Ambush Magazine Volume 37 Issue 16

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTHâ„¢

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 37 ISSUE 16

TUESDAY, July 30, 2019

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

Gay Appreciation Award Winners, Red Dress Run, White Linen & Dirty Linen

THE “OFFICIAL” DISH

by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, Thank you to everyone who attended the 31st Annual Gay Appreciation Awards! The GAA Gala has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year because it brings together members from all corners of our community. It was a wonderful evening in no small part because so many of you came together to celebrate the amazing individuals and businesses within our community. Although not everyone could win, everyone who participated as a nominee, presenter, entertainer or spectator at the event are vital to the fabric of the LGBTQ community along the Gulf South.

And what an amazing community it is! This year we broke the record for both nominees and votes cast with a total of 5,347 people voting. We had people in attendance from not only Louisiana, but also from Texas, Mississippi and Alabama.

There are too many people to thank for me to list them all but I’ll try anyway as so many of you are responsible for making this event a success (if I have forgotten anyone, it is by accident and I apologize).

To Oz General Manager Sarah Manosharc, Persana Shoulders and the entire staff at Oz, thank you for hosting us again this year for what was a great night. To Tiffany Alexander and Felicia Phillips who worked the red carpet as guests arrived, job well done!

Your presence and sharp wit definitely added to the evening.

To Jeffrey Palmquist and Frank Perez, the emcees for the evening, fabulous job! You both kept the evening moving at a steady pace and provided the audience with lots of laughter. I must admit, I was impressed with your dance moves in that opening number.

Speaking of dance moves, thank you to everyone who provided entertainment for the evening.

If you weren’t in attendance you missed out on some excellent performances by Coca Mesa and her dancing boys (including the emcees), The Ladies of Oz, the cast of Lipstixx from the Bourbon Pub & Parade, 2019 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Countess C. Alice and Will Antill, 2018 Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year Nicole Dubois, Apostrophe, and Lana O’Day. I also want to thank all the individuals who presented awards during the Gala - I won’t name you all because I know I’ll forget someone but you know who you are! I think it’s important to have people see as many diverse faces in our community as possible and your presence on the stage definitely added to the event.

To my friends Rhonda Oros and Todd French, thanks for always being there even when that means working the door of an event. To my twin brother Toby, thanks for always listening even when you don’t want to. On a weekend like this, I have plenty to say! To my best friend Nick Goodwin, thanks for flying in from Austin for the weekend and to attend the Gala. Your laugh is contagious and when I hear it all’s right with the world.

To Reed Wendorf and Chris Leonard, thank you both for putting together such a successful event for our community to enjoy. This event could not happen without your efforts and you both should be proud of the job you did. I know I’m proud of how you each represent both Ambush and our community.

To Larry Bagneris, Jr, it was a very heartfelt and moving speech. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom and for a lifetime of work advocating for the LGBTQ community.

Finally, to all the nominees THANK YOU! Thank you for participating in the Gay Appreciation Awards

Inside this Issue of Ambush Community Announcements Trodding the Boards An Interview with Red Truck co-owner and director Rachael Cronin 2019 Gay Appreciation Awards: Personal Reflections Kinderguardians THE ROCKFORD FILES: The Back Burner Boyfriend TV Executive Quinn Taylor Doesn’t Eat In Bed But He Just Bought Ptown’s Café Heaven Winners Announced at 31st Annual Gay Appreciation Awards

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Hot Happenings

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LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory

46-51

Word Search & Comic

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Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana | info@ambushpublishing.com | (504) 522-8049

but most importantly, thank you for all you do for the LGBTQ community.

Our community is so vibrant and rich because of the many contributions of each and every one of you.

AMBUSHMAG.COM IS LIVE! We have been working to bring you a better user experience to view and read Ambush, and a big part of that was updating the Ambush website. The website address is the same as it’s always been and we hope you take a look and let us know what you think. If you go to Ambushmag.com you’ll see a big difference. You can now not only see the paper version of the magazine but you can also share and view individual articles. We have some amazing writers that give of their time and talents for your reading pleasure. In each issue, there is something for everyone to read and enjoy. If you find an article or column interesting, feel free to share it with your friends on social media. The website is a work in progress and there will be updates from time to time, so please be patient with us as we work to give you a better user experience.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The Annual PFLAG Scholarship Fundraising Event is at the Pearl Wine Company on Sunday, August 18, from 12 noon to 3 pm. The event is being co-hosted by the Gulf South LBGT Chamber of Commerce. Each year PFLAG gives thousands of dollars in scholarships to outstanding GLBT students from Louisiana.

The next Conclave of the Mystik Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers will take place on the corner of Royal and St. Ann in the French Quarter. Come out at approximated 8:45 pm and see if white or black smoke will be released from Frank Perez’s balcony. Black smoke indicates no Grand Reveler has been chosen and white smoke indicates that indeed a new Grand Reveler has been selected. As they say, you never know when the smoke will blow your way! Guests are encouraged to watch from 801 Royal Bar & Grill which is across from Frank’s balcony.

The Oracle Gala, an annual event of The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 6 to 9 pm. This years Gala will honor Valda Lewis and the Amistad Research Center. There will be an open bar and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information please follow the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana on Facebook or visit their website at lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1M+ 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online Official Gay Easter Parade Guide™ Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide™ Official Gay New Orleans Guide™ Official Pride Guide™ Official Southern Decadence Guide™

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION

Alabama - Birmingham, Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Monroe, Alexandria; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Jackson; Texas Houston

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & EVENTS Chris Leonard SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Adam Radd, Brian Sands, Catherine Roland, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Kevin Assam, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Robert Fiesler, Ryan Rockford, Scot Billeaudeau, Tony Leggio, & Tyler Rosebush PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Hopkins, Dwain Hertz, Persona Shoulders, Tony Leggio

LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Ambush Magazine is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 5pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com. 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 Magazine. ©1982-2019 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.

4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Statement of Thomas G. Wood I have been a part of the LGBTQ community in New Orleans as a bar owner and business operator since 1975. Throughout my involvement in our community, I have always supported our advancements over the last 44 years, including supporting and funding campaigns that resulted in the election of LGBTQ supportive politicians, our achievement of a civil rights ordinance, our achievement of a domestic partnership ordinance, our fight for marriage equality, the establishment of LGBTQ advocacy groups, and the fight for our community in the HIV/ AIDS crisis, which tragically impacted so many of my own staff and customers.

Recently, I have been criticized over an incident involving my legal defense of allegations made against one of my businesses, The Rawhide, by the ATC, and the subsequent fallout, resulting in the ATC’s pursuit of complaints concerning The Phoenix. To the extent that anything I may have said or done that turned the focus to The Phoenix, I want to apologize to The Phoenix, its management, staff and customers.

If there is one thing that I have learned in the past 44 years in this business, it is that if we all do not stick together and support each other, we all fail. I pledge to continue to support our ever-evolving community, and look forward to continuing to work with all members of the LGBTQ community. I ask for your support in my efforts, and the efforts of those who voluntarily serve and advocate for our community.

Thomas G. “Tom” Wood July 24, 2019

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Up Stairs Lounge Commemorative Plaque Restored The memorial plaque commemorating the site of the Up Stairs Lounge fire has been given a facelift. The restoration effort was part of an international project to clean and restore LGBT+ monuments around the world.

The project is being directed by artist Ryan Leitner who has received a Traveling Fellowship from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University to clean and restore homosexual monuments in the Netherlands and the United States. Leitner will document his experiences in a short film.

The City of New Orleans worked with Leitner to refurbish the plaque, which may be found at 604 Iberville Street in the French Quarter.

Vincenzo Pasquantonio, Chair of the City of New Orleans’ Office of Human Rights & Equity, worked with Leitner to coordinate efforts at City Hall during the project.

Reflecting on the origins of his restoration project, Leitner observes, “Over the summer, I curated an exhibition on LGBTQ history titled “Celebrating Resistance,” and worked with different archival projects to create an exhibition of news articles and program materials from historic LGBTQ events that I felt were being forgotten. Halfway through the research, I realized that there are a number of markers and monuments that go unrecognized in our community. Finding inspiration in the maintenance work by Mierle La-

derman Ukeles, I found that the best artwork I could make for my community is to give back to the work that has already been made. Like any other family, a chosen family in the queer community must be nurtured and well taken care of. I want this project to stand for that sentiment.”

Last year Leitner and his husband, Robert Fieseler, moved to New Orleans. Fieseler is the author of Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation. Fieseler also serves on the Board of Directors of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, which provided additional funding for the restoration project.

The 1973 arson at the Up Stairs Lounge claimed 32 lives and remains the deadliest fire in New Orleans history. Until the Pulse Massacre in Orlando in 2016, it was the deadliest crime against LGBT+ people in the nation’s history.

Leitner notes, “Since our community does not come from a specific place or culture, we don’t always have a stable standing ground to carry on the work of our predecessors. Some of these monuments and plaques have gone into disrepair and could use people to revitalize them as important visualizers of our culture.”

The plaque on the sidewalk in front of the former Up Stairs Lounge had been dedicated in 2003, the 30th anni-

Ryan Leitner cleaning the Up Stairs Lounge commemorative plaque

versary of the fire. The bronze plaque lists the names of those who died in the arson and contains the following inscription: “At this site on June 24, 1973 in the Upstairs Lounge, these thirty-two people lost their lives in the worst fire in New Orleans. The impact went far beyond the loss of individual lives, giving birth to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights movement in New Orleans.”

In the 16 years since the plaque was installed, it has suffered from neglect and occasional acts of homophobic vandalism.

Leitner’s restoration project adds to the growing attention the Up Stairs Lounge arson has enjoyed in recent

years. The fire has traditionally been neglected or underrepresented in LGBT+ historical narratives. Memorial services, second-line parades, and other commemoration ceremonies have accompanied significant anniversaries of the fire. Serious research into the fire and its legacy is more recent.

Three books have been published about the fire: Johnny Townsend’s Let the Faggots Burn (2011), Clayton Delery’s The Up Stairs Lounge Arson (2014), and Robert Fieseler’s Tinderbox (2018). The fire has also been the subject of two documentary films— Royd Anderson’s The Upstairs Lounge Fire (2013) and Robert Camina’s Upstairs Inferno (2015).

Tour-Guiding Classes at Loyola University to Feature LGBT+ History LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana President and Ambush columnist Frank Perez will incorporate local LGBT+ history into three courses he is teaching at Loyola University this fall.

Loyola University began offering Professional Tour Guiding courses last year as part of a new initiative to accommodate the city’s growing tourism industry as well as to address increas-

ing concerns that many of the newly licensed guides on the streets have not been properly trained.

The city of New Orleans currently mandates that any guides who are paid for giving tours have a city issued tour guide license. At present, there are only three requirements to be issued a license: pay an application fee to the city, pass an FBI background

check, and score a 70% on a written test. Students who successfully complete the first course at Loyola will have the city test waived.

Professional Tour Guiding 1 begins on September 9 and meets on Monday nights through November 15.

Designed for people who are preparing to take the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam or just want to learn more

about the city, this course is a rich exploration of New Orleans’ colorful history and the tourism industry. Students participate in classroom sessions and two field trips that are guided walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District. Classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, guest speakers, and student presentations.

Students also have the option to take the Tour Guide Permit exam for the City of New Orleans on the last night of class. Cost is $395.

Professional Tour Guiding 2 begins on September 10 and meets on Tuesday nights through October 29.

The focus of this course is research and story-telling. Students will learn techniques and resources to enhance their research and storytelling skills and build better tours. Class sessions will consist of lectures, workshops, and guest speaker presentations from research facilities such as The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, New Orleans Public Library, the Notarial Archives, the Archdiocese Archives, Newcomb

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

College Institute, the Louisiana State Museum, and Amistad Research Center. Students will choose one subject to investigate and give a report on that topic at the end of the class. The last class meeting is a field trip with guided walking tour. Cost is $195.

French Quarter History begins on November 5 and meets on Tuesday nights through December 17. This class focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city

of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history.

Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, historical preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history.

The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. Cost is $245.

The courses have been designed by will be taught by local historian, licensed tour guide, and Ambush columnist Frank Perez. Perez has a long history of experience in both education and tourism. A former Associate Professor of English, Perez taught Tour Guiding courses at Delgado Community College and created that college’s French Quarter History course. He is also a long-time tour guide, a volunteer with the Friends of the Cabildo, and for

several years has owned a tour booking agency. Perez is also a member of the Sustainable Tourism Task Force, a collaborative effort among local residents and tour professionals to address the potentially harmful effects of an over-saturated tourism market.

The courses will be offered through the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies and are non-credit.

More information here: http://pcs.loyno.edu/programs/non-credit-courses

Grand Revelers’ Conclave Set for August 22

On Thursday, July 22, at the corner of Royal and St. Ann Streets in the French Quarter, the Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers’ will hold its monthly Grand Reveler Conclave.

Members of the Krewe and other interested parties will gather at 801 Royal for cocktails and bites before stepping outside to witness the release of black or white smoke from krewe captain Frank Perez’s corner apartment at 8:45 p.m..

The conclave is held on the third Thursday of each month to deliberate the selection of the krewe’s next Grand

Reveler. All Grand Revelers—Jeff Palmquist (GR I), Will Antill (GR II), Felicia Phillips (GR IV), and Frank Perez (GR V)—cloister at Lord of Misrule Frank Perez’ apartment to suggest and debate names for the honored title.

Proceedings of the monthly conclave are highly secretive. During conclave, the building is protected by the Swiss Guard. According to rumor, the vigorous discussion is fueled by copious amounts of alcohol.

After the conclave is concluded, the Lord of Misrule and the previous Grand Revelers, along with two Swiss

Guard officers, emerge on Perez’s corner balcony overlooking Royal and St. Ann Streets to release either black or white smoke. Black smoke indicates a Grand Reveler has not been selected.

White smoke indicates a Grand Reveler has been selected.

Carnival enthusiasts, interested parties, hopeful revelers, and the general public are invited to gather at the corner of St. Ann and Royal Streets during the conclave to await the decision of the Conclave. Anticipants should expect the smoke to be released at 8:45pm. The next conclave

takes place on Thursday, August 22.

The revelation of the Grand Reveler is the highlight of krewe’s legendary 12th Night Party, which kicks off the Carnival Season each year. The Mistik Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers was founded in 2013 and held its first 12th Night Party in 2014 at Perez’s home.

The first Grand Reveler was crowned in 2015. By 2018, the party had outgrown its humble origins and is now held at various venues in the French Quarter.

Forum for Equality Holds Annual Meeting The Forum for Equality held its annual meeting on Wednesday, July 24, at the New Orleans Jazz Market.

About thirty members of the Forum and a few guests enjoyed cocktails and sweets before the meeting was called to order. Three political candidates, all running for the State House of Representatives, worked the crowd during the cocktail hour: Carling Dinkler (District 91), Eugene Green (District 97), and L. Jameel Shaheer (District 99).

The primary election is October 12; the run-off election is November 16.

Executive Director Sarah Jane

Guidry gave a report on the Forum’s activities in Baton Rouge during the legislative session and also addressed local issues such as the election of homophobe Leslie Ellison to the Orleans Parish School Board. Guidry also mentioned a few upcoming events.

Kenny Tucker, Chair of the Forum’s PAC (Political Action committee), then gave a brief report before the membership elected Board Officers. Elected or reelected were Randy Evans, Ryan McNeely, Chris Otten, Glenn Reames, Brandon Robb, Carlos Rodriguez, and Dylan Waguespack. Kate Geiss and

Mary Tucker were elected to a separate Board that governs the Forum Foundation. After the elections, Guidry

awarded Kenny Tucker, naming him Board Member of the Year.

Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2020 The Lords of Leather will present its annual “Miss Louisiana Leatherette” contest on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm at Four Seasons Bar & Lounge in Metairie. This camp-drag competition features a tongue-in-cheek look at gay leather pageantry in a delightful evening for all.

This contest is open to all artists/ entertainers who wish to present their best with an outrageous “leather” twist and is open to all gay, straight, transgendered, male, female, bisexual persons…..you get the message - ANYBODY!!!

Contestants will be judged on three categories: 1. Parish (real or fictional) costume 2. Talent (four minute stage pre-

sentation) 3. Fetish wear (think “swimsuit”) The point of this contest is fun, so the first rule is “don’t take yourself so seriously”, the more outrageous the better. Camp? Definitely!!

The winner will be awarded a trophy, crown, sash, and a cash prize.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $15.

Red dress - wearers are especially welcome!!

Application and $35 non-refundable entry fee are due by 7 pm August 10 to Daryl Dunaway (Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2013) 504-701-0631 djeromejr@yahoo.com or Zak Gillespie (Fatsy Cline) (Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2019) 601-365-9673 fatsycline90@gmail.com

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Southern Decadence Accounting as of August 26, 2019 Money Raised from Fundraisers Announcement Party $1207 Press Party $1506.54 Leather and Lace $424 Salad Tossing 101 $338 SDGM Bartending $671.25 SDGM Bartending $346 Wine... Just Add Fruit $200 Potato Salad Contest $400 Just Us Trip $-566.27 Southern Meets Decadence Soiree’ $2390 Poster Signing $80 Total: $7562.79 Money Raised from Sponsorships Mark Calkins and Donald Weaver $1000 700 Club $1000 Golden Lantern/James Garner $2500

Lost Love Lounge $500 Wood Enterprise $5000 Tropical Isle $2500 Daniel Blaesing $500 The Big Easy Sisters $500 The Corner Pocket $500 Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop $500 Tomy Acosta $250 Bullock & Ham, Attorneys at Law $250 Primal Cockrings $200 Krewe of Amon-Ra $150 Krewe of Glitz,Glam and Big Hair $100 Total: $15,450 Monies Dispersed Gay Easter Parade $603.50 Supplies for Press Party $181.46 Bus rental for trip to Just US $858.27 Total: $1643.23

The current bank balance is $22,229.98.

William Antill SDGM XLV Daryl Dunaway Jr SDGM XLV

MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT The Presbytere

Designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square, the Presbytere stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana’s singular past and its vibrant present.

The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or “Ecclesiastical House,” was built on the site of the residence, or presbytère, of the Capuchin monks.

The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum.

Today, the Presbytere is one of five museums owned and operated by the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. The museum features two permanent exhibits—one on Hurricane Katrina and one Carnival and Mardi Gras.

The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans’ badly engineered levee system, it resulted in one of the worst disasters in American history, leaving 80 percent of the city flooded and hundreds dead.

