in the traditional narrative.”

The public talks take place at the Beauregard-Keyes House and are typically held on the last Wednesday of the month. Topics include: January: “100 Years of Preservation in the French Quarter: This Didn’t Happen by Chance.” Speaker: John Stubbs February: “Here are the Freemen Who Reclaim Their Rights!” A history of the New Orleans Tribune and the first sustained civil rights movement.

Speaker: Mark Roudane March: “How to Save a Neighborhood”, VCPORA’s Keynote. Speaker: Nathan Chapman

Tricentennial Profiles in History by Frank Perez Alexander “Bloody” O’Reilly

In 1763, France ceded Louisiana to Spain and the Creoles in New Orleans were none too happy about it.

The first Spanish colonial Governor, a humorless man named Antonia Ulloa, met fierce resistance from the French citizenry and was ultimately expelled from the colony.

When word of the insurrection reached Madrid, King Carlos III hired an Irish mercenary named Alexander O’Reilly to squash the rebellion.

O’Reilly arrived with 20 ships and 2,000 soldiers. After docking at the mouth of the Mississippi River, O’Reilly sent an advance man to New Orleans to gather intelligence on the rebellion and then plan a grand reception banquet to herald his arrival.

It was a lavish, boozy affair, replete with wild game and fresh seafood, fine wine and rich cognac. O’Reilly, ever the charismatic host, charmed the leaders of French New Orleans and

allayed their fears concerning Spanish trading policies. “Finally,” the French must have thought to themselves, “Someone who understands us.”

After dinner, the men retired to ante-room to smoke cigars. At this point, Spanish soldiers materialized and O’Reilly diplomatically apologized for the ruse and then informed them they were all under arrest. Six men were sent to prison in Cuba. O’Reilly then had the leaders of the coup who expelled Ulloa summarily executed by firing squad. After that he had no trouble and has since been known in annals of Louisiana history as Bloody O’Reilly.

Frenchmen Street is named after the five French loyalists O’Reilly had executed.

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April: “Rosebloom and Pure White, or so it Seemed,” a discussion of racial mixing in New Orleans, racial mixing in New Orleans, via circulated images of slave children in the FQ, impacted national public opinion during the Civil War. Speaker: Mary Niall Mitchell May: “Women Who Shaped New Orleans.” Speaker: Florence Andre June: “Yellow Fever, Race, and Ecology in Nineteenth-Century New Orleans.” Speaker: Urmi Willoughby July: “A Day in the Life”. Speaker: tentatively John McGill August: The Rainbow Fleur de Lis: LGBT + History of the French Quarter.

Speaker: Frank Perez September: A History of the Riverboats. Speaker: Capt. Doc Hawley October: A Celebration of the Trades: A Tribute to New Orleans Master Craftsmen, BK House Keynote.

Speakers/Demos: Jeff Poree, Darryl Reeves November: Italian Jazz Music in the FQ - a “best-of” Jack Stewart’s oral histories of Italian Jazz Artists and those who helped make them famous.

Speaker: Jack Stewart December: Reveillon. Speaker: tentatively, Liz Williams.

These events are free and open to the public.

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-35

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 25

Commentary by Noel Twilbeck Around New Orleans we have certainly felt the chill from the frozen temperatures that have gripped our city. In Washington, there has been an icy front blowing since late December from inside our current administration and it is aimed squarely at the LGBTQ community. CrescentCare, one of the largest nonprofits in New Orleans that provides services to and cares about the LGBTQ community, cannot sit silent without responding to the current turn of events.

If you have been feeling that the LGBTQ community is under attack by recent moves with in the Trump Administration, you are not alone. Since midto late-December 2017, this offensive, if you will, had begun to launch and we will need to keep a serious eye on the situation as it continues to unfold.

On December 18, it was widely reported that CDC leaders told employees to not use seven words for budget documents: “diversity,” “transgender,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “fetus,” “evidence-based “and “science-based.”

Five of the nation’s leading organizations (AIDS United, NASTAD, the National Coalition of STD Directors, NMAC and The AIDS Institute) focused on ending HIV and STD epidemics in the United States sounded the alarm over these troubling reports.

The agencies said the reports “demonstrate this Administration’s troubling lack of commitment to science.”

They went on to say, “This Administration calls into question its commitment to science and health of all communities, including racial, ethnic and sexual minorities.”

“Discouraging use and reference to ‘evidence-based’ or ‘science-based’ is concerning enough. However, any attempt to remove ‘transgender’ and ‘diversity’ from the CDC vocabulary would represent and outright dereliction of the stated duties of the agency. Such efforts are unacceptable and cannot go unanswered.”

As if all of this was not bad enough, it was followed on December 29 by the dismissing of all members of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS known as PACHA. Six members previously resigned citing displeasure with the administrations “lack of action” to combat global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

This cowardly action all happened while people were celebrating the holidays with their families.

