Ambush magazine volume 26 issue 15 by Ambush Publishing

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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

Gay Appreciation Awards Gala Announces Winners Saturday, July 19 at Marigny Theatre benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls

ew Orleans celebrity Savanna DeLorean will guest emcee the 21st annual Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Gala at Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny St., New Orleans, Saturday, July 19. Beginning at 8pm sharp, doors will open at 7pm. Admission is $10 at the door. Members of the GAA Board of Directors will join Savanna on stage to present the award winners throughout the evening including Lisa Beaumann, TerylLynn Foxx, Toni Pizanie, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. GAA Founder Marcy Marcell and last year's Entertainer of the Year, Princesse Stephaney, are slated to perform. Additionally, all GAA Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalists are scheduled to perform a production number for the event. All proceeds from the event benefit the William Fanning Foundation, better known as Buzzy’s Boys & Girls, including VIP Table sales, door admissions and stage performance tips. Ambush sponsors the event covering all expenses. Mary L. Lathouwers has been chosen unanimously by the Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors to receive the 21st Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed each year at the GAA Gala. Mary is a detective at the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) 8th District working on property crimes including burglary and fraud. She is also the liaison from NOPD to the GLBT community and has worked extensively in ensuring the safety of the community at events including the annual Southern Decadence celebration Labor Day Weekend. Working for thirteen years in law enforcement, Mary has been with NOPD for the past ten years.

Savanna DeLorean, GAA Gala Guest MC Photo: Larry Graham

Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain [Betty Buttons], the late Andy Boudreaux, the late Buzzy Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, the late Miss Fury, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, the late Louise McFarland, Miss Dixie Fasnacht, Alice Brady & John Dodt, Gene Adams, the late Charlene Schneider, Steve Mettner, Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney, Donnie Jay, Kitty Blackwell, Michael "Fish" Hickerson, and Marcy Marcell. The award category winners, those receiving the most public votes June 3-9 (already one of the Top 5 Finalist), will be announced at the gala. The Top 5 Finalist in the public award voting categories include: Circuit Party/Event of the Year-Big Gay Musical 2/Baton Rouge, Gay Days/Orlando, Gay Easter Parade/New Orleans, Halloween/New Orleans, Southern Decadence/New Orleans; Hair Salon of the Year-Avallon/Baton

Rouge, Bobby Blue/New Orleans, Head Quarters/New Orleans, Mickey Nolan/New Orleans, Salon D'Malta/New Orleans; Gay Carnival Ball of the Year-Krewe of Amon Ra/New Orleans, Krewe of Apollo/ Baton Rouge, Krewe of Armeinius/New Orleans, Lords of Leather/New Orleans, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon/New Orleans; Neighborhood Bar of the Year-Cafe Lafitte in Exile/New Orleans, Cowpokes/ New Orleans, Friendly Bar/New Orleans, George's Place/Baton Rouge, Golden Lantern/New Orleans; Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award-Gay Easter Parade/New Orleans, Greg T. Bell AIDS Foundation/Baton Rouge, Michael "Fish" Hickerson/New Orleans, Toby Lefort/New Orleans, NO/AIDS Task Force/New Orleans; Bitch of the Year-Mia Bonet/Baton Rouge, Electra City/New Orleans, Gia/ Baton Rouge, Rusty Laroux/New Orleans, Brittney O'Bryan/New Orleans; Show Bar of the Year-Cowpokes/New Orleans, Oz/New Orleans, Parade/New Orleans, Splash/Baton Rouge, Starlight By The Park/New Orleans; Performing Arts Award-Glitz/New Orleans, La Femme Rouge/Baton Rouge, Naked Boys Singing/New Orleans, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, To Do Productions-Marigny Theatre/New Orleans; Restaurant/Deli of the Year-Clover Grill/New Orleans, Mestizo's/Baton Rouge, Mona Lisa/New Orleans, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli/New Orleans, Tomatillo's/New Orleans; Dance Bar of the Year-Cowpokes/ New Orleans, Oz/New Orleans, Parade/ New Orleans, Sound Factory/Lafayette, Splash/Baton Rouge; Bartender of the Year-Aletha Bryant/ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Stephen Murrell/Cowpokes, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Lance Pippin/Golden Lantern, Lance Young/Splash; DJ of the Year-Karen Baker/Splash, Johnny Love/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Myke/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Richie Rich/Cowpokes, Leather Bar of the Year-Cowpokes/ New Orleans, JohnPaul's/New Orleans, Phoenix/New Orleans, Ramrod/Ft. Lauderdale, Rawhide 2010/New Orleans; GLBT Business of the Year-Alternatives, Hit Parade, Queen Fashions, Rab Dab, Wood Enterprises/all New Orleans; Leather Person of the Year-Mina Hernandez/New Orleans, George Hester/ New Orleans, Denny Summors/New Orleans, Solitaire/Baton Rouge, Gary Vandeventer/New Orleans; Transgender of the Year-Regina

GAA Winners/Satchmo SummerFest Due Out: July 29th DEADLINE: Tues., July 22nd

inside

Mary L. Lathouwers, 21st Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Mary and her partner of 19 years, Darlene Gaudin, flew to San Francisco and legally married on July 7. California allows same sex couples to celebrate their new found freedom to marry without discrimination under the law as of June 17, 2008.

AMBUSH/main celebrazzi official southern decadence xxxvii snap paparazzi/nola gaa gala snap paparazzi/nola, metairie trodding the boards the pink pastor cw6 ambush paparazzi/nola chop chop/new orleans cookin' with auntie dee krewe calendar

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EXPOSE/center pridefest paparazzi/nola hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge one last song big easy paparazzi/nola, p-town mobile, city by the bay/paparazzi one mighty wknd. paparazzi classifieds allons acadiana/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette sappho psalm obituary/connie marcelle

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

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Adams/New Orleans, Mia Bonet/Baton Rouge, Dee Cooley/New Orleans, Jasmine SX/Baton Rouge, Marcy Marcell/New Orleans; Lesbian of the Year-Karen Baker/Baton Rouge, Marty Curtin/New Orleans, Chansley Dykes/Baton Rouge, Mae Falgout/New Orleans, Mina Hernandez/ New Orleans; Gay Man of the Year-Richard Dykes/ Baton Rouge, Robert Gibson/New Orleans, Ken Grandpre/New Orleans, Toby Lefort/New Orleans, Cory Wise/Baton Rouge; and Entertainer of the Year-Elizabeth Bouvier/New Orleans, Electra City/New Orleans, Coca/New Orleans, Nicole Foxx/ Baton Rouge, Donnie Jay/New Orleans. The GAA Board of Directors chose the Top 5 Finalist in the following categories: Cheridon Comedy Award in honor of [continued on Main-6]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] E-mail: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 • 1.504.522.8047 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Mobile Florida - Ft. Lauderdale, Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Tennessee - Knoxville Texas - Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Galveston, Houston, San Antonio, South Padre Island

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 LESBIAN/POLITICAL ISSUES Toni J.P. Pizanie, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Benedict-Baton Rouge, LA Patrick Clinton-Lafayette, LA Regina Adams, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Miss Dee, Donnie Jay, Doug Minich-New Orleans DJ Chromatic, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushmag.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 Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2007, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

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the "official" dish ...from Main-4 the late Sonny C. Cleveland: Big Mama, Lauren Brown, Eva Las Vegas, Princesse Stephaney, Amanda Straddle; Fly Fashion Glamour Award in memory of Ms. Fly: Christina Cayne, Raquel Chevallier, Chelsea Delorean Divine, Raven Kennedy, Opal Masters;

Fly Fashion Victim Award in memory of Ms. Fly: Auntie Charlotte, Hyacinth Bucket, Blanche Debris, Pat McCardle, Katrina Storm. The winners will also be announced at the GAA Gala. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence (the Drag Ambassador Award) will be presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. The awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community who are many times not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT community into the viable,

successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. Ambush is proud to sponsor the Gay Appreciation Awards each year. For more info, visit AmbushMag.COM/ GAA.

Comedian James Adomian Drags President to New Orleans July 18 & 19

ames Adomian, comedian and actor, is bringing his skewering impressionist wit to La Nuit Comedy Theater, 5039 Freret St., New Orleans, for two nights only, July 18 and 19, at 10pm, as part of La Nuit Comedy Theater’s And Then There Was Stand-Up Series. Adomian is most famous for his dead-on impression of President Bush, which landed him a spot as a series regular on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson and most recently on the big screen in Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay. In addition to a bountiful collection of real life characters and those created in Adomian’s own mind, New Orleans audiences can expect a “politically-charged” question and answer session. While he hopes for questions that keep the fun rolling, Adomian knows that when his characters interact with the audience, it’s better than anything scripted. “My hope is that it will all be outrageous and weirdly satirical,” Adomian said, “and that, taken together, it’ll present a wide range of insane viewpoints for an evening of mad fun!” Adomian, a Nebraska naJames Adomian tive now living in Los Angeles, can be seen regularly on the stage at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles or at YouTube.com where nearly half a million viewers have already discovered his [continued on Main-8]

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mous “Bianca del Rio,” the renowned personality known throughout New Orleans and New York. Tickets for both shows are on sale now and may be purchased in person at Harrah’s box office, by calling 504.533.6600 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com. You must be at least 21 to attend shows at Harrah’s Theatre. Starting at 9pm every Wednesday in Masquerade, groove to the sounds of DJ Captain Charles. New Orleans’ most renowned DJ, Captain Charles has been in the business of entertaining and moving crowds for more than 20 years and still doesn’t miss a beat! Captain Charles has been featured in many publications and was rated one of the best DJ’s in the City of New Orleans by Gambit Weekly. $10 cover charge. More information about entertainment, including special guest DJs, at Harrah’s New Orleans is available at www.harrahsneworleans.com.

Harrah’s New Orleans Presents Chicago

the "official" dish ...from Main-6 comic ingenuity. Other famous characters inhabiting Adomian’s world include Vincent Price, Al Franken, Sean Hannity, and John McCain. Adomian is presently creating an internet series about McCain. Besides Los Angeles, Adomian’s favorite places to perform are Portland and New Orleans. “You all actually make a nice counterpoint to Portland,” Adomian said of New Orleans. “I suggest a cultural exchange commission!” Tickets for Adomian’s show are $20 at the door or $15 in advance when purchased online at http:// www.lanuittheater.com or by calling the box office at 504.899.0336.

Sound of Music Singalong July 26 at WWII Museum

he National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, presents the Sound of Music Singalong on Saturday, July 26. Doors open at 7:30pm with the show set for 8pm.

It started in London, took New York by storm and played the Hollywood Bowl. You saw it on Will & Grace, and now it’s here! New Orleans’ first Sound of Music Singalong starring Becky Allen, Sean Patterson and Mandy Zirkenbach. Don’t miss this evening of high-camp, high jinks, high notes and low comedy. Costumes encouraged. Come boo the Nazis while you enjoy complimentary pretzels and popcorn! Admission is $10 ($5 for anyone in a costume related to the film) and a cash bar will be on hand. For more information, call 504.527.6012 x 355 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.