With interactive exhibits and artifacts that showcase the spirit of the city’s residents, the exhibit documents the event, the aftermath and southeast

Louisiana’s ongoing recovery.

Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana offers a window into the annual celebration and riotous rituals of Mardi Gras, a festival that is inextricably woven into Louisiana’s way of life and whose roots extend deep into the Middle Ages. There are parade floats to climb, costumes to see and historical throws on display as well as rare glimpses into the secretive social club society from which modern-day Mardi Gras krewes evolved. And it’s not a party without music: Mardi Gras albums, records, sheet music and more are also part of the collection.

Currently, the Carnival exhibit is featuring a temporary exhibit on the history of Gay Carnival. Grand Illusions: The History and Artistry of Gay Carnival in New Orleans brings together more than two hundred artifacts including posters and poster artwork, ball invitations and favors, costume designs and a dozen amazing costumes. In addition, the exhibit features newly digitized films of gay balls from the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibit was made possible by a grant from the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

Grand Illusions will run through December 2020.

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

Hamlet at Tulane’s Lupin Theater Seven years ago, I ended my appraisal of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane’s (SFT) production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead with the observation “Patrick Bowen, son of Danny [Bowen, the play’s director] and currently a high school student, was very good as Hamlet in his scenes with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Might he be the SFT’s princely Dane next time Hamlet is done here?”

Well, maybe I can foresee the future as well as Macbeth’s witches as Patrick Bowen did indeed portray the Danish prince in the SFT’s recently concluded run of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.

(I had intended to review the show while it was still running, but “Hurricane” Barry caused its first weekend to be cancelled forcing this write-up to be postponed.)

Bowen gave a commendable performance. Wearing a black hoodie, hair askew, and slightly jowly, his Hamlet seemed almost too smart for his

own good; as he pursued vengeance against his uncle/stepfather Claudius for killing his father and usurping the throne, he realizes what the consequences of his actions could be and so does nothing. That, however, does not prevent him from verbally wounding others (mother Gertrude, girlfriend Ophelia, etc.) who cross his path.

Yet if an unmistakable intelligence underlay Bowen’s approach, he captured only part of this most challenging role. One missed Hamlet’s self-dramatizing quality, and the anguished bravado that Dave Davis brought to the part in SFT’s 2012 presentation of Hamlet.

While one doesn’t expect, or want, two Hamlets to be the same, Bowen’s needed something more to elevate it to what had the potential to be a great interpretation.

For this I hold Director Clare Moncrief responsible. As with so many other SFT productions, her Hamlet was never less than clear and understandable, no small feat, but never gripping or incisive. Her approach was more or less the same as that 2012 production which she also directed and, as was the case then, neither provided any

Patrick Bowen and Sheldon Mba in Hamlet

sense of revelation nor offered any new insights into the work.

My colleague Theodore P. Mahne noted (on nola.com; good to have him back post-Times-Picayune) “the production may not plumb deeply the psychological layers of the tragedy” but was able to overlook that; I, however, missed the subtext, the careful shaping of these most glorious words as, with one notable exception, each actor in the cast found one note for his or her character and stuck with it throughout.

That one exception was the Ophelia of Aviyon Myles. Unlike her castmates, she radiated a true noble bearing and an innate dignity so that you believed she was of highborn blood.

Her “O, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown!” speech was not mere observation, but a wounded cry of the heart, each phrase divulging another layer of her delicate soul.

Unlike most other Ophelia’s I’ve seen, Myles, a NOCCA grad, lay the seeds for her later descent into madness beginning in the “Nunnery Scene” with Hamlet so her mind’s dissolution did not seem to appear later by mere authorial fiat. With her elegant appeal, I can easily imagine Myles someday portraying Michele Obama during her years in the White House. Or, right now (casting directors take note), as the former First Lady was as a college or law school student.

In addition to Myles’ fine work, Sam Malone endowed Polonius with more depth than this king’s counselor usually gets. Clearly caring for his children, Ophelia and Laertes (Sheldon Mba), Malone furnished Polonius’ character-defining pompousness without overdoing it.

Graham Burk was effective as the ghost of Hamlet’s father, lit by a spec-

tral green light. James Bartelle properly made Horatio a steadfast friend to Hamlet; their scenes together succeeded as they’re the most straightforward of the play and so don’t suffer from a lack of subtext.

Moncrief’s sole directorial invention was casting two women as Rosencrantz (Emily Russell) and Guildenstern (Drew Pearson), Hamlet’s pals.

This gambit worked exceedingly well, giving these two characters a newfound level of intimacy with the prince; had he dated one--or both--back in college? It seemed possible. One wishes Moncrief had taken more such risks.

On the other hand, the only truly out of place element were the Players who come to Elsinore Castle. They acted in the broad style one associates with 19th century traveling troupes.

That might have been fine if Erin Routh’s costume scheme matched that period, but with a cast dressed in contemporary outfits, Moncrief bungled an opportunity to send up Method acting or performance art or, well, anything rather than the tried’n’true. Tirol Palmer, as the Player Queen, at least reined it in somewhat to make for a more believable thespian.

And so the Shakespeare Festival’s revels now are ended for its 26th season. Let’s hope next year its players will not only speak the Bard’s lines trippingly, but better hold the mirror up to nature.

Curtain Up The Mighty Lincoln Company, a new theatre company based in Algiers Point, presents Turn It into Smoke by RF Keefe at Mount Olivet Episcopal Church (530 Pelican Ave.). In it, Melinda and Craig, a young couple expect-

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 11

ing a baby, are prepared for a relaxing night after crib shopping and Lamaze classes. They settle in for the night with their friends, seasoned parents Gary and Lena, who have a very special favor to ask them. All is normal as pie... until the nuns arrive.

Mark Routhier directs a cast fea-

turing John Neisler, Wendy Neisler, Kristin Shoffner, Garrett Prejean, Mary Pauley, Kathryn Miesse, and Ron Gural. Performances run thru August 3 and include a slice of lasagna that’s cooked during the show!

We’ve all felt the blues, and artists like Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Irma

Thomas, Ma Rainey and Big Mama Thornton among others, have expressed these feelings in their music.

100 Years of Women in Blues, created by and starring Dorian Rush, travels from 1919 to 2019 offering a journey of life, love, heartache and loss.

100 Years of Women in Blues

runs August 9-25, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees at JPAS’ Teatro Wego, 177 Sala Avenue, in Westwego.

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

ART SPOTLIGHT An Interview with Red Truck co-owner and director Rachael Cronin Tyler Rosebush tyrosebush@gmail.com

Just as we were getting accustomed to the eclectic mix attending the Oleander On Royal openings, it had to go and disappear on us. But fret not! The space is still a go-to for all the same Queerdo art you found there before–it has just merged with the neighboring art gallery Red Truck. Back in June, several employees along with former Oleander owner Jake Thomas purchased Red Truck Gallery from its previous owner who still owns the hip pizza boutique on Rampart by the same name. In order to find out exactly what the vision was for the new “twin” gallery spaces (940 & 1000 Royal St.), I dropped by one sweaty afternoon and chatted up co-owner and director Rachael Cronin.

As part-owner of Red Truck, how did you come into owning an art gallery in the Quarter?

Six years ago, I saw them putting up the first show and was dying to work there. They hired me in sales, then I went into a managerial position, and with this transition to ownership my sweat equity has paid off.

Did you already have an art background?

I went to an art high school in Ohio and I moved here when I was 19 right after I graduated high school. I just couldn’t wrap my head around paying one hundred grand for art school so I moved to a city that I loved and just tried to really get in. New York and L.A. can do their own thing, but New Orle-

ans is where I really fit in.

So you are an owner, but do you also curate the work?

Gabriel Shaffer and I do the curating for the space. We have everything from folk art to contemporary pop surrealism. It kinda falls into a category called low brow–less stuffy art for lack of a better term. You see a lot of galleries in New Orleans cater to tourism, the whole blues, jazz, cool buildings, and scenic stuff, which is really beautiful, but ours is more out-there, strange art.

I also get to do the traveling art shows like Art Basel and the LA Art Show. Recently, I did the Hamptons for the 4th of July. I just covered up all of my tattoos and tried not to act like a weirdo. I felt like a social chameleon.

Do you guys represent local artists, regional, or anywhere in the country?

Anywhere. Altogether our roster is about 60 artists. For some, we might only have a piece or two. Twenty-five percent of them are from New Orleans, then the majority are from the USA, and we have Mexico, Canada, and several from Europe.

So you guys recently merged with Oleander On Royal, which occupied the space directly across St. Phillip from you guys. What’s the vision for the new side by side spaces?

This space [the one downriver of St. Phillip] we’ve nicknamed the “Red

Truck Showroom” which has the bigger pieces, the more expensive pieces, and the more famous artists. The other one [upriver of St. Phillip] we call the “OG Red Truck” which has all of our prints, merchant stickers, and kinda the more freaky art like engraved horse skulls which is a little bit darker. So it’s to separate out the two spaces so they aren’t bombarded with 60 artists all at once.

It seems like you guys have a penchant for more representational art often with a high level of craft.

A lot of the artists would be considered outsider artists whose work is really labor-intensive.

What does it mean to be an outsider artist?

It’s an artist who’s kinda figured it out on their own. It’s synonymous with self-taught. Typically, they didn’t go to art school or don’t have a professional background in art and got into the art world on their own.

Why did you guys choose the Royal Street art scene as opposed to Julia Street or the St. Claude corridor?

Well, Julia Street is mostly the blue-chip art gallery scene as opposed to our low brow stuff and we just love this corner. The foot traffic is great, but it’s not too crazy. We don’t get much bullshit. The other galleries on the block flow well together. You have Antioch Gallery, Frank Relle, Harouni, GE Graphic Gallery, and we kinda support

each other. So people will think of the 8-900 block of Royal as a corridor as a section for a particular kind of art.

What are the big events/shows coming up?

We have a big Decadence party coming up called Cream, which will feature erotic works by Brandon Reneman, Camille Rose-Garcia, Jasjyot Singh Hans, Caitlyn McCormack, Michael Meads, Xavier Schipani, and Lena Dunham.

And our other really big show coming up is called LAX-MSY and that’s because a big gallery from LA is coming here to do a big collaborative pop up show and it’s also our six year anniversary; so we are gonna have a big Dirty Linen party.

The opening reception for LAX-MSY will be at Red Truck Gallery (940 Royal) on Saturday, August 10th from 6-10pm (Dirty Linen Night).

Cream opens Southern Decadence weekend and the reception will be held Friday, August 30th from 7-10pm.

12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 13

MUSINGS BY CATHERINE

2019 Gay Appreciation Awards: Personal Reflections Catherine Roland catherineroland12@gmail.com

O What a Night!

It’s 5:45 pm, on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon Streets. Hot, still dripping a bit of shiny raindrops around the mugginess that is New Orleans in July. Tourists traipse along Bourbon, some moving quickly, more moving slowly so they can see what Bourbon Street is all about. They’ll never really get it, will they?

I was focused on the groups, couples and individuals heading to the same place my friends and I were – OZ. The colors began to be brighter, more sparkly, and more joyful. The 31st Annual Gay Appreciation Awards ceremony, sponsored by Ambush Magazine, was my destination, and my intention was to have a ball while celebrating the nominees and the recipients of the awards. The GAA’s were created 31 years ago, to “thank those in the LGBT Community who often are not recognized for their outstanding service and efforts they perform” as stated in the 2019 program for the event.

Stepping into the bar revealed a magical scene. Welcoming us were stunningly dressed, tall, lovely wom-

en and very handsome, chic men, hot queens and very cool kings, dressed and ready to celebrate. The music was loud, lighting was cool, and a general feeling of excitement prevailed. Every step yielded a smile, a hug or two, a wink – all manner of greetings and welcome. The very best feeling of belonging, of knowing who we are and who we can be, was emerging. I guess it felt familiar and calming, amidst the noise and laughter.

The Ambush folks were right there. Tomy Acosta, owner and publisher, along with Reed Wendorf, and Chris Leonard, among others, and ushered us all in, nurturing their event and assuring that success was the only option.

And the mixture of the audience!

Sitting in the main area at a little table with friends, I could see the people at the bar, at the other tables, and hear the excitement of being together. An assembling of the community, the allies, the business owners who support the event and all our events, and the organizations who serve, and have consistently worked to change the attitudes, the heart, and the level of ac-

ceptance in this city, all well represented at this annual event. What a special evening.

As the co-hosts for the evening stepped onto the stage, there was an unsignaled quiet, likely due to the respect the audience had for Frank Perez and Jeffrey Palmquist.

The show began! I noticed the energy and enthusiasm of the performers throughout the evening, and the support the audience offered for each and every one of the many awards bestowed. But most importantly, in those moments, I found myself remembering and imagining the venue filled with people who are no longer here with us, and recalling some of the struggle to get our community to a safe place.

We owe them a great deal of thanks for their leadership and mentorship, so there could be consistent celebrations, and safe passage throughout the city while being true to self, unapologetic and uncompromising. Those men were all those things in their own way, for the time they had with us. Memories are golden, and valuable in learning our history.

I’d like to share some of the

thoughts I had of old friends, dedicated advocates, and brave men who passed away during the 80’s and 90’s interwoven with the grandeur that was displayed at Oz at the GAA ceremony.

The freedom and pride at Oz was exhilarating. When the ‘now’ reflects the past, we are able to acknowledge the growth, and the struggle, which often means more and is sustaining. It sustains every day, in all of our endeavors.

We often simply do not know it.

My recollections are of a few individuals who, in their way, opened the door for just this kind of evening.

I thought of the young men I worked with at the first display of the AIDS Quilt in New Orleans, when we thought no one would help or volunteer and, to our delight, the first two meetings many months before the event were crowded with lesbians and gay men, all ages, and walks of life. Since we were working the event, we were allowed to come the day before the public to view it in our time, alone or with loved ones.

Forever will be etched in my mind, and in the frame on my dresser, two of my dear friends with arms around shoulders, looking down at the quilt

14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

at a panel which was from this area, honoring a 30-year old native New Orleanian. One common goal. One mission. We wanted to memorialize our friends and loved ones from this area.

We also made quilts so that they could be shipped to San Francisco, logged in, blocked and backed, and become a part of the National AIDS Quilt that was displayed here. I lost count of how many I actually worked on, but I know the quilts I helped make for friends, like Paul R, Bobby, Michael P, Thomas, Donald M and many others. I imagined several of those young men at Oz with us, in some capacity, as MC’s, performers, bartenders, and most prominently, joyful supporters and positive role models. Those guys loved a party.

And if they were there with us at Oz, they wouldn’t have been afraid any more. They would not be afraid of losing a job, or of being evicted when it was found out they were sick. Not now.

I thought of the amazing drag shows at The Country Club – yes, it was very different then in the 1980’s and mid-1990’s. It was a gathering place for alternative entertaining and

partying. The Country Club hosted drag night at least once a week. Three young men I knew performed often, two of whom died of AIDS. I do not use their names, as those men couldn’t use them back then for anything gay-related because of their families, and I respect that now. But they were both with me at Oz. And both would have loved it.

As the awards were bestowed, one specific person was there with me in spirit as always. I had the great honor of being asked to present the Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award. That alone would have brought my friend Al to mind. That the recipient of that important award was CrescentCare/NO/ AIDS Task Force just made my recollections kick into high gear, and I could see Al McNairn, Will F, and Mike C all dancing, working, and collecting donations. And being in awe of how free it was at Oz, how privileged they would have been to know their protests, their actions and kindness helped pave the way. For you, me and us, right now.

After a wonderful evening, I experienced a fleeting thought of going back

in time to about 1987-88, and ending the evening as we had so many times – stopping at La Peniche Restaurant (who remembers it?) in the Marigny on Dauphine Street, and visiting with Al McNairn, the owner.

We’d be having grilled biscuits, coffee, and all the while, Al and Kathy would be sneaking food out the back door to feed the men with AIDS who gathered every night. It was a very scary time, unsafe and unsure. Al dedicated the last years of his life to feeding those in need in the LGBT community, as well as donating many resources, often anonymously, to NO/AIDS Task Force. Even when there was the organization Al founded, Community Relief for People with AIDS, he continued to host PWA’s out of the restaurant. He was a force of good, courageous fortitude, and an inspiring role model. He was with me in spirit for that evening at Oz, along with my good friends who were with me at the awards.

When I think of that evening, and the pride I feel for our community, and reflect on where our fight has taken us, I feel certain the freedom and joy

I sensed at the 2019 GAA Awards will be felt for a long time. Even though you may not have experienced a time in the community that was riskier and darker, please know that there were so many fighters, advocates, and issues that have allowed our world to be better for you, much better for all. Let us make it so, by attending events, supporting the organizations that care about us, and by taking a risk. Come out, attend something, learn our past and current achievements. Become a living and active part of the community.

A final note. Do you believe in coincidence? I don’t. As I’m writing this, which would be 9:48 pm Tuesday, July 23, I am watching POSE. Without giving anything away, Patti LuPone is singing at an AIDS Concert in NYC during the early 90’s. I am distracted, because some of what they describe is exactly what several of my friends endured. That’s another article for another day, so many heroes to illuminate.

Coincidence? I don’t think so. Watch POSE, FX, Tuesdays, 9:00 pm CT.

COMMUNITY VOICE The 2019 New Orleans Pride Run+Walk: An Interview with NOTC’s Chloe and Casey Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org

2019 Pride Run & Walk Finisher Medal

Photo from 2018 Pride Run & Walk

This past week I met with Chloe Nicolosi and Casey Urschel to talk about the 2019 New Orleans Pride Run and Walk, which will be held on Saturday, August 31, in Crescent Park. Chloe is the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC) Executive Race Director, and Casey is the president of the NOTC Board of Directors. Last year was the first Pride Run in New Orleans, and also my first 5K. OK, so maybe I didn’t run the entire 5K, but I did cross the finish line. Eventually.

Chloe and Casey answered some of my questions about this year’s event: Could you tell us a bit about NOTC? The New Orleans Track Club is a 56-year-old nonprofit membership organization that produces running and walking events throughout the Crescent City. Our mission is to promote running and walking as both a com-

petitive sport, and as one of the best and most accessible athletic activities to achieve physical and mental fitness.

Our events are open to everyone, of all speeds, who share our passion for the sport and for living a healthy lifestyle.

What is the Pride Run & Walk?

Now in its second year, the New Orleans Pride Run & Walk focuses on inclusivity, unity, and diversity in the fitness community. It is the newest event on the New Orleans Track Club’s schedule, but has quickly become a highlight on the local race calendar.