With a new year comes new hope and new beginnings. Did those incidents in 2017 happen in isolation or was there still more to come? Cautiously optimistic we all proceeded. As the icy front started to pass through New Orleans, little did we know that Washington’s ice storm was brewing. On January 19, as we started to thaw, the chill

descended from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the form of the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division(CRFD) in the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

This entity is charged with “restoring federal enforcement of our nation’s laws that protect the fundamental and unalienable rights of conscience and religious freedom.”

The Trump Administration is providing federal cover for health care workers to deny care to the LGBTQ community and to for any reproductive health procedures in which they object on “moral” grounds.

What all this essentially amounts to is the total lack of respect by this administration for the strides we have made in the HIV arena locally, nationally and globally, and for the LGBTQ community as a whole to function as a normal part of society.

For 35 years now, NO/AIDS Task Force, now known as CrescentCare, has been here for our community.

2018 could well be the year of reckoning for the HIV virus in New Orleans. We now have the tools in our arsenal to weaken the strangle-hold HIV has had on our community. From CrescentCare Start Initiative (CCSI), where an exposed patient is linked to care within 72 hours and become virally suppressed in a short amount of time to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a once a day pill to protect uninfected individuals from contracting the virus.

Combine that with testing and awareness and the atmosphere becomes less conducive for the virus to spread.

CrescentCare is here for the LGBTQ community and we are on a vigilant watch. Too much progress has been made over the past decade not only in HIV advances, but also in the fight for equality across the country. Our message at CrescentCare has always been one of acceptance, and we will continue to see anyone and everyone for the multi-services our heath care facility provides.

In this issue of Ambush, we have begun a series of affirming ads in response to this administration’s attempt to diminish us and push us back into the darkness of the past. While you may be able to erase words from being used, you cannot erase people, our place in society or the progress we have made!

Snap Paparazzi From Oz & Stoli | Photos provided by Persana Shoulders

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Commentary by CrescentCare LGBTQ Care? That’s An Affirmative.

In the United States, we have some of the best doctors and medical facilities in the world situated in our cities and neighborhoods. Options for medical care seem endless—from location to specialty, there seems to be a cornucopia to choose from. It seems that way. Still, the reality for many Americans is that our options for healthcare are restricted by insurance coverage, price, plan, and geography. A complex tangle of circumstances dictates where many of our friends and neighbors are able to access care. Perhaps you can only go to a provider in your network.

That cuts many patients’ options by a considerable fraction. Add to this the barrier that some providers are located across town and that not every individual seeking care has a reliable means of transportation…or perhaps it’s that the office is only open during business hours—when many of us are kept at work. It’s complicated.

Through good old-fashioned innovation and gumption, say you find a way to make it to your provider who is in network, in your vicinity, and all the services you need are covered. Now, imagine your dismay when the receptionist tells you that you won’t be seen at your appointment because your provider’s sincerely held beliefs put him or her at odds with serving you. Thankfully, this hasn’t been a widespread reality, but the threat of denial of services looms like a specter over the LGBTQ community to this day. It’s always just on the other side of a vote.

Healthcare shouldn’t be this hard.

The barriers in just the two previous paragraphs shouldn’t preclude care for anyone—especially not a “sincerely

held belief” that includes discrimination based on who you love or how you appear.

CrescentCare makes strides to break down these barriers and more.

Our sincerely held belief is that affordable, accessible, high quality care should be available to any member of the New Orleans community. That’s why we keep our facilities centrally located, ensuring that even communities without regular transportation can reach us by bus, by streetcar, or by foot if need be. We offer a sliding scale so that even uninsured clients won’t be devastated by debt simply because they need care. We keep non-traditional hours because we recognize that you might, too. We provide an alternative to the emergency room because we know that you shouldn’t always have to wait until something becomes an emergency to get seen. We offer an array of services so you don’t need to run all over creation to be taken care of as a whole person. We’ve got you covered.

But let’s be clear: our services are for everyone. Naturally, as an outgrowth of the NO/AIDS Task Force, a long-standing organization deeply rooted in the LGBTQ community, CrescentCare remains dedicated to seeing, validating, affirming, and serving the community that we love—unflaggingly. To our lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, questioning, androgynous, asexual, pansexual, undecided, and anyone else under our amazing rainbow umbrella: WE SEE YOU. You matter. CrescentCare won’t just serve you—we want to serve you. Our doors are open, and will stay open. You deserve high quality health care. Come and get it, friends.

ARE YOU BEACH READY FOR PENSACOLA MEMORIAL WEEKEND?

3630 COLISEUM ST. NOLA, 70115

Snap Paparazzi From Krewe of Amon-Ra Rush Party | by Jeremy W

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 27

2018 Gay Easter Grand Marshals announced at last week’s Sponsorship Party

by Davis Walden Email: joe.davis.walden@gmail.com

Snap Paparazzi From Easter Portrait Party | by Arthur S

Nicole Lynn Fox, New Orleans-based entertainer and host, and Carl Mack, founder of Krewe of Stars and the Mardi Gras Museum, were announced as 2018’s Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshals at the 19th annual Sponsorship Party, which doubles as a fundraiser for Food for Friends, at the 700 Club and featured food from Faubourg Bistro. The Sponsorship Party had a great turn out as supporters of the Gay Easter Parade—new and old—came out to support the New Orleans tradition.