Harrah's Hosts a Summer of Laughs with Two Fun Shows in August

arrah’s New Orleans is heating things up this summer with two acts that are sure to make you sweat. The S.E.L.L.O.U.T. Comedy Tour brings its thought-provoking performers to Harrah’s Theatre, August 1-2, at 8pm

nightly. Comedians BT, Louis Johnson, Billy D. Washington and Vince Morris will courageously challenge all guests to take a fresh look at stereotypes in the funniest tour of its kind. S.E.L.L.O.U.T. is the only interactive comedy show that allows audience members to “ask a black man anything you’ve ever wanted to know...but were afraid to.” Within the context of their opening monologues, individual performances and raucous closing piece, they provide an entertaining blueprint as to how to celebrate our differences one joke at a time. After a popular run earlier this year, Harrah’s New Orleans welcomes back GLITZ! The Art of Female Impersonation. Shows will be held in Harrah’s Theatre, August 28 – 31, at 9pm nightly. GLITZ! is an avant-garde production that showcases the outrageous and extraordinary impersonations of legendary female performers such as Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe and Cher. Roy Haylock hosts the show as the infa-

he New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in partnership with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel, is pleased to announce a public concert featuring the Grammy award-winning rock band Chicago, who have had 21 top 10 singles including such hits as such as “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “You’re the Inspiration.” Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster for the Sunday, September 21 show at the New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Tickets are available on-line at ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone call 504.522.5555. Tickets will also be available at Harrah’s New Orleans’ Box Office. The versatile venue has hosted a wide array of events in its nine-year history. Though the 4,000-seat auditorium has traditionally been used for corporate and association meetings, it has found a new purpose as a home for musical and theatrical performances. With community theatrical venues in New Orleans slow to reopen after Hurricane Katrina, officials at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center knew their well-appointed, high-tech conference auditorium could help fill the void in the city’s cultural landscape by serving as a venue for public concerts and theatrical performances. Recently, the theater featured diverse offerings such as the New Orleans Opera Association, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra with famed composer Marvin Hamlisch, as well as popular plays featuring Tyler Perry’s “Madea” character. “This new initiative will provide additional entertainment options for the community and surrounding region. This also better reflects the theater’s outstanding production capabilities which make it an ideal fit for musical events, concerts and plays,” said Bob Johnson, president/general manager of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “We’re excited about this partnership with Harrah’s and look forward to many other opportunities in the future,” added Johnson. One of the many advantages of the theater is convenient parking located di[continued on Main-10]

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the "official" dish ...from Main-8 rectly across the street from Lobby I, where concert and theater-goers can directly access the escalator to the theater entrance.

Participation in Downtown and French Quarter Mobility and Parking Survey Needed

he New Orleans Downtown Development District is asking the public to participate in a survey designed to gather information on the mobility and parking needs in and around Downtown New Orleans. Residents, business owners and patrons, local visitors, employees, tourists and anyone else wishing to provide input may log on and complete the short survey, which will be posted on the DDD website, www.neworleansdowntown.com, until August 1. The survey is an important component of the DDD’s Mobility and Parking Study that will supplement information previously gathered from on-site data collection, interviews, neighborhood tours, and a series of focus groups held throughout the summer, according to DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle. It seeks input on parking, modes of transportation, walking and bicycling conditions, as well as related mobility issues. The study area includes all of Downtown, including the Warehouse Arts District, Lafayette Square, the Central Business District, and the Medical District, as well as the French Quarter and the Marigny Triangle.

The DDD has undertaken this study in partnership with Planning District 1 in implementation of the Unified New Orleans Plan. Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates is coordinating the study team, and to date, the team’s work has included an inventory of available parking, a study of parking utilization, an analysis of pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and conditions, as well as a series of focus groups. The study is scheduled to be completed in November. To participate in the short survey, visit http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/ ?p=WEB227XMYPHQZN, or for more information contact Ted Featherstone at 504.561.8972. The DDD drives the development of Downtown New Orleans and is a catalyst for a prosperous, stimulating and innovative heart of the Crescent City by cultivating economic development, ensuring that Downtown is clean and safe, serving as a voice and advocate for Downtown’s future and promoting Downtown as a worldclass destination for residents and visitors.

Gay Marriage, Dolly Parton and Bears, Oh My!

ew York - Logo, a division of Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks, announced the premiere of season six of its landmark gay documentary series Real Momentum on August, 2 at 8pm ET/PT with the world premiere of Bear Run. In Bear Run, director Dan Hunt exam[continued on Main-11]

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the "official" dish ...from Main-10 ines the lives of three self-identified ‘bears’, described by A Bear’s Life magazine as “big, hairy, friendly and affectionate guys.” The documentary explores this subculture of the LGBT community against the backdrop of “Bear Runs,” large parties held frequently across the country for bears and the men who love them. As the three navigate through the year-long event circuit, the film explores the interesting lives these men live as out and proud bears. Bear Run thoughtfully investigates a community that is rarely covered by the mainstream or gay media. Real Momentum’s sixth season also offers a selection of other documentaries whose subjects range the diversity of the LGBT community. Tying the Knot is an examination of the debate over same-sex marriage; Roxy: The Last Dance, is a retrospective look at the infamous New

York City nightclub; and the U.S. premiere of Jake’s Adventures in Dollyworld, is the Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears’ intimate interview with country superstar Dolly Parton. Past Real Momentum documentaries have introduced viewers to being openly gay in the workplace, women who come out following a life with husbands and children, and a close look at the international pop sensation, Pet Shop Boys. Bear Run will air on Saturday, August 2 at 8pm ET/PT. Real Momentum documentaries are also available for sale on iTunes and other download-to-own services. Many titles from the series can be watched in full-length on LOGOonline.com. Logo’s diverse array of carefully curated documentaries demonstrates the channel’s commitment to exploring the complex lives of LGBT people around the world.

International Gay Screenplay Contest Celebrates 10th Anniversary

he ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicated to the positive portrayal of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangender and queer individuals in film, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008. Entries are now being accepted on-line and are limited to the first 300 for 2008. Executive Director, David Jensen, “We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are looking at a record number of entries this year. We are continually amazed with the quality of talent that comes through the door year after year.” Jensen continues, “We receive entries from around the globe and Hollywood is taking notice in a very big way. Many of our past winners are now hard working screenwriters” The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST

has gained respect and notoriety from Hollywood studios, agents and producers. Entries for 2008 are being accepted online at: www.OneInTenScreenplayContest.com. Prizes for 2008 include cash, industry exposure and merchandise. The submission deadline for 2008 ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is September 1, 2008.

AMBUSH

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi) (celebrations-paparazzi)

ne Mighty Weekend’s Johnny Chisholm joins the Queen of Comedy, Mo’Nique, and partner Cy Whitney at the giant One Mighty Party circuit bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. The official benefactors for One Mighty Weekend 2008 included GLOBAL: The Elton John AIDS Foundation and COMMUNITY: Hope & Help of Central Florida. Thanks to One Mighty Weekend patrons, Chisholm Properties has donated over $200,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation in support of its mission. (Photo: JRDavis.COM)

ver 100 guests traveled to Provincetown, Massachusetts for the festive wedding ceremonies for two New Orleans couples, Rusty and Don, and Marty and Koo. (Photo by Tom and Jack: Rusty, Marty, Koo and Don)

ew Orleans Pride Co-chair Dee Cooley receives Mayoral and City Council Proclamations signifying the importance of New Orleans Gay PrideFest from City Councilman, District C, James Carter. The presentation took place on the main stage during opening ceremonies in Washington Square Park.

he Country Club beckons revelers to enjoy the hot New Orleans summer pool side at the Louisa Street landmark. Try the Pool and Bar Menu or dine in the club house for the full creative menu of Chef Miles Prescott.

tarlight By The Park Bar Baron’s Javier Sandoval and CW Stambaugh flank Marcy Marcell for Marcy’s Blue Plate Special closing out the 5th anniversary weekend blowout for Starlight in New Orleans.

outhern Decadence Grand Marshal Paloma joins 1st Runner-up Ben, emcee’s Matt and Aletha, and winner Alex for the weekly Wednesday Karaoke competition at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans.

avid Richerson and Cathy Fox were crowned Prom King and Queen for the Krewe of Amon Ra’s festive Prom Night at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The individuals raising the most money are crowned Prom King and Queen with David bringing in $419 and Cathy bringing in $221. The event, emceed by Special Lieutenant Barry Rutherford, brought in $1,343 which goes towards producing the krewe’s 44th bal masque on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Alario Center.

mbush’s Marsha NaquinDelain congratulates Oz manager Glenn Fonte during the 16th annual Neon Party celebrating GAA Top 5 Dance and Show Bar of the Year Finalist Oz’s 16th anniversary in New Orleans. The event featured Circuit DJ Chad Guidry along with resident DJ’s Tim Plueger and Jason Lanoux.

ircuit promoter Johnny Chisholm, Jeanie Tracy and Bobby Warner celebrate at Johnny’s One Mighty Weekend Saturday Reunion Pool Party at host hotel Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida. The event featured the talents of circuit great David Knapp. (Photo: JRDavis.COM)

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snap paparazzi

Oz’s 16th anniversary Neon Party had some of the hottest dancers on the circuit

Spencer creams for Ambush at Good Friends Bar

Anthony ready to serve you at The Corner Pocket

Stephen & Brandy Bob get some fried chicken from Double Play’s 4th of July Indoor Air Conditioned Picnic

Rawhide manager Joe grills up burgers for his club’s 4th of July Chuckwagon Cookout

Chris serves up martinis at Good Friends SDGM Paloma & Hope at Lafitte’s Wednesday Karaoke Contest

Max & GAA Top 5 DJ of the Year Finalist Myke celebrate the 4th at Rawhide

GAA Top 5 Lesbian of the Year Finalist Marty & Jo slingin’ cocktails at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Friendly Bar

JohnPaul’s John & Paul join Koo & Marty at Friendly Bar

New Good Friends bartender Blake

SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie flank SD Sponsor GrahamStudioOne.COM's Larry Graham at the Pub Beaumont, Elijah & Alex sling cocktails for Karaoke at Lafitte’s

SDGMs XXXV Paloma flank SD Sponsors Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM’s Rip & Marsha at the Pub

Oz GM Tommy joins Wood Enterprises’ Gary at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Ken, SDGM Paloma & New Orleans Bears' Danny take in Lafitte’s Karaoke

Joey’s World Famous 4th of July Drive Thru BBQ at Good Friends

Will served up cocktails for Rawhide’s 4th of July Chuckwagon Cookout

GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist Golden Lantern Bar Baron Rick & GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Rawhide manager Joe

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Cocktails, Celebs, Action ~ New Orleans

Jerry & Mary Ellen take in Amon Ra’s Prom Night at JohnPaul’s

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Corner Pocket bartender Bruce joins Mia for the closing of Starlight’s 5th Anniversary Weekend with Marcy’s Blue Plate Special

The Boys of Le Phare at the Pearl Vodka Tasting Junior joins bartender Gregory at Society Page

Club Tribute in Metairie’s Wet T-shirt Contest Winner

Jess, Blake & Dudley cocktailin’ at Cutter’s Beans & Rice Night hosted every Monday

Neel grills his steak at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Rawhide’s BYOM Night

snap

Kamikaze Shots at Club Tribute

paparazzi

Juanita slings your favorite cocktails at Big Daddy’s

GAA Top 5 Leather Person of the Year Finalist Denny Summors hails from Rawhide

Brock wins the Yankee Doodle Dandy Bottoms Up Contest at Corner Pocket

DJ Gage & DJ Beverly Skillz do the honors at Club Tribute in Metairie

Sir Speedy’s Wayne grabs a margarita at 700 Club

New Orleans Bears' Danny serves it up at Rawhide’s BYOM Night Wednesdays Cutie Tony in the Yankee Doodle Dandy Bottoms Up Contest at Corner Pocket

Bartenders Jeanne & Charmaine get in on the action at Club Tribute

Ricky cocktailin’ at Society Page

Bartender Todd gets ice cold watermelon ready for Rawhide’s Wednesday BYOM Night

Jacob, Josh & Nick pose with Tara at Le Phare’s Blush Wednesday

JohnPaul’s Dennis joins Houmasexual in the Lords of Leather Daddy Contest at the GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist Phoenix

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The Big Easy ~ New Orleans & Metairie, Louisiana

Barry Bareass ready for his Yankee Doodle Dandy Bottoms Up Show at The Corner Pocket

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Unplugged at Anthony Bean Community Theater

brought imagination and flair to the dance numbers which were executed flawlessly by the ABCT dancers. Unplugged needs work, lots of it, but its potential is great. If that potential should be fulfilled, there is no reason Unplugged couldn’t wind up on Broadway some day.

a fine job of directing this madness, never allowing his cast to linger too long over any one piece of business. The veal Parmesan and baked macaroni were yummy, the play is a hoot, and by going you’re helping the economy in Chalmette. It all adds up to a great way to spend an evening. The next time The Altos returns, make sure to book early for best seats.