Participants and supporters gather on the banks of the Mississippi River in Crescent Park. The racecourse includes a loop through the Bywater and beautiful views of the river. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that helps celebrate Southern Decadence weekend.

Will there be food or drinks, or any special activities other than the

race?

You can’t have an event in New Orleans without having a great party, and the New Orleans Pride Run & Walk is no exception.

This year, we’ll have post-race cocktails provided by Absolut, beer from Crescent Crown Distributing flowing from Tap Truck NOLA, food from Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown and Jambalaya Girl, Stumptown Coffee, water from Kentwood Springs, Van’s Snoballs, Elmer’s Chee Wees, and sweets from Baker Maid. Runners and walkers are encouraged to work up an appetite during the race!

Also, this year, there are awards for the Largest Team and Most Spirited Team. We’ll have special celebrity judges appraising team spirit at the postrace party, and will present awards to both categories during the celebration.

It’s not too late to sign up your team to be eligible for one of these awards!

There’s info about registering teams at NOLAPrideRun.com. Oh! And every

participant who finishes the race will receive a commemorative medal.

How did this all get started?

The NOTC’s Board of Directors has made inclusivity and diversity a focus of their mission. They want to bring running and walking to as many members of the community as possible, and make New Orleans Track Club events a welcoming atmosphere to all attending. The board recognized that “Pride Runs” are noteworthy events in major cities around the world, and couldn’t imagine why a city as diverse as New Orleans didn’t have one. The New Orleans Pride Run & Walk was conceived to help fill that need.

I know that for last year’s Pride Run, BreakOUT was the charity beneficiary. Have you chosen a beneficiary for this year?

Yes! The beneficiary for the 2019 New Orleans Pride Run & Walk is the New Orleans chapter of PFLAG. Specifically, the donated funds will be directed to their scholarship program

16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

that recognizes outstanding GLBT students from Louisiana, and encourages continuing education for self-identified GLBT students and allies.

How can folks get registered to participate?

Online registration is open now through August 26th at NOLAPrideRun. com. Registering early allows participants to get a discounted price, plus it guarantees a commemorative shirt.

Race day registration will be available

starting at 8:00AM near the start/finish in Crescent Park.

I know that NOAGE is definitely going to have a walking group, and I hope my readers will join us. But if someone is interested in getting involved, but not doing the run or walk itself, are you looking for volunteers for the event?

It takes a whole team of volunteers to produce a New Orleans Track Club event, and we can always use addi-

tional hands on race day. Volunteers are welcome to email us at NOTC@ runNOTC.org to join the fun.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the Pride Run & Walk, or about NOTC? We’ve set up a discount code exclusively for Ambush Magazine readers. Use the code “AMBUSH” when registering, and save $5 when signing up online only before August 26. Additional info is available by RSVP’ing

to the New Orleans Pride Run & Walk Facebook event, or by emailing NOTC@runNOTC.org.

Thanks so much for the interview, y’all. I’m going to put in one more shameless plug for my readers: If you’re interested in joining a walking group for the 2019 Pride Walk and Run, I hope you’ll join the NOAGE team. Register at NOLAPrideRun.com. See you there!

NEW TO NEW ORLEANS

Kinderguardians Robert W Fieseler wordbobby@gmail.com Stink hits in July like nothing else in New Orleans. Indeed, the whiff of an overripe human being, mixed with perfume or the ketones of booze or a spritz of Axe Body Spray from the pits, can clear out a room—unless you’re body-blocked in a concert or trapped in dialogue or duty-bound to man your post.

And such was the dilemma of my friend, who I’ll call Prince of the Derelicts, the 26-year-old lover of one of the city’s preeminent historians, as he stood dressed in an orange, red and blue Swiss Guard outfit that vaguely smelled of ribbon. He leaned against brick and, beneath a black beret, puffed on his Juul beside a Royal Street doorway.

Posing tough in his multicolored blouse and pantaloons, he looked like a dandy thug. Prince had already attracted some attention, as was fully the intention, when he emerged onto the street in matching Swiss Guard outfits with my husband Ryan.

Their purpose? To guard the gates of the building while, above us all, the Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers met in conclave to choose the next Grande Dame of their famous Twelfth Night Party, aka the “Grand Reveler” of Mardi Gras 2020. To make this choice, they would require much booze and spirited discussion and, most importantly, protection from intrusion of the masses. Hence, the twinky Swiss Guards playing bouncer, who I nicknamed “Kinderguardians” as I stood by and sipped a Pimm’s Cup. Former Grand Revelers gained entrance. All else were turned away. Well, except me, whom the sentries permitted to lounge with them in the breezeway. The aroma of the fancy soap shop next store infused the air with lavender and bergamot, and we laughed as passersby paused to high five or take pictures with the Kinderguardians.

Then I was standing directly in a horse jockey’s crotch and breathing through the hole of his dick. Or, at least, it smelled so. My brain told me so, though my eyes told me different.

And I turned to see Prince conversing with a dreadlocked gentleman bearing a go-cup. This person was, for lack of a better term, olfactorily challenged.

“Yo, where you get dem costumes,” the man inquired.

“Yo, they were like 80 bucks off Amazon,” Prince responded.

I took a step back, but Prince was stuck—honor-bound, as a Kinderguardian, to defend the entrance. As John Adams once explained, “A sentry’s post is his castle.”

Yet I did not know, in this circumstance, how the Prince of Derelicts could handle this tête-à-tête. But handling it he was with aplomb, with no visible reaction to the diffusions of what can best be described as man-cheese emanating like radiation waves. Ah, it occurred to me that, given Prince’s nickname, his nostrils must be attenuated to various “street bouquets.”

“They great. You got extra? Lemme buy one off you,” the man spoke in rejoinder.

“Nah, sorry. Amazon,” Prince countered.

“What the fuck am I gonna wear for Halloween then?” the man the shouted suddenly, almost irately.

“How bout that,” Prince answered quickly, diffusing the situation by pointing to a nearby television box that a neighbor had left on the curb. “You could tape it up yellow and SpongeBob the fuck out of it.”

The man stood quietly, quizzically.

“Yeah, you right,” he then said, grabbing the box, unfolding it square and stepping into its gaping center.

He pulled the cardboard up to his waist, admiring its general shape. The flapping wings, which settled down by his knees, gave the silhouette of a skirt. “Thanks a millions!” he declared, high-fiving Prince as he began to shuffle onward.

“Yo,” Prince turned and whispered, “that dude’s my friend, but he sorta stank.”

Prince waved his hands to clear the air. The ruffles of his Swiss Guard blouse billowed with each swoosh, and

The Swiss Guard also known as the Kinderguardians of Gay Mardi Gras

then he tucked his head beneath his beret to steal a puff from his juul. He seemed determined to play it cool.

But I caught him smiling to himself when he looked up, as if admiring his recent feat. And we watched a man he’d told to wear a box waddle away down Royal Street.

Robert W. Fieseler is the author of Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, which just won the 2019 Edgar Award in Best Fact Crime.

He lives with his husband and dog in New Orleans.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 17

THE ROCKFORD FILES

The Back Burner Boyfriend Ryan Rockford RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com Back Burners – those ‘maybe one day’ relationship candidates. Those guys we keep on standby in case our current relationship hits the skids, or for when we’re feeling lonely or need help getting through a sexual dry spell.

They are the guys we know that due to other obligations or priorities, current partner or basic incompatibilities, a real relationship with them just wouldn’t work out. Or would it?

Studies show that whether you’re single or in a relationship, it’s perfectly natural for individuals to have a “little black book” of alternates. The statistic holds true for both straights and gays.

Although most of our straight counterparts understand the security and validity that second-string partners can provide, as a gay man, the BBB is more than a convenient accessory, he is an important element of survival.

A lesson I learned from Auntie Blanche and the Golden Girls.

Remember Mel Bushman, “The Zipper King”?

Picture it: 1991, The Golden Girls, season 6, episode 19; “Melodrama”.

Mel Bushman, may have been “The Zipper King” of Miami, but was far from

socialite royalty and more like “Fred Flintstone, with a better car.” He was an average, rough around the edges, blue-collar type. In contrast to Blanche, Mel was neither refined nor sophisticated, and yet he was Blanche’s ‘go to’ guy whenever one of her dates stood her up or when she was feeling old, unattractive, or suffering through a dating slump. “The Zipper King” was Blanche’s BBB. The perils of dating in the gay community are well documented and most of us have the scars to prove it. No one makes it through life unscathed, and it’s best not to have to go through it alone. And why should we? At some point, don’t we all need to have our own “Mel Bushman”?

These days through social media, cell phones, computers, etc., it’s easier than ever to keep up with, and maintain our list of relationship alternatives. A simple ‘Like’, or the mention of an inside joke in their comment’s section, even something as innocuous as sharing a meme, can keep our back-ups meals simmering. The goal is to dangle your carrot just out of reach so when/if you decide to crank up the heat a bit,

that dish is hot and good to go. les of commitment. That’s a pretty So, is there anything wrong with good perk. having a Back Burner Boyfriend? Why However, there is a caveat. If you shouldn’t we hedge our bets and keep are a commitment-phobe who chrona spare or two lying around for emerically puts potential mates on the back gencies, if our existing relationship hits burner for fear of the responsibilities the skids, or our current object of affecand commitment of a real relationship, tion turns out to be a major twat? What these ‘advantages’ could be a red flag. could possibly go wrong?

Keeping a potential suitor in limbo while In case there is any doubt, as a you wait for the day when that you’re single gay man, STILL in the dating finally ‘ready’ to take the plunge is a game, I can tell crapshoot.

What you that the Back The Back Burner Boyfriend if that day never Burner Boyfriend or comes is also convenient to have comes, is very much a too late? No one around for the reliable ego likes feeling seckey player in relationships. And boost a BBB can provide. ond best so don’t rightfully so. be surprised if on The BBB offers several advantagthe day you’re ‘ready’, they already left. es. For starters, a BBB can take the Another mistake that should be edge off of a fresh breakup. I’d say avoided in Plan B relationships is the close to 90% of gay relationships are practice of putting a relationship canticking time bombs. And when that tick didate on the back burner because he goes BOOM, it’s nice to have a couple doesn’t meet every requirement on of options in your back pocket to help your idealistic, life-partner checklist. you through the heartache. Of course Constantly searching and holding out it’s healthy to take some private time for something better can sometimes to process and come to grips with the leave you holding nothing at all. end of any meaningful relationship but The ideal Back Burner relationwhen it’s 3 a.m. on a Tuesday morning ships are the ones where there’s a muand you’ve grown tired of listening to tual understanding that any attempt at your Adele playlist and crying in your a real commitment just wouldn’t work. herbal tea, believe me when I tell you Neither is leading the other on. They that the quickest way to get over a man may care deeply for one another but is to get under one. for whatever reason, the pursuit of The Back Burner Boyfriend is also anything more than what they already convenient to have around for the relishare is futile. able ego boost a BBB can provide. On It’s important to remember that, be those days when your hair won’t coopit front burner or back burner, you’re erate, you’re feeling ugly and your ‘fat’ playing with fire; when that mutual unclothes are getting a little snug, a romp derstanding begins to tip, someone in the hay with a BBB can be a nice reusually gets burned minder that you that you won’t be alone And that’s what happened to forever; you are still dateable, likeable, Blanche Devereaux and “The Zipper attractive, and desirable. Even at your King”. Unable to reach Mel during lowest, isn’t it comforting to know there one of her needy moments, Blanche is someone who will still suck your dick becomes concerned. When several of and tell u you’re pretty? Yes. It is.

Blanche’s phone messages go unanPerhaps the biggest advantage swered, she assumes the worst. Fearof having a BBB is the opportunity to ing him dead, Blanche decides she enjoy all of the hot sex and stimulating wants their relationship to get more seadoration we seek from our partners, rious. That’s one of the pitfalls of havminus the day-to-day drama or shacking The Back Burner Boyfriend; more

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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than likely one of you will begin daydreaming about the ‘what if’ aspects of your relationship, and will start wanting more. Surveys suggest that in every back-up or alternate affair, someone is going to tire of being another man’s left-overs and will want to move from being a tasty midnight snack, up to the hot flaming entrée.

Of course, the obstacle being that the relationship was founded on the agreement that anything more than the occasional Netflix and chill wasn’t an option. As a result, a once sizzling dish gets put on ice, as it did with Blanche and Mel. The lesson to be learned here is to leave well enough alone.

The BBB dynamic can be a healthy one as long as you’re wearing your Big Boy pants. Intimacy, emotions, honesty, and integrity are adult topics that need to be dealt with in an adult manner. Be crystal clear with your intentions. Playing games with people’s emotions is cruel, and it isn’t fair.

When you are single, the concerns of having a Back Burner Boyfriend are virtually non-existent. What consenting adults do behind closed doors is nobody’s business. Within a committed relationship however, the presence of any sort of Back Burner Boyfriend is like dousing gasoline on a flame.

Once you’ve decided to enter into a relationship with the mate of your choice, staying in contact with your pre-boyfriend Back Burners isn’t advis-

able, and will only serve to chip away the trust factor that you should be trying to build with your new man. Holding onto your Plan B options when you are in a relationship becomes almost a self-fulfilling prophecy, as it suggests an underlying belief in the relationship’s demise. And if you’ve already conceded to impending doom, how much of a fight are you really going to put up when the sky begins to fall?

Relationships are hard. Every relationship needs a firm foundation if it’s expected to go the distance. Those first few months together, are critical to the building stage. Any indiscretion, no matter how insignificant can destroy that foundation. That’s why it’s important to leave your stand-in lovers at the threshold. Keeping a line of communication open with past or present Back Burner Boyfriends, while in our current relationship, can be considered by many (myself included) to be a form of emotional cheating. Not quite sins of the flesh, but not far from it. Let’s say that you’re using an old Plan B as a source of comfort when the road gets rough with your current partner. It isn’t that far of a leap for your latest beau to think that Plan B may be urging you to jump ship and abandon the new relationship drama in favor or calmer waters.

If you are lucky enough to find someone who actually wants to have a relationship with you and is willing to

work at it, for fck’s sake, man up and give it everything you’ve got. The Back Burner Boyfriends are on the back burner for a reason; leave them there.

Part of being an adult is clearing your sandbox of a boy and his toys, and making room for a man and his furniture.

Blanche and Mel came to a similar conclusion. They realized that, heating up and moving their back burner love affair to the front, wasn’t an improvement. Elevating their relationship status from ‘Single’ to ‘In a relationship’ only made things worse. They knew they weren’t compatible enough to officially be together so they made amends and returned their on-again, off-again relationship back to its original version. All was well again in the Kingdom of Bushman Here’s the thing. Relationships are work. Romantic relationships require more work and I believe that maintaining successful, and healthy gay relationships requires even more effort and commitment than any other. How each couple defines ‘successful’ and ‘healthy’ is entirely up to them, but mutual respect and consideration for each other and the commitment to create a life together should not be compromised by the presence of Back Burner Boyfriends.

Temptation will always be the devil on your shoulder. How you handle it will not only tell your partner what kind

of person you are but it will also spell out, in no uncertain terms, how serious you are in honoring your commitment.

The struggle is real. And there will be times, many times, during your relationship when things get rough, feelings get hurt, miscommunication and misunderstandings will cause you to wonder if you made a mistake. That’s temptation’s cue and suddenly you’re being cruised by every sexy m.f. on the street. Studs you tossed your number at years ago are sex-ting you from out of the blue. The sun is shining and the grass is looking a whole lot greener over at the Single Mingle.

The truth is, the grass is greener where you water it. Instead of pulling up your roots, and running for the hills, try planting them deeper. Exhaust yourself in the effort to do your part in making a home.

So, does the Back Burner Boyfriend deserve a legitimate space on accessory shelf? I say ‘Hell, yeah.”

I can’t speak for everyone (although I’ll bet I speak for most) I know that when I find myself in a sexual slump or wrestling with bouts of low self-esteem, or lonely depression, I begin to hear the mating call that used to bring Auntie Blanche such comfort: “Bushman AWAITS!” That’s when I crack open my Little Black Book and in thirty minutes or less, all is right with the world.

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST TV Executive Quinn Taylor Doesn’t Eat In Bed But He Just Bought Ptown’s Café Heaven Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com Was Belinda Carlisle referring to Provincetown’s Café Heaven (www.

CafeHeavenPTown.com) in Heaven Is a Place on Earth? Former television executive Quinn Taylor might think so.

His Lobster Ravioli is pretty divine. As is Taylor’s witty observations on tackling modern day love. Just how did a fateful phone call end up minting a new restaurateur? Do television executives eat in bed? Why is the three day rule so 1985?

Is food ever explicitly queer?

Quinn: I would not think so. Soul food. Black food. Asian food. California cuisine. Personally, I cannot think of anything that would be called queer food other than the fact that I’m eating something and I’m queer. We’re such a diverse group that I don’t think we necessarily deserve our own genre. We eat everything.

What led you to go in on this venture?

Quinn: My career in television was very good to me and I was good to it.

I felt I came to a place where I could step back and come to Provincetown full time. I had a house here for eight years. LA is great but I don’t need two homes anymore. I thought of spending the summer here in Provincetown then I got a phone call on the 28th of February saying Cafe Heaven was for sale.

I said I would buy it. There wasn’t too much thought into this other than the fact I had been eating at this restaurant hundreds of times over the many years I had been coming here. I always loved the food. I became very friendly with the owners. I met friends there I still have to this day. When the phone call came. it felt bizarrely natural.

It’s called Cafe Heaven. Do you agree with Belinda Carlisle? Is heaven a place on Earth?

Quinn: It’s wherever you’re living your best life.

How Portuguese are your Portuguese Clams? Are you worried it will become marginalized by the increasingly nativist rhetoric and actions of our culture today?

Quinn: It speaks more to the sauce than to the clams. It’s been a big seller for lots of restaurants. In a town that has a Portuguese heritage week where we all put up Portuguese flags, I don’t think there’ll be backlash unless the sauce isn’t very good.

NYC media maven and PR powerhouse Kelly Cutrone coined the expression, “if you have to cry, go outside.” Is crying allowed at Cafe Heaven?

Quinn: Customers can cry, of course. Employees need to leave the floor and pull it together in the back

and tell me why they’re crying. If it’s something a customer said that will be dealt with. If it’s something from home, it needs to be put to bed so you can do your job and deal with it later.

What if an employee just received a text message earlier that morning that their partner of thirty years was running off to Palm Springs with a significantly younger individual?

