Ambush magazine volume 27 issue 06 by Ambush Publishing

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 1

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

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

Three Major Fund-Raisers Left for 10th Gay Easter Parade

n Friday, March 20, 9pm, Gay Easter Parade (GEP) Board of Director's Electra City (Easter Grand Marshal-EGM IV) and Tittie Toulouse (Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV) present and emcee the 7th Annual Spring Fever: A Star Studded Benefit Gala & Auction at 4 Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, in Metairie. The exciting evening will bring a spectacular live auction including the fab Burgundy Easter Egg Auction donated by EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners, and an Easter Egg Hunt with prizes. VIP Table Seating is available at $40 per table. Please call 504.525.0956 to make reservations. Performances by some of New Orleans most loved stars will prevail including EGM X Marcy Marcell, EGM VII Opal Masters, Entertainer of the Year and Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Miss Ho Amanda Straddle, Harley Hasacat, Starlight's Jaded Jade, Rikki Redd, Starr Daniels, Toby Lefort and a few Spring Fever MC's Electra surprises.

n Saturday, March 28, 8-10pm, GEP Board of Director's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain present the 8th Annual Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction, at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields, in New Orleans. There is a $10 door donation. This event holds many surprises. The celebrity emcees are Easter Grand Marshal X Tony Leggio and EGM VII Opal Masters. Party goers can bid in the Easter Basket Auction with over $1,000 in prizes, the once in a lifetime "Man I Feel Like A Woman Put Rip in Drag Auction", the fab Bronze Easter Egg Auction donated by EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners, plus the Tibet Necklace (made of silver coated copper with beads; it is said it is a special gift from the Buddha and it will protect the wearer to avoid the harm from devils) Shadowbox Auction, also donated by Conners. This extravaganza brings an array of performers, some who rarely entertain, including EGM X Marcy Marcell, EGM VII Opal Masters, EGM III Teryl-Lynn Foxx, EGM I Marsha Naquin-Delain, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget, Mr. and Miss LSGRA Denny Summors and Elizabeth Bouvier, Prom Queen Cathy Fox, Miss D, and Athena Jewelle.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 24

inside one last song/ambush paparazzi sappho psalm the pink pastor cookin' with auntie dee ambush paparazzi/new orleans celebrazzi eggstravaganza paparazzi/slidell carnival paparazzi hot tails of red stick/baton rouge obituary/glenn timpe

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JohnPaul’s; Silver ($250): 16th King Cake Queen Coronation, EGM VIII Tom “Rona” Conners [continued on 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

EGMs X Marcy Marcell & Tony Leggio (Photo: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM)

Drag Extravaganza MC's Tony Leggio & Opal Masters

10th Gay Easter Parade Sees Largest Increase in Sponsorships in Its History Benefiting Food For Friends resented by Ambush Mag and Queen Fashions, the 10th Gay Easter Parade has seen the largest number of sponsors in its history, with more sponsorships arriving daily. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital agency of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Past parades have raised over $48, 125 for charity. The parade will be led by Easter Grand Marshals X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell on Easter Sunday, April 12. The 2009 route is slightly different towards the end of the parade. Line-up is on N. Rampart across the street from Pre-Parade Party and Lineup headquarters, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart. Beginning at 4:30pm, the parade turns left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left of Bourbon to Esplanade, right on Esplanade to Royal, right on Royal to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy ending at the corner of

trodding the boards 22 red stick paparazzi/baton rouge 24 classifieds 26 acadiana paparazzi/lafayette 32 allons acadiana/lafayette 34 mobile paparazzi 34 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 36 foley, alabama paparazzi 37 chop chop/lafitte's drive-in theater 38 mr. & miss lsgra '09 paparazzi 38

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

City & Tittie Toulouse

n Saturday, April 4, 8-10pm, The Double Purple Party Hosts Bill Miller Play presents the 10th Annual Purple & Chuck Turner Party: Official Easter Grand Marshals Reception, Buffet & Auction, at 439 Dauphine, in New Orleans. Here bar owners Chuck Turner and Bill Miller pull out all of the stops bringing out a lavish buffet, raffles, prizes and auction. Door donation is $5. Also look for the Purple Easter Basket Auction presented by GEP Board of Directors with loads of prizes, the fab Emerald Easter Egg donated by EGM VIII Tom "Rona" Conners, plus the Silver Comb and Hairpins (silver coated bronze replica of silver comb and hairpins of Miao Race in Guizhou Province of China) Shadowbox Auction, also donated by Conners. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends and is presented by Ambush Mag and Queen Fashions. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information.

Big Easter Edition due out Tuesday, March 31

Burgundy and Orleans, right down the block for the Post Parade Party and Buffet at 700 Club, 700 Burgundy. The time schedule for Easter Sunday is as follows: 3-4:30pm, Pre-Parade Party, Check-in, Line-up and Buffet, Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St.; 4:30pm, 10th Gay Easter Parade, through the streets of the French Quarter; and 5:30pm til, Post-Parade Party and Buffet, 700 Club, 700 Burgundy. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade would like to personally thank all of the 2009 parade sponsors including: Platinum ($1,000): Bobby Connell/ Phoenix; Gold ($500): Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer & Lord Consort XXVI Bruce Orgeron, Krewe of Amon Ra, Jack Saucier & the late Glenn Timpe, In Memory of Steve Mettner, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/

OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.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, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Texas - Austin, Dallas, Houston

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 Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Donnie Jay, Gary Glitter-New Orleans Bob Brunson, DJ Chromatic, David Long, 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: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2009, 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 4 & Bob Boler, Stephen Murrell & Elizabeth Bouvier, David & Rhonda Roget, Krewe of Petronius, EGM IX Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/ The Corner Pocket; Bronze ($100): Dawn C. Leggio, Jill E. Dolese, EGM X Tony Leggio, Michelle Calachino, Mike Cookmeyer & Matt Giglio/ 700 Club, NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, HENA (Hospitality Education & Networking Association), Dwain Hertz & Al Dugas; Venue/In-Kind: 4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy’s, Double Play, JohnPaul’s, Starlight By The Park, GrahamStudioOne.COM, Mardi Gras Productions, Glazer’s Companies of Louisiana. Sponsorships are still available at $2,500-Presenting, $1,000-Platinum, $500-Gold, $250-Silver and $100-Bronze. Carriages are sold out for 2-4-6 passengers, and 15-20-25 passenger wagons and trolleys. The 8-10-12 passenger carriages and wagons are still available at $420. You can get your sponsorship and parade entry forms on-line at GayEasterParade.COM or by contacting Rip Naquin-Delain, 504.522.8049, or picking one up at Ambush, 828-A Bourbon Street,10am-3pm, Monday through Friday. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade includes Electra City, Tom "Rona" Conners, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGMs II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, EGMs III Timm Holt and TerylLynn Foxx, EGMs IV George Simons and Electra City, EGMs V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, EGMs VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, EGMs VII Doc Reed and Opal Masters, EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom "Rona" Conners, and EGMs IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information.

Marcell, C. Alice, Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget, SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM IV Electra City, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Regina Adams, Big Mama, EGM VII Opal Masters, Sophia and Diana Wright Stage performance tips brought in $445, the door $282, the raffle $210 (items donated by bar owner Chuck Turner), Eggs with prizes $225, and the Pink Flamingo Basket Auction with high bid at $375 from Chuck Turner. The only expenses totaled $140 for the DJ, door person and shuttle driver. The GEP Board of Directors would like to thank Chuck Turner and Bill Miller for hosting the event at Billy's.

The Glass Menagerie Preview March 18

he Marigny Theatre and To Do Productions are proud to an nounce the first show of their 2009 season, Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, starring Lyla Hay Owen as Amanda Wingfield.

The production, directed by Glenn Meche, also features Keith Launey as Tom, Liz Mills as Laura, and Leon Contavesprie as the Gentleman Caller. Lighting Design is by Timm Holt, and Costume Design by Donald James. Performance dates are March 19, 20, and 21; and March 26, 27, and 28 at 8pm, Thursdays through Saturdays, with a Preview/Final Dress Rehearsal on Wednesday, March 18. The theatre is located at 1030 Marigny St. For more information or reservations, call the theatre box office at 504.218.8559, or 504.948.9608. To order tickets on-line, please visit http://todoproductions.org.