Hail to the Queen(s)

owards the end of the first act of in New York Unplugged, a new hip-hop muuring a recent trip to New York, sical drama, there’s a scene in I saw three shows. The Britwhich D’Lonte (Leroy Jamal Stewart), a ish batted (or cricketed or whatsexually confused member of a successever they do) 2-0; the Americans 0-1. ful boy band, has Though I suspect Rafta, Rafta..., with gone home with its all-Indian cast, is unlikely to be done in Carlos (Andre New Orleans, should you ever find it playArmstead), a backing somewhere do not miss it. Ayub Khanup dancer whom Din has adapted All in Good Time, a he met in a gay 1960s British comedy, reset it in a section club he just “hapof Manchester, England, and recast it with pened” to wander first- and second-generation Brits of Ininto. Carlos is askdian descent. While the basic story reing questions, trymains the same—newlyweds living with ing to figure out parents can’t consummate marriage and what makes the tsuris that ensues—what might’ve D’Lonte tick. been just another ha-ha sitcom becomes D’Lonte is being a wonderful examination of family, a probevasive. As Carlos ing appraisal of the costs & challenges of ponders how to get assimilation, and a moving tribute to the through to D’Lonte, immigrant experience. his thoughts pass Following its London premiere at the over his face like National Theater, The New Group, an offclouds on a sumBroadway theater company generally Leroy Stewart, Christian Foster, Alvin Green & Eric Williams in mer day. known for edgier work, gave Rafta a loving Unplugged As the audiproduction for its New York debut. Director ence watches these two men struggle to Scott Elliott staged it superbly with such connect, the moment is so achingly real The Altos at Rocky and Carlos nuance and sensitivity to the characters’ and believable that it made one wish the Sicilian Room he rebuilding effort isn’t close strengths and flaws that an audience felt rest of the show hit the same emotional to being done but Rocky and like it was peering through the fourth wall bull’s eye. Carlos Restaurant is back up on a reality TV show. One can’t help but admire writer/diThe entire cast was wonderful with rector Anthony Bean and his Community & running in Chalmette and that gives Theater for tackling such difficult subjects hope for the recovery of St. Bernard Parish Manish Dayal making an especially noteworthy off-Broadway debut as the frusas child abuse, homosexuality in the black as a whole. Recently playing in the Sicilian Room trated groom; while never pushing it, Dayal community, and the manipulation/exploitation of child entertainers, all wrapped up there was Shine Productions’ The Altos, was as adept in the play’s comic moments in an original musical. But too much of an audience friendly spoof of you-know- as in the more serious ones. Two fine Unplugged comes off as soap opera-y which long-running TV show. There’s no actresses, Sakina Jaffrey as his straightwhen it could be Shakespearean, preachy pretense to Shakespeare here (or talking mother, and Reshma Shetty as his when it should be subtle, and extraneous Strindberg or Pinter or even Neil Simon) beautiful bride, added charm and comwhen it ought to be vital. Fortunately, though, but old-time vaudeville is recalled with mon sense to the tale. Under Jason Lyons’ beautiful lightthis is still a work in progress and Bean bad puns, running jokes, asides to the intends to continue to mold and shape it. audience, and musical numbers popping ing, Derek McLane’s precisely detailed The songs, many written by mem- up out of nowhere. And bers of the cast, are generally not bad and, let’s not forget the horny in some cases (You Make My Body priest. A slim plot asks Squirm, The Girl With the Braids) catchy the audience to try to figand quite good. It would add to the show’s ure out who tried to kill appeal, however, if they would either ad- Tony Alto. Whether you’re vance the plot more or comment on it right or not becomes rather than just being filler, a demonstra- secondary to having just plain ol’ fun but if you’re tion of the band’s prowess. Stewart shared the stage with Chris- sharp enough to figure tian Foster whose Ray-Ray has supplanted out the clues, you might D’Lonte as lead singer of the group. Both even win a bottle of wine. The Shine cast gave impassioned performances as did Alvin Green and Eric Williams as the knows just how to play foursome’s less tortured members. off the enthusiasm of the Mary Burns, Lou Roper, Will Schneider, Barry Lemoine, Armstead brilliantly captured the attitude audience with a wacky Katherine Karcher, Katie Betz and Christian Bordelon in demanded by his small but telling role. energy, even bringing The Altos Damany S. Cormier made Clarence, the some folks up on stage, band’s assured but self-deluding man- while making sure none of them hijacks set and Theresa Squire’s rich costumes ager, humanly evil without succumbing to the show. Stand-out performers include added to the spell that Rafta wove. Sure, moustache-twirling villainy. Stephfon Mary Burns as Tony’s Mom who milks the ending’s a bit pat, but Rafta’s warmGuidry made an exceptionally convincing every Italian Mama cliche and, using in- hearted nature left me with a lump in my drag queen and Donna King proved sym- spired comic timing, gets away with it; Will throat and a big smile on my face. Making its long-delayed New York pathetic as a too naive mother; one wishes Schneider playing a dumb gumba guido with vigorous conviction; and Christian debut as part of the recent Brits Off Broadher role had been better integrated into the Bordelon as Tony himself who tops double way festival was The Hired Man, a musical script, however. Choreographer Arieuna McGee takes with triple takes. Bordelon also did I saw in London 20+ years ago. Though not

perfect, I found it lovely then and thought it still lovely now. Based on Melvyn Bragg’s novel that was inspired by his grandfather’s life in northern England,The Hired Man deals with those men and women who hired themselves out to farmers in the early part of the twentieth century. They worked hard for little money so many men opted to go into the coal mines where the pay was better but the work was dangerous. Against this background and on into World War I, the story of John, his wife Emily and the rest of his family is played out. Bragg’s episodic adaptation of his book was never the show’s strong point but Howard Goodall’s glorious music more than makes up for it. Scaled down from a full West End orchestra to a trio for off-Broadway, a piano, trumpet and violin created a wonderfully evocative sound; one passage using shovels as percussion was especially compelling. Likewise, I may have missed the original larger cast, but the fine voices of this production’s eight actors fully compensated. Director Daniel Buckroyd kept the show moving fluidly despite the somewhat cramped stage area. As John, Richard Colvin was suitably boyish in Act One but took on an authentic gravitas in Act Two after he had started working in the coal mines. As Emily, Claire Sundin was not the most subtle actress but, along with Colvin, convincingly portrayed a love that endured despite each partner’s imperfections. Simon Pontin brought a slightly patrician, warm masculinity to Jackson, Emily’s paramour; Katie Howell demonstrated a fine sense of humor as John and Emily’s daughter May. Though Hired Man certainly has some slow parts and some padding, its pluses far outweigh its minuses. In addition to a score that lingers in one’s memory, it’s a terribly humane work that encompasses characters who can both state “There’s no greater pleasure than work done well”—such a different ethic than the current one—and question, apropos WWI, “Are we fighting a war that no one can win?”—still such a troublingly relevant question. I hope it won’t be another 20+ years before The Hired Man surfaces again. As for In the Heights, I wonder if LinManuel Miranda’s Tony Award winner will be around 20 years from now. The opening number (In the Heights) was great as was the Act One finale (The Club/Fireworks) and the exposition in between was consistently engaging, if not memorable. But in Act Two, Quiara Alegria Hudes’ book fell apart as its soap operatic concerns turned trite and events happened so quickly that there was no time for any real emotions. Much as I love Latino music, I found Miranda’s tunes rather bland though given buoyant arrangements by Alex Lacamoire & Bill Sherman. Under Howell Binkley’s jaunty lighting, Director Thomas Kail and especially Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler did a fabulous job of filling up the stage with movement. The entire cast brought an earthy vibrancy to the stage of the Richard Rogers Theatre but only Karen Olivo, as a beautician desperately wanting to start a new life, gave me goose bumps. With her endless legs and spine-tingling voice, I hope that 20 years from now she’ll still be starring on Broadway, if Hollywood isn’t taking up all of her time!

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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, 504.214.4340 E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com www.thebigeasymccblog.blogspot.com

California Dreaming

write from sunny California; Leon, my partner, and I drove across country for a break and found ourselves in the middle of joy and celebrations over the legalization of Gay Marriage. Our church here in Los Angeles (www.mccla.org) was at the vanguard of legal moves to recognize gay marriage, and Troy Perry – the founder of Metropolitan Community Churches, initiated the law suit that resulted in the change. Firstly, this is important, this matters, and this may well change the country.

California has stuck its neck out and allows non residents to marry; so as long as the decision stands it will result in every state in the nation having legally married couples living in it that are a continual challenge to their own states unwillingness to recognize their marriage. People are already traveling to California to get hitched – West Hollywood City Hall is doing a roaring trade, and when ordinary folk back in Fort Bigotry, Oklahoma, or Booneyville, Arkansas discover that real people are involved in this business with real expectations, dreams and responsi-

cw6 by Southern Decadence Susan Luccis E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

Prom Night Raises $1,343 for Amon Ra

he annual Prom Night party presented by the Krewe of Amon Ra raised $1,343. Hosted at JohnPaul's, proceeds from the event will help the krewe produce its 44th bal masque on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Alario Center. Reigning Prom King and Queen David Aranda and Countess C. Alice were on hand for the affair. Emcee and Special Lieutenant Barry Rutherford kept the evening proceedings on schedule. And of course, King and Queen Amon Ra XXXLIII Paul Davis and Opal Masters worked the room. The only qualification to become Prom King or Queen is by bringing in the most money from guest in attendance. This year's winners were Prom King David Richerson bringing in $419 and Prom Queen Cathy Fox bringing in $221. It was so nice to see other krewes in attendance to support Amon Ra. Former King Satyricon Tony Leggio was there and ran for Prom King bringing in $300 for Amon Ra. We also saw King Petronius-Elect Arthur Alarcon and Petronius Captain Bill McCarthy supporting Amon Ra, as well as a couple of members of Lords of Leather. It is so important to preserve our Carnival culture and heritage, and it's great to see other krewes supporting a sister krewe.

Oz Celebrates 16th Anniversary Neon Party

ourbon Street legend, Oz, was all afloat in a sea of neon for the club's 16th annual Neon Party. Circuit DJ Chad Guidry did the honors along with the talents of DJ Jason Lanoux and DJ Anthony B. Oz

has won Dance Bar of the Year for many years and is up again as one of the GAA Top 5 Dance Bar of the Year Finalist. It is also up for GAA Top 5 Show Bar of the Year, which it has won in the past. Tommy and Glenn brought in some of the hottest men we have ever seen up on the bar for revelers to enjoy. Even Miss Raven Kennedy was in the house. And yes, she was enjoying the men as well.

An Afternoon with Larry, Tittie and Paloma

ittie Toulouse had invited us to pop in at the Pub for a little get together with her, Paloma and Larry Graham. Larry was going to show us the photo shoot he had done with our dear sisters, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV. And of course, we were not disappointed. Larry did an incredible job and when the poster he created is unveiled at the upcoming Press Party, we are sure ya'll will love it! It definitely captures the theme, Decadence Does Disco. Ya'll will remember some of the famous past photo shoots created by our friend including the one for Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXII Donnie Jay, Daydreams & Fantasies: Welcome to My Harem, and for Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXVII Tony Langlinais and the late Tom "Smurf" Murphy, Taboo X 2: The Forbidden Pleasures Tour.