Quinn: They received that text either before work in the morning or during their break. I do not want phones on the floor. If they got it at work or while coming in I would give them the day off so they could deal with it. Personal lives are the most important thing. I want happy employees.

What’s your television lineup for a day in and what are you eating while you lie in bed?

Quinn: I don’t eat or watch TV in bed [laughs]. I try to keep those things separate having made it for 27 years. My days were filled with television. When I was sleeping, I wanted to sleep. When I was eating, I wanted to eat. I just started watching Dead to Me with Christina Applegate. I’m obsessed with HBO’s Gentleman Jack. Veep is the most incredible show ever. I loved Succession and can’t wait for its return. I always think Modern Family is a stroke of genius every time. I love Sneaky Pete.

Is queer film and television where it needs to be?

Quinn: There’s always room for improvement. I haven’t seen Netflix’s Tales of the City and can’t speak to that.

Did you like Call Me By Your Name?

Quinn: I did but not as much I liked the book.

Was the upcoming sequel to the novel fueled by the pressure to create a sequel to the film?

Quinn: That speaks to where queer film and television is at. Is that the best we can do, to create a sequel to that movie? Maybe. I hope not. I really enjoyed the book. I thought the movie was fine. I did not believe the relationship.

Were you depressed by the ending of the novel?

Quinn: No. It’s life.

Is life too hard, Quinn?

Quinn: It is for some people. And it is. Of course it is.

Do we need to eliminate certain rules of courtship that deal with holding back or deliberately delaying communication after meeting someone? Is there an advantage to making the first move or being a bit

TV Executive Quinn Taylor

more aggressive?

Quinn: Those rules are ridiculous anyway. If you like each other why can’t you reach out? Don’t stalk them or text every eight minutes. If you text someone who likes you and that person expresses they like you, why can’t you communicate whenever you choose to? Imposing a three day wait is overly pretentious and wildly 1985.

What’s the Quinn Taylor playbook to courtship?

Quinn: I have been single for a number of years now so my playbook may not be worth discussing. We are all obsessed with having a type. What’s your type? I say upright and breathing.

Would I go on a blind date? Sure. I’ll go if I if you think the person is nice too.

I try not to adhere to what I consider to be a type because that usually does not work.

When was the last time you wigged out on a romantic interest?

Quinn: I’m not the wigging out type.

There was a guy I had been dating for six months. We established a pattern of text, beep, response. Text, beep, beep, response. After a particular day, the relationship was clearly running its course, and his response time got longer. He finally called and wanted to stop by and talk. I said “To be honest, there’s nothing really to say. What you have not said speaks volumes. If this is to absolve you of wrongdoing, you don’t need to come over and tell me all this unless you have do this. I didn’t need it.”

He decided to come over. I had a friend over and made him stay in the room. I told him “Ok, give me the rea-

sons you don’t want to see me.” He said he didn’t want a long-distance monogamous relationship but he lived 24 minutes away. That’s not long distance. What, there’s a truck stop between where I live and Valencia, California? I told him you’ve said what you wanted and can go. I went back to my friend who’s sitting in the room probably wanting to die but he did want a favor. It was controlled wigging I suppose.

Is long distance for the birds?

Quinn: I know people who make it work. It can’t work forever. You really have to commit to it and fly back and forth. Like a plant, you have to love it, feed it, and talk to it. You can’t do it over the phone all the time.

Are we at risk of devaluing the power of the expression “I love you?”

Quinn: I don’t think so. When you really mean it and say it, it still lands.

I’m a romantic. I’m also a gigantic cynic.

You’re hopeful?

Quinn: Hope springs eternal. I bought a restaurant. Of course, I’m hopeful. If I wasn’t hopeful I would go for a long swim in the harbor and never come back.

Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS

Winners Announced at 31st Annual Gay Appreciation Awards With all VIP tables sold out, a standing room only crowd was in attendance at Oz for what has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. There were nominees and attendees from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama representing the entire Gulf South. Prior to the GAA Gala, 5,347 people cast votes in 38 categories.

Three additional awards were presented for a total of 41 awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented to Larry Bagneris Jr, Theater Critics’ Choice Award presented

by Tony Leggio and Brian Sands, and the Marsha Delain Red Carpet Oscar Award presented by Tiffany Alexander and Felicia Philips to the best dressed.

As guests entered Oz and walked along the red carpet, they were greeted by former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Felicia Phillips and Tiffany Alexander who were searching for the Red Carpet Oscar Award winner. As guests entered Oz and made their way to their VIP tables and the bar, you could feel the anticipation in the air. Who would win?

The Gala started with a special performance from former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Coca Mesa, dancing boys, and the Gala’s emcees and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Frank Perez and Jeffrey Palmquist. During the Gala, guests were entertained by sev-

eral performances, including The Ladies of Oz, the cast of Lipstixx from the Bourbon Pub & Parade, 2019 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Countess C. Alice and Will Antill, 2018 Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the year Nicole Dubois, Apostrophe, and Lana O’Day. There was also a surprise video acceptance speech from the Cheridon Comedy Award winner Bianca Del Rio that filled the room with laughter and cheers as Bianca once again held the audience of Oz New Orleans captive with her undeniable wit and charm questioning whether her hometown is so drunk that we had not realized she has been gone for 15 years.

The evening ended with a heartfelt speech from Lifetime Achievement Award winner Larry Bagneris, Jr. Without further ado, here are the winners in each of the 41 categories.

Bitch of the Year: Aubrey Synclaire

bon Pride

Brunch of the Year: Drag Brunch at The Country Club

LGBTQ Nonprofit of the Year: Crescent Care & NO/AIDS Task Force

Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award: CrescentCare (NO/AIDS Task Force)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Bagneris Jr

Cheridon Comedy Award: Bianca Del Rio

Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: Nicole Dubois

Coffee House of the Year: Who Dat Coffee Cafe

Neighborhood Bar of Year: 700 Club

Dance Club of the Year: Oz New Orleans DJ of the Year: Brendan Thompson (VJ Brendan) Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award: New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus Event of the Year: New Orleans Pride Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Ivy Dripp Gay Man of the Year: Clint Taylor

Photographer of the Year: Reba Douglas Real Estate Agent of the Year: David McElveen Red Carpet Oscar Award: Malaysia Walker Restaurant/Deli of the Year: Clover Grill Show Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade Sports League Team Spirit Award: Big Easy Bears Nola Softball

Advocate for Transgender Rights: P-Flag New Orleans

Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Lords of Leather

Artist/Art Gallery of the Year: Drew Enderlin

Gulf Coast LGBTQ Bar of the Year: Bourbon Pub and Parade

Bartender of the Year: Danny Starnes (Princess Stephany)

Hair Salon or Stylist of the Year: Two Guys Cutting Hair

Best Beer Bar: Black Penny

Kinkster of the Year: Fatsy Cline

Theater Critics’ Choice Award: Suddenly Last Summer, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans

Best Happy Hour: Bourbon Pub and Parade

Leather Bar of the Year: The Phoenix Bar

Transgender Person of the Year: Dillon King

Best Hotel: Bourbon Orleans

Leather Person of the Year: Clint Taylor

Writer/Reporter of the Year: Frank Perez

Lesbian of the Year: Ashley Chauvin

Young Leadership Impact Award: Lana O’Day

Best Signature Drink: Good Friends Bar Separator

LGBTQ Business of the Year: Bour-

Sports Most Valuable Player Award: Rob Gerhart

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY TJ BOUDREAUX

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY TJ BOUDREAUX

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

Michela Carew-Murphy Is the Resilient Voice of Provincetown’s Iconic Sal’s Place Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com Michela wears too many hats at the historic Provincetown eatery, Sal’s Place. She can often be found chained to the line at her family restaurant and scheming to fulfill her dream of becoming a stay at home aunt. She managed to peel herself away from eggplant lasagna and desperate messages from her ex – probably – to talk seasonal romance, the magic of Sal’s deck, and the now iconic Eat At Sal’s campaign.

Who the hell is Sal and what was his relationship with the bears of queer society?

Michela: Sal is the ultimate big beautiful bear. We’re the third family to continue his legacy but he is still kicking. He’s currently painting, making wine in the East End, and hosting elaborate dinner parties. He turns 91 this year.

Do you routinely visit him for love advice or to ensure your dishes aren’t becoming too bourgeois?

Michela: We have similar cooking styles. Whenever people ask for recipes, it’s a handful of this, a pinch of that, and a shitload of butter. I’m usually cooking in a bathing suit and caftan.

Are you single and ready to not mingle?

Michela: I am single. Most of us here are just living life one nautical mile at a time! Cuffing season starts when townie summer — that’s what we call September when the weather is great, we’re working less, and haven’t spent all our money — ends. I’ve taken to calling the year rounders festival the un-cuffing ball.

Are P’town workers and business owners at risk of continually losing eligible romantic matches during season?

Michela: To paraphrase John Waters, the only things people steal in Provincetown are your bike and your boyfriend, but you usually get both back at the end of the season, albeit with a few more miles on them!

How did your family go about obtaining Sal’s? Are you from a European cosmetics dynasty?

Michela: [Laughs] My sister’s godfather worked at Sal’s for years and called my mum and said the previous owner really wanted it to stay a restaurant and might give us a better price. I was at an American heroes party up the street dressed as Astronaut Sally Ride.

My mother sent me to take pictures immediately. She didn’t care that it was high tide. I was waist high, dressed in a full flight suit, taking pictures of the pier.

The next day she and my sisters came down and the sale was agreed with a handshake. I’ll probably be paying it off for the rest of my life. Whenever I trick

someone into marriage, my grandchildren will be paying the legal bills, but it’s worth it whenever I look out at the water.

You couldn’t visit Provincetown or run an online search last year without encountering the sweeping Eat At Sal’s campaign. What happened and is it still going on?

Michela: We have recent transplant neighbors who bought property next to a restaurant but didn’t want to live next to a restaurant. They’ve done their best over the past four years to drive us out of business with endless lawsuits and harassing our guests.

The town shut us down for a couple of days for rebuilding a deck that the neighbors’ contractor ripped out while renovating their property.

The town rallied behind us in this beautiful organic way. A band of bears who rent another neighbor’s house put up an Eat at Sal’s flag. Then the Squealing Pig put up a banner. By the week’s end, most restaurants and galleries displayed some sort of sign. People were walking around in Eat at Sal’s t-shirts that Shalom’s sold to help our legal bills. Someone even rented an airplane banner. It was amazing and humbling.

There’s a lot of competition in Provincetown because the season is short and weather can be volatile. So for other businesses to help us was mind blowing. It speaks to how people feel about the gentrification of meccas like Provincetown, New Orleans or New York, where queers, artists, misfits, and the people who made these places unique and desirable can no longer afford them. People are saying “Enough is enough.”

While I prefer to run a restaurant without drama — I never knew when we bought the property just how much real estate we were buying in our neighbors’ brains — it was amazing to see the town come together. I’ve never seen anything like it in my 31 years here.

What is the magic of dining on Sal’s deck? Does love often strike there?

Michela: Absolutely. The view is an aphrodisiac. We like to sit singles together so they have someone to chat with while we’re running around.

People often end up snuggled together under the blankets we provide guests.

Many a love affair began under the stars at Sal’s.

What should I immediately apply to my sheer blouse in the event of oil splatter from my pasta? Are there emergency ensembles for diners to change into in the event of spillage?

Michela Carew-Murphy and Sam

Michela: Salt or gin! We always have shirts and jumpers on hand to loan to guests and Sam is very good with scissors. He could whip up a carnival ready costume in five minutes with no supplies! I have the laundress stain solution on hand for oil stains!

Who is Sam and is he queer and single?

Michela: Sam is the face of Sal’s.

He’s been working in our family restaurants for years and is the glue that keeps everything together. He’s the pier piper of Provincetown. He has all the boys following him around. He’s forever the one that got away.

What have your suitors ultimately failed to understand about you?

Michela: It’s hard to maintain a relationship while running a family business. It’s even harder to convince young people to move to Provincetown.

Hopefully we can continue to grow our year-round community. I actually prefer the winters here.

Have the nativist rhetoric and hardline immigration activities rooted within the government shaken the restaurant and service industry on the Cape?

Michela: Definitely. I’m from an immigrant family and a nation of emigrants. The current Irish diaspora sees 1.5M Irish-born people living outside of Ireland. When you factor in our popu-

lation of 4M, that’s a lot. My whole life has been stories or worries of friends and family being deported, turned back at immigration, living illegally, being scared of traffic stops or unable to return home for the death of a parent or sibling.

I had a fight with my partner.

The way to his heart is through his bear belly. I need a reservation at a top notch Outer Cape restaurant on short notice. What would increase my odds of being seated when faced with a “we are booked solid tonight?”

Michela: Honesty. We love a good story and we love to help when we can.

Tell us you’re in the doghouse and we’ll try to sneak you in. I think it’s the same for most people. If you don’t act uppity and demanding, you’re more likely to get a favor. You catch more flies with honey!

Any messages for your ex?

Michela: New number, who this?

Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Partnerships

The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ fr.bill@stannanola.org As you and I have so often walked together we have talked and dreamt of many things. “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax— Of cabbages—and kings—And why the sea is boiling hot—And whether pigs have wings.”

This past Sunday we enjoyed and rejoiced in the Feast of St. Anna. In it, we declared that it was a new day!

We talked of many things. The Gospel reading was that intriguing, for some fanciful, telling of the Annunciation; the coming of the angel Gabriel to Mary telling of her future as the mother of Je-

sus. It is, I believe, not intended to be historical or factual, but rather a spiritual centering of the holiness of Jesus in the telling of his story by Luke. So, with that as a launching point we, this past Sunday, talked of many things.

We introduced a team that would lead our Anna’s Place NOLA program

for the next decade, and in doing so will reach, teach, love, and let soar the young minds of kids who have it rough. I mean kids that have drifted over to Mr. Darryl the founder of Anna’s Place saying in a low voice, “Ya know my Momma’s boyfriend got shot in the stomach last night.” Then drift back into the class with not much more to say or express. That isn’t always the story but too often it is.

YOU are an important part of this work. Yes YOU! You help support the feeding of the hungry and neglected.

You help provide food, t-shirts, socks, and care bags to the homeless. The Pub, Phoenix, Friendly Bar, Mag’s, Winter Wonderland, Lord’s of Leather, Amon Ra, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Renegade Bears, Princess Stephanie, PRIDE, The Golden Lantern, Decadence and so many others.

All have played a role in helping children who are poor, who are neglected, or whose parents are so stressed by poverty they can’t tend to the needs of their children.

St. Anna’s isn’t just a building on Esplanade. It is a concept. It is a thought. It is a community larger than its urban footprint.

Well, we need some help. I think that some of you can help. Here is what we need.

1. We need a rotating Krewe that will purchase groceries then stock the shelves for our feeding ministry. We will pay for the food and give you the grocery list. You provide the transportation and strong arms and backs to buy the food, sort it, and stock the shelves.

2. We need helpers to prepare the bags, to prepare homeless care packets, about twice a month.

3. We need two people to help our Chaplain to the Homeless bring those same bags out early on weekends and just hang out with him while they are distributed twice a month.

4. We need volunteers to help with our after-school program one or two days a week mostly to show a little care and a little attention to those kids I talked about. Perhaps you have been a teacher in a past life. No pay but lots of benefits.

What I am hoping for is that two or three organizations might consider partnering with Anna’s Place NOLA to do this work as a “Community Service” project. Perhaps a community that hangs out in a particular bar may want to represent that bar and volunteer to help us out. Perhaps a Krewe or perhaps a troupe of Drag Queens might want to contribute a day or two a month to help us out.

WE LOVE YOU and want you to join us in service to the larger community. In turn, we want to be of more service to the LBGTQ+ community. So, if you have a great idea that will serve the larger community and you need a space and place -- talk to us. We want to be of service. One thing we have is

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

a building that is good for meetings, a church that is suitable for a concert, a place that is, above all, safe and accepting. We want you and need you.

Why do we need you? UBUNTU! This word is part of a Zulu proverb that says, “I am a person through other people. My humanity is tied to yours.”

It essentially conveys the idea that a person cannot be complete if others do not enjoy full humanity. We fully believe that this is true. While we cannot

confront and change all the challenges of this world (corruption, misogyny, homophobia, homelessness, urban violence, racism, and even spitefulness), we can eradicate some of it.

If some of these evils are destroyed, even temporarily, the larger and more focused community are elevated to a better place. If we keep on keeping on, change does happen and that change can be focused and forceful.

Like the originators of PRIDE, like

Harvey Milk, like Dr. King, like #MeToo, like Black Lives Matter, all imperfect yet contributing to the larger context which in turn leads to better lives for all of us. UBUNTU! So, if you or your community can pitch in, that would be great! The real upside for us is that we get to know you and appreciate you even more than we do now.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteer opportunities or community

service, please drop me an email: fr. bill@stannanola.org, or call the office at 504-947-2121 We will so look forward to talking with you and working with you. By the way, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to serve the larger community and this Community within Communities. PEACE- OUT.

MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY Gay Bars, Gender Discrimination, and Boycotts—1980s Style Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com The recent controversy surrounding Wood Enterprises seems to have quieted down. For those readers who have been in a coma or may not otherwise know, Tom Wood aroused the anger of a significant portion of the leather community earlier this year when it was revealed that he was responsible for the closure of the Phoenix’s upstairs darkroom. A boycott of Wood owned bars was organized, and t-shirts were even printed that admonished “Stay Out of the Woods.”

Lost in the public outcry over one bar owner turning in a rival bar for state code violations was a much more serious issue—gender discrimination.

There was a time when gay male bars did not want female patrons and the reverse was true for lesbian bars. Many bar owners required multiple forms of identification from women trying to enter, and / or invoked obscure dree code requirements as a deterrent. There were exceptions, of course—Dixie’s, Up Stairs, Safari Lounge, for example—but gender discrimination was the norm even as recently as the 1980s.

Boycotting gay bars because of gender discrimination is nothing new.

One such boycott occurred in 1980— and it nearly destroyed a brand new political organization created to fight for equality. In 1980, Roberts Batson, Alan Robinson, and others formed LAGPAC (Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus). LAGPAC would go on to achieve great things over the course of its 25 plus year history, chiefly the creation of a statewide conference, the demonstration of the LGBT+ voting bloc, and the passage of a non-discrimination ordinance in New Orleans in 1991. But shortly after LAGPAC was formed, it faced a crisis that threatened it very nascent existence.