Special thanks to Matt and Brice of the 700 Club for the generous donation of the location, and Matt Hayes of Faubourg Bistro for the food. Thanks to Jeremy Fontenot of Boomtown Casino and Darrin Duplissey of The Wiltry Collective for chairing this particular event.

All of their hard work made the event a success.

About the Grand Marshalls Nicole Lynn Foxx is a New Orleans-based, drag powerhouse. ‘The Sensational Nicole Lynn Foxx’ performs locally—and on the road—in the night club and cabaret scene. “I’m actually pretty overwhelmed that so many people are so pleased with the choice.

I didn’t expect so many people to be excited about it. I never fully realized how many knew who I am. I’ve never been a part of such a large event where I was being honored. I’m look-

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ing forward to that feeling. I don’t even know what that feeling is going to feel like. This is my Princess Diana moment. Considering my moment and my journey, it’s a very emotional moment.

The fact that I get to share it with someone as creative as Carl Mack Adds that much more to the excitement.”

Carl Mack started his career as a drummer and xylophonist. He grew a wide array of skills such as miming, magic, and clowning. His private collection of costumes is housed in the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture.

Upcoming Events The Eggstravaganza is scheduled for March 11 at 3 p.m. at the Golden Lantern. Reba Douglas and Monica Sinclair Kennedy organized the event as well as the charity auction. Other upcoming events that are planned include: The Four Seasons in Metairie on the 17th, Oz on the 18th, the Double Play on the 24th, and the annual Bunnies in the Big Easy event at The Mardi Gras Museum on Conti St. in the French Quarter on the 30th. The Gay Easter Parade is going to roll at 4:30 on Easter Sunday through the French Quarter.

Since inception, the Gay Easter Parade has raised over $200,000 for Food for Friends thanks to the help and support of sponsors and businesses in the New Orleans LBGTQ community.

Under the Gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

Party Down

There are so many exciting things happening in our city right now. Even with work being as crazy as it is, my two weeks were filled with all kinds of great events from outstanding theatrical productions, fundraisers, house gatherings, rush parties and Bianca del Rio. New Orleans was once known as a haven for bohemian artists - writers, poets and actors. Today, I would like to say we have one of the best collection of community theater that not only produce top notch shows, but also exhibit our exemplary talent.

Over the last two weeks, I saw four productions; a mixture of premiers in our city, old remounts of famous plays and some newly written. I went to the hysterical premier at Cafe Istanbul of the Varla Jean Merman/Ryan Landry play 5 to 9. Picture the same storyline of the famous movie 9 to 5, have drag queens portray the main female characters and have them work for Donald Trump in the White House. Need I say more. Very funny. This show premiered in Provincetown and we were very lucky to have it come down

to NOLA. I also saw the breathtaking Hunchback of Notre Dame at JPAS which was visually stunning with their set featuring the giant bells of Notre Dame. The Disney classic came to life on stage which included a background choir, full orchestra and their talented cast.

Adding to the list was the Harold Pinter one-act play, The Dumb Waiter; mounted at a new space in the Marigny (literally right around the corner from my house). This two man play that flips the main characters nightly at the decision of a coin toss by an audience member is an amusing tale of two hit men. Last, I saw the beautifully done Steel Magnolias at Rivertown Repertory Theater. Those six ladies poured their heart out on stage in this classic play about Southern women. All four shows were exceptional and proves that you do not have to go to the Saenger (although I love their shows) to see great theatre.

I also attended the Spring Fling house warming at Contessa Breaux’s new Uptown digs on State Street.

State Street is definitely one of the

more majestic avenues int he city and the Contessa (my affectionate name for my friend) threw a lovely soiree with grilled fare (scallops and kebabs) and free flowing champagne. I love a good evening garden party.

One of the highlights of my two weeks was attending the fabulous new traveling show of our own home town celebrity, Bianca del Rio. Bianca has hit it huge since winning Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season six and performed a sold out show at the gorgeous Orpheum Theatre. She has come a long way since Oz. Her new show was as always biting, satirical and pulled no punches. No one was safe from her wrath; she is definitely not for the weak of heart. Her new material was fresh, funny and kept the audience e in stitches for right under two hours. I am so happy and proud of her success. She is truly an inspiration.

On Sunday, It was all about Easter and Armeinius. I attended the Easter Sponsorship party at the 700 Club which was a great success. The food was delicious and there was a lot of new sponsors this year. The way things are shaping up, it is going to be another banner year and our grand marshals this year are fabulous. Carl Mack and Nicole Lynn Foxx are just great representatives of the community.

After the Easter event, I hopped over to the Armeinius Rush Party at their den on Broad Street. It was the

second rush party I was able to attend, the first being Lords of Leather last Sunday at The Phoenix. Both parties were well attended and garnered new members thanks to really outstanding balls. Gay Mardi Gras is an art form that needs to be kept alive and a special thanks should go out to all the members of every Krewe who devote their time, energy and money to make them special.