Guardian Angel Awards Gala March 19

roject Lazarus, the residential facility for people living with HIV and AIDS in New Orleans, has named community leaders Dr. Mark Carbon and Father Paul Desrosiers as winners of the organization’s 2009 Guard-

ian Angel Award. “The Guardian Angel is the highest honor that Project Lazarus bestows on individuals and organizations who selflessly give of their time, talents, financial resources and leadership abilities on behalf of those in the HIV and AIDS community who need our support most,” said Eric Oleson, executive director of Project Lazarus. “Each has demonstrated compassion and generosity that cannot be fully acknowledged. We invite others in the New Orleans area to follow in their footsteps of public service.” The awards will be presented at a fund-raising gala March 19 at 6:30pm at Gallier Hall. For ticket and other information, contact Jezelle Hebert at 504.949.3609, Ext. 505, or at jhebert@projectlazarus.net. Carbon, an emergency room physician at Children’s Hospital, is a graduate of Louisiana State University Medical School. A member of the Lazarus board of [continued on 8]

1st Eggstravaganza Raises $1,537 for 10th Gay Easter Parade

he 1st Eggstravaganza Show & Auction raised a whopping $1,537 for the 10th Gay Easter Parade at Billy's in Slidell, Louisiana. Under the direction of Gay Easter Parade Board of Director Opal Masters, North Shore's own Big Mama was the celebrity emcee. Special thanks to all of the performers who volunteered their time and talents including EGMs X Tony Leggio & Marcy

MC Big Mama & Show Director Opal Masters

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the "official" dish ...from 6 directors since 2002 and former board secretary, he began his association with Project Lazarus through “Halloween’s in New Orleans,” an organization which, for 25 years, has provided critically needed funding. He previously co-chaired that organization’s most successful auction to benefit Lazarus. Carbon also has been a volunteer for the annual LazFest fundraiser and has tended Lazarus’ gardens. In addition to support for Lazarus, he delivered meals for three years as part of the NO/AIDS Task Force’s outreach efforts and has co-chaired the annual fashion show for the Children’s Hospital Women’s Guild. Fr. Desrosiers, pastor of the recently established Transfiguration of the Lord parish in the Lakeshore/Gentilly area of New Orleans, is campus minister at the University of New Orleans. In 1984, as HIV and AIDS began to take their toll, he cofounded Project Lazarus to address the rapidly growing need for housing and continuity of care for those with no other place to turn. Fr. Desrosiers helped acquire many of the buildings that now form Project Lazarus, hired the original staff, formed the first board of directors and acquired seed funding from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He continues to be involved in special projects and programs at Project Lazarus while remaining involved in other social-justice issues through the archdiocese. Project Lazarus provides service to all people living with AIDS who no longer can live independently or whose family and friends can no longer take care of them. The organization provides continuity of care in a homelike environment in a way that enhances the quality of life of those it serves. Visit projectlazarus.net.

Satyricon Presents Opening of Simply Barbra! March 26

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting the opening night performance of the New Or-

cannot be motorized or horse drawn. You and your team must push or pull the wagon through the French Quarter and Marigny. Wagons must be small enough to be wheeled down sidewalks. Teams will travel through the Quarter and Marigny making stops at designated "watering holes". At each establishment, each team member must consume a drink, three of the four team members must have/finish an alcoholic beverage. One team member can be the "designated driver" and may purchase and consume a non-alcoholic beverage. Note that team members can purchase their own drinks or get someone to purchase them for them. However, the beverages must be consumed in that bar. Each establishment will have the team compete in some challenge. Once your team completes the challenge, you receive a flag and then are on your way to the next watering hole. One team member must be in "cowgirl drag" consisting of hat, wig, dress, hose, shoes, lipstick and eye-shadow. To help raise money for LSGRA, team members will sell raffle tickets. Raffle drawings will be held once the race has ended. The team selling the most raffle tickets will receive $500 for the team to use as they see fit - a charity/organization fund-raiser or split the money between the team members. The team that wins the race/first to collect all challenge flags will receive a $250 cash prize. Contact President Lance Pippin 504.915.3339 for additional information. The LSGRA Angola Rodeo Roadtrip III is planned for Sunday, April 19. There will be only two busses limited to 100 people. Included in the package is transportation to/from New Orleans to Angola on a Party Coach Bus, entry to the rodeo, dinner at the Roadside BBQ and lots of fun on the bus ride - all for $60. As in the past, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on the bus. Contact President Lance Pippin 504.915.3339 for tickets and information. 2009 membership dues are due - $25 for full members, $15 for associate members and $150 for corporate members. To renew or become a member, get your form at LSGRA.COM.

leans premiere of the internationally-acclaimed one man show, Simply Barbra!, featuring the vocal impressions of Barbra Striesand by female impersonator Steven Brinberg at Voila, 300 Decatur Street, corner of Decatur and Bienville, on Thursday, March 26, at 8pm, where dinner is also available. Tickets for his performance only are $25 and may be obtained by calling 504.525.4498. For Friday’s show, please call 504.638.8198. Steven Brinberg stars Petronius Hosts Simply Barbra! Opening of A Little Dog Laughed April 16

he Krewe of Petronius is excited to announce that it is selling tickets to Le Petit Theatre's A Little Dog Laughed, set for Thursday, April 16. Doors open at 7pm with the play begining 8pm. A Little Dog Laughed is a play by Douglas Carter Beane. The four characters are an actor, Mitchell, his acerbic agent Diane, a hustler named Alex, and Alex’s girlfriend Ellen. When Mitchell and Alex become involved in a physical relationship, Diane is concerned that what she describes as Mitchell’s “slight recurring case of homosexuality” will derail his career before it gets started. Tickets are $30 . E-mail or call Captain Bill McCarthy at 504.430.6695 for tickets. This event not only helps this Mardi Gras Krewe, but the oldest community theatre in America. Cocktails and Crowns is the next Petronius event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 7pm. It will be hosted at the Fredrick Guess Studio, 910 Royal Street, at which time the 2010 royalty and ball theme will be announced.

LSGRA Sets Wacky Wagon Race for April 18, Angola Rodeo Roadtrip April 19

SGRA has set its 2nd Annual Wacky Wagon Race for Satur-day, April 18. This year the grand raffle prize is a large screen LCD TV, and the 2nd place prize is 2 tickets to the LSGRA Rodeo Roadtrip on April 19. The Wacky Wagon Race is a fun way to raise community awareness for LSGRA, raise funds to help support the organization's charities, its operations and enable LSGRA to produce the first IGRA sanctioned gay rodeo in Louisiana right here in New Orleans in March 2010. Mr. and Miss LSGRA 2009 Denny Summors and Elizabeth Bouvier will cheer on the teams. The race begins at 12noon. Teams consist of four persons. Your team will need a four wheel wagon (build, borrow, buy). Wagons

Mr. & Miss LSGRA 2009 Denny Summors & Elizabeth Bouvier

Three For Free: French Quarter Festival, Vieux to Do & Satchmo SummerFest

conomy furrowing your brow? Looking for an affordable getaway that’s unlike no city in the United States? Start packing for New Orleans. The town’s stowing its Mardi Gras beads and slipping into something cooler for the spring and summer festival season – a trio of festivals that celebrate the city’s glorious musical tradition and fabulous food. Best of all, the fun is free. The French Quarter Festival, Vieux to Do and Satchmo Summerfest make New Orleans an affordable, authentic experience for everyone. Get an early start on a venerable tradition – the French [continued on 10]

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the "official" dish ...from 8

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

The Time Travelers

e forewarned, this article contains no sexual innuendos at all, no pornographic references, just to prove I don’t need to rely on such gimmicks, don’t worry however, next issue will contain all of the above. I know that this has happened to more people than are actually going to admit it, and I do confess that it has happened to me on more than one occasion. I admit that it is not always the most pleasant of experiences for many folks, and sometimes leaving one to question their own sanity. I am speaking of when you meet someone for the very first time, that awful feeling that you have known them before, but just can’t place where or when or under what circumstances it was under. That gnawing feeling that you may have known them under some rather intimate settings and you keep grasping at the threads of some distant forgotten instance, trying to make one plus one equal two. That is of course what one plus one should always equal, but once in awhile it just doesn’t add up like that. I believe as our souls travel through time to grow and obtain maturity they may occupy different bodies, reincarnation if you will, and I further would like to put forward the idea that when we fall in love that eventually we will meet up with that person at some stage in the future maturity of our souls and that is what we are feeling in the afore mentioned experiences. Time-travelers as one might label them, destined to relive a love that once started was never finally realized. Just think about it for a second or two, honestly, can you think of any other explanation for it? I know you may think me daft, or probably suffering much more than I had thought from my slight stroke, oh, my, did I forget to mention that? Well it seems that I suffered a slight stroke some time ago, that went unseen by the slew of doctors I have been seeing. But not to worry, I have already begun my recovery and you know as the saying goes –only the good die young, and honey I have never claimed that I was good, only good at it. Hey queen, stop laughing, I come with a slew of references. If you care to receive a list, just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to this paper in care of Donnie Jay, and just hold your breath until you receive it. Now back to the subject at hand, be brutally honest with yourselves and admit that you have indeed experienced what I have described. Do any of you have another explanation for this, and please don’t blame booze or too many drugs for a memory lapse, because I’m not buying any of that. Just recently I met a rather nice young man and hit it off with him as if we had been friends for life, when I told him this, he said he was feeling the same way, and rather than run away from the psychotic I know that I am, he unwisely chose to come with me to my abode. Unfortunately, a sudden attack of here unknown modesty to me,