4th of July Brings Celebrations Galore

t’s Independence Day, 4th of July! We headed out of the Quarter to the Bayou St. John estate

bilities then it may change the nature of the debate. It is so much easier to hate a scary idea than real flesh and blood people who are thrilled to have had their life project recognized and affirmed by the country in which they live and pay taxes. It is useful to look at just what marriage really is, not what tradition holds it to be. Same sex marriages are not new or peculiar – forms of same sex marriage exist from the early church (second century) until around the thirteenth century when the attitudes unfortunately changed. Marriage in the past was generally by mutual declaration, although for the privileged there was sometimes a church service – ordinary people declared their intent to be together and the community accepted it; this is the root of ‘common law marriage’, it wasn’t until England in the seventeenth century that Oliver Cromwell insisted that all marriages had to be registered and conducted in church. This enabled the state to keep track of people, but also had the effect of spreading to the English-speaking world and hence to America. What I am saying, is that in the sight of God, the intent is all that matters – the intent to conduct your life in companionship and equality with another; of making yourself vulnerable and growing in unconditional love – it is not the ceremony, or the legal sanction of the State of Louisiana. Gay partnerships are already marriages, they are already on a footing of full equality before God, no human being can take that away from all of you here in the Gulf Coast who live married, covenanted lives every day of your life. No human being can deny the reality of care, love and tenderness that exists in countless same sex homes

throughout Louisiana and beyond. Because true marriages lead to growth, love and mutual care we must also understand that some heterosexual marriages (and in the past many marriages) sanctioned by the church and the government are not ‘true marriages’, they are built upon a structure of abuse; a basic inequality between women and men that leads to the subjugation of one partner’s hopes, dreams and needs to another’s. This is not the way to growth and does not reflect God’s relationship with us. This is not marriage; it is all about power and is ultimately cruel and bankrupt. The experience of other countries that have legalized gay marriage is that far from undermining the heterosexual variety, it has revived interest in the institution. The one thing that does undermine marriage is people opting out of it – the spectacle of thousands of people wanted to opt in can only strengthen and affirm it. It is a very peculiar mindset that feels that another person gaining their freedom takes away from my own – this is the slave owner mentality that builds its own self esteem through the removal of another’s. This is not the way of the future, and has NOTHING to do with God or Christianity – Christianity pleads for a world view based upon radical love and inclusion, not denial, exclusion and fear. Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of the Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church here in New Orleans. The Church meets every Sunday at 5pm at 1333 S. Carrolton Avenue (the cross street is Willow). For more details e-mail Pastor Clinton on pastor@bigeasymcc.com or check the website and catch the latest sermon at www.bigeasymcc.com.

of longtime friends Shep and Lester. Since we had never been, we were looking forward to the outing for their 12noon 4th of July bash. The home is located on the Esplanade Ridge of Bayou St. John, with the back of their property facing the bayou. As you ascend the circular drive, the hint of the Orient begins with the design and layout of the “Far East” flair in shrubbery, flowers and statuary. Entering through the double red front doors, you are immediately immersed in the hand carved furnishings of the Orient along with all of the accessories including paintings, objects d’art and Japanese screens. The entire area is enhanced with a wall of glass overlooking the patio and gardens rolling down to the edge of Bayou St. John. You would never know how incredible the Oriental gardens were out back from the front lawn. Off to one side was the swimming pool surrounded by greenery shielding it from the view of the bayou. From there to the end of the property in the other direction were seating areas with enough lawn furniture to allow seating of almost every guest which we estimated to number around 50. The bar was adjacent to the pool, so after snagging a couple of libations, we headed towards the bayou to the first group of partiers. It was Donnie Jay, Glenn and Bobby, Ernst and Bill. We were chit chatting when there arose

such a clatter on the grounds we turned expecting to see Saint Nick himself, but alas, it was just Lucille. And, of course, Miss Verona, Marcy Marcell and Eva Las Vegas were accompaning her. The fun began almost immediately when Lucille began talking about her new face. Yes, the old girl is having some work done, and she claims she will look fabulous when it’s complete. To which many of us responded, would she be able to move any portion of her face, or would she be like Joan Rivers? We got to talk to Debi Landry and Tony Leggio for a while and then we ran into Raven Kennedy and then David from Oz. After more chit chat, we got to talk to our host, Lester and Shep. It was such a relaxing afternoon. The guys had snacks everywhere and they served up ice-cold potato salad, barbecued ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, beans and all the fixins, as well as desserts galore. We had to bid our farewells since we had a couple of things to cover back in the French Quarter.

e decided to drive straight to Good Friends for Joey’s World Famous Drive Thru BBQ, since it was already after 2pm. Here Rip hopped out the van and snagged a photo of manager Joey as he grilled up chicken legs, [continued on Main-27]

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ambush

paparazzi

Oz cast member Tyra Van Ryan in Miss Gay New Orleans America Show

King & Queen Amon Ra XLIII Paul Davis & Opal Masters (GAA Top 5 Fly Fashion Glamour Award Finalist) join Prom Night festivities for the krewe at GAA Top 5 Leather Bar of the Year Finalist JohnPaul’s

Sadie Shepard guest stars in Cowpokes’ Fleur de Lis Divas Revue Former Miss Gay New Orleans America Mercedes Ellis Loreal performs for special show at Oz

King Petronius elect Arthur Alarcon & Petronius Captain Bill McCarthy support Amon Ra’s Prom Night at JohnPaul’s

Kenny & Keny celebrate their anniversary at Amon Ra’s Prom Night

Fleur de Lis Divas Revue brings Tami Tarmac to the stage at Cowpokes

Former Miss Gay New Orleans America & GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Coca joins the Miss Gay New Orleans Show at Oz

Persona Shoulders emcees Miss Gay New Orleans Show at GAA Top 5 Dance & Show Bar of the Year Finalist Oz

Miss Gay Louisiana America & GAA Top 5 Fly Fashion Glamour Award Finalist Chelsea Delorean Divine on stage at Oz

Amon Ra Capt. & GAA Top 5 Fly Fashion Victim Award Finalist Hyacinth Bucket & partner Dan at GAA Top 5 Gay Carnival Ball of the Year Finalist Amon Ra’s Prom Night hosted at JohnPaul’s

Amon Ra Prom King & Queen ’07 David Aranda & Countess C. Alice ready to crown new royalty at JohnPaul’s

David & Amon Ra's Miss America Rhonda Roget working the room at Prom Night for Amon Ra

Amon Ra Queen XL Ricky, Tony & Ron celebrate at Amon Ra’s Prom Night at JohnPaul’s

King Amon Ra XLIII Paul Davis joins former King Satyricon Tony Leggio who competed for Prom King raising $300 for Amon Ra’s Prom Night

Stuart Nettles & partner Easter Grand Marshal IX Safonda Peters join Amon Ra’s Prom Night

GAA Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Regina Adams stars in Big Daddy’s Zoo Revue

GAA Top 5 Bitch of the Year Finalist Rusty LaRoux headlines The Zoo Revue at Big Daddy’s

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On The Circuit ~ New Orleans ~ Photos: Regina Adams

Fleur de Lis Divas emcee Brittney O’Bryan hails from GAA Top 5 Show Bar of the Year Finalist Cowpokes

Prom Night MC Barry Rutherford & Playgirl Manhunt Prelim Winner Joshua at JohnPaul’s

cw6 ...from Main-24 burgers and hot dogs. It was back in the van, and off to Double Play. Here Rip got a pic of bar patron Brandy Bob and bartender Stephen for the Double’s annual Indoor Air Conditioned Ant Free 4th of July Picnic. With the two photos needed out of the way, we headed back to our parking lot. Now, we could get out and relax, so we hoofed it back to Good Friends. Luckily we found two seats at the bar since Spencer was holding court. The only draw back, it was next to Miss Grandpre. We all know how she can go on! Just kidding Ken...you know we love you! Ken filled us in on the festivities thus far at all three Wood bars: Cafe Lafitte’s, Good Friends and Rawhide. Things were going great for the weekend. About that time some of Ken’s friends came in and he was off to entertain them. We got a couple of Joey’s grilled chicken legs and weiners which were very tasty. After several more vodkas with Spencer, Rip decided to try a Separator since he’d never had one. OMG! It was like having White Russian ice cream topped with whipped cream, and of course, a ruby red sweet cherry. Talk about a sugar rush! Thank goodness only a small one was ordered, since it was very strong. Later, we found out the Separator has both brandy and coffee liquor in it. Even though we were quite toasty, we headed down to Rawhide to catch their 4th of July Chuckwagon Hamburgers and Happy Hour. Manager Joe was manning the grill serving up some delicious Angus burgers with all the fixins. Here we met bartender Will for the first time, and he was a lot of fun. DJ Myke of Lafitte’s fame and partner Max were joining in on the fun. About that time we saw this colorful personage passing by the front window. Who could it be? We ran to the front door to discover Princesse Stephaney on her way to Oz for Drag Dingo. We coaxed her in with a shot of vodka. She was in a chatty mood, and in a quick 20 minutes we had all the dirt from the past couple of days. Yes, Princesse does get around. We had planned to go to Double Play from here, but between all those vodkas and that one Separator, we could barely make it back home to Bourbon Street. Once we made the trek to the third floor, we figured we’d get a disco nap and hit the bars around 11pm. However, when we finally awakened at 3am, we realized we’d already missed New Meat Night at the Corner Pocket and the 5th anniversary weekend of festivities with Marcy Marcell’s Songs of Broadway show at Starlight. Sorry guys, guess we’re not up to a double drunk in one day.

Independence Weekend at Villa Roget on Saturday

t’s now July 5th and we have an ambitious day of activities lined up. We walked down to the van and headed to Lakeside Mall for birthday cards and gifts. We’d been invited to an afternoon affair celebrating the birthdays of David Aranda, Darwin Reed and Cathy Fox. It was also Darwin and Opal Masters 33rd anniversary. After buying those new musical cards, we headed to the Godiva stand for chocolates for the sweets. The 1pm party was being hosted at the La Place home of David and Rhonda Roget. Not knowing where we were going, we asked them to give us directions. After leaving the city and passing over the spillway, we finally got to the exit we needed in La Place. All we knew was the address and to look for a two story white brick house with a fountain on the front lawn. A two-story house indeed. The huge home had four one and a half story Doric columns supporting three Italian arches across the center of the structure. Entry was gained through double doors with itched glass with the transom above etched with the number 22, the address of the residence. When the double doors opened, OMG, the opulence continued with split levels including floor to ceiling columns, ornate curving staircase and incredible furnishings, mostly done in white fabric, but all classic. You’d have thought you had walked unto the set taken right out of the Golden Age of Hollywood with all the paintings and objects d’art. In this home a wall of glass beaconed us out to the patio, pool and gazebo.

Here, more steps led you down into the beautifully landscaped gathering area, reminiscent of the various piazzas we visited previously in Rome. There

was seating around the pool on cushioned chairs and lounges. Behind the [continued on Main-28]

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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain www.ripandmarsha.com E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

NO/AIDS Task Force Holds 14th Annual Dining Out For Life Thursday, July 17

n Thursday, July 17, NO/AIDS Task Force is inviting everyone to support a great cause over a great meal for the 14th annual Dining Out For Life fund-raiser. The Task Force has teamed up with over 35 New Orleans area restaurants to raise funds to help men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS. Stand up against HIV and AIDS by sitting down at one of your favorite restaurants. All you have to do is gather your family and friends for a good meal at one of the participating restaurants, and 25% of your check will go to supporting the services that NO/AIDS Task Force provides. Additionally, by making an extra donation the night of the event, you will be entered into a drawing for a night’s stay at the International House Hotel or the W New Orleans - French Quarter. Participating restaurants include popular hot spots, longtime favorites and casual eateries in neighborhoods from Metairie to the Marigny, North Shore to the West Bank, and everywhere in-between. Be sure to consider Ambush favorites Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ; The Country Club; Meauxbar Bistro; Mona Lisa; and Tomatillo's when deciding to Dine Out For Life. You won't be disappointed. This year, Dining Out For Life is proud to have Ted Allen as spokesperson for the annual event. Food and wine connoisseur on Bravo’s hit TV series “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy,” Allen is currently a judge for Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” as well as host of the PBS series “Uncorked: Wine Made Simple”. Says Allen: “I’m really privileged to be involved with Dining Out for Life, especially at a time when too many people wrongly believe the HIV/AIDS crisis no longer IS a crisis. New HIV infections are on the rise in a generation of young gay men who weren’t around the first time AIDS ravaged our country; meanwhile, heterosexual women of color continue to be the fastest growing population of people with HIV. Dining Out makes it possible for virtually everyone to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against AIDS, while at the same time having fun and supporting restaurants in their community-it’s a win/win/win!” For More information or the full list of participating restaurants, visit www.noaidsdfl.com or call 504.821.2601 ext 217. NO/AIDS would like to thank the generous sponsors that make Dining Out For Life possible: Abita Beer, RAIN Organics Vodka, Ambush Magazine, Gambit Weekly, NOLA.com, The Times Picayune, Where Y’AT Magazine, International House Hotel, W New Orleans French Quarter. NO/AIDS Task Force, the oldest HIV/ AIDS service organization in the Gulf South, was founded in 1983 in response to the early devastating effects of the AIDS epi-

demic in the New Orleans area. Over the past twenty five years the agency has created a continuum of supportive services to assist people affected and infected by HIV. Programs include HIV prevention education, a medical clinic, food pantry and meal delivery services, mental health, HIV testing & counseling, housing and medication assistance, among many others. The mission of NO/AIDS Task Force is “to reduce the spread of HIV infection, provide services, advocate empowerment, safeguard the rights and dignity of HIVaffected individuals, and provide for an enlightened public.” Over the last 13 years, Dining Out For Life has helped raise over $450,000 for the programs and services of NO/AIDS Task Force. Dining Out For Life International is the non-profit organization that runs the annual Dining Out For LifeR event. Dining Out For LifeR is an annual fund-raising event that raises awareness and funding for nonprofit organizations dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. For more information visit www.diningoutforlife.org.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide Buffa's, 1001 Esplanade at Burgundy, serves breakfast 8am-4pm daily featuring homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, and real hash browns along with bacon, sausage, ham, eggs or omelettes. Lunch and dinner is also available here. Call 949.0038 for info. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials. Hours are 11am-9pm Mon.-Fri., and 9am-9pm Sat. & Sun. Closed Wed. Call 944.4445 for additional info. MasterCard/ Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and drinks. Serving lunch and dinner, Wed.Sun. 11am-9pm, Sat. breakfast 10am3pm and Sun., brunch 10am-3pm. Call 412.8965 for reservations or additional information. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the direction of new Chef Miles Prescott, you will find delightful menus offering French bistro cuisine including appetizers, soups, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, wraps, entrees and desserts. Serving Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 11am–10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am–12midnight, Sunday 10am–10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am–3pm, closed Tuesday. Call 945.0742 for additional information or visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and

breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info.Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 days 7am10pm. Call 899.2911 or visit MagazinePerks.COM. Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 days 7am10pm. Call 948.7401 or visit www.marignyperks.com. Meauxbar Bistro, 942 N. Rampart St., serves classic contemporary bistro fare in the Quarter on the edge. Serving dinner and drinks Tues.-Sat, 6-10pm. Call 569.9979 for reservations or information. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days.