The issue of what we would now call cis-gay male privilege reared its head when Rich Sacher and Henry Schmidt, representing Dignity (a gay Catholic organization) and another group called GLAD (Gays and Lesbians Against Discrimination) proposed to the LAGPAC Board that it boycott

Café Lafitte in Exile and the Bourbon Pub for their policies of not allowing women and African-Americans into their bars.

The Board rejected the proposal citing its mission statement only covered sexual orientation. But this was only a guise; the real reason was more nuanced. Some members of LAGPAC felt that at this embryonic and fragile stage of its existence, LAGPAC should not wander into the controversy. Complicating the matter was the fact that the bar owners, Tom Wood (Café Lafitte in Exile) and Jerry Menefee (the Bourbon Pub), were members of LAGPAC (Menefee served on the Development Committee). The board’s decision not to join the boycott almost destroyed LAGPAC. Years later, in a 1990 workshop at the Celebration Conference, Stewart Butler, a charter member of LAGPAC and Board Member, acknowledged the decision was a mistake.

The vote caused a backlash among the general membership and some of the Board of Directors. Melanie Miranda and Pat Denton abruptly departed the meeting and subsequently resigned from the Board. In her resignation letter, Denton chastised the Board for its hypocrisy: “Having thought that this organization opposed and would stand against discrimination based on sex as well as that based on sexual preference. . . .

And being further led to believe that LAGPAC stood for full access to public accommodations as stated in its recently set goals, but finding that in actuality (by virtue of its refusing to take a stand against existing and blatant sexual discrimination being practiced by some gay bars—one in particular going so far as to publicly display a ‘Men Only’ sign—it gives tacit approval to discrimination based on sex, I must conclude that the majority of this Board does not stand for full equality for all people.”

Denton’s seat was filled by the appointment of Liz Simon to the Board, but before Simon accepted, she had a few concerns of her own. Simon had

earned a M.A. in Social Work from Tulane University and worked in private practice as a therapist for a primarily gay and lesbian clientele. Simon was not new to activism; she had previously served as Chair of Women Against Violence Against Women and on the Board of the YWCA Battered Women’s Program. She had also been involved in the Gertrude Stein Society and was a founding member of LAGPAC. Simon agreed to join the Board on the condition it conduct a workshop on “Oppression Dynamics.” Simon also formed a Lesbian-Feminist Caucus within the auspices of LAGPAC. Despite the Board’s efforts to contain the damage from its controversial decision, several LAGPAC members quit the organization over the issue, some writing excoriating letters. As Chair of the Membership Committee, Stewart Butler attempted to do damage control by reaching out to several disgruntled members with limited success. One wrote to him, “Dear Stew, Thanks but NO thanks, and believe me I’ve ‘carefully considered’ LAGPAC—and discover each time I have only feelings of CONTEMPT for it. I see its members running around changing everyone else’s house—but nothing is done at home.

I sincerely hope our rich and powerful Bar Owners support LAGPAC in every way—for staying out of their way. . . . If your membership is down, I feel good. Try C.C.C.—that’s what I tell people—especially if they are black or female. Sorry Stew, but like I said I have nothing but CONTEMPT for LAGPAC—PLEASE remove my name from your mailing list—and be thankful I stay away.”

LAGPAC received letters not only from its own members but also from other organizations encouraging the it to examine its own prejudices and privilege. One such letter came from Louisiana Sissies in Struggle: “By setting goals that will predominantly benefit people of European origins and holding events in gay establishments that are openly racist (Bourbon Pub / Parade Disco) LAGPAC is endorsing the institutions of white supremacists and white racism in America—if not in rhetoric, certainly in practice.”

In retrospect, LAGPAC’s decision not to join the boycott was a mistake.

Nevertheless, it survived that mistake by learning from it, and, ultimately, did manage to become an extremely effective political organization.

So if you’re still “staying Out of the Woods,” you’re not the first.

Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?

Business Listings Starting at $45 per Month Event Listings Starting at $20 per Issue Print Advertisements Starting at $96 per Issue Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Responsibility of Optimal Sexual Health Chenier Reynolds-Montz Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana CReynolds@accesshealthla.org “If you intentionally have sex with someone knowing that you have HIV or a STD and infect them, you could get into trouble with the law,” warns Nurse Practitioner Rhea Kyles. A warning that residents in the Big Easy need to take to heart. Criminal transmission of a STD covers different types of diseases. Most state laws always include HIV as well as other sexually transmitted diseases.

Louisiana ranks number one in the country for having the highest rate of STDs according to a study released this year by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. “We’re first in the nation for syphilis, second for gonorrhea followed by chlamydia.

Louisiana currently ranks third in the nation for HIV cases,” says Kyles.

The statistics may seem daunting to some, but it’s a reality that health officials face daily.

So much so that now adolescents as young as 13 can get tested for HIV in Louisiana. Statistics show that frequent testing is catching more cases of STDs early on and helping people get treatment.

While sex is a part of life – a natural stress reliever and a way to procreate – like most things, there are consequences if you don’t act responsibly.

“Get tested. Start the conversation,” suggests Kyles. “Lately, I’m seeing more women being diagnosed with chlamydia and trichomoniasis than men. Know your stats and your partner’s too. It could save your life.”

Now more than ever, talking about your sexual health is important in re-

lationships. It’s not only important to connect with the other person, but you need to protect yourself as well.

Sounds easy, but not so easy to say after a night on the town and a couple of drinks at your favorite bar. Kyles offers some advice, “Be up front and start the conversation early in the night. Ask your partner if he or she is aware of STDs and their thoughts on protection.

If you need some help with approaching the subject effectively, you can always seek professional help.” Primary Care providers, like those at Access Health Louisiana, are always willing to provide you with effective dialogue when talking with your significant other about sexual health.

The best way to protect yourself against the transmission of STDs is to wear condoms.

Kyles recommends latex condoms or non-latex for people with latex allergies. She doesn’t recommend lambskin condoms nor diaphragms saying these are not effective methods to protect against transmission of STDs. If you know that you have a STD, tell your partner.

While penalties vary state by state, most categorize the crime of intentionally transmitting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV as either a felony or misdemeanor offense. Some penalties may include: jail or prison time, fines up to $50,000, restitution to the victim, probation and even registering for the state’s sex offender registry.

2011 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes Title 14-Criminal Law RS 14:43.5 sites intentional exposure to AIDS virus as a felony punishable by fine,prison with

Being responsible in your sexual health means getting tested.

Nurse Practitioner Rhea Kyles

or without hard labor for not more than ten years, or both.

Being responsible in your sexual health means getting tested. “Access Health Louisiana providers take everyone’s privacy seriously,” says Kyles.

“All testing is done in our exam rooms and HIV testing can even be done anonymously.”

What does STD testing entail?

First, remember that your life is at stake. The future of your own sexual health lies in your hands. Checking for these diseases is simple. Testing depends on the type of STD. For example, a quick urine test is conducted to check for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. A blood test is used to detect syphilis, HIV, hepatitis A-B and

C, as well as herpes simplex Type 1 and 2.

“At our clinic, we use the rapid HIV test which consists of a quick finger prick to detect HIV,” says Kyles.

“There is also an over-the-counter HIV testing kit called OraQuick. This kit may be purchased at most drug stores.

With growing concerns over human papillomavirus (HPV), pap exams can be done annually for women to detect HPV and cervical cancer.

Remember, sex is meant to be enjoyed. Be responsible. If you know that you have a STD, get treated. Tell your partner and take precautions to protect one another. For more advice on how to maintain optimal sexual health or to get tested, make an appointment with Rhea Kyles at Access Health Louisiana Primary Care at the Pythian Building in New Orleans. For same day appointments, call (504) 226-2976 or for more information, log onto accesshealthla.org.

Chenier Reynolds-Montz is Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana, a registered 501(c)3 organization. She can be reached at creynolds@accesshealthla.org. For information about our services, log onto our website at accesshealthla.org

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

NOAGE in the Enchanted Wood Friday, November 22, 7-10PM, Audubon Zoo’s Cajun Ballroom

Interested in raising your company’s profile in the LGBT community, while also supporting vulnerable older adults?

Becoming a sponsor for NOAGE’s 5th annual gala is the perfect opportunity for your business!

$5000+ Level – Platinum Sponsor Most prominent banner ad on the NOAGE website for one year Logo on the NOAGE website for five years Most prominent logo on the gala program Most prominent logo on signs at the event Recognition (spoken) during the program LGBT cultural competency training for Complementary three-hour LGB your business or organization Ten social media shout-outs leading up to the event.

10 VIP tickets 10 VIP gifts Table reserved for your VIP attendees, with your logo on display Complimentary champagne for your table $2500 Level – Gold Sponsor Banner ad on the NOAGE website for one year Logo on the NOAGE website for three years Logo on the gala program Logo on signs at the event Recognition (spoken) during the program Complimentary one-hour cultural competency training for your business or organization Five social media shout-outs leading up to the event.

8 VIP tickets 8 VIP gifts Table reserved for your VIP attendees, with your logo on display Complimentary champagne for your table $1000 Level – Silver Sponsor Logo on the NOAGE website for two years Logo on the gala program Logo on signs at the event Recognition (spoken) during the program Three social media shout-outs leading up to the event.

6 VI VIP tickets 6 VIP gifts

$500 Level – Bronze Sponsor Logo on the NOAGE website for one year Logo on the gala program Logo on signs at the event Recognition (spoken) during the program Social media shout-out leading up to the event.

4 VI VIP tickets 4 VIP gifts

Contact: Jim Meadows info@noagenola.org (504)517-2345 New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides services and advocacy for LGBT older adults in the New Orleans metro area. Older adults in this community are more likely to become isolated over time, live in poverty, and to face discrimination or mistreatment from healthcare and other service providers. We are the only organization in Louisiana focused on building a community that gives LGBT older adults the opportunity to live their best lives with the dignity, respect, and good health that they deserve. Your generous sponsorship will help to ensure that we continue this critical work. www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

FINANCIAL & BUSINESS Five Simple Tips to Maintain Positive Cash Flow in Your New Business Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com When it comes to finances, the difference between success and failure is often the ability to maintain a positive cash flow. We have this goal in our everyday lives: we seek to earn enough to pay the bills each month while saving strategically for long-term investments that will fuel future growth. The same is true for a business. If you are thinking about becoming a small business owner, know going in that your cash flow needs to be a top priority.

Here a few simple steps you can take to help maintain a positive cash flow: Invoice on a timely basis. It isn’t unusual for some business owners to take their time sending invoices, which can seriously hamper cash flow. You might want to specify a certain day of the week or a couple of days during the month as your days to issue invoices. Or commit to taking care of it immediately after a sale is made or work is completed. You can even ask for a

down payment up front, a particularly important practice if you incur out-ofpocket expenses to complete the job.

If sending invoices and following up is taking up too much of your time, consider hiring an accountant or implementing an online service or mobile app.

Set clear terms for payment.

There is no hard and fast rule for what your terms must be. Many small business owners request payment upon receipt of an invoice, or within a specified number of days. The important point is to find what works for your business model and clearly communicate it to clients (ideally in writing). Also, create a repeatable system for following up if payments are not received on time.

Track expenses. The downfall for many businesses, particularly in the early months of operation, is a failure to keep spending in check. While it may be necessary to spend to get

your business off the ground, create the habit of recording all expenses and keep an eye on your overall spending pattern. And, keep your business accounts separate from your personal ones so that you have a clearer line of sight into your cash flow.

Be cautious with debt. Many startups or smaller businesses finance activities through bank loans or by building up credit card debt. The latter, in particular, is an expensive form of financing that could impact your personal finances fairly quickly if not used responsibly. If you’re unsure about how to finance or move forward with your business, consider consulting a business coach or financial advisor.

Minimize credit to customers.

Depending on your business, some customers may seek to make their purchases on credit. If you determine that this is workable for your business model, be diligent in assessing the custom-

er’s ability to repay you on a timely basis and following the terms you set up in step #2 above.

Cash flow management is one of the cornerstones of any business plan.

If you want support or have questions along the way, schedule meetings with a lawyer, accountant and financial advisor who can review your finances and business plan in more detail.

Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA®, is a Financial Advisor with Waterfront Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He specializes in addressing the unique needs of the diverse LGBTQ community, fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies, and has been in practice for 11 years.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

Party Down Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com After coming off my amazing adventure in New York, I had to play catch up at work and just life. I also had two very excited little miniature dachshunds ready to see me, so I basically was a homebody for the beginning of the week. Then the Hurricane-that-wasn’t Barry cast a damper on the weekend.

I did manage to venture out for happy hour on Friday at The Phoenix which was just what I needed. It seems four days is my maximum of not going out, because when Friday rolled around, I was ready to go anywhere. The Phoenix has a pretty impressive crowd for their Friday Happy Hour.

The remainder of the weekend was pretty much a bust except for Sunday when some friends and I snuck out to see the new movie Crawl, which is about a hurricane that traps people in a house in Florida. The house becomes surrounded by hordes of hungry (and very angry) alligators who have a penchant for human flesh. I have to say the movie was totes awesome! Maybe people flushed their meth down the toilet and the ‘gators became drug crazed reptiles. I totally see a SyFy Channel movie about that in the future. I mean alligators jumping out, grabbing people and tearing them apart. It was the most exciting thing about Barry. The movie built up the suspense and scares were frequent. After the movie, one of my friends told me that it was unbelievable. This was the same friend who spent forty-five minutes explaining the Marvel Universe and how Spiderman somehow interrupted it with a dead serious face.

On Monday, I attended the first of two theatrical shows I saw this week.

Tulane Summer Lyric presented the 1963 musical She Loves Me and it was another hit. On Thursday, I saw Mamma Mia! at Rivertown Repertory Theatre. No matter how many times I see this show (which is numerous), it never gets old. The cast and audience had a really good time and who doesn’t like ABBA?!

On Tuesday, I went to cheer on my friend Matt Dow as he received the New & Notables Award from Biz Magazine. The event was held at Felicity Church and it was quite the fete.

Matt received the award because of his impressive work in bringing the City of New Orleans Steamboat to NOLA. He was in good company as 15 other people from throughout our community were also honored. Congratulations Matt on your hard work. I cannot wait to start riding on this fabulous new riverboat!

Wednesday was a hospitality mixer for the National Association of Cater-

ing and Events at Nolé. If you haven’t been to the new Copeland’s restaurant concept on St. Charles Avenue where the old Cheesecake Bistro used to be, then you need to add it to your list. The restaurant blends both Latin America and New Orleans cuisine to create an amazing dining experience. One of my favorite dishes on the menu is the Blue Crab Street Corn - just heavenly. They also have an amazing tequila selection. Olé!

Friday was all about the Tales of the Cocktail. It actually turned out to be quite a full night of unique activities.

I started my night with the art opening of Bryce Landry at Mimi’s in the Marigny. Bryce is one of my favorite artists, having over a dozen of his pieces at home. He normally paints cutting edge bunnies (I have an Easter fetish).

I love bunnies. I ended up buying my favorite piece to date, a Creature from the Black Lagoon cutout bunny. I mean on a scale from 1 to 10, it is a 10 in fabulousness. Now I just have to figure out where to hang it.

Then my friend Laura Tennyson and I stopped for a quick bite at Cru on Franklin Avenue. We were greeted

by Chef Marlon and had a few of his delicious appetizers and a few glasses of champagne to continue the festivities before we headed down to the Contemporary Arts Center for the Diageo Tales of the Cocktail Party. The theme was Jazz Fest and they pulled out all the stops to bring it to life. There were food booths of some of the top restaurants in the city and lots of bars representing all their brands. I found my special happiness at the Don Julio Tequila and Ketel One Vodka booths.

But the winner of the night was all the great entertainment they had lined up like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins and headliner Boyfriend. So most of our time was spent on the dance floor.

We ended the night with our last stop at the Milagro Tequila party at the Board of Trade. Now that was a late night party, complete with an awesome DJ who had the music pumping. There were lots of mixologists on hand making craft cocktails with the tequila. Also some of the bartenders jumped on the dance floor and subbed as go-go dancers, twirling bottles as they gyrated. A man moving his hips while giving shots out to fellow dancers, that’s what I call sexy. And the perfect way to end a night!

On Saturday, it was time to honor the people, businesses and organizations in the New Orleans LGBT+ community that make an impact on our everyday lives. Ambush Magazine hosted the Gay Appreciation Awards

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

at Oz New Orleans and it was quite the awards ceremony. Guests were greeted on the red carpet by Felicia Philips and Tiffany Alexander (in her boy drag). It was a night of festivity, friendship and most of all community.

Both floors were packed with nominees and supporters. I was honored to be asked to present three awards and co-present the Theatre Critics’ Choice Award.

In between the awards, there were performances and some new special touches like the In Memoriam video.

There were many new categories and it added new life to the event. Congrats to the entire Ambush staff for not only producing such an awesome event, but keeping it running smoothly and most importantly on time! My favorite part of the evening was Bianca del Rio’s acceptance speech video when she won the Cheridon Comedy

Award – pure genius and had the entire audience rolling in the aisles. Still on a high after the event, some friends and I decided to have a nightcap at the 700 Club which was the perfect spot to keep the party going.

Sunday, I went to two totally different gatherings both revolving around pools. The first was the Halloween New Orleans Pool Party hosted at the home of Michael Shlenker and Don Schwenn. This host party that serves as one of the many fundraisers leading up to the big holiday was their annual pool party. And the boys came out in droves to enjoy and fun (and somewhat sun). Mike and Don’s home boats a pool, hot tub, tennis court, lawn games, and a kick-ass home bar affectionately known as Mimiskdo. They also have the coolest Tickle Me Elmo bathroom in the country. There was free-flowing cocktails, nibbles and one of the most

enticing strip Connect Four games I have ever witnessed. Milton Bradley needs to market this. If you have not signed up as a host for Halloween New Orleans, now is your time. You get to enjoy these hosts parties leading up to the weekend as part of your package. For more information on how to become a host, go to https://togetherwenola.com/halloween/tickets-passes.

On the way to party number two, I stopped at the 700 Club for the Southern Decadence Poster-signing. I bought my poster and had William Antil and Countess C Alice inscribe a personal message to me for the mere price of $10.00 (what a deal). I am so excited for this year’s parade and weekend festivities. After all, who doesn’t like to toss a good time!

Afterwards, I went to Ronie De Jesus’ birthday party at the lovely home of Adikus Sulpizi and David Chase.