prevents me from revealing all the sordid details, but suffice it to say the sexual adventures came to us just as if we had been doing it together for ages, we both pushed each other’s buttons, like we knew just what would bring us each the most pleasure. We have since come to the realization that we must have been lovers in a previous lifetime and both being rather incurable romantics we have decided it must have been in a more liberal time for gay rights, most likely in ancient Greece, when relations between members of the same sex were not condemned, but celebrated. What an idyllic civilization that must have been. Can you just not imagine how wonderful life must have been for our kin in those long ago years of yore? No moral majority to contend with, because we were that majority. In our sudden quest to rethink our pasts, we have decided that we were to wed, but some undisclosed tragedy along the lines of one of the Greek playwrights, prevented the event from occurring and so we traveled forward in time until at last we met again. With this decided we set our sights on perhaps having the wedding taking place soon, traveling north to maybe Canada to do so. At last we could cheat the fates and live together in complete happiness as was intended. We set a date in the coming June, it had always been my greatest fantasy being a June bride. We went so far as to order wedding invitations and making out the guest list. At last the dream was to become reality. Then reality stepped in and crushed our dream once again. The fates raised their ugly chins once more to rain on my parade. I got home from work later than usual last night, he was not there waiting for me with dinner on the table, and perhaps he had gone to the corner store for something. A closer look proved not only was he gone, but so was his lone backpack with his meager possessions, I suppose timetravelers do not need much to continue on their journeys, mostly just the clothes on their backs. Also among the things that left with him was; my new digital camera, a small collection of rather expensive jewelry, my portable CD player, and I am sure a few other things I have not missed as yet. Well ever the optimist, perhaps in another hundred or two years from now we will meet again and have that same feeling that we know we have been together before and maybe this time we can escape the fates and live happily ever after…..but seriously I feel now that perhaps I am a bit daft and this whole thing of time-traveling is a result of that slight stroke. Fate is seems can not be played games with, fools however can. Perhaps I should sing ONE LAST SONG now. Then again maybe I won’t, maybe I’ll just let the fates guide my future as they always have. Till we meet again on our journey to where ever. You may contact donniejay@hotmail.com.

Quarter Festival, held this year April 1719, is a free wheeling and free sampling of the city’s great musical traditions. The festival is a favorite with locals, who unknot their ties and kick off their heels to indulge in world-class music and food in the historic Vieux Carre. French Quarter Fest serves up 18 stages throughout the French Quarter featuring the best in traditional and contemporary jazz, rhythm & blues, Cajun, Zydeco, funk, and swing. Revelers should also plan attending Jackson Square, the Old US Mint, Woldenberg Riverfront Park’s funky picnic – the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” with more than 60 booths dishing up food and drink from the city’s greatest restaurants. From Cajun meat pies and pork chops on sugarcane sticks, to gumbo and muffalettas, French Quarter Festival has authentic local fare right down to red beans and rice. For more information about the French Quarter Festival, call 504.522.5730 or visit FQFI.COM. Creole tomatoes, Louisiana seafood and music: on June 13-14, three quintessential Louisiana ingredients come together to form a unique, only-in-New Orleans cultural gumbo called Vieux to Do – a name inspired by the French Quarter’s exotic French sobriquet, the Vieux Carré. The festival – a merger of three distinct celebrations – the Creole Tomato Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival and the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival – is a rollicking feast for ears, eyes and taste buds. Music fans can two-step to musicians from Acadiana and New Orleans such as Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots. Food lovers can choose from a groaning board of shrimp, fish, crab, oysters and crawfish dishes whipped up by celebrity chefs such as Paul Prudhomme and Susan Spicer and also witness the great chefs of Louisiana demonstrating their signature dishes including world famous tomatoes and shrimp. It’s free, in the heart of the French Quarter, in The French Market. For more information on the Creole Tomato Festival, call 504.522.2621 or visit FrenchMarket.ORG. Information on the Lousiana Seafood Festival can be found at LouisianaSeafood.COM/festival and for more on the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, call 504.558.6100 or visit JazzAndHeritage.ORG. Satchmo SummerFest honors the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Established in 2001 to honor the New Orleans trumpeter’s100th birthday on August 4, 1901, the festivities unfurl July 30August 2, and are centered in the historic French Quarter. Satchmo SummerFest is a showcase for celebrating all facets of the city’s cultural heritage with a soundtrack supplied by the city’s greatest musicians as well as a tribute to the unique food, arts, literature and architecture of New Orleans. Over three days revelers can attend an abundant array of outdoor concerts, music history seminars, jazz exhibits, a classic second-line parade, and even a “Satchmo Strut” down Frenchmen Street taking in some of the best of the city’s live music venues. There’s plenty of affordable food and drink and enough free music in three days for a year’s worth of fantastic memories. For more info on Satchmo SummerFest, call French Quarter Festivals, Inc., at 504.522.5730 or visit FQFI.COM.

Oz GM Tommy Elias & partner Carl welcome in the big crowds Saturdays at Dance Club of the Year Oz

ambush

paparazzi Trevor behind the bar Saturdays at Double Play

Matt up on the bar at The Corner Pocket

Bartender's Ashlee & Bruce keep the boys on the bar Saturdays at Corner Pocket

Will the real Matt step forward? It’s bar baron Matt & bartender Michael at 700 Club

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Nightlife in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans

one last song

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

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

Mother-Board

really didn’t expect to be sending you a column this issue. The mother-board on my old Gateway blew something and won’t even come on so that I can play Hearts or whatever. Needless to say, I have been doing more reading than I thought possible; going through three books a week. If my finances were healthier, I’d be ordering another computer post haste. I am writing this at the Ambush office where I haven’t worked in years, and have missed being part of the action. Damned economy! Suggestions from friends are to get another Gateway or a Dell. I’m thinking about going to Sam’s. All I need is a word processor that can do e-mail. Dr. Amy was kind enough to let my friends on Facebook know that I am unable to receive or answer posts. I miss my little garden that Gaynor and I have been building over the last month. Oh, well, nothing lasts forever.

Pro Bono Publico Awards

y congratulations to AIDSLaw of Louisiana, Inc. on this year’s Pro Bono Publico Awards. The 2009 recipients of the Award are Chad Youngblood, A. Gerald Pelayo and Linton Carney. 2009 Teri Estrada Memorial Award went to Kathleen Lincoln. The festive evening was a mix of awards program, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. AIDSLaw is dependent upon the help of people who are interested in its mission. The organization is now 18 years old and started as a volunteer group. It still needs the help of those who donate their time and skills. The Pro Bono Publico Awards is the highest honor for service to AIDSLaw. The awards are given to honor those who have donated their time and talents to assist and protect the legal rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. Formed in 1989, AIDSLaw of Louisi-

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

Financial Peace

irstly, let me say there are two things that make me instantly suspicious – people who sound like fundamentalist preachers and ‘prosperity’ creeds that try and persuade people that somehow having lots of money is God’s way of blessing us! I tell you this to assure you that when my executive director, Dr. Trent Haines came to me at church and suggested that we run David Ramsay’s Financial Peace University I went a little pale and began marshalling arguments against it! I was especially appalled that the materials pack cost $92! I would however like to publicly state that I was completely wrong about both Dave Ramsay (though I doubt we agree with each other about much in a religious sense!) and very wrong about tying his ‘Financial Peace University’ to crackpot ‘prosperity doctrines’. I also think the $92 is good value having now received my package and losing track of just how many resources are in it. I had been looking for a few months for a way our church could be of solid practical help to people in the present dog’s breakfast that is the world economy, and think the basic common sense in the Financial Peace course could be a great help to many many people. Firstly, as an LGBT centered church we guarantee there are no unwholesome religious influences that come with it, and from a practical point of view we make no money out of it whatsoever – but as a member of the first Financial Peace class we are holding here at The Big Easy MCC

I am astonished at how basic and yet how life changing it all is! My finances have always existed in a ‘cloud of unknowing’ – a sort of magic place where either there is or is not sufficient for needs, and consequently I was horrified to discover just how much was frittered away invisibly every month with nothing to show for it whatsoever. Mr.

ana, Inc. is a Louisiana not-for-profit corporation. The corporation assist with legal problems, including estate planning, debt problems, public benefits, insurance and employee benefits, and discrimination in the areas of housing, education, medical care and employment. My sincere appreciation to Stacey LaFleur, Executive Director, and the staff and board of this much needed organization in our community. I will also include some statistics about HIV and AIDS in our city and state received from AIDSLaw: Cumulative number of HIV/AIDS cases in Louisiana – 28,303 as of September 30, 2008; Cumulative number of deaths in Louisiana – 11,843; New Orleans’s AIDS case rate in 2006, out of 98 metropolitan areas – 8th highest; and Baton Rouge’s AIDS case rate in 2006, out of 98 metropolitan area – 4th highest.