Hot Happenings

As the month marches on and Spring is in the air, there are so many hot happenings to keep your days and nights very busy. Here are just a few of them.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphione Street; 8 p.m. midnight Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Continued on Page 30

to our

lgbtq community:

we see

you & you

matter. no matter what the administration says.

www.crescentcare.org | 504.207.CARE(2273)

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Continued from Page 29

Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Wednesday. March 14 - Sunday, March 25, 2018 The Phantom of the Opera: Saenger Theatre; 1111 Canal StreetCameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera comes to a city near you as part of a brand new North American Tour. This production, which retains the beloved story and thrilling score, boasts exciting new special effects, scenic and lighting designs, staging and choreography and has been hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before.”

Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera Cstart at $30 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office (1111 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116),BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (800) 982-2787.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrolton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See

old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends...

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafittes in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Thursday, March 15, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Friday, March 16, 2018 Amazing Grapes Wine Tasting and Auction: Hermann Grima House; 820 St. Louis Street; 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Come out for a fabulous evening under the stars in a historic French Quarter courtyard! The Amazing Grapes Wine Tasting and Auction benefits the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses’ education programs and preservation.

PATRON PARTY - Bubbles and Bourbon Happy Hour feat. Veuve Clicquot and Woodford Reserve 6:30 p.m.

- 7:30 p.m. Specialty bourbon cocktails, champagne and delicious bites to eat and silent auction preview AUCTION & DINNER 7:30 p.m.

- 10 p.m. Wine tasting, exciting silent auction, Creole cuisine by Broussard’s and live music This fun and festive auction features special wines, experiences, unique art, travel, jewelry and much more. For tickets, go to https://501auctions.com/amazinggrapes New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Saturday, March 17, 2018 2018 Irish Channel St. Patrick;’s Day Parade; Magazine Street; 1:30 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day New Orleans Style with the annual Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Enjoy this truly essential New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day experience and catch our throws which include flowers, beads, kisses, cabbage, and much more! As always, mass begins at Noon at St. Mary’s Assumption Church. 2030 Constance St. and is open to the public.

The parade begins after mass.

St. Patrick’s Day at The Country Club; 634 Louisa Street; 4 - 7 p.m.

Come watch the parade and CELEBRATE at the Country Club! They will have Tent Specials on the front lawn for quick Grab and Go options, including a Corn Beef Jambalaya bowl and specials on Guinness, PBR, Strongbow, Baileys, Jameson and more. They will also be open inside with their regular menus and our Happy Hour Specials which include 3.00 well drinks.

Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite

30 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

GCPAH Beer Bust: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 8 p.m.

Come out from 8 - 10 p.m. for $5 all you can drink beer and $1 jello shots at the Beer Bust.

Sunday, March 18, 2018 Bottomless Mimosa: Cafe Lafittes in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

Comeback Queens: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 7 - 11 p.m.

Join Good Friends for their our 24th annual Turn-A-Bout. Hosted by the amazing Kory Poole and the fabulous Madonnathan Hastings. Come enjoy the show and watch your favorite bartenders in the spotlight performing your favorite songs from artists that have made great comebacks. Its your one night a year to see us all in drag! This is their biggest fundraiser, with this years recipient being, “Belle Reve.” If you can’t make it to the show we are also soliciting donation items for auction and raffle. 100% of all funds raised go to Belle Reve. There will be a silent auction and raffle with amazing items to win. Items to be announced soon!

Raffle tickets are being sold at the bar through March 18th.

You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Pub; 801 Bourbon Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Draink and Drown from 6 - 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

Monday, March 19, 2018 S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m.

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft.

Margarita Mondays: Grand Pre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. till close enjoy margarita specials with your bartender Michael Continued on Page 31

Continued from Page 30

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphione Street; 8 p.m. midnight Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrolton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends...

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafittes in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Thursday, March 22, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz.

Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Friday, March 23, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Saturday, March 24, 2018 Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

New Orleans Pride Announcement and Sponsorship Party: Hotel Le Marais; 717 Conti Street; 4 - 6 p.m. Join New Orleans Pride as we unveil all of the details of New Orleans Pride 2018.

Come out and celebrate with Grand

Marshals: Mark Romig and Rikki Redd; Honorary Grand Marshals: Dustin Woehrmann and Ryan Cochran; Miss Pride: Connie Hung; Mr. Pride: Poseidon S Davenport. Performance by Gia GiaVanni. Announcement of events line-up, entertainers, celebrity grand marshals, parade updates, and more!

Limited Edition Pride T-shirts will be available for purchase.