Call 522.6746 for info. Petunias, A Restaurant, 817 St. Louis, is open daily 8am-10pm serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, crepes, po-boys, salads, gumbo, Cajun/Creole specialties and dinner. Call 522.6440 for more info. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery. Call 529.1416 to order. Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., is open Tues., Wed. 11am10pm; Thurs.-Sun. 11am-11pm. The restaurant refers to itself as "A Mexican Joint" featuring appetizers, soups, salads, make your own combination plates, house specialties, burritos, desserts, and of course, specialty margaritas. Call 945.9997 for reservations.

cw6 ...from Main-27 pool in the gazebo were six comfortable rattan cushioned rocking chairs with a ceiling fan above circulating the air. The entire back area overlooks the Country Club at St. Andrews Estates. After experiencing all of this, we decided we just had to call this estate the Villa Roget. Yes, it was that beautiful. David and Ronnie (Rhonda) showed us the lay of the land, in other words where to serve up our cocktails. They had Marsha’s favorite box wine and Skky for Rip. We were in heaven. After getting our first drinks, we met the guests we did not know and saw so many of our dear friends. Opal and Darwin were holding court and introduced us to guests from the Krewe of Gemini in Shreveport. Tami and Paul were in and we got to chit chat with them. Then Barry and Cathy arrived. Guests started giving their cards and gifts to the celebrants, so we got ours and did so as well. About that time Brittney, Joey and their son arrived. It was getting festive. Guests began hopping in the pool to cool off. Then b-day boy David arrived along with partner Countess C. Alice. After more cocktails, things became more and more entertaining. There were jabs, ieundos and just plain old gossip for all to devour. Rip cut off the vodka and started hitting

Villa Roget

the bottled water so he could drive home later. Of course, we were all busy devouring the great snacks, Bruce’s fabulous guacamole, and David’s grilled foot long sausages with bbq sauce. David also grilled some of he and Ronnie’s hand made burgers served along with potato salad and baked beans. This was another of the most relaxing days we’ve had in some time. It was now 4pm and we had to head back to the city. We had actully planned to make a couple of stops once back in the Quarter. However, we realized we had already had quite a day and decided to take a nap. Even though we had wanted to go out later that evening to catch Rusty’s show and Starlights Turn-ABout, we never did make it, sleeping right through the festivities.

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ers in reverse order. Top with remaining omelet. Top with remaining pastry circle; seal well, crimping edges. Brush top with beaten egg. Bake at 400 degrees for twenty minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake forty minutes more. Let stand twenty minutes before serving. Carefully remove sides of springform pan. Yield: eight servings

¼ teaspoon paprika Cook spinach according to package directions; drain well. Sprinkle cheddar cheese in bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish; spread spinach over cheese. Brown sausage in a large skillet; stirring unit it crumbles; drain and sprinkle over spinach. Sauté mushroom and green onion in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender. Sprinkle sautéed vegetables over sausage. Combine eggs and whipping cream, beating with a wire whisk until well blended. Pour egg mixture over vegetable mixture. Top with swiss cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for forty minutes or until set. Yield: twelve servings.

MEXICAN BRUNCH PIE

HAM AND BROCCOLI STRATA

cookin' with auntie dee by Donnie Jay E-mail: auntiedeej@hotmail.com Photo©GrahamStudioOne.COM

Eggs Around The World

t has been said with much truth that the egg is one of the most universal foods. No matter what country you may venture to, you more than likely will run into a national egg dish. Here are some that I know you’ll want to try. Remember eggs are not just for breakfast. Here are some recipes that make great lunches and dinners, just include a big salad and chow down any time of the day.

HERBED OMELET TORTE 1 (17 ½-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed ½ pound fresh trimmed spinach 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided 1 tablespoon olive oil ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 sweet red pepper, chopped 9 large eggs 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 ½ tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons butter, divided 3 cups (12-ounces) shredded Swiss cheese ½ pound thinly sliced ham 1 (2-ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained Unfold pastry sheets, roll lightly in opposite directions, and cut a nine inch circle out of each sheet. Press one of the circles in the bottom of an ungreased 9x3inch springform pan; cover and chill remaining circle. Press enough remaining pastry scraps on sides of spring-form pan to form crust. Leaving ¼ inch extending over the pan. Seal seams by moistening with water and pressing together; cover and chill. Cook spinach and minced garlic in one tablespoon of butter and oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until spinach wilts and liquid evaporates. Remove from heat; stir in ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; cover and chill. Sauté red pepper in 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until tender; set aside. Combine 9 eggs and the next six ingredients in a large bowl; stir with a wire whisk until blended. Heat a nine-inch nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat until hot enough to sizzle a drop of water. Add 1 tablespoon butter, and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly as it melts. Pour half of egg mixture into skillet. As mixture starts to cook, gently lift edges of omelet with a spatula, and tilt pan so uncooked portion flows underneath. Cook just until set. Remove omelet from pan; set aside. Repeat. Place one omelet in prepared springform pan. Arrange 1 half each of spinach mixture, cheese and ham over omelet. Arrange red peppers. Repeat lay-

5 large eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup cream style cottage cheese 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack with peppers 1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chilies Beat eggs, melted butter, flour, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a well-greased 9inch pie plate. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for ten minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional twenty minutes or until set. Yield: six servings.

CHICKEN AND PECAN QUICHE 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¾ cup chopped pecans ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon paprika 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sour cream ½ cup chicken broth ¼ cup mayonnaise 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup chopped onions 3 drops hot sauce ¼ cup pecan halves Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir well. Add oil, stir well. Firmly press mixture into the bottom and up sides of a nine-inch deep-dish pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Combine sour cream and the next three ingredients; stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Stir in chicken, onion, and hot sauce. Pour chicken mixture over crust. Arrange pecan halves on top of chicken mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for fifty-five minuets or until set. Yield: eight servings

EGGS FLORENTINE CASSEROLE 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach 1 cup (four ounces) cheddar cheese 1 pound ground pork sausage 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 6 green onions chopped 2 tablespoons butter, melted 12 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup (four ounces) shredded swiss cheese

12 slices white bread, crust removed

1 (10 0unce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained 2 cubes diced cooked ham 6 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 ¼ cups milk 1 tablespoon dried minced onion ¼ teaspoon dry mustard 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese Cut bread into small cubes. Layer bread cubes, broccoli, and ham in a buttered 13x9 inch baking dish. Combine eggs and remaining four ingredients, stirring well. Pour into dish, cover and chill at least eight hours. Remove from refrigerator; let stand thirty minutes. Bake uncovered, at 325 degrees for fifty-five minutes. Yield: eight servings. Happy eating. You may contact me at donniejay@hotmail.com.

carnival/krewe calendar FRI., August 8th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SAT., August 16th... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius' Dinner and Drag, Progressive Dinner and Drag Show, $30donation, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields FRI., August 29th... ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather & Phoenix present Southern Decadence Leather Block Party, 941 Elysian Fields SAT., September 6th... ~8pm, Krewe of Mwindo & In This Together present FISH, Bubbles and Balloons, Laborers Union Hall FRI., September 12th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SAT., September 20th... ~Lords of Leather Miss Louisiana Leatherette Contest, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields SAT., October 4th... ~Krewe of Mwindo JSU-SU Football Trip to Jackson, MS FRI., October 10th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. FRI., October 17th... ~Lords of Leather Mr, Louisiana Leather Bear Bust, Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields SAT., October 18th... ~Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest, Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny St. SAT., October 19th... ~1-4pm, Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Celebration Brunch, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields FRI., November 14th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SAT., November 22nd... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius' QBSN(Queer Bar Shopping Network), Live Wreath Auction, Buy Me Now Specials and Holiday Show, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields SAT., November 29th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather American

Only 3 Issues till Southern Decadence

Ambush 504.522.8049

Bandstand 2008, JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields FRI., December 12th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St.

2009 EVENTS FRI., January 9th... ~6-10pm, Krewe of Mwindo, Second Friday Fish Fry, Krewe Den, 5902 Alost St. SUN., January 11th... ~Lords of Leather Royalty Appreciation Party, site TBA SAT., January 24th... ~8-10pm, Krewe of Queenateenas’ 16th annual King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation, presenting KCQ XVI, by invitation only, Ambush Headquarters SAT., January 31st... ~Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XI, Laborers Union Hall SUN., February 1st... ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque XLVIII, New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple, 619-621 Carondelet Street SAT., February 14th... ~8pm, Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLVI, Alario Center SUN., February 15th... ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque VII, Sugar Mill FRI., February 20th... ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather & Phoenix present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart SAT., February 21st... ~12noon, Annual Spanish Town Parade, 5th & Spanish Town Road, Baton Rouge ~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLI, Alario Center SUN., February 22nd... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVI, Alario Center GayMardiGras.COM MARDI GRAS (FAT TUESDAY), February 24th... ~12noon, 45th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon ~2pm - 22nd Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, led by King Cake Queen XVI of Gay Mardi Gras, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

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New Orleans PrideFest ’08: Fairies & Dykes ~ Washington Square Park ~ Photos: Regina Adams

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hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Jeremy

had such a great time last Tuesday when I delivered Ambush to the bars here in Red Stick. I like this time of the day too, when the crowds are small and many of the people are just getting off from work and relaxing. This was especially nice at Hound Dogs. It was hot outside and cool inside, and everyone there was just enjoying the end of another work day. Jeremy and Jason were there, and it had been a couple of months since I had seen them. We talked about old times, and Jeremy wanted to know if I saved all the pictures that I’ve taken over the years. I told him I had, and he wanted me to look for some that I took of him in the parking lot at Bogarts one night when I was out bar hopping with my buddy Michael. I had forgotten about this, but that brought back so many good memories, even the ones of Jeremy posing for pictures on the levee and Jason showing off one night at George’s. It was such a happy afternoon. Joy, Johnny, Jeannie, Melvin, Kyle, James, Dean, Bill, and a few others were there, but it was all the laughter of that conversation with Jeremy and Jason that I recall so vividly. Jason warned Jeremy to watch what he said because I might put it in my column in Ambush, and I told them I was going to write them up as a loving and happy couple and hot to trot. That got a big laugh from Jeremy. In fact, I watched them as they had their beers and shots, and Jeremy’s arm was draped across the back of Jason’s chair and occasionally caressing his back. They made such a cute couple, smiling, happy, with not a single care bothering them at that time. As I write this now, I have just seen a picture of Jeremy in the obituary section of the local newspaper, and I’m still in a state of shock. The car accident apparently happened that night or early the next morning. When they walked out the door last Tuesday, I told them to behave themselves, and Jason told Jeremy I had said that. He looked back and said it was nice seeing me again. That is my final picture of Jeremy, looking back, giving me that winning smile, and saying good-bye.