Our Brazilian dynamo turned “39” and his party was like Rio de Janeiro meets the Crescent City. This was the most exotic pool party I have ever attended with a plethora of nubile Brazilian boys lounging around in skimpy outfits. In addition to the exceptional eye candy, there was more cocktails, food provided by a wonderful Brazilian caterer and of course, swimming and dancing.

Many shots of Cachaca were imbibed.

It is the national liquor of Brazil. Ronie, congrats on a fabulous birthday party, I am so glad to count you as one of my friends.

Until next time, here’s hoping that our weather stays cooperative. Keep the positive party vibes flowing.

Do you want your party or event covered? Invite me! ledgemgp@gmail.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE HALLOWEEN NEW ORLEANS HOST SWIM PARTY AT MIMISKDO | PHOTOS BY TONY LEGGIO

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

UNDER THE GAYDAR

New Orleans Hot Happenings

Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com

July has come and gone and we are one month closer to one of the most celebrated LGBT holidays in the Crescent City - Southern Decadence.

Get ready as we amp up the amount of events and your calendar books up quickly. Here is just a sampling of some exciting happenings. (If you have a fundraiser, party, show or event coming up and would like to be listed in the calendar, please email me at ledgemgp@gmail.com).

WEEKLY EVENTS EVERYDAY

Happy Hour: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 7 days a week from open until 9pm (7AM to 9PM). It’s $3 domestic beer and well drinks. $1 off everything else.

777 Happy Hour: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Happy Hour: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7 days a week from 8 a.m - 8 p.m.

Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (except Monday)

Happy Hour: GrandPre’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. $3 Well/ domestics Happy Hour: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Kajun’s Karaoke: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; Karaoke from 5 p.m. until.

Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (except Sunday) WEEKDAYS Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Happy Hour: The Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Martini Mondays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tito’s and Deep Eddy martinis will be $3.

Service Industry Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $2.50 domestic beers; $3 well cocktails; $3.50 imported beer; $5.50 Tito’s; $6 Jameson.

Happy Hour All Night: The Page

Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Open to close.

Well, domestic, and wine.

Mexican Monday: The 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; Open to close. $3 Coronas, $3 Cuervo Shots, 2 for 1 Margaritas Primal Nights: Bacchannal Wine; 600 Poland Ave.; 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. $20 donation. Guest Chefs grill a personalized menu and the plate donations go to the charity of their choosing.

NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club: Audubon Park; 6:15 p.m.

Join Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE starting at 6:30 p.m..

Meet for the walk/run at Audubon Park by the Magazine Street entrance parking lot. The Stonewall Run Club joins every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running, jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry; someone will walk with you. If you are the fastest person there, we’ll see you at the finish line.

If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504) 228-6778.

Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill.

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

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer.

Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join bartender Mark and a revolving cast of drag queen hostesses for Lazy Susan Karaoke with music by DJ Lucius Riley. Mondays are a drag, so make them fabulous and sing the night away.

Underwear Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; starting at 9 p.m. The Eagle now is open EVERY Monday night. Happy Hour prices if you’re in your underwear.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and No Cover.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide S.I.N.: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 1 a.m - 4 a.m. 2 for 1 drinks.

TUESDAY

Tequila Tuesdays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tequila drinks $5.

Tunes Tuesday: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy: The AllWays Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m There’s no cover for this grown-up game show where everyone’s a winner! Just buy a drink from the bar & Tsarina Hellfire will give you a Bingo card. Each round winner gets a bucket of prizes including exclusive prints & a grand finale prize from Abita Brewing Company! Just for showing up you get to enjoy the free burlesque side of this unique game.

Between every round, Lefty Lucy performs an improvised striptease to a song the crowd selects, removing only one item per round—don’t miss your chance to win the finale prize, and to see the tassels twirl!

Trivia: Cutter’s; 706 Franklin Ave.; 7:30 p.m. Join your host, bartender and local music legend Johnny Sketch.

Join a trivia team or bring your own and test your knowledge across multiple categories to win an often odd and useful assortment of prizes!

Tito’s Tuesday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m. - close. $5 Tito’s cocktails Country Dance Lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with the Big Easy Stompers from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is 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.

Trivia Night: MRB; 515 St. Philip St.; Starts at 8 p.m. Every Tuesday at 8 you can join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia.

Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar;740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke. The winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

Happy Hour All day and Night: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Every week on Tuesday from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am the next day.

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

WEDNESDAY

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers.

Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine.

WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton 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.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

BYOBikes Wednesday Bike Rides: Liuzza’s Bar and Restaurant; 3636 Bienville St.; Starts at 6 p.m. Come get over the hump with BYOBikes and meet every Wednesday at LIuzza’s On Bienville for a mid week Mid City Social Bike Ride. Drink Specials, family friendly, lawn games and FUN! It’s for a great cause! Meet up at 6 p.m.; Bike Ride at 6:30 p.m. and social hour at 7 p.m.

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

Show Tunes Night: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m.- Midnight Wednesday Night Karaoke: Cru; 535 Franklin Ave.; 8 - 10 p.m. Join Vanessa Carr Kennedy and the krewe at Cru NOLA - Raw & Bubble Bar for Wednesday night karaoke in the treehouse. Sing your heart out, enjoy some amazing cocktails, and get some food from the kitchen.

Video Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8:30 p.m. midnight; The bar is doing Video Game Night starting at 9 p.m. Come and compete for prizes and Grab some Drinks.

Kafe Karaoke: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – midnight. $25.00 Bar tab and Free Shots & Givea-ways with Happy Hour All Day. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans;

800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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.

Prime Time Trivia: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; starts at 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. Retro Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; starts at 10 p.m. Enjoy drink special from 10 p.m. to midnight and the best hits from the 80’s and 90’s.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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

Fireball Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $4 Fireball Shots.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Beat The Clock; 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 5 - 9 p.m. Well Drinks: 5 PM - 6 PM $1.50, 6 PM - 7 PM $2.00, 7 PM - 8 PM $2.50, 8 PM - 9 PM $3.00 Take It Off Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m.

- 12:30 a.m. Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5 - 9 p.m.; $15 drink and drown from 9 - 11

p.m. all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well. Cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30 a.m.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

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

Bayou Blues Burlesque: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8-10 p.m. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the striptease. Music by The Delta Revues; burlesque by Andrea Louise Duhe´ (Ooops C.) Cherry Brown and special guests. Doors: 7:00pm; Show: 8:00pm; Cover: $10.

Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9 p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a jock or singlet.

Misc4Misc: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Enjoy this wonderfully weird drag show hosted every week by Apostrophe. Cover is $5.

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

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m.

- 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SATURDAY

Queer Meditation: Mid City Zen; 3248 Castiglione St.; 10:30 a.m. A queer and trans centered meditation group meeting regularly on Saturday mornings. Open to all LGBTIQ+ people, and all folks interested in holding and sharing an intentionally queer-centering mindful space. Join for a sit, breathe, notice, rest; to cultivate presence and kindness together. Free/by donation.

Burlesque Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; Join the incomparable Angie Z and friends for a boozy, burlesque brunch every Saturday from 11-3pm. For reservations, go to www. opentable.com.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 4-7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming.

Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm and goes till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long!

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

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

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m.

- 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SUNDAY

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin St.; 11 a.m. Vanessa Carr presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch featuring Chef Marlon Alexander’s amazing menu and the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends! For tickets, go to www.crunola.com Bottomless Mimosas: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 1 - 4 p.m.

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

Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. $3.75 well drinks and domestic beer.

The Half Assed-Straight Boys: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 3 - 5 p.m.

Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) Happy Hour/ Drink Til You Drop: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Happy Hour 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Drink Til You Drop $12 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Original Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4-10 p.m. Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with.

Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Divas at the Dive: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave; 5 p.m. Vanessa Carr LIve. 6:30 p.m. Drag Karaoke. 8 p.m. Audience Karaoke Drink and Drown: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 5 - 8 p.m. Unlimited well drinks, Bud Light and Miller Lite draft $10 Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket MEET ME ON ST. LOUIS—WHERE THE BOYS ARE DANCIN’ NIGHTLY ON THE BAR | PHOTOS BY POCKET PEEPS

THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar starting at 9PM!

OPENING HOURS Everyday Noon - TILL ADDRESS 940 St Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 568-9829 www.cornerpocket.net

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 - 9 p.m.

Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 – 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

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

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

Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke.

Sunday Swing: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; starts at 8 p.m. Every Sunday, local swing dance instructors offer a community class from 8-9pm. From 9 till midnight there is live, local music and social dancing! There is NO cover, but a one drink minimum is required per set.

Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9 p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a jock or singlet.

Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Ro-

driquez and Dominique DeLorean.

SPECIAL EVENTS TUESDAY 7/30

An Evening with Jinesys Sinclaire: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Oz New Orleans and Persana Shoulders presents Capture the Crown! An Evening with Jinesys Synclaire! Join Oz as they host a benefit show to help send Jinesys Synclaire - First Alternative to Miss Gay New Orleans America, to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant. Hosted by: Persana Shoulders. Starring: Jinesys Synclaire, The Ladies of Oz and a bevy of local entertainers! 50/50 raffle to be held.

NOAGE Potluck: St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Come to eat, network, and make new friends! If you are able, please bring a dish (main dishes, meats, sides, soups, salads or vegan/ vegetarian dishes, desserts, and beverages). Please also consider bringing non-perishable food items for St. Anna’s Food Pantry. Adults of all ages welcome! The potluck is in the back of the Parish House (the building to the right of the church itself, located at the corner of Esplanade Ave. and Marais St. Please call Jim at (504)228-6778 if you have any questions.

WEDNESDAY 7/31

Let’s Art with Lefty Lucy: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 - 8 p.m. LET’S ART! with Lefty Lucy is an original Drink n Draw where everyone is invited to ART in your own way. DRAW Lefty in poses that tell a story across two hours!

WRITE your own story inspired by what you see! PHOTOGRAPH poses & ENJOY a burlesque act that will reveal the final chapter in this slow-motion play or just drink and enjoy a custom playlist in a low key cabaret environment.

Winter Wonderland VIII Royal Coronation & Sponsorship Party: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 6 9 p.m. Winter is coming ! Join us as Catherine and Misti Gaither announce their selections for Winter Queen III of New Orleans and Winter King III of New Orleans. They will also be announcing their 2 chosen charities and recipient of the much coveted ICON Tribute award.

Sponsorships levels will be revealed and available There will also be food and a mini show.

THURSDAY 8/1

Honor Thy Mother - A Drag Tribute to Gloria Estefan: Three Keys in the Ace Hotel; 600 Carondelet St.; 9:15 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. Harlequeen presents: Honor Thy Mother, a drag tribute to Gloria Estefan. July brings the next installment of Honor Thy Mother, a drag tribute to Gloria Estefan as hot and sultry as summer in New Orleans.

A cast featuring some of our favorite Latina Queens and a few allies will be serving you Miami Sound Machine in English and Spanish and Spanglish!

Enjoy a night of fierce drag, musique romantica and be ready to do the Conga. Your Honor Thy Mother MC - FRANKY with the cast Gracias Denada, Lash Wednesday, Luna Rei, Nicki Nicolai, DeDe Onassis and the New Orleans Drag Workshop Mezzanine hosted by Sofia SugarStar. $10 general admission standing room, $20 reserved seating in the 2nd and 3rd row, $40 VIP front table seating includes meet and greet with the cast and signed headshots. Doors at 8:30 and show promptly at 9:15 p.m.

FRIDAY 8/2 – SUNDAY 8/4

Satchmo Summer Fest Presented

By Chevron: The New Orleans Jazz Museum; 400 Esplanade Ave.; 11 a.m.

- 8 p.m. daily. Celebrate the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans’ native son, Louis Armstrong! Three stages, local cuisine, fascinating Armstrong scholars, and a traditional second line parade.

FRIDAY 8/2 – SATURDAY 8/3

Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant: Splash Nightclub Baton Rouge; 6 - 11 p.m. 12 contestants from

around our great state have qualified through city preliminaries. Now it is time for the big show as they compete in the following categories: Interview, Talent, Evening Gown, and Question & Answer. 12 enter the ring but only one will be victorious. Who will Kenli Andrews crown as the next MGLA? Join us at Splash Nightclub in Baton Rouge August 3rd to find out!

FRIDAY 8/2

Stonewall Sports First Friday Happy Hour: Phillip’s Bar and Restaurant; 733 Cherokee St.; 5 - 8 p.m.

Join fellow Stonewallers for a monthly happy hour on the first Friday of every month at Phillip’s Bar, one of our Stonewall Sports New Orleans Sponsors.

Phoenix Switcheroo: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 10 p.m.

- 1 a.m. Join the Phoenix employees as they get dolled up in drag and lip sync their hearts out to compete for the title of 2019 Ms. Phoenix Switcheroo!

Hosted by Daryl Dunaway aka Countess C. Alice, The Phoenix Switcheroo drag pageant is a benefit for Southern Decadence 2019! Admission is free, but you’ll need to buy a ticket at CoK to vote for you favorite gender-bending Phoenix staff member.

SATURDAY 8/3

Condom Packing Party: Crescent Care; 1631 Elysian Fields Ave.; 1 - 3 p.m. Come out to Crescent Care’s August condom packing party! Food will be provided and all are welcome!

Hancock Whitney White Linen Night 25: Contemporary Arts Center; 900 Camp St.; 5:30 p.m. - midnight.

White Linen Night Turns 25 with 300 700 blocks of Julia Street and throughout the Arts District. Free & Open to the Public | Rain or shine. Full event details at WWW.CACWHITELINENNIGHT.COM. OUTClimb| LGBT+ Climb Night; New Orleans Boulder Lounge; 2360 St. Claude Ave.; 7 - 10 p.m. OUTclimb is a New Orleans based LGBT+ climbing club dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for queer & trans people to climb. With support from the New Orleans Boulder Lounge on St. Claude, they are able to offer a night of climbing FREE to the LGBT+ community of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Allies are welcome to attend and should donate $5-$15 as you are able. Donations will go to a local LGBT+ organization, TBD. This is to be a safe space for the LGBT+ community--a space for conversation, inclusion, education, and of course, climbing! Respect and inclusion expected by all. Free climbing lessons 8:00-9:00 p.m. Raffles 9:30 p.m.

Generations - A Night of Drag Benefitting the Krewe of Narcissus: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causewayt Blvd..; 7 - 10 p.m. The Krewe of

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ AND ANDREW HOPKINS #OZNEWORLEANS & SUBMITTED BY PERSANA SHOULDERS

OZ New Orleans 2-story, 24/7 gay dance club with DJs, drag shows, go-go dancers & a balcony for people-watching.

OPENING HOURS

FRI, SAT & SUN: 24/7 MON–THURS: Opens at 1PM

ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 41

Narcissus proudly presents “Generations - A Night of Drag.”. Generations is bringing to the stage several styles of drag in one show for your entertainment. The show stars Regina Adams and Natasha Sinclair representing drag from Generation X, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Tazeya Ballz representing Generation Y with the hits of the 80s & androgyny, and our Generation Z queens Jessica Champagne & Miranda Kelli will represent the styles of today’s drag queens. $10 donation at the door will benefit the Krewe’s Ball Masque V on January 25, 2020 at the New Orleans Ladies Ballroom.

It’s Showtime on Rampart Street; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests.

SUNDAY 8/4

Drag Brunch: Pythian Market; 234 Loyola Ave.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join this for our Monthly Drag Brunch with performers: TAZE-YA BALLZ, VIDA CARLTON, COCA MESA, MONICA SINCLAIRE-KENNEDY, GIA GIAVANNI and DJ Senator Ken.

MONDAY 8/5

Turnabout XXVII: Bourbon Pub and Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 p.m. midnight. The staff at the Bourbon Pub will be shedding their usual attire and slipping into something a little more

outrageous - Oh What a Drag - TURNABOUT XXVII. Happy Hour Cocktail Prices ALL NIGHT LONG! Come see your favorite employees, bartenders and performers ALL on stage benefiting Food For Friends - NoAIDS Task Force. LIVE and SILENT Auction and 50/50 RAFFLE. Suggested donation at the door $5.

Underwear Fashion Show: The Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis St.; 8 10p.m. The 2019 Southern Decadence benefit, an Underwear Fashion Show at The Corner Pocket, will be a night of S.I.N.! Join Bourbon Pride and us for a look Andrew Christian underwear on full display. Eight Corner Pocket dancers will model. The eye-popping spectacle benefits SD’s charity, Odyssey House of Louisiana. Countess C. Alice and William Antill, Grand Marshals XLV, will be in the house. 50/50 and prize raffle. Happy Hour all night! Ask 3-time GAA Bartender of the Year Ashlee for a complimentary S.I.N. card. $5 cash donation at the door (100% to charity).

WEDNESDAY 8/7

Crescent City Leathermen Monthly Board Meeting: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Meeting Open to the Public.

Some - Where? Else!: QiQi; 1515 Aline St.; 6 p.m. Come out for the newest drag show of the Garden District.

Weekly drag happy hour @ QiQi Bar on 1515 Alaine St. (Yes it is in the Gar-

den District, we making this city gayer than unicorns and rainbows and glitter). Starts at 6 p.m. No cover!

THURSDAY 8/8

The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire: New Orleans Jazz Museum; 400 Esplanade Ave.; 6 - 7 p.m. Second Thursday Lecture Series with author Robert W. Fieseler. Lectures are free and open to the public, for more information please contact 504.523.3939. ”Tinderbox: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE UP STAIRS LOUNGE FIRE AND THE RISE OF GAY LIBERATION” - Buried for decades, the Up Stairs Lounge tragedy has only recently emerged as a catalyzing event of the gay liberation movement.

NOLA Art of Giving Party with B.E.A.R.; SecondLine Arts and Antiques; 1209 Deactur St. 7 - 10 p.m.

NOLA Art of Giving is celebrating Big Easy Animal Rescue Inc, a non-profit all volunteer group who assist, rescue, foster, provide medical care and love for neglected and abused animals in the greater New Orleans Area. The artists of Secondline Art Market will be offering, art, a donation based bar, silent auction, music an a variety of other events with proceeds supporting B.E.A.R’s important work.

FRIDAY 8/9

The Graduates: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; starts at 10 p.m. A monthly show featuring students and graduates of The New Orleans School of Burlesque.

Each show will featuring a rotating cast of current and past students who have studied extensively perfecting their craft and developing new acts! Doors at 10 p.m. Show at 11 p.m. $10 cover.