Big Easy Sisters Bingo and Booze: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 6 - 9 p.m. $20 for unlimited well cocktails/ domestic beer from 6 - 9 PM + recieve a starter pack of BINGO! cards. BINGO! games from 7 - 9 PM all hosted by the BIG EASY SISTERS with monies raised going to local charities Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

Gag Reflex: Allways Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Avenue; 11 p.m. The show of all shows, GAG REFLEX, is back for Season 3! Augmented with a core cast of some of the fiercest talents in the industry and turning duets in to group-ettes. Core Cast includes: Tarah Cards, Siren, Laveau Contraire, Fabigail Tchoupitoulas and NEON BurgunContinued on Page 32

Saturday, March 17 10:00 PM

HoneyBee Trivia Thursdays 7:00 PM

Happy Hour Daily

Free Jello Shots & Bar Tab

noon - 9:00 PM

Sunday, March 18

4:30 PM

Friday, March23

10:00 PM

Country Dancing Tuesdays 7:00 PM

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 31

Continued from Page 31

dy. The theme of this show is Worst Drag. Shows at midnight with a $10 Cover.

Poker Easter Egg Hunt Pub Crawl: Mags 940; 940 Elysian Fields; 1:30 p.m. A fun Easter themed poker run begins at Mags 940 and goes to Cutters and The Phoenix. Come enjoy.

Sunday, March 25, 201 Bottomless Mimosa: Cafe Lafittes in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Pub; 801 Bourbon Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Draink and Drown from 6 - 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

Monday, March 26, 2018 Easter bonnet Workshop: Armeinius Den; 435 N. Broad Street; 2 p.m.

Come make your Easter bonnet with award winning costume designer Chad Brickley. Cost is $75 and includes base for 1 Bonnet and limited decorating materials and well as mimosas.

Reserve your spot at www.armeinius. org.

S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m.

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft.

Margarita Mondays: Grand Pre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. till close enjoy margarita specials with your bartender Michael Tuesday, March 27, 30, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphione Street; 8 p.m. midnight Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrolton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends.

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafittes in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastas-

cia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Thursday, March 29, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Continued on Page 33

GEP

Presents

Easter Grand Marshals

GayEasterParade.com

THE 19th ANNUAL

Photo by Arthur Severio

SUNDAY APRIL 1, 2018 EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS Sunday, March 11: EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Saturday, March 17: SPRING FEVER

The Golden Lantern 3pm-5pm

The Four Seasons 9pm-11pm

Saturday, March 24: PURPLE PARTY

&

Double Play 7pm-10pm

Sunday, March 18: DRAG SHOW NIGHT Oz New Orleans 7:30pm & 9:30pm

@GayEasterParade

32 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 32

Friday, March 30, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Saturday, March 31, 2018 16th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop Pub Crawl: 2 p.m. Come out and join Bunny Hop XVI Grand Marshals Misti and Catherine Gaither along with Bunny Hop XVI Grand Marshal Jarret Mallon to the 16th Marigny Bunny Hop Pub Crawl !! Get those bonnets out for a fun filled Easter tradition. The following is the schedule of participating bars and which contest they will host - 2:00-2:30 Mag’s 940 (Sassiest Bonnet); 2:303:00 The Friendly Bar (Best Couple);

3:00-3:30 Mimi’s in the Marigny (Tallest Bonnet); 3:30-4:00 Big Daddy’s (Widest Bonnet); 4:00-4:30 Cutters (Most Glamorous); 4:30-5:00 Who Dat Coffee Café (Best Newbie); 5:00-5:30 Kajun’s Pub (Sissiest Bonnet); 5:30-6:00 The Phoenix (Butchest Bonnet). Also presented at the Phoenix: Best Group, Life of the Hop, Best of the Best, and the Meyer-Routh-Murrell.

Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

Beauties and Beaus - A Sexy Variety Show: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 10:30 p.m. Glamour Puss Productions & Lana O’Day pres-

ent the second edition of BEAUTIES & BEAUS: A VARIETY SHOW OF THE SEXY NATURE. Everyone enjoys a good drag show... everyone enjoys a good burlesque show... who wouldn’t love a show spotlighting the amazing talents both art forms? Starring: Host & Emcee Lana O’Day, Miss Gay Four Seasons La USofA 2018 Britney DeLorean, burlesque beauty Xena ZeitGeist, boylesque cutie Dionysis Sea, and the ever so handsome Justin Betweener.

Sunday, April 1, 2018 Bottomless Mimosa: Cafe Lafittes in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Pub; 801 Bourbon Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Draink and Drown from 6 - 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

If you want to make sure your upcoming event is listed, email the information to me at ledgemgp@gmail. com.

Snap Paparazzi Out and About | Photos by Tony Leggio

GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 33

LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

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 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

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

hair salons

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.,

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

34 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

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 “half-kitchen”, 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, 828A 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, 828A 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; HalloweenNewOrleans.COM 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

522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans. com, 945.0742 Gene’s Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com

real estate

New Orleans, LA [504] Engel & Völkers New Orleans, Michael Styles, Realtor — Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties. 504.777.1773, NolaStyles.com Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProper-

ties.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gay-owned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com

retail/shopping

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

services

New Orleans, LA [504] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195

theatres

New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM

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

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Trodding the Boards

by Brian Sands Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Blame It On Bianca Del Rio at The Orpheum Theater Bianca Del Rio swanned onto the stage of The Orpheum Theater recently as her Blame It On Bianca Del Rio worldwide tour took her back to her home town. Wearing a black shimmery gown with three large pink flowers on its side, she announced to the packed audience “I’m gonna be a nasty hateful filthy fckin’ cunt.” And she was to the delight of all.