Jeremy and Jason relaxing at Hound Dogs

It was wonderful knowing you Jeremy. I’ll miss you, and so will all your friends. Now it’s time for prayers for Jason, who at last report was in intensive care. I’m hoping he makes it through this

and looks to happier days ahead for him as he moves on with his life.

Englishman

missed my Englishman over the holidays. In fact, it’s been so hot lately that I haven’t been sitting on my porch as much. On cooler days, I can work outside or at local coffee shops with my handy Alienware. When I was watering my front garden just a day or so ago, he came walking by again, something he does a couple of time a day to break away from his work routine, so we talked for a while. He just glows with enthusiasm, and I could tell that he was buffing up more and more. From that skinny kid who first arrived on the scene until now, that body had gone from loose shirts to tight tanks with nipples just begging for attention. My goodness! I just get very lustful every time I see him. The latest conversation was one of the best we have had thus far. He was full of questions, and I was full of answers. I could hardly concentrate on watering the flowers, but I couldn’t get back to turn off the water for fear of losing this excellent chance to get to know him better. I just love the accent, his beautiful smile, and that vibrant personality. Maybe he will accept my offer of a glass of wine the next time he comes by. A mail package was delivered during our conversation this time, and he was off on his walk leaving me to wonder when I would see him again. When I walk my dog around the block, I can see his workout room with the equipment sitting there and on the opposite side of the house sits his motorcycle. This very morning, I noted the windows were covered which means he was in there doing his nude workout. Oh, my goodness! I could hardly contain myself from just walking up there, knocking on that door, and joining him for a great workout session. Hmmm.

Wild Ones

’ve seen lots of wild things going on in bars here and in New Orleans and Lafayette as I make my rounds with friends, but last week was a new one for me at my own place of residence. My neighbors were on a wellearned vacation, so things were quiet. I had just returned from dinner, got out of my car and heard these wild, wild women running down the side street. I didn’t think anything about it continuing to enter my home, go to the front, and open the door to let my dog out for a breather. There were these three wild women gasping for breath and checking to see if someone had broken into the neighbor’s home. Well, I suppose it is nice to have good neighbors, but nosey, obnoxious, and screeching meemies is not my idea of being neighborly, even if you are checking out a noise. It just all goes to show that stupidity sometimes gets the best of any of us, but

this act of a sheer unwarranted noisy invasion would have scared off the devil himself. They informed me they were checking out a noise, and I told them that a car door closing or a gate closing did not warrant such instantaneous checkups. They informed me they were just concerned for the safety of everything, and I told them that their actions were appreciated but it was only me – and I wasn’t really being noisy, just doing my normal thing of parking in my own garage and entering my own home adjacent to said vacant property due to a planned holiday vacation. I think they went home ashamed of their actions. It really was the most asinine example of stupidity I had witnessed in a long time. I know they meant well, but the remainder of said vacation time was quiet. I think they realized – and let me repeat this – the stupidity of their action, and the embarrassment had gotten to them. That noise reminded me of a bunch of chickens being scared suddenly and scattering around the yard. It certainly is nice to see peace and tranquility return to the neighborhood.

Din-Din

’m not sure what happened to Luther in our planned dinner last week, but Gerry made it, and the two of us had another great bull session. Of course, we caught each other up on the latest happenings, and Gerry even brought me a bottle of one of my favorite wines, Sequoia Grove, a great cabernet sauvignon. In fact, we ordered a bottle to drink with our meal of the evening. Gerry is working his buns off but enjoying it so much more than his previous job. If you enjoy what you are doing, you don’t mind this situation at all, and he is very much pleased with the turn of events in his life. He’s always been a hard worker, so this is a company that should profit from their decision of calling him back. He had worked there previously, and now they have corrected their mistake in letting him get away to a rival company. We are planning more of these dindin gatherings, and hopefully Luther can be with us too. This is another hard-working individual who is taking on a full time job in addition to filling in at George’s. This Shreveport stud has got to be one of the hottest and handsomest men in the state. He is what you can call prime beef, and he seems to be completely unaware of the effect he has on his customers. I’ve watched people eyeing him, and when a lesbian brags on how gorgeous he is, I’d say that just about seals the deal. Luther’s beauty and charm crosses over to women, and his influence on men definitely leaves most of them with their tongues hanging out. Along with his intelligence and glowing personality, he is just a great example of a beautiful human being.

This and That

spotted Roux first and then realized his master was none other than my favorite ambulance man, the fine, fine BC Boy. I was on my way to dinner and stopped to chat with him for a while. I invited him to dinner but he was about to turn in early after walking his dog. He was scheduled to work the early shift and needed to get some rest. It’s always nice seeing him. We go back a long way. I rather like this guy. TTT is still double dipping. In addition

to his regular top government job, he has also taken on real estate. I think whenever he reaches his retirement, he will do the real estate full time. He is another of those hard working individuals who keeps busy. He is also another of those likeable individuals who you love to be around. I think he likes to be the center of attention, and he manages to do just this when around or in a group. He is just a fine example of a gracious and loving friend. I got my hug from David when I delivered the papers to Splash last week. That is one of the plus factors of delivery day. It gives me a chance to relax for a while before moving on. Delivery doesn’t mean just to bars. After all, I do drop-offs at several homes on my way back to my house. I keep my lesbian friends happy and some of my neighbors too. I guess this isn’t necessary when they can pick them up at the local bars, but it is something I enjoy, and it keeps them up on community happenings. I also have an e-mail network for keeping up on things. I just got an invitation to a special dinner from a lesbian group of friends. Normally, it’s just karaoke at several Mexican restaurants, but this one is to one of the new bars on Third Street in the newly revitalized downtown section of town. I usually have my camera ready in case something worthy of photocopying comes up. Communication with community friends is important, and you don’t have to stay up to all hours to catch up. Some of it just comes right up to your front door. Cass has an upcoming open house that I plan to attend. I’m looking forward to this. He is my expert carpenter, fence builder, garage planner, and good friend. This should be a great gathering. I could certainly recommend this one to anyone if you want excellent work done on your property. I’m not referring to your bodies here, but that might not be a bad idea either. His is a beauty - his work, that is. It’s also time to head back to Lafayette for a gathering of friends there. I sometimes amaze myself at the number of places I visit during a two-week span of time between Ambush deadlines, but this affords me with a lot of topics to discuss. It also allows me to keep you up on the latest happenings and makes for a more personally oriented column. Of course, the best way to see major happenings is to check out advertising in Ambush. This gets the message out in a hurry. This is especially true for upcoming activities at George’s, Splash, and Hound Dogs. Bill and Dean were out last week, and this is a rarity for them. They used to live in the bars, but now they visit occasionally. It’s always nice when they do. Maybe it’s an age thing. They are more settled now, so they must enjoy home life more. That happens in a lot of cases. People are still talking about Jeannie’s big 70th birthday bash, and I’ve included a picture of her and her big melons. That is just a great picture, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Melvin told a funny thing about Jeannie last week. Kyle and James have this mannequin standing inside the front door, and if you don’t know it’s there, you really get a shock. It’s like someone standing there to scare you. Well, it was positioned on the opposite wall in the pool room recently when Jeannie wasn’t paying any attention to what she was doing. When she bumped into it, she [continued on Expose-5]

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Jeannie and her big melons Two kings waiting for their queens

alsa daddy and the beauty queen

Scott, Cory and Richard

red stick

Guy, Richard and Jeff GAA Top 5 Man of the Year Finalist’s George's Richard and Splash's Cory Quentin’s new Splash uniform

Could this be photographer Ben?

Kyle and James at Hound Dogs

Jolly threesome at George’s

Joy and Howard at Hound Dogs Luther keeping customers happy

GAA Top 5 Entertainer of the Year Finalist Nicole Foxx Michael greets a cute one King Diva 2008 Jeff Trudel

Having fun at GAA Top 5 Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalist George’s

Queen Diva 2008 Veronica Andrews

Adorable Brad at GAA Top 5 Dance & Show Bar of the Year Finalist Splash

Dean and Bill at Hound Dogs

Debbie, Claudette, Josie and Walt

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Cocktails, Krewes & Club Action ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos: Brad Benedict

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one last song by Donnie "Jager" Jay, SDGM XXXII E-mail: donniejay@hotmail.com

Gay Marriage and Religion

he recent court’s ruling in California raises many a questions through out the religious world. Some of them with viable concerns, but most of them with prejudices rooted so deep in the collected religious psyche that they are just utterly unbelievable. In the world of organized religion many statements are interpreted as gospel which are in fact not but based on ancient fears and in just as many cases more modern

hot tails of red stick ...from EX-2 immediately apologized without realizing she was talking to a dummy. I think Melvin went ballistic when he saw and heard this, and he loves to share the story. The bottom line here just goes to show that Jeannie is a lady, and she offered an apology which some people don’t even consider now. It just goes to show what a classy lady you have here. And this just about closes out another classy episode in the lives of the gay and gayest of Red Stick day/night life. Just remember, you are loved. That is one of the most important things in life that you need to remember. Just be sure to love in return.

ones. It has been said, and rightly so, that so goes California, so goes the nation, and it is about time. When it comes to equal rights for all our citizens, things are really over-due, when you really consider it. But is marriage really all that necessary for our community and just what are the resulting complications? Having been on the forefront of the fight for equality for more years than I really would care to admit, I am I must say first and foremost elated, that I applaud the courts decision on this matter, a monumental win for our rights has no discussion. Pastors throughout California and soon hopefully to be throughout the United States are struggling from their pulpits to reconcile the laws of God with the laws of man. Pastor Gregory Waybright of Lake Avenue Church of Pasadena stated that although he wanted his church "to be a welcoming and loving house" that the California Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in that state "is a contradiction of what God’s word says." The 4-3 ruling, which held that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, has prompted both conservative and liberal congregations alike to debate the point whether gay and lesbian members

will be allowed to wed in their synagogues and temples. “These are the kinds of issues every religion has to grapple with,” said James Donahue, president of the Graduate Theological Union; a Berkley consortium of theological schools. “How do you factor in the role of contemporary human rights, civil rights, the data about homosexuality, with core traditions and beliefs?” To this I personally give a big GAFAW, if civil law says that my same sex partner and I can get married, and if I wish to, religion be damned, I will do so. We can certainly do without all the trappings and expenses of a big “church wedding” and be just as happy with a Justice of the Peace. After all what we have been fighting for all this time is at hand. Let us not forget that it was and is equal rights under our constitution, and that we are in no way trying to change religious tenets or beliefs, at least that was never what I personally thought our fight was about. Facing the cruel and hard world of facts, there is no way that we can make everyone think as we do and is there really anyone even among us who holds no prejudices against anyone or anything else? In all honestly I don’t really think there is. My point here is really a very simple one, if you want to get married and your church won’t allow it, just go some where else that will. The laws are changing, but the attitudes of some zealots are far behind the times. At the Neighbor Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, the mood was indeed jubilant, there they played Mendelssohn’s Wedding March in honor of the decision. At Congregation Kol Ami in

West Hollywood –which offers outreach to the GLBT community, according to its web site, the e-mail box of its Rabbi filled almost at once with requests from congregants wanting to get wed. No word as of yet how many will actually take place, if any. At the All Saints Episcopal Church, the Rev. Susan Russell led a between services forum about religious, legal and political ramifications of the court’s decision. "The justices have ruled in the favor of the sanctity of marriage and against bigotry," she declared, as the audience cheered. “This is good news for all Californians.” But even though All Saints has been blessing same-sex unions for more than fifteen years, the ruling unleashed uncertainty. “At this point in the Episcopal Church, in their prayer book marriage is still defined as between a man and a woman. There is some question about whether we can, within the canons of our church, extend the sacrament to same-gender couples.” Once again to me this is not what our fight for equal rights has been about or really is. Do we need the sacrament of any church to attain our rights or civil liberties? Here there is some confusion about the church and state, after all was not our country founded on the principle of separation of country and church? This is the very basic factor which led to the creation of our very country, so what just is the issue here? Now I know that the church means a great deal to a great many people, but not [continued on Expose-8]

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Starlight’s Bartender Turn-A-Bout Show done Starlight Style celebrated the club’s 5th anniversary weekend