Rest & Read

ince I hate bed rest, I have as you know been sitting in a comfy chair and reading. My last column I had just started David Wroblewski’s The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. If you love dogs and adventure, this is the book for you. Every word of the 600 page book is perfectly placed to keep you wanting more.

Ramsay uses a rather good phrase to describe the position of most Americans financially – ‘they have too much month left at the end of their money’. In the class we are taught the basics of the financial products industry, and how the vast majority of credit is heavily stacked against the consumer – the various traps used to ensnare folk with ‘interest free periods’ that then revert to very high interest rates, and the real effect on repayment of only a couple of interest point! We are taught how to effectively pay down and eradicate debt, to build first a safety fund, and then start to save (yes, save) instead of banging everything on credit. I am not a stupid person (well, not entirely) yet if I, the child of wealthy parents - one a successful business owner, can have existed in a perpetual pickle over finances, and lost endless nights sleep over it then I cannot be alone. I felt after the first class with Trent (Dr. Haines) that I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully Leon and I are not mired in debt, we were just systemless, but having a system we suddenly see all sorts of possibilities I thought out of our reach! For me this is very exciting. Who knew that doing the sort of common sense things that my grandmother used to do (including, would you believe, such museum pieces as putting bill money in envelopes and saving for a rainy day!) would change my outlook so much. I feel a huge sense of relief at just doing a budget that proves to me that I can live quite comfortably within my means (with some adjustments), and still save. It is also vital to do all this in a group – it is very much like weight watchers, it is peer support and peer expectations that keep

The story is based on the loyalty and intelligence of well trained dogs and the interaction between them and Edgar. Edgar was born mute and speaks only in sign. That doesn’t seem to hinder the dogs from understanding or obeying him. And when they set out across country to find a new life, there is excitement on every page. I cried through the last chapter. Since I was in the mood for dog themes, I decided to continue with Susan Conant’s Bride & Groom. This was a mystery filled with a variety of large dogs which is my preference since I own and love the 70# Freddie. It wasn’t much of a mystery as mysteries go. The clues were pretty obvious. I did enjoy learning more about Alaskan malamutes and their great abilities. This book is a series that I am not excited about continuing to read. If I come upon another of Conant’s book, I will probably read it but without much expectation. There I was back on the mystery trail. That could mean only one thing – I wanted a James Patterson book – I reached for Step on a Crack. It is very different from the Alex Cross character stories. This character is Michael Bennett, a NYC police detective with 10 children and a wife who dies of cancer on Christmas Day. This is a real “thinker” even though you have clues aplenty. I enjoyed it very much as I usually do with James Patterson. Not only do I like his story lines, I like the form he uses. It makes for a quick read. The drama starts with the first chapter when a former First Lady mysterious dies while dining with her husband at a posh New York (French) Restaurant. During her funeral at St. Patrick’s, the celebrity mourners are taken hostage. Bennett must quickly find a way out with the world press watching every mood. There are twists in the plot that you might never guess. Since I was spoiled by Patterson, I decided to try something completely different for my next read. This morning I started the 700 page Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCaig. The cover says it is the authorized Novel based on Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. It also says it is a must read for Gone With the Wind fans. I don’t know if I consider myself a fan exactly. I know that I am not interested in read it again but a companion book might be fun. It sure started off that way. Guess I’ll let you know next issue. you on the straight and narrow, not just sheer will power! Anyway, I have gushed sufficiently over my new found financial wizardry, and assure you that after we complete this first ‘internal’ course, we will be offering a much larger group more widely in the community (probably in a couple of months). If anyone wants to register interest, or find out more then e-mail me (revcrawshaw@bigeasymcc.com) or telephone the church office and leave your details for Dr. Haines on 504.298.5131. I am now going to finish off the budget with Leon – wish me luck! Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the fulltime pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church – a church founded in, and with a special outreach to the LGBT community. They meet every Sunday at 5pm at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. Check out the website at www.bigeasymcc.com or phone Pastor Clinton on 504.214.4340.

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

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

BAKED FISH AMANDINE 1 tablespoon butter, melted 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 pound fresh lean fish fillets ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons mayonnaise ½ cup saltine cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted lemon wedges

s promised, we are continuing recipes featuring seafood for the period of Lent.

BROILED GROUPER 2 pounds grouper fillets ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon butter, softened 3 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped green onion 1 garlic clove, pressed ¼ teaspoon salt dash of hot sauce Place fillets in a single layer in a lightly greased 13x9 inch pan. Stir together cheese and next six ingredients. Spread over fillets. Broil 3 ½ inches from heat for ten minutes or until lightly browned and fish flakes with a fork Yield: six servings.

Combine 1 tablespoon butter and lemon juice in a 13 –x – 9-inch baking dish. Arrange fillets in dish. Sprinkle with salt. Spread mayonnaise on fish. Combine cracker crumbs, three tablespoons melted butter, and toasted almonds. Sprinkle oven fillets. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. Yield: four servings.

CATFISH MEUNIERE 1 large egg, lightly beaten ¼ cup milk ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground red pepper 4 (8-ounce) farm-raised catfish fillets ½ cup butter, divided ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh pars-

ORANGE ROUGHY DIJON 4 (8-ounce orange roughy fillets) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup butter softened 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 garlic clove, minced ½ cup fine, dry, bread crumbs Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper; place in a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Combine butter and next four ingredients; spread on fish. Top with bread crumbs. Bake at 450 degrees for ten minutes or until fish flakes with a fork, Yield: four servings.

BROILED MAHI-MAHI WITH PARSLEYED TOMATOES 2 2 2 2

medium onions, sliced tablespoons olive oil tomatoes, seeded and chopped tablespoons chopped fresh pars-

ley ¼ cup white wine 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 cloves garlic, chopped ½ teaspoon salt, divided ½ teaspoon pepper, divided 6 (8-ounce mahi-mahi fillets) 1 (4-ounce) package crumbled Feta cheese Saute sliced onions in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for eight minutes or until tender. Add chopped tomatoes and next four ingredients. Add ½ of the salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally for five minutes, set onion-tomato mixture aside. Place fish in a single layer on a lightly greased rack in an aluminum-foil lined broiler pan; sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper Broil 5 ½ inches from heat for eight minutes or until fillet flake with a fork. Spoon onion-tomato mixture on serving platter top with fillets. Sprinkle evenly with Feta cheese.

JohnPaul’s bar baron’s John & Paul cocktailin’ with Tubby’s Golden Lantern bar baron’s Rick & Rick

Precious (Lane) celebrates his 18th bday once again at Cutter’s

ambush

paparazzi The Buns (Dudley & Blake flank) & the Meat at Cutter’s (JR)

Rusty slingin’ cocktails at Big Daddy’s

ley 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce lemon wedges Combine egg and milk in a large shallow bowl. Combine flour, salt and red pepper in a shallow dish. Dip catfish in milk and dredge in flour mixture. Melt ¼ cup butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add oil and increase heat to medium-high. Place fillets in skillet, and cook four minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Melt remaining ¼ cup butter in skillet; stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over fillets. Garnish with lemon wedges. Yield: four servings.

Alexander & partner Bruce celebratin’ St. Patrick’s Day at Oz with Harold from Monroe Joey up on the bar at Oz

EASY BAKED OYSTERS ½ cup butter, melted 1 large egg ¼ cup milk ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 (12-ounce) container fresh select oysters drained ½ cup fine, dry bread crumbs ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon paprika Pour melted butter into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Combine egg and next three ingredients in a small bowl beat with a wire wisk until blended. Dip each oyster into egg mixture and dredge in bread crumbs. Place oyster in baking dish; turn to coat with butter. Top evenly with cheese, parsley, and paprika. Bake at 425 degrees for twelve minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: four servings.