SATURDAY 8/10

2019 New Orleans Red Dress Run: Crescent Park; 2300 N. Peters St.; 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 2019 will be the 25th anniversary of the New Orleans Red Dress Run. The New Orleans Red Dress Run just keeps getting better and better. NOH3 has now given away almost two million dollars to hundreds of local charities. Encourage all of your friends to register, to be part of the REAL Red Dress event, and to support New Orleans while having a blast. 100% of the proceeds go to local charities. To register -or donate- go to nolareddress.com. Packet pick-up and registration is at our expo at the New Orleans Fairgrounds: 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119 Thursday, August 8: 4:30-9:00 PM and Friday, August 9: 4:00-9:00 PM. On site registration starts at 8:00am. Park opens at 9:00AM, Run starts at 10:30 AM, Lunch served at noon, DJ plays from 9:00-12:00 and 3:30-4:30, Bands: “The Sweet” plays from 12:00–1:00 and “Remedy” plays from 1:30-3:30.

You must be 21 years of age on or before the event to participate – no exceptions – this is an adults only party.

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Artisan Cafe; 2514 St. Claude Ave.; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Vanessa Carr Presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch at Artisan Cafe featuring an amazing menu and awesome entertainment. For tickets go to www.eventbrite.com.

Red Dress Runway: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 5 - 8 p.m. This Red Dress Run, come strut your dresses in The Red Dress Runway! They will be judging based off of four categories; Messiest, Funniest, Sluttiest, and Best Overall! Win some great prizes for wearing what you’ll already be wearing anyways! During the pageant, they will be collecting donations that will go directly to Red Dress Run and the various non-profits they support! Sign-ups start at 5 p.m.

Dirty Linen Night: Royal Street French Quarter; Starts at 6 p.m. This year’s Dirty Linen is once again sponsored by The Royal Street Arts District and Hosted by the shops and galleries of Royal Street! Experience Royal Street and The French Quarter with this open air art walk that celebrates New Orleans and it’s artists. For tickets go to https://dirtylinen.org/product/ dirty-linen-night-passport.

Johnny Passion’s Annual Smatch Game: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:15 p.m.

- 12:15 a.m. Last Breath Production Presents Johnny Passion ‘s Smatch Game for Southern Decadence now in its 6th year. To celebrate, some of your favorite past cast members and some new faces haver joined the cast.

Starring your host Johnny Passion, Monique Michaels-Alexander, Natasha Sinclair, Ava Gina, Philip Anthony, Jeffrey Palmquist with surprise guest, Chad Boutte, Coca J Mesa, Vanessa Carr Kennedy and William Antill and Daryl Dunaway SDGMs XLV. All proceeds go to Southern Decadence 2019. $10.00. @ the door.

WEDNESDAY 8/14

Let’s Art with Lefty Lucy: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 - 8 p.m. LET’S ART! with Lefty Lucy is an original Drink n Draw where everyone is invited to ART in your own way. DRAW Lefty in poses that tell a story across two hours!

WRITE your own story inspired by what you see! PHOTOGRAPH poses & ENJOY a burlesque act that will reveal the final chapter in this slow-motion play or just drink and enjoy a custom playlist in a low key cabaret environment.

Crescent City Leathermen General Meeting: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields’s Ave.; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the club please stop by. This event is open to the public.

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Crossing PEOPLE ARE CROSSING NOLA TO SEE AND BE SEEN AT CROSSING NOLA | PHOTOS BY TEAM CROSSING

CROSSING

Neighborhood video bar with a steampunk theme in the historic Vieux Carré.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 7 AM – 9 PM OPENING HOURS 7 AM – 1:30 AM ADDRESS 439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-4517 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 43

THURSDAY 8/15

Talk To The Hand! 3rd Thursdays Totally ‘90s/00’s: GrandPre’s 834 N. Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Join the fun at GrandPre’s for their monthly Third Thursday Totally ‘90s (and early ‘00s) Dance Party! It’s gonna be a retrolicious rewind. No cover!

FRIDAY 8/16

Circus of Heathens: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Come join NOLA PAH for a fundraiser for Southern Decadence and NOLA PAH. This is a variety show - Drag, burlesque, live singing, jokes, and all around good times! Join them as they take a trip down the rabbit hole and do their own take on some Alice in Wonderland. All proceeds for the night will be split between Southern Decadence and to New Orleans Louisiana Pups and Handlers. Tickets will be $10 at the door!

SATURDAY 8/17

It’s Showtime on Rampart Street;

GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests.

Dirty Dime Peepshow: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Dirty Dime Peepshow provides a platform for performers from New Orleans and beyond. Since 2009, the Dirty Dime has been feeding audiences the raw, dirty, and boundary-busting burlesque they crave. 11pm doors. Midnight show. $15 cover at the door.

SUNDAY 8/18

Annual PFLAG Fundraising Scholarship Event: Pearl Wine Company; 3700 Orleans ave.; 12 - 3 p.m. Come support the Annual PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship fundraiser. This year the host will be Pearl Wine Co., a relaxed lounge and store featuring an extensive wine selection, craft beer & creative cocktails. Tickets and additional raffle tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For tickets go to www.business.gslgbtchamber.org.

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Mobile Hot Happenings WEEKLY AT B-BOB’S 213 Conti St., Mobile, AL (251) 433-2262

TUESDAY

Gay Bar BINGO 9:30 & 11PM

THURSDAY

Amateur Drag Night 11PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Midnight Drag Show

WEEKLY AT FLIP SIDE 54 S. Conception St., Mobile, AL (251) 431-8819

MONDAY

Service Industry Night

TUESDAY Karaoke

WEDNESDAY Rock n Roll Bingo 8PM

THURSDAY Karaoke

SATURDAY SEC Football

SUNDAY

Funday with Karaoke

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Along the Gulf South BATON ROUGE MON-FRI

Happy Hour: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 3-7p.m.

MONDAY

Game Night: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Chance SIN Night: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 30% Off

TUESDAY

Fat Tuesdays & Billiards & Darts Tournaments: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue

WEDNESDAY

Queens Karaoke: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Alvin McGee Free Cover Wednesdays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm Open Mic w/ Ryan Jenkins: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 9p.m.

THURSDAY

Double Trouble Thursday: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 7pm. $6 Double Wells and $10 Double Calls Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 11:30pm. Featuring

the Bombshells of Baton Rouge Think and Drink Trivia: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

FRIDAY

$5 Fridays: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Upstairs Karaoke: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm $1 Martinis 9-10pm Theme Nights at Splash 7/26 - Homecoming: A Night Of Beyoncé 8/9 - August Birthday Bash 8/16 - Heroes & Villains Costume Party 8/23 - Drag Search All-Stars competition 8/30 - Spiceworld: A Night Of Spice Girls

SATURDAY

Non-stop Dance Music: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd Dancing in the Park: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

SUNDAY

Sunday Social Brunch: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Noon-3:00p.m. $20 Buffet with Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s

44 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

THURSDAY

and Draft Beer

LAFAYETTE BOLT BAR & PATIO 114 McKinley St

THURSDAY

Thirsty Thursday; No Cover. $4 Double Wells and $2 wine

FRIDAY

The Ladies of Bolt; 11:30pm. $5 cover

SATURDAY

Dance Night; No Cover. Happy Hour 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

LAKE CHARLES CRYSTAL’S DOWNTOWN 720 Ryan Street

TUESDAY

Anything But Techno Tuesdays; 10 p.m. No Cover. Ladies drink half off

WEDNESDAY Drag Bingo & Show

Drink & Drown Karaoke; $10 selective alcohol with $1 refill

PENSACOLA THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St

TUESDAY

Karaoke; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

THURSDAY

Speed Quizzing Trivia; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

RUMORS

Ladies Night w/ Piano 6pm

3102 Seawall Blvd.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

Movie Night with Chris 8pm

FRIDAY

Live Entertainment 6pm

SATURDAY

Live Entertainment 9pm

SUNDAY

Sing Along Sundays w/ Piano 4pm7pm

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Show Nights 11 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY Karaoke 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

The Sunday T with Carly & Kymber 4:30 p.m.

Drag Bingo with Monica Heart; 6 p.m.

- 8 p.m. Win cash and prizes

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION 1706 23rd Street

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

MONDAY

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

Texas Hold ‘Em 7pm

TUESDAY

Tube-ular Tuesday with Jim 8pm

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 45

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory NEW ORLEANS

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast, 2513 Burgundy St, (504) 261-9477, theburgundy.com Aaron Ingram Haus, 1012 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 949-3110, ingramhaus.com Blues60 Guest House, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 324-4311, blues60guesthouse.com The BEARigny Suites, 2226 N Rampart St, (504) 309-0062, thebearignysuite.com

BARS & CLUBS

Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 8320659

Bourbon St, (504) 593-9761

(504) 523-4517 Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St, (504) 943-8929

700 Club, 700 Burgundy St, (504) 5611095, 700nola.com

Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St, (504) 529-2860

Black Penny, 700 N Rampart St, (504) 304-4779, facebook.com/ blackpennynola

GrandPre’s, 834 N Rampart St, (504) 267-3615 Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St Claude Ave, (504) 947-3735 Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 948-1888 Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St, (504) 593-9491, ozneworleans.com Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 945-9264, phoenixbarnola.com Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St, (504) 525-8106, rawhide2010.com

Bourbon Pub/Parade, 801 Bourbon St, (504) 529-2107, bourbonpub.com

The Page Bar, 542 N Rampart St, (504) 875-4976

Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St, (504) 522-8397, www.lafittes.com

VooDoo Lounge, 718 N Rampart St, (504) 265-0953

Corner Pocket, 940 St Louis St, (504) 568-9829, www.cornerpocket.net

The Country Club, 634 Louisa St, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans. com

Cutter’s Bar, 706 Franklin Ave, (504) 948-4200 Crossing NOLA, 439 Dauphine St,

Phillips Bar, 733 phillipsbar.com Lafitte’s

Blacksmith

Cherokee

St,

Shop,

941

Big Daddy’s, 2513 Royal street, (504) 948-6288 Big Easy Daiquiris, Several locations throughout the French Quarter Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine Street, (504) 566-7191, goodfriendsbar.com Napoleon’s Itch, 734 Bourbon St, (504) 237-4144 Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St, (504) 529-4109, tropicalisle.com Allways Lounge and Cabaret, 2240 St. Claude Ave

BOOKSTORES

Faubourg Marigny Art and Books, 600 Frenchmen St

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Gay Easter Parade, Easter Sunday, gayeasterparade.com Gay Mardi Gras, gaymardigras.com

New Orleans Pride, June 7-9, 2019, NewOrleansPrideFestival.com Southern Decadence, Labor Day Weekend, SouthernDecadence.com Halloween New Orleans, October 25-27, 2019, HalloweenNewOrleans. com Gay Appreciation ambushpublishing.com

Awards,

GALLERIES

Casell Bergen Gallery, 1305 Decatur St, (504) 478-6744, casellbergengallery.com

GROCERIES

Matassa’s Market, 1001 Dauphine St, (504) 412-8700, https://www. matassas.com Quartermaster Deli, 1100 Bourbon St, www.quartermasterdeli.net Robert’s Fresh Market, 2222 St. Claude Ave, (504) 207-0162, robertfreshmarket.com

GUIDES

Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, gayeasterparade.com Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, gaymardigras.com

46 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 47

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Official Gay New Orleans Guide, gayneworleans.com Official Pride Guide, neworleanspridefestival.com Official Southern Decadence Guide, southerndecadence.com

HAIR SALONS

FiFi Mahony’s, 934 Royal St, (504) 525-4343, fifimahonys.com Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon St, (504) 522-2666 Micky Nolan Salon, 717 Toulouse St, (504) 587-7782, mickeynolansalon. com Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St Claude Ave #125, 215.519.5030, (504) 239-2397

2000 Canal Street, 4th Floor, 4C Clinic, (504) 702-4344, umcno.org/ infectiousdisease CrescentCare, 1631 Elysian FIelds Ave, (504) 821-2601, crescentcare. org

MUSEUMS

Krewe of Mwindo, PO Box 51031, (504) 913-5791 Krewe of Stars, 1010 Conti St, kreweofstars.com Krewe of Narcissus, PO Box 3832, (504) 228-9441

com P-Flag New Orleans, (504) 617-5987, alberto.oliver@cox.com Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, mkaneworleans.com

PHARMACY

Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leater, 1000 Bourbon Street #B415, lordsofleather.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Mumfrey’s Pharmacy, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., (504) 279-6312, mumfreyspharmacy.com

Renegade Bears of Louisiana, PO Box 3083, renegadebearsoflouisiana@ gmail.com

Avita Pharmacy, 2601 Tulane Ave Ste 445, (504) 822-8013

NOLA Softball League, nolasoftball. org

Crescent City Leathermen, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, crescentcityleathermen.org

G Douglas Photography, LLC, Wedding and Portriat Photography, By Appointment Only, gdouglasadamsphotography.com

Mardi Gras Museum, 813 Bienville St, (504) 523-5433 Louisiana Trans Advocates, (877) 565-8860, latransadvocates.org

Crescent City rougarouxrugby.org

Rougaroux,

NOAGE, noagenola.org

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stonewall Sports, facebook.com/ groups/stonewallneworleans

The Krewe of King kreweofkingarthur.com

Arthur,

Craig Fremin Photography, By Appointment Only, craigfremin.com

Mary’s Ace Hardware, 732 N Rampart St, (504) 529-4465, acehardware.com

Krewe of Petronius, PO Box 1102, kreweofpetronius.net

LGBT Community Center, 2727 S Broad Ave, (504) 333-5412

Graham/ Studio One, By Appointment Only, grahamstudioone.com

HEALTHCARE

Krewe of Amon- Ra, PO Box 7033, kreweofamonra.com

Gulf South Chamber of Commerce, (504) 754-5279, gulfsouthchamber. com

Parker Studios, By Appointment Only, halle.parker15@outlook.com

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com

Steve Richards Properties Latter & Blum, 712 Orleans Ave, (504) 2581800

HARDWARE

Odyssey House, 1125 North Tonti Street, ohlinc.org Access Health Louisiana, 3300 South Broad Street, 234 Loyola Ave. Ste 300B, accesshealthla.org UMC - HIV Outpatient Program,

Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, P. O. Box 770973, www.mkaneworleans. com Krewe of Armenius, 433 N. Broad St, armenius.org

Krewe of Queenateenas/ King Cake Queen Royalty Club, gaymardigras.

REAL ESTATE

Michael

Styles

Realtor,Engel

48 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

&

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS | PHOTOS BY G DOUGLAS ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 49

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Volkers, (504) 777-1773, nolastyles. com, Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties.

Gene’s Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 943-3861, genespoboys. com

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres Street, (504) 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com

RELIGION

ILYS BISTRO LLC, 2128 St Claude Ave, (504) 947-8341 Lousiana Pizza Kitchen, 615 S. Carrollton Ave, (504) 237-0050, louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Ave, (504) 5231930, Orleansgrapevine.com

St. Anna’s Espicopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave, (504) 947-2121, stannanola.org Metropolitan Community Church New Orleans, 5401 S Claiborne Ave, mccneworleans.com

RESTAURANTS

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop , 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St, (504) 598-1010, www.clovergrill.com Dat Dog on Frenchmen, 601 Frenchmen St, (504) 309-3362, datdog.com EAT, 900 Dumaine St, (504) 522-7222, eatnola.com Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe, 1241 Decatur St, (504) 524-3689, cafeenvie.com Cru, 535 Franklin Ave, (504) 446-0040, crunola.com

Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, (504) 5226746, monalisaneworleans.com, NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon, (504) 655-3312, nolapoboys.com Santa Fe Restaurant, 3201 Esplanade, (504) 948-0077, santafenola.com The Ruby Slipper Café, 2001 Burgundy St, (504) 525-9355, therubyslippercafe.net The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, (504) 577-2237, bombayclubneworleans. com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard,

819 Rue Conti, (504) 581-3866, broussards.com

Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur Street, (504) 522-5565, cafesbisanola.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa Street, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubnreorleans.com

Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal Street, royalhouserestaurant.com 801 Royal, 801 Royal Street, (504) 581-0801, 801royal.com

RETAIL

Mr. Binky’s Boutique, 107 Chartres St, (504) 302-2095 QT Pie Boutique, 241 Dauphine St, (504) 581-6633 Skully’z Recordz, 907 Bourbon St, (504) 592-4666 Bourbon Pride, 909 Bourbon Street, (504) 566-1570 COK (Clothing or Kink), 941 Elysian FIelds, Located inside the Phoenix Bar XXX Shop, 1835 N. Rampart St, (504) 232-3063

SERVICES

Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd, 985.652-1195

Washing Well Laundryteria, 841 Bourbon St, (504) 523-9955 Bear Hebert Yoga and Life Coach, bearteachesyoga.com NOLA Healer: Lawrence Gobble, nolahealer.com , Massage Therapy A&B Errand Services, (504) 3197227, aandberrandservices.com Flambeaux CrossFit, 505 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, flambeauxcrossfit.com

THEATERS

Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave #140, (504) 974-0786, cafeistanbulnola.com Southern Rep Theater, 2541 Bayou Road, (504) 522-6545, southernrep. com

TOURS

Crescent City Tours, 638 St. Ann, (504) 568-0717, Gay New Orleans Walking Tours

HOUSTON

BARS & CLUBS

Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto Street, www. facebook.com/richshouston JR’s, 808 Pacific Street, (713) 5212519, jrsbarandgrill.com

50 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Eagle Houston, 611 Hyde Park Blvd, (713) 523-2473, houstoneagle.com

Rouge, (225) 242-949, splashbr.com

Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh Drive, (713) 524-3359, guavalamphouston.com

George’s Place, 860 St. Louis St, Baton Rouge, (225) 387-9798, georgesplacebr.com

Pearl Houston, 4216 Washington Ave281.757-3229, facebook.com/ pearlbarhouston/

The Park Pub & Bar, 4619 Benningotn Ave, Baton Rouge, Facebook @ theparkbr

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, 11410 Hempstead Rd, (713) 6770828, neonbootsclub.com

Bolt, 114 McKinley St, Lafayette, (337) 534-4913, facebook.com/boltlaffy

Ripcord, 715 Fairview St, (713) 5212792, theripcord.com The Ranch Hill Saloon, 24704 Interstate 45 Ste 103, (281) 298-9035, ranchhill.com Axelrad, 1517 Alabama St, (713) 5978800, alexradbeergarden.com Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge, 1641 Westheimer Rd. Ste B, (713) 5279929, poisongirlbar.com

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Houston Pride, June 22, pridehouston. org The Woodlands Pride, September, thewoodlandstxpride.wordpress.com QFEST, Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, q-fest.com

ORGANIZATIONS

UH LGBTQ Resource Center, 4465 University Drive, (832) 842-6191, www.uh.edu/lgbtq The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street, (713) 529-0037, montrosecenter.org AIDS Foundation of Houston, 6260 Westpark Dr. Suite 100, (713) 6236796, aidshelp.org

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 6800 West Loop South Ste 225, (713) 592-0211, avitapharmacy.com

SOUTH LOUISIANA ACCOMMODATIONS

Apartments Available for Rent in Baton Rouge. Friendly, quiet, small apartment complex with one and two bedroom apartments available now.