Lucille & Donnie Jay at Shep & Lester’s 4th of July bash The Rogets, Ronnie (Rhonda) & David entertain guests at Villa Roget

Jay, Raven & Host Lester at Shep & Lester’s 4th of July affair

big easy

paparazzi Darwin & Mike (Opal) celebrate their 33rd anniversary at Villa Roget

Shep & Lester’s 4th of July bash brought out Marcy, Bobby & Glenn Ronnie joins his guests at Villa Roget

The Starlight Revue does Marcy Marcell’s Songs of Broadway celebrating Starlight’s 5th Anniversary Weekend

Host David has more than a foot long for each guest at Villa Roget

EXPOSE'-6 of 52 • July 15-28, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

New Orleans' own Marty & Koo and Rusty & Don's Wedding in Provincetown, Massachusetts ~ Photos: Tom & Jack

Independence Weekend Celebrations ~ New Orleans & La Place, Louisiana

Lester & Shep hosted their annual 4th of July bash at their Bayou St. John Estate

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mobile, the city by the bay Christmas In July at Vision's Twist July 21-27

Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest Aug. 16 at B-Bob's

ision's Twist, 266 Dauphin Street, brings Christmas in July from Monday, July 21st through Sunday, July 27th. Join in Holiday Bingo, Ladies Holiday Night Out, Men's Holiday Night Out, "Rewind" Holiday Music, Paddi Puddin Drag Show, Turn-A-Bout Drag Show, and Christmas Dinner with live music form Lisa Zanghi. The club will give out 50 Christmas gifts randomly on Friday and Saturday night. For more information see the club's ad on Expose-7 or visit VisionsMobile.COM.

he Gulf Coast Bears are presenting the 13th annual Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest: Big-Rig Trucker Bears Saturday, August 16th at BBob’s, 213 Conti Street. The contest is a fund-raiser for South Alabama CARES. Dress in your favorite “bear” attire and prepare to be entertained as HOT burly MEN compete for the coveted title of Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 2008. The contest will begin promptly at 10pm. For more information, see B-Bob's ad on Expose-9 or visit B-Bobs.COM

one last song ...from EX-5

feeling that any of my relationships could last the trying test of time? The first two I know could have and would have. My first love that I have written about in so many of my past columns, the first man I ever had feelings for when we were both in our teens, unfortunately he did not have the inner strength to live a life so out of the norm. It was devastating to me when he took his own life and took me a good century to get over. It was almost ten years to the date when I met Edward, Eddie or Smooth Mouth as Cliff Rednoir liked to call him. I would have tied the knot with him at anytime during the thirteen years we spent together. But there was no same-sex registration, or anything for that matter that would allow us to publicly state our love for each other. So we did what we could, we held hands and kissed in public. We raised my little brother and sister together in suburbia like all the straight couples in the neighborhood. This was all we were allowed at that time, which seems so long ago, but was not actually. Now in my heart I applaud the decision of the California Supreme Court, and I am saddened only that time has passed me by and left me unable to participate in this historic event. And though I seem to be just a little bitter than I should be about the controversies between church and state I stand by my feelings and repeat them once again. The laws of man and the laws of any church were never meant to concur and that is why our constitution extols the virtue of separation of state and church. Now marriage whether it be sacramental or not is not necessarily for everyone. That is a very personnel decision that can only be made by those involved. Are you the marrying kind or not? Is there indeed a marrying kind. Are humans really a monogamous species? That’s a question for another article and I am sure I’ll tackle it soon. I have always found it rather amusing that lawyers are not one hundred percent fighting for this constitutional right, after all what group has more to gain from all these marriages. Can you imagine the commissions alone on the divorce proceedings? Food for thought I suppose. Anyway to all of those who have or those who are seriously thinking of tying the know… Peace be with you. May you live long and prosper. Live long and sing ONE LAST SONG for me. You may contact me at donniejay@hotmail.com.

to me, if that institution is one that can not, nor does not accept you for what you are, then I really think it is time to select another to be affiliated with. One who supports you as well as welcomes your support. After all what else is a church but a grouping of folks with concurring thoughts, beliefs and ideals? Without a congregation, no church would exist. For some reason at birth we are expected to remain with our parents faithbased community, but truth be told, how many of us, their offspring really hold fast to their beliefs? Mankind has always evolved, and it will continue to do us, with each new generation new norms become a reality and old fears and condemnations are exposed for what they are and disappear, into the realm of oh, my God can you believe people really thought that, or that they could have acted, reacted, that way? Another point that the Rev. Russell brings into question, also, is about what All Saints’ blessing ceremonies mean anymore. Should couples who have had such ceremonies get married, also? Will the civil steps suffice? Or should they go through another church ritual. And what kind of ceremonies will All Saints provide as it moves forward? The question is personal for Russell, who celebrated her union with her partner in an official blessing ceremony two years ago. Russell stated that she and her partner have not begun discussing what the new ruling will mean for them. "I’m glad we have thirty days to think about it?" What is the confusion about here? The state has granted the right for all couples to marry. Straight, Bi, Gay, Lesbian, Christians, Jews, Muslim, Atheists or Agnostic. What they have indeed granted to all people is the right to marry, not the rite to marry, and so therefore doesn’t it automatically come to the conclusion that this be accomplished at a governmental agency and not a faith based organization. Many of my dear friends have taken the plunge, through civil unions, out of state marriages and some by just registering as same-sex couples, and I know that they all in their own ways are happy with the knowledge that their love is strong enough to survive what ever life hands out to them. I relish in their togetherness and am a bit jealous in ways to many to mention. Have I not had the strength or the

Alexa & DJ Mel at Vision’s Twist Anheuser Busch Clydesdales stop for a photo op in front of B-Bob’s

Anna Rexia has the crowd’s attention at B-Bob’s

Bob & Sailor Jerry’s Girls at Vision’s Twist

Maury & Misty at B-Bob’s Southern Renegades Beer Bust at Vision’s Twist

Leon & DJ Chromatic out at B-Bob’s Jason, Patrick & Carl at Vision’s Twist

mobile

paparazzi

Crowd goes crazy for B-Bob’s July 4th Party

Matt having a great time at Vision’s Twist

EXPOSE'-8 of 52 • July 15-28, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

B-Bob’s & Vision’s Twist on the Bay ~ Mobile, Alabama

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orlando

Johnny Chisholm’s One Mighty Weekend at Disney ~ Orlando, Florida ~ Photos: JRDavis.COM

paparazzi

EXPOSE'-10 of 52 • July 15-28, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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BLU, 960 Spring St., 877.1221 THE HERETIC, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd., 325.3061 WET BAR, 960 Spring St., NW, 745.9494 Alexandria, LA [318] UNIQUE, 3217 Industrial St., 448.0555 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457

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CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 COWPOKES, 2240 St. Claude, 947.0505 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 LE PHARE, 523 Gravier St. LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM NINTH CIRCLEAT CONGO SQUARE, 700 N. Rampart, 524.7654 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, PhoenixNewOrleans.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM VOODOO, 817 N. Rampart St., 304.1568

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body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] HOT, MASCULINE GUY available 24/7 for sensational body rubs & more. 2nd guy also available. In/Out/Hotel Appointments. 6'0 181#, dark hair, magic hands. Call Charlie 430.7413 [is1508]

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New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107

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casinos New Orleans, LA [504] HARRAHS NEW ORLEANS, Canal at the River, 800.HARRAHS

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1608]

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construction New Orleans, LA [504] HISTORIC RENOVATIONS, 432.3786, Jim 344.4664

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counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964 [is2108]

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EXPOSE'-12 of 52 • July 15-28, 2008 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • GayBars.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAME, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] ARTICHOKE GALLERY, 912 Decatur St., 636.2004, www.ArtichokeGallery.COM FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

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lodging/accommodations Birmingham, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Mobile, AL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Ft. Lauderdale, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Ft. Walton Beach, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayPensacola.COM Key West, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayKeyWest.COM Miami/South Beach, FL [305] DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GaySouthBeach.COM Orlando, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAmerica.COM Pensacola, FL DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayPensacola.COM Atlanta, GA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayAtlanta.COM Baton Rouge, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, GayBatonRouge.BIZ Lafayette, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AmbushMag.COM Lake Charles, LA DISCOUNT FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AmbushMag.COM New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. CORNSTALK HOTEL, 915 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.523.1515, FAX: 504.522.5558, Toll Free: 800.759.6112, CornstalkHotel.COM, E-mail us at Reservations@CornstalkHotel.COM. The Cornstalk Hotel, once a private home, in the heart of the French Quarter, one block from Bourbon, but quieter, now welcomes visitors to enjoy its hospitality and Victorian charm. CREOLE INN, 2471 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.948.3230, FAX: 504.948.4410, CreoleInn.COM, E-mail us at CreoleInn@aol.com. In the Gay/Lesbian Marigny adjacent to French Quarter, Frenchmen Street & Country Club; private baths, garden, wireless Internet, AC, cable TV/VCR, Continental breakfast. Gay operated; mention AMBUSH for 10% discount. INN THE QUARTER, French Quarter, New Orleans, 70116, PHONE: 504.527.5360, Toll Free: 800.570.3085, InnTheQuarter.COM, E-mail us at Info@InnTheQuarter.COM. Over 20 guest rooms, suites and apartments in the French

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media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide,

Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8047, ambushonline.com, email: info@ambushonline.com

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] HANDSOME, MASCULINE STUD available 24/7 for companionship, dinner, etc. 6'0", 182#, brn/brn, magic hands, gives fabulous body rubs & more. In/Out/Hotels. Charlie @ 504.430.7413 [is1508] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 24/7. Playgirl, Inches & Freshmen Magazine model. Pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, 504.756.9443 [is1508]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113

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Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.

music lessons New Orleans [504] PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS - Private music instruction available in my French Quarter studio! Piano, Theory and Composition are offered at all levels. Now accepting students for fall session. DON RUSSELL 504.259.6173. www.DonRussellMusic.com [is1808]

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org LEWIS HUMPHREY’S FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 387.9798

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY

CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org MYSTIC KREWE OF ROYALTY, PO Box 66571, 70896; 926.1698 PFLAG Baton Rouge, Harold L. Truax, 33370 Percy Young Rd., Walker, LA 70785; 225.218.8320, 225.288.2522 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACADIANA RAINBOW SOCIETY OF THE DEAF, PO Box 57166, 70157; 889.0138 (TDD) AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 779.1178 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CAVALIERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: Gay motocycle group sponsors monthly day rides and other riding events in New Orleans area. Visit www.cavaliersmc.comc or call 782.5625 or e-mail info@cavaliersmc.com. CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality@aol.com FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those

who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 1661 Canal Street, Suite 3107, 70112; 962.3245, is www.inthistogetherinc.org, itt@accesscom.net KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, Sec. Mae Falgout 484.6045, http://kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117, LambdaCenter.NET, info@lambdacenter.net, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 741089, New Orleans, LA 70174, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF ADONIS, 236.4530, Adonis-TLC.COM, MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS BEAR & BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, PO Box 740894, 70174-0894; 529.6975, www.neworleansbears.com NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 948.6884, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NEW ORLEANS WOMEN’S MUSIC COLLECTIVE, 2903 Jefferson Ave., 70115; Ann 838.7918, Sydney 833.2834 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 MOC/NO [Men of Color/New Orleans], 482.5341 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians

& Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDEFEST NEW ORLEANS, presented by New Orleans Alliance of Pride, 1000 Bourbon St., Box 365, New Orleans, LA 70116; pridefestneworleans@yahoo.com, www.nolapridefest.org PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 TAU HOUSE MINISTRIES, 1029 Governor Nicholls, 70116, roddyssnd@aol.com, 529.3569. Mass on Sunday 4:15pm; Vespers on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm. Everyone is welcome! TO DO PRODUCTIONS, 948.9608, www.todoproductions.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717 Austin, TX [512] PROJECT TRANSITIONS, PO Box 4826, 78765; 454.8646, projecttransitions.org, AIDShous ing@projecttransitions.org, dedicated to serving people with AIDS by providing hospice, housing and support in a compassionate and caring environment.