Blake & Derek behind the bar at Oz Oz bartender’s Andrew, Allen & Robert

DJ Tim Pflueger spins for Dance Club of the Year Oz’s big Saturday night crowds

Raven Kennedy pops in Saturday night at Oz

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Nightlife in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans

Lent 2

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

aster Grand Marshal (EGM) X Tony Leggio, Billy’s Chuck Turner, EGM X Marcy Marcell, Big Mama and Gay Easter Parade Board of Director’s Opal Masters thanks the huge crowd at Billy’s in Slidell, Louisiana for raising $1,537. The 1st Eggstravaganza Show and Auction was presented by the 10th Gay Easter Parade. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for additional information.

hoenix bar baron Bobby Connell presents a $1,000 Platinum Sponsorship check to Gay Easter Parade’s Marsha Naquin-Delain for the 10th Gay Easter Parade at Ambush offices in New Orleans. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends. Past parades have raised over $48,125 for charity. Visit GayEasterParade.COM for more information.

he 41st Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque: There’s Something About Mary culminated with the presentation of King and Queen Armeinius XLI Ricky Lenart and Tim Jeansonne at the Alario Center in Westwego. The king portrayed Mary, Queen of Scot’s son, James VI of Scotland and James I of England, while the queen portrayed Mary, Queen of Scots. For more on the krewe visit KreweOfArmeinius.ORG.

ig Easy Metropolitan Community Church presented Ashes on Bourbon Street outside of Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon in New Orleans. The “imposition of ashes” took place on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent following the end of Carnival Season on Mardi Gras, February 24. The imposition of ashes on the foreheads of Christians is an ancient Christian practice, going back at least to the 10th century. Biblically, ashes are a symbol of purification and penitence. For more information, visit BigEasyMCC.COM. (Photo: Jerry Bourgeois, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Wiley and Mike McDonald)

enny Summors and Elizabeth Bouvier were crowned Mr. and Miss LSGRA 2009 at coronation ceremonies hosted at All Ways Lounge in New Orleans. The coronation show brought Queen Amon Ra XLIII Opal Masters, Donnie Jay, ZsaZsa d’LaHor, Rikki Redd, Easter Grand Marshal X Marcy Marcell and the new Mr. and Miss LSGRA Denny Summors and Elizabeth Bouvier to the stage raising $227 for the Louisiana State Gay Rodeo Association. Visit LSGRA.COM to join this exciting organization scheduled to present it’s first gay rodeo in March 2010 in New Orleans.

lub Evolution bar baron PR Rivera (center) celebrates with the owners of Happy Shak, Brian and Liz, during Club Evolution’s fab grand opening, the first gay bar to open in Foley, Alabama. For more on the new club, visit myspace.com/evolutionclubdance1.

he new officers of the Krewe of Amon Ra: Ball Lieutenant Daryl Dunaway, Vice President David Aranda, President Ron Issler, Secretary David Forth, Treasurer Paul Davis, and Function Lieutenant David Richardson, presented the 10th Gay Easter Parade with a $500 Gold Sponsorship during their recent rush party at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans (not pictured, Ball Captain Timm Holt). For more on the krewe visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM.

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

Big Mama is a show stopper

snap paparazzi

Easter Grand Marshal (EGM) I Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGM IV Electra City, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM VII Opal Masters, EGM IX Safonda Peters, EGMs X Marcy Marcell & Tony Leggio

North Shore’s own Big Mama Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget

The stars responsible for raising $1,537 for Eggstravaganza: (front) EGMs X Tony Leggio & Marcy Marcell; (back) C. Alice, Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget, SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM IV Electra City, Regina Adams, Big Mama, EGM VII Opal Masters, Sophia & Diana Wright (not pictured EGM IX Safonda Peters)

SDGM XXXV & GEP Board’s Tittie Toulouse

Eggstraganza’s Show Director Opal Masters

Diana Wright on stage

EGM X Marcy Marcell

Gay Easter Parade Board’s Marsha & Rip Naquin-Delain Opal Masters, Electra City & Tittie Toulouse (not pictured Tom "Rona" Conners)

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Gay Easter Parade’s 1st Eggstravaganza @ Billy’s raises $1,537 benefiting Food For Friends ~ Slidell, Louisiana

Easter Grand Marshals X Tony Leggio & Marcy Marcell with Billy’s Chuck Turner

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

King Amon Ra XLIII Paul Davis & King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac

Queen Amon Ra XLIII Opal Masters & Lords of Leather MC Roy Haylock

Plantation King & Queen, Bob Boler & Tom “Rona” Conners at FNBMG

Billy’s bartender Rex & manager Suzanne from Slidell

paparazzi

Phoenix’s Chris & Brian Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier & Lords of Leather Capt. David Boyd

JohnPaul’s bartender Amanda Straddle at Amon Ra

TP’s Steven Forster & Rona Conners at FNBMG

David & Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget

Queenateenas’ Co-Captain’s Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier

Rona & The Boys, Gary & Jorge at FNBMG

JohnPaul’s John Vignone, Queenateenas’ Co-Capt. Marsha Naquin-Delain & JohnPaul’s Paul Chiriaco at Amon Ra

Tami & her Court: Gizelle Bouvier, Bubbles Champagne, Elizabeth Bouvier, KCQ XVI Tami Tarmac, C. Alice & Cathy Fox Barry Rutherford & Cathy Fox

Chris, Bubbles & Bebe at FNBMG

Princesse Stephaney & Laura Tennyson at Satyricon

Food For Friends’ Glen Kahrman & NO/ AIDS Task Force Exe. Dir. Noel Twilbeck at Lords of Leather

Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters at Lords of Leather

Rona, Princesse Stephaney & Prince Sam at FNBMG

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Mardi Gras Balls & Carnival Society ~ New Orleans

snap

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Neighborhood Helpers

friend in need is a friend in deed, or something like that. At any rate, it is always nice when you live in a neighborhood where friends come together in both small and large projects. Of course, if a major job is in the works, a freebie isn’t to be expected, but there are those who do good works that does warrant the proper pay for the labor, material, and time involved. What I speak of here is the kind of cooperation that comes when you truly like someone and you are eager to help out. Just last week, something happened that made me think of this. One of our newest neighbors is a fair-haired hottie from South Carolina, namely Robert. I needed a limb removed from one of my trees that was touching my garage roof, but since I have a fear of heights, I have to have someone around when I get on a ladder or a roof. Never fear, however, because in this case, Robert came to the rescue, climbed on the garage roof, and not only removed the one limb touching the roof but trimmed all the others that needed to be cut back. What a nice gesture of friendship that was.

Robert & Brandon at City Hall in San

First off, Robert came into the neighborhood, staked a claim on a house that was in bad need of repair, and on top of all this, he spent a fortune bringing it back to life, and adding a swimming pool certainly enhanced the beauty of the area plus some excellent landscaping. That beauty is readily on view from the outside, but it doesn’t stop there. The inside is a very unusual and rare form of beauty. I don’t

trodding the boards by Patrick Shannon, III E-mail: nedcat@earthlink.net

NOCCA Stages: A Taste of Opera

ew things are more exciting to this critic than the sight and sound of young aspiring opera singers. Well, there was lots of excitement to enjoy during the recent production of the NOCCA Vocal Department under the direction of Ms. Phyllis Treigle. Under the careful and cautious care and direction of Ms. Treigle, NOCCA students, all under 20 years old, were able to admirably sing great arias in eleven scenes from various operas, each requiring a certain understanding and technique and style. Most memorable was the stage presence and vocalizing of Ashley Milanese and Mark Thomas in the charming duet from Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Act No. 3 Cavatina and No. 4. Recitative and Duet. If Ms. Milanese continues to study her art, I expect with her gifted voice she will become a professional in the near future. When she sings at the Met or in the great European operas, I can say I saw here when she was just a very young and beautiful adult singing at NOCCA with much style and panache. Mr. Thomas also shows promise. Les Contes d’Hoffman Act 14 Entr’acte and Barcarolle by Offenbach opened the programs with the lovely voices of Britanny McCain as Niclausse, and Bria Joshua as Guiletta with a fine back up

chorus of the other students. Humperdinck’s Act 1, Scene 1, from Hansel und Gretel was sung with great charm and promising ability by Joel Dyson as Gretel and Emma Caffrey as Hansel. We also heard arias from Arthur Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance sung by Jordyn Keller, Gregory Rittiner, Jennifer Rittenhouse, Rebeckah Kirk, Elizabeth Nuss, Marissa Clanton, Coty Hunter, Brianna Jeansonne, Bria Joshua, and Tyler Lange. Another favorite of mine was a very spooky scene from Menotti’s The Medium, sung by Brooke Hagler as Monica, Emma Caffrey as Baba the Medium, Gregory Rittiner as the voiceless Toby with Cathy New as the offstage voice of the very scary spirit. The beautiful and stunning duet from Delibes Lakme from Act 1, Viens, Malika was profoundly well done by Ashley Milanese as Lakme and Jordyn Keller as Malika. Beautiful costumes were created for these young performers by Julie Winn. I was especially delighted at the absolutely gorgeous gold lame’ costume worn in the last scene of the program done by Joel Dyson as Cleopatra and Ajani Gibson as Guilio Cesare from Handel’s Guilio Cesare, Act 3, Scene 4, - duet and finale.. Ms. Dyson shows great great promise as an opera singer and how beautiful she was in that gold gown. I can just see her

know how many of you are acquainted with or know of the works of George Dureau, but this is one artist that you need to know. Whether you own any of his works or not is definitely a choice. Some people are turned off by his unique creations, but anyone appreciating great art will know that what Robert has acquired over the years is an amazing collection of the artist’s finest works. The Carolinas seem like two lifetimes ago according to Robert. He actually retired from the computer and financial services industry and lived in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina for a time. He loved Louisiana, and New Orleans in particular, from the time he came to his first Mardi Gras in 1986 – for its culture, its history, the people, but mostly the architecture. It was at this time that he decided to move to New Francisco Orleans and renovate old houses, which he can claim as his greatest pleasure. He actually planned to be a part-time resident but couldn’t resist making this area his permanent home. This is as it should be. Where else in the world would he have met the love of his life? He has in Brandon the most perfect, honest, genuinely kind and caring human [continued on 30]

as Aida in a future production. The musical accompanists for the production were Anne Copeland, and Gloria Cuadrado. Fitting and beautiful projections established appropriated moods for each scene. I hope to hear more from each of the talents singers and soon. Lack of space prevents me from a mention of all who sang so well.