Pool, free parking, gated property, centrally located, owners live on site.

Please contact us today for a tour: (225) 505-6531, @ChateauJacques, facebook.com/chateaujacques Mid City Baton Rouge. 1 or 2 Bedroom for rent: Furnished or Unfurnished $450/month per bedroom. Includes all utilities, internet, and full use of the house with washer and dryer. No smoking or drugs in house. Richard Clement rpcgemcajun@hotmail.com or text (225) 666-9194

BARS & CLUBS

Splash, 2183 Highland Rd, Baton

Crystals, 112 W. Broad St, Lake Charles, (337) 433-5457

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Baton Rouge Pride, June 15, brpride. org Acadiana Pride, acadianapride.org

Date

TBA,

Pride of SWLA, Date TBA, prideofswla. org, info@prideofswla.org

HEALTHCARE

HAART (HIV AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc), 4550 North Blvd. Ste 250, Baton Rouge, (225) 927-1269, haartinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Krewe of Apollo de Baton Rouge, apollobatonrouge.com Krewe of Apollo kreweofapollo.com

de

Lafayette,

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, avitapharmacy. com

NORTHERN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI & ALABAMA BARS & CLUBS

Club Pink, 1914 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, myclubpink.com Central Station, 1025 Marshall St, Shreveport, (318) 222-2216 The Korner Lounge, 800 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, thekornerlounge. com Wonderlust, 3911 Drive, Jackson, (337) wonderlustjackson.com

CAMPING

Wildwoods Hideaway, Eutaw, AL, (205) 860-0836, wildwoodshideaway. com

Rumors Biloxi, 3540 Bienville Blvd, Biloxi, (228) 875-4131 Just Us Lounge, 906 Division Street, Biloxi, (228) 374-1007

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sipps Bar Gulfport, 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, (228) 206-7717, sippsgulfport.com

Oxford Pride, April 28-May 5, Oxford MS, oxfordmspride.rocks

Mobile Pride, October 5, 2019, Mobile, AL, mobpride.org

Central Alabama Pride, June 1-10, 2019, Birmingham, AL, facebook. com/centralalabamaprideinc

Gulf Coast Pride, June 29, 2019, Biloxi, MA, gcpride.org

CENLA Pride, May 31 - June 2, Alexandria, LA, facebook.com/ cenlaclasspride

Druid City Pride, October 2019, Tuscaloosa, AL, druidcitypride.org

ORGANIZATIONS

The Spectrum Center, 210 S 25th Ave, Hattiesburg, (601) 909-5338 Krewe of Apollo mkabirmingham.com

Birminham,

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sexacola, May 23, Pensacola, FL, sexacolabeach.com Memorial Weekend Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, johnnychisholm.com Pensacola Pride, June 15-16, facebook.com/pensacolapride

HEALTHCARE

Oasis Florida, 25 E Wright Street, (850) 429-7551, oasisflorida.org

RELIGION

Safe Harbor Family Church, safeharborfamilychurch.org Joshua Generation joshuageneration.rocks

MCC,

GULF COAST BARS & CLUBS

The Midtown Pub, 153 Foorida Street, Mobile, (251) 450-1555 Gabriel’s Downtown, 55 South Joachmin Street, Mobile, (251) 4324900 B-Bob’s, 213 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 433-2262, b-bobs.com Flip Side Bar & Patio, 545 S. Conception Street, Mobile, (251) 4318819, flipsidebarpatio.com The Roundup 560 East Heinberg Street, Pensacola, (850) 433-8482 Cabaret, 101 S Jefferson Street E, Pensacola, (850) 607-2020

Coastal Family Health Care, 1046 Division St, Biloxi, coastalfamilyhealth. org

HIV CARE AND SERVICES

My Brothers Keeper, 407 Orchard Park, Ridgeland, MS, (769) 257-7721, mbkinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Order of Osiris, PO Box 1991, Mobile, AL, orderofosiris.com Order of Dinoysus D’Iberville, MS, https://www.facebook.com/Order-OfDionysus Gulf Coast Transgender Alliance, (850) 332-8416, gulfcoasttransgenderalliance.com, gctransgenderalliance@gmail.com Gay Grassroots, 6847 N. 9th Avenue, Ste A, Box 317, Pensacola, ggnwfl. com

Northview 378-9003,

Our Place, 2115 7th Ave Birmingham, (205) 715-0077

S,

Al’s on 7th Street, 2627 7th Ave S, Birmingham, (205) 422-4218 Quest Bar, 416 24th Street S, Birmingham, (205) 251-4313, info@ quest-club.com Chapel Bar, 620 27th Street S, Brirmingham, (205) 703-9778, chapelbarinfo@gmail.com

Get Listed for $10 per Issue Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?

Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com

Club 322, 322 N Lawrence Street, Montgomery, club322.business.site Icon, 516 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 51

WORD SEARCH

(Some) Democratic Candidates Locate the given words in the grid, running in one of eight possible directions horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

CHALLENGE: How many can you find? Tag us and your completed puzzle on Facebook @AmbushMag

P H A J

M P E L

E M A P O T T

N C T

Z

U T

C I

K I

B B L

H C H X P W A T

I

I

E J

X O O U N R E V D D Q Q Z

B J

N W R O Y D P R R C N T

T

B

V S W N

E I

Q D S

V S F

A E I

J

J

S

U G

U K N X X Y G D E C L

Y R V B B N F

L

G

T

T

M K E E U X M I

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Q L

I

X W O A Y O Y O U Y N A L

A P V T M I

L

G H N U P L I

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F

K O I

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W A U K C Z

X N Q A J W Z

G A M J

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H P

X A S R X K S M H Z

M G R U Q Y C X S K G I

G D U B E R N I

N J

W R K D V S V

R E P V M D R K G D N U F

O E B I

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H M X D R J

X Q M E A A O Z J

P C E I

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Y A B D A M M E F

A X G T

W B S T

Local Gay Bar

K H C U K Q E S A W J

O U

E S A N D E R S R S U H

S N E V A M Y K L

O B U C H A R Y Z

S D

PUZZLE WORD BANK

Joe Biden Elizabeth Warren Kamala Harris Pete Buttigieg Bernie Sanders Cory Booker Steve Bullock Julian Castro John Delaney Amy Klobuchar

by Adam Radd

Want More Puzzles?

Email us at info@ ambushpublishing. com with ideas, suggestions, feedback, etc. on content for the comic/puzzle section.

52 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Sipps Bar Gulfport, MS PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ

SIPPS BAR GULFPORT Our beer is cold, patio is shaded, and pool tables and nightlife dance floor are waiting for your moves at Sipps bar Downtown Gulfport.

OPENING HOURS Everyday 5pm - TILL ADDRESS 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS Phone: (228) 206-7717 Email: sipps25th@gmail.com www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 30 – August 12 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 53

Tulane lineman Corey Dublin looks to continue on road to success Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports When it comes to football, Corey Dublin is used to being on the field. All of the time, in fact.

The junior offensive lineman at Tulane was a rare four-year varsity starter at Jesuit where he played offensive tackle. He parlayed that success on the high school level into 25 starts and counting for the Green Wave.

Moving from center to guard for the upcoming season, Dublin embraces the next challenge while appreciating his good fortune.

“I’ve been fortunate,” Dublin said.

I’ve had good trainers. I’ve been able to stay healthy and try to play consistently.”

A two-year state heavyweight wrestling champion at Jesuit, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Dublin translates his grappling success to the gridiron.

‘It helps my movement and mobility, being able to move quick, the stretching is a benefit,” Dublin said.

“Stretching keeps you healthy and prevents injuries.”

Corey has an outstanding pedigree.

His grandfather, Jim Lavin, is a retired high school head football coach in New Orleans who and played at LSU under Paul Dietzel before joining the Dallas Texans of the AFL. His uncle,

Jimmy Lavin, helped Georgia Tech win a national title in 1990 and later played in the NFL with the Bengals and Chargers. “They help me a lot,” Dublin said.

“They give me a lot of advice. It gives me someone to look up to. It shows me what’s possible if I work really hard.”

Dublin is a key part of a football resurgence for Tulane. Finishing strong last fall, the Green Wave wnt 7-6 including an impressive 41-24 win over Louisiana Lafayette in the AutoNation Cure Bowl.

In an effort to improve, the Wave made a big change in the offseason.

Offensive coordinator Will Hall has come aboard to assume the responsibility to open things up. Last season, while on serving on staff at Memphis as associate head coach, Hall helped the Tigers record 3,311 yards rushing and 42 touchdowns, earning a top five overall FBS ranking on the ground.

The offense at Memphis is a balanced one with a potent passing game.

In 2018, Tulane had the fifth best total offense in the American Athletic Conference, finishing first in rushing (315 yards) but 10th in passing (135 yards). The target area for improvement is clear, seeking a high pace to attack defenses. “(Hall) is a very energetic guy,”

Dublin said. He’s very passionate. He wants the best for everybody. He holds everyone to a high standard. He likes to run a quick offense. Everywhere he has been, they have run a fast-paced offense. He wants to run the plays as fast as possible.”

With a new approach offensively, change has also occurred with the offensive line as Alex Adkins left the program to take over as the offensive coordinator at Charlotte. The replacement, Cody Kennedy, has taken the reins after stints at Georgia and West Georgia.

“We get along with Coach Kennedy,” Dublin stated. “We’re forming a bond with him as we get to know him better.”

Changes in personnel have been part of the transition to 2019 up front.

Brown University grad transfer Christian Montano has been inserted into the lineup at center, allowing Corey to move to guard where he started in 2017 as a true freshman. Virginia grad transfer Ben Knutson (6-9, 310) will get a long look at both guard spots and even tackle. Those two arrivals soften the blow after the loss of three starters including John Leglue, now with the Denver Broncos.

“It’s a change,” Dublin said. “I try to be the best teammate and do the best that I can. I like to be a versatile lineman, knowing all positions. I feel like we have plenty of guys who have game experience and are ready to play in game situations.”

Dublin has made advancement in the weight room by increasing to 325 pounds in power clean, 500 in squat and 365 in the bench press.

On the field, Dublin comes off his his best effort as a Greenie as he graded 93 percent in the Cure Bowl.

“I feel like the whole line, we’ve improved on our pass protection and run blocking,” Dublin said. “We’re getting after it and focusing on finishing all the way until the whistle.”

The Tulane rushing attack is in capable hands. Darius Bradwell had 1,134 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. Corey Dauphine added 785 yards with seven touchdowns and Stephon Huderson had 281 yards.

“I feel really good, especially after spring,” Dublin explained. ” Because the running backs have stepped up, especially doing the dirty work like blocking. They really stressed improvement on blocking and did a phenomenal job in spring.”

Senior quarterback Justin McMillan hopes to make major strides after a solid 2018 campaign.

“He’s improving,” said Dublin. “McMillan and the receivers go out and work, make sure that they have to right connection. That’s important that ev-

eryone is on point and on time.”

One of those receivers is another talented grad transfer, Jalen McCleskey, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Oklahoma State. He amassed 167 catches for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Power 5 program.

“Jalen is a play-maker,” Dublin said. “He’s a great receiver. He makes plays, runs really crisp routes. That’s why it’s so important for him and Justin to be on the same page.”

Dublin wears jersey No. 64 because he models his style after former New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief, who wore the same number for the Black and Gold. “(Zach) had a really good career with the Saints and Northwestern,” Dublin said. “He was a great player and really got after it.”

The 2018 season at Tulane was one of ebbs and flows. The Green Wave salvaged what turned out to be a good season by winning five out of their final six contests, building real momentum heading into 2019.

“Our team has always bought into it,” Dublin said. “Last year we got off to a rough start. A lot of people outside of the program hadn’t bought in. We stayed true to ourselves and finished strong. We go out and play to win. I think that we’re going to have a good season this year as long as we keep moving in the right direction.”

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz, entering his fourth campaign with the program, has struck a cord with his players.

“Coach Fritz is a great coach. He brings energy every day,” Dublin said.

“It’s great to be around that. The players look up to that.”

Now one of Tulane’s elder statesmen, Dublin has been described as a player who goes hard snap-to-whistle, always displaying maximum effort.

He’s a physical, nasty run blocker. He has raised the bar for himself and plans to shoot for the moon, even if he lands among the stars.

“I definitely want to be an all-conference player. We want to be one of the top o-lines in the (American Athletic) Conference,”Dublin said. “Our team goal is to win a conference championship and play in a big bowl.”

Dublin and the Green Wave begin their quest Thursday night, August 29 at home in Yulman Stadium against FIU. This article was originally published

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

54 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · July 30 – August 12, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Saints expectations clear even without slogan Les East, Crescent City Sports METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints’ motto last season was “Prove Them Right.”

The message was to embrace the lofty expectations that were placed on the defending NFC South champions that had narrowly missed a trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2017.

The Saints did, in fact, embrace those expectations, repeated as division champions and went a step farther, reaching the NFC Championship Game and narrowly missing a trip to the Super Bowl after an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The team reported for training camp Thursday with the expectation of taking that final step back to the Super Bowl for the first time since winning it 10 years ago.

“We don’t have a specific slogan,” head coach Sean Payton said, adding that one could be adopted at some point.

But with or without a slogan, the expectation is obvious – to get to the Super Bowl.

The Saints were the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season and almost cer-

tainly would have beaten the Rams if not for an egregious no-call by the officials that led the NFL to change its rules regarding pass interference and instant replay during the offseason.

The roster returns mostly in tact with the changes likely to produce a net gain.

The news Thursday that All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas is holding out while negotiating a new contract was a minor distraction that figures to be a footnote long before the season begins Sept. 9.

Payton said he’s “optimistic that it’ll be done fairly soon.” Executive vice president Mickey Loomis was more cautious but certainly not pessimistic.

“I believe we’re close when the player is in the office with a document in front of him,” Loomis said. “I wish there was the sense of urgency in February, March, April and May that there is no so it doesn’t drag out, but that’s the nature of the business.”

Thomas’ absence from practice, which begins Friday morning, provides more opportunities for others at what is one of the most competitive positions

on the team.

Veteran Ted Ginn Jr. is the incumbent No. 2 receiver and he figures to be in the mix, but he’s 34 years old and missed much of last season because of arthroscopic knee surgery.

Payton said this will be an important camp for another veteran receiver – Cameron Meredith, who suffered a serious knee injury while playing with Chicago two seasons ago and has been limited since signing with New Orleans as a free agent last offseason.

Second-year receivers Tre’Quan Smith and Keith Kirkwood have shown encouraging progress, Payton said.

The most competitive starting position on the team is at center, where New Orleans must find a replacement for Max Unger, who retired after last season. Payton said veteran freeagent signee Nick Easton (Vikings) and rookie No. 2 draft choice Erik McCoy are “two guys who have played the position pretty well.” Third-year veteran Cameron Tom, a native of Baton Rouge, is also competing.

Payton said “punt return is one area we continue to work on.” The

Saints signed former Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels to try and improve that area.

Starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing surgery in January to repair a ruptured Achilles suffered in a divisional playoff victory against Philadelphia. Payton wouldn’t estimate when Rankins will return, but he did say he is “on schedule.”

Payton announced that the Saints signed three players and released two to reach the roster limit.

The team signed defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, cornerback T.J. Green and linebacker Josh Martin. New Orleans waived/injured defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow Jr. and waived wide receiver Chad Hansen.

This article was originally published

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

Saints enter training camp with fewer questions Taking advantage of opportunities is a key to success in life. In all aspects of athletics, teams must seize the day.

The New Orleans Saints did just that in 2009, winning Super Bowl XLIV. Since then, the franchise has sported five playoff teams.

Among those teams, the Saints had two legitimate chances while two others were within reach of claiming a second Super Bowl title.

In 2006, the first year of Sean Payton and Drew Brees, the Saints reached the NFC championship game, falling 39-14 at Chicago to a better tream.

In 2011, the Saints arguably had the best team the franchise has ever assembled but lost a heartbreaking 3632 loss at San Francisco in the Divisional round of the playoffs on a last minute touchdown. The Saints overcame a huge deficit and a pair of costly turnovers but could not get a stop when needed. New Orleans was the better team but simply did not finish.

In 2013, the Saints reached the Divisional round, falling 23-15 at Seattle to a better team.

In 2017, the Saints again reached the Divisional round of the playoffs and lost 29-24 on a last second miracle at Minnesota. New Orleans was the better team but a calculated mistake by a defender killed the Saints on that day.

In 2018, the Saints earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC and reached the

Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports NFC championship game, falling 26-23 ular season and in the playoffs. in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in For the first 11 games of the seaa game shrouded in controversy. The son, New Orleans averaged 37.2 Saints could have and probably should points per game. Over the last seven have won but did not. games, New Orleans produced just The 2019 New Orleans Saints 19.7 points per contest, though starters have fewer questions than the 2018 did not play in the final regular season Saints, who may have been the best game against Carolina which produced team in the NFL. just 14 points.

Now at 40, Drew Brees is entering The productivity of Brees tailed off the final year of his contract. Might it somewhat significantly but why? Was be his last season? If the Saints move Brees showing his age? deep into the playoffs, Brees will be 41.

While his deep ball accuracy fell Brees was outstanding a year ago. a little short, literally (at times), Brees For the first half of the season, he was was still very good. The issues were the clear MVP of the league. After a more with his wide receiving corps and 31-17 win over the Falcons on Nov. 22, his offensive line.

2018, the Saints offense was not the Drew Brees same in the final five weeks of the regOutside of Michael Thomas, no

one else gained real traction at the receiver spot with Ted Ginn Jr. injured.

Teams adjusted, making things tougher on Thomas and no one else stepped up.

Then, there was the matter of injuries up front. Terron Armstead missed six games, Andrus Peat missed three games while Larry Warford and Ryan Ramczyk each missed a game.

Continue Reading: https://crescentcitysports.com/saints-enter-training-camp-with-fewer-questions/ 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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