TEXAS GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (TGRA) Austin chapter, www.Austintgra.org Dallas, TX [214] KREWE OF APOLLO-DALLAS, KreweofApollo-Dallas.com Houston, TX [713] PRIDE COMMITTEE OF HOUSTON, PO Box 66071, 77266-6071; 529.6979, Fax 529.6929, info@pridehouston.org, pride houston.org

mail New Orleans, LA [504] MARIGNY MAIL, 2401 Burgundy, 948.7401

pets CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 510 Dumaine St., 274.0810

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

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

printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] LATTER & BLUM, Agent Mary Lind, 948.3011, 539.9742, 581.2020 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504]

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allons acadiana by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com

he summer break is here and people are out and about celebrating in full force. And as the weather gets hotter, so does the nightlife in downtown Lafayette. The temperature keeps rising as the drink prices drop, which definitely makes the heat and humidity a bit more tolerable.

o make the heat and humidity even more tolerable, Lafayette’s premiere hot spots for the gay community, Sound Factory and Back Side, are redefining the nightlife here in Acadiana. They are open seven days a week to make sure no matter what night you deBuffa's, 1001 Esplanade at Burgundy, 949.0038 Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, 899.2911, MagazinePerks.COM Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, 948.7401, MarignyPerks.COM Meauxbar Bistro, 942 N. Rampart St., 569.9979, MeauxBar.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Petunias, A Restaurant, Cajun, Creole, Crepes, Cocktails, 817 St. Louis, 70112; 522.6440 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., 945.9997

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BEAR NECESSITIES, 940 Decatur, 598.2134, BearsAndHares.COM BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip St., 561.8167 QUEEN FASHIONS.COM, queenfashions.com, exoticfashionmall.com WICKED ORLEANS, 1201 Decatur, 529.4384, WickedOrleans.COM

Austin, TX [512] GOMI, 233 W. 2nd St., 442.9977, gomikitti.com TAPELENDERS VIDEO/OUTLINES MENSWEAR AUSTIN, 1114 West 5th St., 472.0844, www.tapelenders.com

spas Ft. Lauderdale, FL [954] CLUB FT. LAUDERDALE, 400 W. Broward

cide to take a break from your busy life, they’ll not only be open, but have something festive going on. And with their Summer Line-up, the nights are just that much wilder. Mondays are a celebration of Monday Madness with Happy Hour drink specials all night long. The Pool Tournament takes place at Back Side the same night. Tuesdays are Karaoke Night with Chad Evans. Wednesday are Wild Wednesdays with a special Theme Party every other week. Catch Hoe Down Downtown on July 16th and Merely a Masquerade on July 30th. Thursdays are Thirsty Thursday with drink [continued on Expose-20] Blvd., 525.3344, www.the-clubs.com Atlanta, GA [404] FLEX ATLANTA, 76 Fourth St., 815.0456 New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET Austin, TX [512] MIDTOWNE SPA, 5815 Airport Blvd., 302.9696 Dallas, TX [214] CLUB DALLAS, 2616 Swiss Ave., 821.1990, www.the-clubs.com MIDTOWNE SPA, 2509 Pacific Ave., 821.8989 Houston, TX [713] CLUB HOUSTON, 2205 Fannin St., 659.4998, www.the-clubs.com MIDTOWNE SPA, 3100 Fannin St., 522.2379

tanning New Orleans, LA [504] PLANET BEACH, 301 Burgundy, 525.8266

tattoos/piercings New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT TATTOO & PIERCING, 1041 N. Rampart in French Quarter, 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MARIGNY THEATRE, 1030 Marigny St., 947.0505

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM

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acadiana

paparazzi

Odette showing off her festive outfit at Sound Factory

Khory hanging out at Sound Factory

Jamie having a cocktail at Sound Factory

Stephanie all decked out at Sound Factory Cord decked out for Sound Factory’s Luau Party

Anthony taking a break from bartending at Back Side

Brittny showing off her lei at Sound Factory

Tyler from New Orleans at Sound Factory

Tony bartending at Back Side

Holly is all smiles at Sound Factory Christian dropping by Sound Factory

Chris bartending at Sound Factory Gabby posing for the camera at Sound Factory

Ashley is all smiles at Sound Factory

Jessica visiting Sound Factory

Travis relaxing at Sound Factory

Erin bartending at Sound Factory

Ms. D celebrating graduation at Sound Factory

Kelly & Rachelle getting close at Sound Factory

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Celebratin’ in Acadiana ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos: Patrick Clinton

Sally on Wild Wednesday at Sound Factory

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sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: Psalmwrite@aol.com

CANNIZZARO – District Attorney

had the pleasure of interviewing Leon Cannizzaro for the difficult and demanding job of District Attorney. I met Judge Cannizzaro in the 1990’s through LAGPAC when he was running for his second term. He was then very good on GLBT issues, and over the 22 years he has served as judge, he has kept his word to our community. Now he has given up his judgeship, the job that he loved, to run for District Attorney. If he does not win this election, he cannot automatically go back to being a judge again. Leon Cannizzaro is a native of New Orleans. His wife of 29 years, Norma, works in real estate, and his four children are outstanding examples of what good and loving parenting can accomplish for our New Orleans community. Two of his four children have chosen medicine as their career. His oldest daughter is completing her residency in Florida. His oldest son is in his fourth year of medical school. Cannizzaro’s second daughter is an attorney in the DA’s office, and the youngest child, a son, is studying at the University of Alabama.

allons acadiana ...from EX-17 specials that will top any others in town. Friday nights are Long Friday with specials all night on your favorite longneck beer. Saturdays are Sizzling Saturday with drink specials on all your favorite liquor, not just the well drinks, but all your favorite call and premium brands as well. Ending the week Sundays begin with Sunday Tea at Back Side and continues with Show Night at Sound Factory. Come out and play with all your friends. You’re sure to have a blast. Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you around town.

he Acadiana Arts Council is excited to announce that they are gearing up for the second annual Gulf Brew, which will be held at Parc International in downtown Lafayette on Saturday, July 19th. In the style of Germany’s Oktoberfest, the Acadiana Arts Council is inviting festival-goers to sample the best brews the Gulf South has to offer. Held in conjunction with Southern Open 2008, an exhibition showcasing artwork from artists living in the South from Texas to Florida, the AAC has invited microbreweries and brewmeisters from the same southern states to offer Acadiana a taste of their specialty brews at this one-of-a-kind beer festival. Gulf Brew 2007 was host to a number of outstanding breweries, such as Houston’s Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Mississippi’s Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company, Louisiana’s Abita Brewing Company and Zea Brewery, and Lafayette’s very own Dead Yeast Society. Gulf Brew 2008 will have even more

His desire is to have all of his children living and working in New Orleans. It is also his desire to make New Orleans safe so that young professionals will return to New Orleans to assist with the rebuilding. To this end, he has worked with young offenders as a judge. He believes that by educating and helping the young that come before the courts is an important way to change our home for the better. Love for our city, raising responsible children, having goals and declaring war on the criminal element of New Orleans is where he is today but how did he get here – “17 years of experience as Judge in Orleans Criminal District Court where he presided over a state-record 1,800 felony jury trials, and implemented a then revolutionary probation called Drug Court that is now emulated nationwide; his years of service as an Orleans Assistant DA where he was Chief of the Trial Division and personally prosecuted approximately 100 felony jury trials; and as the Metropolitan Crime Commission’s Top Performing Judge during his tenure at Criminal District Court, prior to his ascendancy to the 4th Circuit (Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal).” In looking over his bio, I was impressed with the large number of awards Cannizzaro has received. Just a few are: Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Pioneer in Recovery Award; Frederick J. Gisevius Distinguished Alumni Award – Loyola School of Law; Top Overall Performing Judge – Metropolitan Crime Commission; Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Award; Youth Achievement Award; Merit Award for Judicial Temperament and Outstanding Service – Alliance for Good Government. “I believe this is the most important election in the history of our city,” he told microbreweries, and will highlight the fastgrowing trend of homebrewing! Not only offering more variety when it comes to the beer, Gulf Brew 2008 offers more choices when it comes to food. This year, restaurants from all over Lafayette will have booths set up to offer all of your favorite local eats. While you’re treating your tastebuds to great beer and great food, Gulf Brew will be serving up nonstop live music from some of the best bands in the Gulf South! This year, along with the crafts of beer, food and music, there will be another creative element added to the mix... craft art! The Acadiana Arts Council has teamed up with the Louisiana Crafts Guild to bring festival-goers beautiful works by artists who call the swamps of Louisiana their home. $15 Taster Tickets will be good for fifteen beer samples, and Non-Taster Tickets will be $10. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to enter the festival premises. All proceeds from Gulf Brew 2008 will benefit the Acadiana Arts Council. For more information, call the Acadiana Arts Council at 337.233.7060 or visit AcadianaArtsCouncil.ORG.

me, and “it is our one and only chance to save New Orleans.” I believe this also. Although the police boast of their record of arrests to us, the citizens, the truth is that less than half of those arrests lead to conviction and imprisonment. There are too many innocent men being held in Central Lockup and too many errors by NOPD to keep the guilty in Central Lockup. There must be continuing education in the police department in the areas of report writing, lawful searches, and how to testify in court as well as how to handle victims and criminals. He continued, we need to look at crime differently – criminals need to be dealt with quickly. The DA’s office needs to coordinate better with the police. “I will visit each Police District Station across our city and begin a dialogue with the men and women of the NOPD,” he said in a speech announcing his candidacy. Violent criminals must be caught and punished quickly. The worst offence, homicide, must be given first priority. There must be follow-up. We should be on top of all types of crimes but we must start with homicides. We need to get violent criminals off our streets for this city to grow and prosper. “How can any of us be comfortable with a crime rate that has spiraled out of control?” he insists, “the urban terrorists who plague our city must be removed from our streets.” It is important to work closely with victims and witnesses, he said. Social workers should be assigned to assist in the comfort of witnesses so that they can feel safe when testifying. And a network should be in place with surrounding parishes when witnesses need to relocate for their safety. HUD is able to provide in this area. This program is one of my goals for a better New Orleans, he said. It does not work to just lock-up nonviolent criminals. They must be taken off drugs, and educated to assist with future employment. We need to nip in the bud their tendency towards violent crimes. Cannizzaro said that the Juvenile arm of the DA’s office has been a training ground for young lawyers. He will stop that practice. Many career criminals start as juveniles that slide through the system

and are educated by the criminals that they are locked up with. Corrections must be made to stop the moral decay of our youth. As a judge, Cannizzaro instituted an intensive probation program – Drug Court. Weekly, offenders on probation were drug tested. They have to be drug free to change their lives. The program also required proof of employment and consistent work towards educating themselves. Cannizzaro’s program was designed to give the youthful non-violent offenders a chance to make it in life. The choice is theirs – stay clean, play by the rules, or GO TO JAIL. I asked if he would support my efforts to get NOPD to once again initiate GLBT sensitivity training. “Yes,” he said, “I would support and endorse this needed training.” What are your feelings on Gay Adoption? “Children need loving families. That family can be two men or two women or a man and woman. There must be love, respect, protection and good examples for these children.” Sexual orientation does not seem to be a problem for Cannizzaro. What about Gay Marriage? “I must adhere to the law but if it were legal, I would not be opposed to same sex couples marrying. I have no opposition to civil unions either.” OK, here’s the difficult question – what are your feelings on abortion? “That is difficult for me because I am a practicing Roman Catholic. However, I am a servant of the people and I will follow the law. I would rather provide counseling, and arrange for adoption where possible.” Candidate Cannizzaro was preparing to rush off to another meeting the last few minutes of our interview but he did give me his phone number and ask that I call if I had any more questions. That was a pleasant surprise and doesn’t happen often. If you would like to support Cannizzaro with your time or money, Campaign Headquarters is located at 3535 Canal St. The phone number is 504.482.1144. For more information, log on to www.cannizzaroda.com.

obituary In Memory of Connie Marcelle

ew Orleans icon Connie Marcelle passed away on June 22 in Seattle, Washington with friends by her side. Connie was known throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South performing in those areas for over three decades. She was heavily involved in the pageant and entertainment scene. Additionally, she was Marcy Marcelle's partner in M&M Productions and a big help with the Gay Appreciation Awards the first 10 years. Join her friends in New Orleans on Sunday, July 27th, 8pm, for a Celebration of Life in her honor at Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart Street, where Connie served as Show Director prior to Hurricane Katrina. She is missed by her friends here at Ambush and across the country.

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