...And the Ball and All

know most of you have already probably seen Ricky Graham’s topical and wonderful little comedy of Mardi Gras female Yats set in our town and so have I, once, when it played at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre. But I think it’s such a brilliantly written piece of local “only in New Orleans” genre writing that I wanted to see how it would hold up in another venue. Not only did it “hold up” during its most recent revival at Le Chat Noir, but the full house audience, obviously mostly natives, laughed at every line and every local reference to establishments we never thought would disappear, like the K&B drug stores, Maison Blanche Department Store, McKenzie’s Bakeries, and others all gone with the wind to quote a familiar cliche. Mr. Graham’s genius flowers in ...And the Ball and All with such force and magnitude that it has become a local classic among any comedy of manners ever written about the unique culture of New Orleans, especially the “Yat” element. The plot is simply about six women who try to hold their annual meeting to decide upon the theme of the annual ball and parade put on by their all women’s group, the Krewe of Terpsichore, circa 1995. It’s a thin plot but the six female characters are so delineated, along with one Latin American gay designer, that no native will ever

obituary

Glenn Timpe Sept. 2, 1945-March 5, 2009

lenn passed away peacefully in the arms of his partner of almost 6 years, Jack Saucier. Glenn and Jack were married on May 31, 2003, in a ceremony here in New Orleans. Glenn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late September and given six months to live. He is survived by his mother, Violet Hall from Pasadena, California and six brothers and sisters. Glenn was office manager for Ives Office Supplies for 33 years. A Gift of Love from Glenn to his Family and Friends is scheduled for Sunday, April 5 from 6-9pm at JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Glenn's name may be made to either Buzzy's Boys & Girls (William Fanning Foundation), 2301 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70117 or Belle Reve, 3027 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70117.

see this show and not recognize and identify with each one. It’s a joy to see how this play works with an audience usually driven to hysterical laughter by every line. It’s a joy to see how Mr. Graham has captured the very essence of a type of blue collar culture centered on Mardi Gras that may very well be passing away. How much longer will we have our Yats; and our Yat accents and their pop culture references? And how much longer will we have actors who can capture the soul of this ethnic group so well? It seems mah dawlin’s that a lot of dem kids are growin’ up and gern ta sum college and leaving and losing dere roots in St. Bernard, Gretna, and utha parishes. But we still have among us our local living “Yat Presence” in the inimitable Becky Allen who has done this character so much that when we think of a Yat, we think of Becky Allen, who plays the “leader” of this Mardi Gras Krewe, Frances Trepagnier, with absolute certitude and believability and perfect comedic timing. We have Amanda Hebert, who plays Verna LeBlanc, (the only one in the group with money) so [continued on 34]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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red stick paparazzi

Devlin at Splash

Jonathan & Dakota

Chad, Jerry & Tony

Andy, a standout in blue

That lawyer stud with friends

Luther & Jeremy at George’s Joy at Hound Dogs

Chica LaRouge performing

Houston’s Jayme & Ole Miss stud Kearney

Bar barons James, Kyle & Richard Richard & Little Corey

Handsome Hanley is 25 again

Damon & that gorgeous Lance Chansley & Todd Gorgeous Stephen texting

Michael mixes a nice one

Having a great time at George’s

B15-Handsome stud & his entourage

Charming Jason & his sexy friend

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Mixing, Texting, Performing ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Splash DJ Karen

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

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Shreveport, LA [318] CENTRAL STATION, 1025 Marshall St., 222.2216 KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

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New Orleans, LA [504] MASCULINE TOP STUD FOR AWESOME BODY RUBS & MORE 6'0, 178#, w/magic hands & hard gun. 6am-mid. Fantastic 4 hand session avail. In/Out/Hotels. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is609]

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bookstores Baton Rouge, LA [225]

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos New Orleans, LA [504] ORLEANS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP, 13000 I-10 Service Rd., Sales Mgr. Bob Miller, 207.3000

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com VISION'S TWIST, 266 Dauphin St., 431.9002, visions-mobile.com Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 706 E. Gregory St., 433.8482 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

947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM 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 RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431, myspace.com/RubyfruitJungleNOLA SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860

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 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM ALL WAYS LOUNGE, 2240 St. Claude, 947.0505 BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave.,

CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494

New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107 Chartres St., 586.8006 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S OF KENNER, 96 West 26th St., 466.1870 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELLADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616

cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78

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 [is409]

circuit/events Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush & Queen Fashions, GayEasterParade.COM May 22-25, 2009, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 4-7, 2009, One Mighty Weekend, Gay Day Weekend at Disney sponsored by Ambush, OneMightyWeekend.COM Sept. 2-7, 2008, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 12-16, 2010, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM

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

Scott

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

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

gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555

laundries New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274 WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is409]

lodging/accommodations 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. CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly renovated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking. Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon! MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/ cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking.

BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

massage New Orleans, LA [504] 4 HAND MASSAGE, Butch/Kevin, Nat’l Board Certified, 908.2069, License #LA3355, #LA 4230 [is409] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1509]

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] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 24/7. Body rubs and 21 y.o. model avail. Pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, 504.756.9443 [is609]

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 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

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

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.

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, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 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 OFAPOLLO / 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] AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 828.3399 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, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org 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 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 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, 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 KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.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 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

pets CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] AVALON PLUMBING, residential & commercial repair & remodeling, call Michael 237.0888

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

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GREEN FIELDS REAL ESTATE, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, 598.1700 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Cathy Espenan, Cell: 344.2116, Office: 861.7575

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 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 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, 899.2911, MagazinePerks.COM Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, 948.7401, MarignyPerks.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746

Orleans Grapevine, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 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 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com ESTATE TREASURES CONSIGNMENT SHOP, 2014 Magazine, 679.6600 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 QUEEN FASHIONS.COM, queenfashions.com, exoticfashionmall.com 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 TOP DRAWER ANTIQUES, 4310/18 Magazine St., TopDrawerAntiques.NET

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

hot tails of red stick ...from 22 being he has ever met. They are one of the most dynamic and wonderful couples that I can count in my circle of friends. Brandon was a friend of a friend who came down to New Orleans to visit one of Robert’s house guests in the French Quarter. Robert readily admits that he couldn’t take his

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eyes off that wonderful smile, and I have to agree that this is an outstanding asset that Brandon possesses. In fact, this connection is still ongoing in such a beautiful way. Brandon just happens to be the only person that Robert ever considered marrying, and that is exactly what they did last year in California. Obviously, Brandon’s love of Baton Rouge became Robert’s love of the capital city, and now they are neighbors and really great ones too. Robert’s taste in artwork is not always appreciated, but I find it rather unique. He has always loved artwork of all kinds and has felt more comfortable having it around him at home mostly in what he says is his style and not some generic decorative setting that might hold very little meaning for him. He also likes art that is useful too – like lamps, pottery, containers, and textiles. He tries to use even more original works for practical purposes as the objects that he appreciates having on his walls. One of these is in itself very unique. It’s just pieces of old boards lovingly put together to form a hanging piece of art – a memory of the damage that came from the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina. Also new to the neighborhood along with Robert and Brandon is a beautiful cat named Jack, who appeared after the storm, adopted Robert, and now has adopted the neighborhood. I often refer to him as Hurricane Jack or Katrina Jack, and he greets me morning and evening looking for more handouts of food when I walk out my back gate. Like Robert and his Brandon, he fits right into the neighborhood of helpers helping others. Animals have a great environment in our neighborhood too, and Jack has a nice housemate in Miss Lucy. Robert says he snores like a freight train and has gray hair too, but I rather like to think of him running around the house naked – or at least that is what Brandon says. Freedom of expression is okay with me as many know who have visited my tropical garden. I just think how lucky I am to have such nice neighbors and now really great friends. I think I have delivered Robert to you in a nutshell. This Carolina stud fits right in and has brought a new sense of style and class to an old Baton Rouge neighborhood. It’s been a long way from North and South Carolina to Baton Rouge, with that stop in New Orleans along the way. I’m sure Katrina had something to do with his choice of moving to the capital city along with Brandon’s love of the city. However, when you live with a beautiful stud like Brandon, you have to believe that the move to old Red Stick might have been his idea. Whatever is the case, the Spanish Town neighborhood is truly blessed with Robert’s presence.