Calling herself an “equal opportunity offender,” she quickly warned any politically correct gays in the crowd, “If you can take a dick, you can take a joke.”

But if all are fair game for Miss Del Rio’s barbs--whites, blacks, Jews, Asians, fat people, the handicapped, RuPaul and everything connected with Drag Race--with her self-deprecating humor she just as often targets herself.

Her most venomous poison, though, is reserved for the “orange fcktard” in the White House whose mouth she hilariously claimed looks like Bernadette Peters’ pouty moue.

Now I could tell you how assured

and sharp Bianca is. But I won’t.

Or I could describe how she brilliantly gets away with lines like “Cancer’s funny if you don’t have it” or “If you weren’t molested as a child, you’re ugly.” But I won’t.

Or I could report as to what a superb physical comedienne she is. Or how gracious she is in acknowledging Joan Rivers’ help and influence (“the fiercest, kindest bitch there ever was”).

But again, I won’t.

Relate how delicious local references--to Westwego, Jefferson Variety, and all the bars in the Quarter’s fruit loop--are knowing that we’re the only stop that gets these? Nope.

Inform you how fabulously funny her tale was of appearing in Amsterdam on a stage she shared with a production of The Diary of Anne Frank?

Or how priceless her recounting of when she got booked to entertain at a “Gay and Sober” event is? No and no.

That she’s consistently funny for over 90 minutes? That she knows just how to build a joke? That when taking questions from the audience she comes up with the wittiest of retorts

Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and the LPO taking their final bow at Carnegie Hall with split-second timing? No, no, NO! I refuse to reveal any of this because I know Bianca (and her alter ego Roy Haylock) HATES it when people say nice things about her.

So I’ll simply note that by the end of the show I was exhausted from laughing so hard and leave it at that.

New in New York I went up to New York recently not only to see my Mom, but to attend the debut of the Louisiana Philharmonic

36 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · March 13 – 26, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com

Orchestra (LPO) at Carnegie Hall.

Invited to participate in Philip Glass’ year-long residency there, their concert included two of the composer’s works. It’s always great to visit my Mom (at least when she isn’t driving me crazy), but it truly was a thrill to see the LPO on the hallowed stage of the Isaac Stern Auditorium.

The program opened with Silvestre Revueltas’ La noche de los Mayas adapted from his soundtrack for the Continued on Page 37

Continued from Page 36

1939 movie of the same name. Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto expertly led the LPO not only in the composition’s growly passages but also brought out the music’s haunting subtleties in its moments of ineffable tenderness and delicacy, balancing sequences that conjure up sylvan images with those that could underscore some ancient sacrificial ritual.

Prieto displayed a real affinity for this buoyant music which comes from his native country of Mexico. While sustaining a driving passion, he never let the dynamics of one group overshadow another; not only did the rumbling brass, the booming bass drums, and the thwack of the double basses come forth, but even the pizzicati of the second violins stood out. The blowing of a conch shell made an especially distinct impression.

The two pieces by Glass were not typical of his oeuvre. Inspired by visits to a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Days and Nights in Rocinha (1997) builds in intensity similar to Ravel’s Bolero. With punctuation by the ping of the triangle and attack of the castanets, Prieto dexterously maintained the music’s tensile strength as subtly shifting dynamics and long arcing lines drew listeners in to this marvelously atmospheric work in which the percussion section was again outstanding.

Glass’ lushly romantic and joyous Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra featured Jim Atwood and Paul Yancich each playing 6 (or was it 7?) timpani drums. Prieto captured the grandeur of the score in which familiar Glassian motifs paraded through the strings to accompany the timpani. The second movement’s tribal feel was tempered by its glistening quality. The two timpanists’ exhilarating cadenza followed after which Prieto and the LPO offered a hard-charging yet crisp finale.

Philip Glass was in the house and joined with the rest of the audience in giving the LPO a standing ovation.

From the stage, Prieto addressed the composer saying “It is such an honor to honor you, Mr. Glass.”

For an encore, the LPO gave the third performance and New York premiere of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis which paid tribute to the nightlife of Mexico City. Jazzy, playful and filled with a variety of tropical colors, this was a highly accomplished work. And it was nice to have a woman composer on the program with the gents.

Elsewhere in the City, with Broadway stuck in the winter doldrums, I saw two off-Broadway productions of The New Group, both at The Signature Center (480 W. 42 St.).

I began with Jerry Springer – The Opera in its first extended run in New York having debuted in London 15 years earlier. In Act One, Stewart Lee

Rileigh McDonald, Rhea Perlman and Ed Harris in Good for Otto (Photo credit Monique Carboni) and Richard Thomas’ book and lyrics bring to life three segments, along with cheeky ads, from Springer’s TV show while in the second half Jerry finds himself in Purgatory and Hell forced by Satan to try to wrangle an apology from Jesus to him.