Neighborhood Entrepreneurs

he French Quarter of New Orleans is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world, and it is the home of one of the most important homoerotic artist/photographers in the country. I speak of none other than George Dureau. I can’t say I’m a personal fan of his work, but I do recognize its importance in capturing segments of life that would normally go unnoticed. I thought I would tell you a little about George because of his works I’ve seen, the books I’ve added to my collection, and just a little more

knowledge of the man who I know only briefly from parties and other occasions in New Orleans. I suppose I wouldn’t know as much about him now if it weren’t for my acquaintance and work with one of the Crescent City’s most underrated authors, the late and great Lorena Dureau, George’s cousin, I believe. I think the works of George Dureau are unique because they are so different. Like Robert Mapplethorpe, he has carved his own niche in the local scene and captured fans through his unique look at seemingly unimportant aspects of life in general. Dureau’s charcoal drawings and blackand-white photographs are significant contributions to homoerotic art. While they celebrate some of the obvious delights of the male body with an alarming frankness, they are also able to discover a beauty and a kind of dignity from unexpected places. His subjects are definitely different from the norm, namely young street people, dwarfs, amputees, poor white and African-American hustlers, and athletes. Dureau was born in New Orleans and with the exception of brief hiatuses has lived here most of his life. He has had his works on display in galleries and museums in Paris, London, Houston, Los Angeles, Portland, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and, of course, in the Crescent City. Another outstanding New Orleans entrepreneur and Tennessee Williams expert, author Kenneth Holditch, stated at one time that Dureau’s art is “entwined with that mixture of contradictory elements that constitutes the carnal atmosphere of his native city.” This is definitely true when you observe both the joy and pain or the beautiful and ugly in his works. Dureau attended Louisiana State University, where he received a B.A. in fine arts in 1952. After service in the Army, he even attended Tulane briefly where he studied architecture. He took on various jobs until he was able to support himself on his art. He can claim a variety of creations ranging from major sculptural pieces to elegant posters for the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Also on his resume of original pieces are still life and landscape creations. However, it is the human figure that has become his persistent subject and probably his most important and enduring works. You either like the works of George Dureau or you don’t like his works. Either way, one cannot look upon his body of work without recognizing a talent that will withstand the sands of time. This is one of our neighborhood friends, and whether you are in New Orleans, or Baton Rouge, or some other city, there is someone there with a collection of his works, and they are all displayed with pride and extreme pleasure. These people realize that they are the collectors of treasures above and beyond what you might find in both the acceptable or non-acceptable range. They are George Dureau, and they are fine masterpieces. I only wish I had one piece for my own collection.

Neighborhood Studs

hat would any neighborhood be without its magnificent studs? I had the pleasure of viewing one last week in all his glory. I had just finished a conversation with the gorgeous Walker, who accepted my apology, by the way, and I was half way down the street when I turned around and saw him changing his shirt in a neighbor’s front garden. My mouth must have stayed open for quite some time. Here I was witnessing perfection in the male form. My goodness! My adrenaline is flowing just thinking of this beautiful sight. This is one magnificent body I would like to photograph – with or without clothes. He is stunning in all his male beauty. Now this morning, it happened again. I’m out walking my dog and this studly neighbor – well, it was workout enthusiast David – strolling around his front porch with very little on. That view of his chest made me realize how much this one has been working to keep his body in topnotch shape. I’m used to seeing him stroll around in his International Male black shorts that are cut high exposing a lot of his muscular thighs – a lot I might stress. However, I think this is the first time I noticed him without anything on top. It was such a thrill to see this fine example of manhood on display for all to see. David is one of those outstanding neighbors who always lend a helping hand when needed. I can recall when he used to trim my neighbor’s yard, which everyone really appreciated considering its sad state of upkeep. It is a kind deed like this that one remembers always. Now I can [continued on 31]

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

hot tails of red stick ...from 30 add a sexy chest to that memory. Another neighborhood stud that I don’t see out too often (unless I run into him at Splash) is the dynamic Dan. He lives over on Spanish Town Road and is definitely someone who is pleasing to the eye. As long as I’ve known him, he still remains a little bit of a mystery, but then a man who shares all in the beginning can lose out in the end. This is a good asset for Dan. I’ve always loved a mystery, and the mystery of what makes one tick is a definite turn-on factor. This cutie is definitely one worth watching, and he can visit my little complex any time he likes. I welcome all mysteries of life, and Dan is one of the most outstanding of them all. Richard and Guy make the neighborhood over in the Southdowns area a better place to live. Their home is gorgeous, but it is the landscaping that grabs my attention. Guy is a plant lover like me, and we have often traded out – with plants, sweeties. What did you think I meant? In fact, it’s been a while since Guy has visited my garden, and I think he will be surprised when he visits me again. In fact, as I recall, the last time they were here was when he asked me to help write the history of George’s for their website. In fact, I still have Richard’s cap he left on my couch which I keep forgetting to return to him. That was such an enjoyable visit. We need to do it again, and with the nice weather and spring coming on, wine in my tropical garden setting is just what is needed. I’ll have to give them a personal invite. James and Kyle are also restoration experts and plant lovers too. When they

lived across from the Pastime Lounge, they had some beautiful hibiscus plants in their front garden. These plants survived several winters only to meet destruction after the boys bought another house over across from the police complex. The home owner had no idea of the treasures he had in the front garden and along the street. I need to get by and see what they have done in their new location, but knowing how they work, I can vouch for excellence without even viewing it firsthand. Neighbor and chef Barry has new quarters after fire damaged his previous apartment. I haven’t asked him about all the things that were thrown out on the street, but I assume that the owner stripped the place, with or without notice to Barry. It took a while for Barry to find another place – which he has on the corner of 8th and Spanish Town Road, but seeing those books and personal things lying on the street curb was not a pleasant sight. At any rate, moving to another place with a more agreeable and respectable landlord is a decision that definitely works in Barry’s favor. I’m just glad he didn’t move out of the neighborhood. That would have been a loss. I would never want to lose Barry and consider him to be a friend indeed. From doctors to lawyers, chefs to interior design experts, sports personnel to bartenders, government workers to retired writers, museum employees to laborers, artists to students – this is our neighborhood. It is nice to have such connections and to have friends who love and seek to improve on everything that a neighborhood is all about. We know what we have, and we love our unique space on this planet. We are very fortunate indeed.

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

acadiana

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Britney getting wild at Back Side

Monty bartending at Sound Factory

Jeremy & Troy at Sound Factory

Mitch having a drink at Sound Factory

Steven & Jon relaxing at Sound Factory

Lisa getting her nicotine fix at Back Side

Erin working the bar at Sound Factory

John & Micah outside Sound Factory John out & about at Sound Factory Travis relaxing at Sound Factory Brian partying at Sound Factory

Alex trying to look suave at Back Side

Jaseon posing for the camera at Back Side Kevin getting tipsy at Sound Factory Christian stopping by Back Side

Eddie always smiling at Sound Factory

Matt partying at Sound Factory

Derek at Back Side

Macky showing his ass at Back Side

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Bartending, Partying, Smiling ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Patrick Clinton

Daric at Sound Factory

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

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s many of you have noticed, the Sound Factory was closed for a few days since Mardi Gras. What you may not have known is John and Mark, and the rest of the crew at Acadiana’s number one gay establishment, were working non-stop behind those closed doors to transform the dance club. And if you haven’t been by yet to see the results of its incredible face lift, then you are missing a truly impressive sight. The sleek new look is just classy enough to have a novel feel, yet it retains enough of its past charm to keep a sense of continuity. It is definitely a nice touch and really reflects the pride that is such a large part of the Lafayette gay community. To kick off their new look, this past weekend, the Sound Factory hosted a special Friday the 13th show to top all shows featuring the talents of the unforgettable Kofi and the ever-fabulous Stephanie Stevens, and it was definitely a night to remember. If you missed the fabulous Grand Re-Opening Celebration, make sure you stop by and check out the new look. I promise, it’s well worth your time. Besides hosting the best shows and entertainment in Acadiana, don’t forget the Sound Factory and Back Side have a weekly lineup that makes every night seem like a special celebration. With their daily