You read that right.

Throughout, in contrast to lyrics smuttier than anything that comes out of Bianca Del Rio’s mouth, Thomas’s music, inspired by Baroque opera, is some of the most gorgeous ever written for the stage. It was matched, even when singing about cheating partners and bizarre sexual proclivities, by the heavenly voices of the 16-member cast.

Its four-letter words aside, the genius of Jerry Springer – The Opera is that by giving its low-life characters probing music and brief instances that bring out their deep-seated humanity, it reveals our great need for our “Jerry Springer moment,” that existential urge most (all?) of us have to be acknowledged publicly for who we are.

Director John (Urinetown) Rando’s production is quite good though one misses the larger scale of the West End version and, by necessity of a smaller cast, there’s more noticeable doubling of roles. Even if somewhat truncated, Jerry Springer still features possibly the wildest first act finale in the history of musical theater.

But occasionally Rando, and his costume designer Sarah Laux, cheapen characters who were pretty cut-rate to begin with. Peaches and Zandra, the fiancee and mistress of the cheating Dwight, appear all too tawdry here.

Andrea, who discovers her boyfriend has a diaper fetish, comes off as so combative, rather than perplexed, that it vitiates the transporting quality of her sublime aria, I Wanna Sing Something Beautiful, that follows.

Others, however, do shine. Sean Patrick Doyle makes the transsexual Tremont, also involved with Dwight, deeper and sharper than his West End counterpart. Tiffany Mann brings unalloyed joy, and an awesome set of pipes, to Shawntel who gets to fulfill her pole dancing fantasy (I Just Wanna

Dance); that Ms. Mann is black adds another layer of complexity when her boyfriend turns out to be a member of the KKK. And understudy Brandon Contreras, who went on at the performance I attended as Montel the diaper fetishist, was excellent, portraying him less baby-like, as is usually the case, and more assured and adult in his inclinations.

Will Swenson is properly smarmy and slick as Warm-Up Man Jonathan Weiruss but comes into his own in Act Two as Satan when the music’s range better suits his voice.

That the second act, as Jerry and Satan do battle, is problematical is nothing new. Rando hasn’t fully pulled it into focus, though, and it becomes more debate than fierce fight, even if it’s still a pretty fab debate. Terrence Mann, as Springer, didn’t help; rather than stalking around the stage he kinda shambled, more a king’s chancellor than the king himself which lowered Act Two’s emotional stakes.

Jerry Springer has been extended until April 1 and has gotten a new Jerry, Matt McGrath, so I would certainly encourage you to see this brilliant, singular work if you happen to be in New York as I doubt it’ll ever turn up at Tulane’s Summer Lyric Theater.

I would also encourage you to see David Rabe’s new play Good for Otto (through April 8) which explores the challenges facing both patients and staff at a rural mental health clinic.

Inspired by Undoing Depression by Richard O’Connor, it could almost be a report from a warfront.

Flawed doctors can do only so much, outpatients don’t always do what they should, and a bureaucratic healthcare system cares more about the bottom line than the people it’s supposed to help. At times, Good for Otto seems to be a cousin to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest without Nurse Ratched.

The characters that Rabe examines with almost a documentarian’s precision include a middle-aged hoarder; an older man who hallucinates; a man whose best friend is his hamster,

the Otto of the title; a young Pakistani who can’t come to terms with his homosexuality; and a young girl who cuts herself to fight off the “big storms inside me.”

If none of this strikes one as especially new, Rabe brings a tremendous empathy to his portrait of this motley crew and writes finely sculpted dialog that transforms case histories into literature.

Good for Otto, however, could use some editing. Not because it’s nearly 3 hours (Rabe’s era-defining Hurlyburly was about as long), but because parts of it feel repetitious. And despite a powerfully gut-wrenching second act, Rabe seems unsure exactly how he wants to end his play.

Against a background of Jeff Croiter’s emotion-enhancing lighting, director Scott Elliott conducts his 14 actors perfectly, bringing out the poetry in all the words.

The cast, headed by F. Murray Abraham, Mark Linn-Baker, Amy Madigan, Kenny Mellman and Ed Harris, who gets to kick some ass towards the end, are all, in a word, astounding. First among equals, however, is Rhea Perlman, in part because her comic work didn’t prepare me for this dramatic turn in which, as the concerned foster mother of the young girl, she conveys frustration and a bone-deep weariness with utter verisimilitude.

There’s little verisimilitude to be found at The Center for Italian Modern Art’s exhibit of 25 works by Alberto Savinio (1891-1952), younger brother of the Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico.

Running through June 23 on the 4th floor at 421 Broome Street, this show serves as an excellent introduction to Savinio who, despite acclaim in Italy and France, is virtually unknown in America.

Tours are required to see the show and my guide was the knowledgeable Giulia, a CIMA Fellow from Milan. Using the paintings to illustrate, she told of Savinio’s youth and family, his subjects and style.

Early works represent his parents in a relatively realistic style but he soon Continued on Page 38

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Continued from Page 37

changed his imagery to a more abstract surrealism that deals with childhood and death. The Wise Men (1929) relates to the Nativity, but its flying board with various objects on it would not look out of place on a SpongeBob SquarePants episode.

In the 1930s, out of economic necessity, he worked for the Fascists but in his Titans series he used symbolism to criticize the regime. He eventually moved his family into the countryside to escape the Fascists’ reach as, had he been arrested, he would’ve been sent to a concentration camp as a political prisoner.

The 45-minute tour ended with his portraits in which he uses birds as “symbols of stupidity of the bourgeoisie people.” I wonder what kind of paintings he’d be doing if he was around now. Along with Savinio’s work are some sculptures and prints by Louise Bourgeois, including one referencing the Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana.

A happier connection to the Pelican State can be found at The Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Ave at 36th St., through May 13). Tennessee Williams: No Refuge But Writing unites original drafts of his plays, private diaries and personal letters with paintings, photographs and production stills to take us from Battle of Angels (1940) through its reworked version Orpheus Descending (1957) with stops along the way for The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Rose Tattoo and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

There’s lots and lots of fascinating stuff but my favorite was a 1945 letter to Williams from the manager of a hotel in midtown Manhattan noting that he

has “been in the habit of doing considerable entertaining in your room after twelve midnight.” I would’ve killed to have seen that entertainment.

Curtain Up Speaking of Tom, the Tennessee Williams Festival returns March 2125. Some of the boldface names who’ll be taking part include Donna Brazile, Blythe Danner, Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Ford, director Moisés Kaufman, author Nathaniel Rich, Amy Ryan, Martin Sherman, Calvin Trillin, and our own Leah Chase.

In addition to Le Petit’s Streetcar, Southern Rep presents two rarely-seen one-acts, And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens (directed by Ricky Graham) and The Two Character Play (directed by Austin Pendleton). The former features Evan Spigelman as “Candy,” a drag queen who picks up a rough sailor over a momentous Mardi Gras holiday. In the latter, a playwright/actor and his sister, an actress, find themselves abandoned by their troupe while on tour and, to satisfy their expected audience, prepare to perform a two-character play that the brother has written. (Loyola University’s Marquette Theatre, March 21-April 1) The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans reveals a dark and decadent underworld beneath the raucous revelry and historic splendor of the Crescent City in One Arm. Moisés Kaufman’s adaptation of a never-produced screenplay by Williams examines a champion boxer who’s mangled in an accident, leaving him to roam the streets and hustle for his meals. When someone pushes him too far, he’s set on the run. (Zeitgeist,

1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., March 22-April 7) Second Star New Orleans’ annual Two for Tennessee features world premieres of two original one-act plays inspired by Williams’ life & legacy. This year’s playwrights are Michael A. Santos and Jessie Strauss. (NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St., March 21-24) And on Sunday, March 25, at 1:00pm in the Hotel Monteleone’s La Nouvelle Ballroom, Joel Vig brings back his Truman Talks Tennessee.

When it debuted in 2015, I wrote “It’s a shame that Joel Vig’s Truman Talks Tennessee had only one performance.

I wasn’t sure what to expect and was afraid it could turn into mere camp. But Vig has done his homework to provide a manifesto of Capote’s opinions and observations in a witty and well-detailed reading. Vig looks and sounds like Truman but switched effortlessly to conjure up Tennessee’s raspy voice for a terrific dual portrait.

“An exploration of these two literary giants, each who had distant, alcoholic fathers and overbearing mothers (Williams once said that “Friends are God’s way of apologizing to us for our family.”), TTT expertly limned how Truman and Tennessee went from being acquaintances to friends to enemies and back to friends again tossing out great anecdotes along the way like the time their mutual friend Yukio Mishima gave a party with 1,000 drag geishas.

Wish I coulda been there.”

Other notable but non-Williams productions going on this month include: --The Vagina Monologues, A V-Day 2018 Event to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls (Ashé Power House, 1731 Baronne St., March 16-18) --Intramural Theater’s re-mounting of their site-specific Cowboy Mouth by Sam Shepard and Patti Smith (Frenchmen Hotel, Rm. 300, corner of Frenchmen & Esplanade, March 23-24) --All the King’s Men, a stage version of Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (Playmakers of Covington, 19106 Playmakers Rd., through March 18) --Neil Simon’s 45 Seconds from Broadway set in the milieu Simon worked in for decades (Slidell Little Theater, 2024 Nellie Dr., Mar. 9-25) --And while I don’t think we’ll get to see him as Amanda Wingfield or Blanche DuBois, John Cleese promises to silly walk across the Saenger Theater’s stage on April 6 after a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This living legend will then tell stories of his life and career, and answer questions from the audience. But “absurd and/or ridiculous ones only, please” he requests. If we’re lucky, we may even finally find out the air-speed of an unladen swallow.

Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian at bsnola2@hotmail.com.

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