Happy Hour specials, they always make sure that every night of the week is its own special party. And since they are open seven days a week, they always have something incredible planned. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink after work or a wild night on the town, their separate weekly lineups make even the most uneventful night fresh and new. From Show Night every Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday to their unforgettable dance parties every Friday and Saturday, when you plan a night out at Sound Factory and Back Side, you know it’s going to be an adventure. And with ever changing drink specials, you’re sure to get a great deal. What more can you ask for? It’s two bars in one, and it won’t break you’re pocket book. Lent is slowly winding down and Spring Break is right around the corner, which means a whole new batch of celebrations. And of course, shortly thereafter, the summer break will be beginning. The next few months should be exciting here in Acadiana, and Sound Factory’s new look just add to the positive aura. As the weather heats up so will the nightlife in downtown Acadiana.

trodding the boards ...from 22

flounced around the stage, often pulling out remnants of shiny cloth from his large murse (man purse), no doubt bought at a remnant sale from Krauss. The costumes for this play were among the most tacky ever put together by Cecile Casey Covert, I think intentionally but one critic described then as “a nightmare.” Perhaps he missed the point. Mardi Gras is the definition of tacky I’ve always believed. Su Gonczy’s lighting was without fault, as usual, and those wigs by Amanda Hebert were to die for or in, adding just the right touch or heady zaniness to the show, all of which was directed with great understanding and panache by the author, the awesome Mr. Ricky Graham. Go see it when they do it again, and they will, somewhere nearby...

so perfectly that she easily falls into the category of that perfect rep of high quality acting, Becky Allen. Ms. Hebert brings to mind my cousin Judy Jesus, the only rich person in my immediate family. (She got the name after she found Jesus and she began doing “good work” under her total control and wearing a lot of day time diamonds and summer furs, just like the character Verna Leblanc.) Tracy Collins in the role of Lena Catalanatto is an on stage laugh machine of a type we all see and know mostly from places on the Westbank, and Rebecca Taliancich is so believable as the ever-in-pain Aggie Arceneaux, that she could have been my Tante’ Leblanc who was always asking Jesus to give her strength to bear her suffering for him, one mo day, chere, mais oui, jist one mo day. Mandy Zirkenbach plays the down to earth, feisty Anna Mae Bergeron with perfection. She reminds me of my cousin Lorraine, the family lesbian who tried to teach me how to play baseball when I was a little sissy growing up in Gretna. Not that Mandy plays a lesbian in this play but she gives off that strong, devil may care, kiss my ass attitude that Cousin Lorraine possessed. (She gave up on the baseball lessons suggesting that I try acting.) Gogo Borgerding, played Teri Ann Vicknair with flair and flounce and a pert gogo (what we called our butt in my family) that no one could ever contradict. A delightful character was created Ms. Gogo. Patrick Mendelson played the high queen Latin American designer of the ball gowns and fru-fru with a lot of fru-fru and fun as he

Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you around town.

Wild Mushrooms

ild Mushrooms, a new comedy by Annie Pie is having its regional premiere on the stage of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in Westwego. It’s an audience pleaser from beginning to end as shown by the reaction of the packed house when I attended. Every line is a laugh starter, and they ate it up so to speak. The plot concerns an Italian American family that, due to the romantic involvement of one of the fathers’ dim witted daughters ends up inviting a Mafia Don for dinner; and the fun and laugher never stops. The script is somewhat in the style of a sit-com but a good sit-com as comparted [continued on 39]

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Miss Cie, Your Tour Guide to Mobile, Alabama

by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

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Jeff, Ted & Catt cocktailin’ at the Phoenix

Darwin, Opal & Patti gettin’ breakfast at Clover Grill It’s Friday at The Friendly Bar with Sylvia & Pat

The “Bearded One” & the “Redneck” slingin’ cocktails at Good Friends Bar

Red & Deja celebratin’ at the Phoenix

King & Queen Amon Ra XLIV Nick Olivares & Rhonda Roget reigned over the krewe’s rush party at JohnPaul’s bringing in 11 new members

Dancer Cody on the Bar at the Corner Pocket

Wayne slingin’ cocktails at the Phoenix

Dancer Dustin & NOLA native Charles, together at The Corner Pocket

David & Mitchell welcome you to Rawhide

Mr. LSGRA Denny Summors & Russell pop in for Meat Night at Rawhide

Bartender Frankie & manager Sammy behind the bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile You can catch bartender Brian W. at the Phoenix Debra holding down the fort at Lafitte’s with Mary

Toby pops into the Phoenix

Cafe Lafitte in Exile’s Tony, Marvin & Andrew

Bartender Paul & Bar Baron Matt hail from Gay Easter Parade Bronze Sponsor, 700 Club

Koo, Don, Rusty & Joseph pop in for cocktails at The Friendly Bar

Queenie popping out of her tube at home on Bourbon St.

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

The Club Scene ~ New Orleans

Chris & Randy welcome you to Gay Easter Parade Platinum Sponsor, the Phoenix

foley, al

Grand Opening of Club Evolution ~ Foley, Alabama

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GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

chop chop

Monday Movie Night Brings Drive-In Eats to Cafe Lafitte in Exile Courtesy of Clover Grill

Concession Attendant Vic

White Castle Cheeseburger (2)

very Monday night at 8pm, you can experience the nostalgic return to the local drive -in theatre many of us experienced as kids. It's none other that Cafe Lafitte's Drive-In Theater, 901 Bourbon, boasting great concessions, great movies and great fun. And to top it off March is Bette Midler month where you can catch Hocus Pokus on March 23 and Ruthless People on March 30. Outside on the balcony and below, Lafitte's is transformed into a drive-in theater with the movie playing on the side of the Clover Grill, as well as on all of the monitors inside the club. The menu offers something for everyone including White Castle Cheeseburger (2.50), hot dog (1.75), pop corn (1.00), nachos (2.75), fries (2.29), tator tots (2.50), big fat spicy pickle (1.50); plus milk duds, hot tamales, whoppers, goobers and raisonettes all for (2.00) each. You couldn't get this in any theater today. It's a whole lot of fun with your favorite bartenders and concession attendants. 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.

LSGRA Board of Directors joins newly crowned royalty, Denny & Elizabeth Golden Age Revue’s ZsaZsa d’LaHor hits the stage

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Queen Amon Ra XLIII Opal Masters kicks off the coronation show

New Mr. LSGRA Denny Summors sings live

Rikki Redd joins the show

Easter Grand Marshal X Marcy Marcell of Golden Age Revue fame

New Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier of FourPlay fame entertains Pop Corn

Has Been Mr. & Miss LSGRA Rip & Marsha flank new Mr. & Miss LSGRA Denny & Elizabeth

Big Fat Spicy Pickle

Nachos

Hot Dog

To Do Productions’ Donnie Jay performs

Magnolia Beacon plays on live after the coronation

Mr. & Miss LSGRA 2009 Denny Summors & Elizabeth Bouvier Coronation Raises $227 at All Ways Lounge ~ New Orleans

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

trodding the boards ...from 34 to most of what is on the tube today. Ms. Pie has a fine sense of plot and comedic situations and has created a well crafted and splendid script. And of course such a warm and delightful family type script needs convincing performers with which we the audience can identify and what a fine cast of actors we have in this production. With perfect timing and total believability, Dane Rhodes plays the ever confused widower and father (Benny Scrivente) to his nest of two adult daughters and one preadolescent son. Living in the house if his sister, a hoot of a character who adds quite a touch of “spice” to the main event, the dinner party. There is not a weak character in this high quality production and each actor has such fine comedic timing that you will become mesmerized by the superb performances seen on stage and all from our local community of actors. I’ve already commented on Dane Rhodes brilliant performance as the father, Benny Scrivente. Janet Shea plays Aunt Rose, his live-in sister and dotty aunt to the kids. The character has a psychic

ability; and she does the role with psychic perfection, as Aunt Rose hears the phone and the doorbell ring before they do; and receiving other prescient news from her psychic guide, news which always influences the family for better or worse, but mostly better. Dominic Lloyd plays the pre-adolescent son, Joey. Mr. Lloyd has proven to be one of our mostly talented and dependable child actors and he does not disappoint in this role but he must project more in this venue. Many of his best lines are lost in space.

The gorgeous and very talented Lynn M. Lawrence plays the dim witted, but charming sex kitten daughter, Dodie Scrivente and she plays it with top notch ability. It is she who meets up with a Mafia guard and brings all the problems to the family and she does it with a vibrant stage presence. Angie Joachim plays her sex hungry older sister, Regina Scrivente, with charm and a lot of sex appeal even in the presence of that Goddess of Sexual beauty, coactress, Lynne M. Lawrence. Her interpretation of her role as the love hungry Cougar

type, Regina, is earthy and funny without ever becoming offensive. Jason Kirkpatrick, a big handsome hunk of an actor plays the role of Eviel Kharran with such fine tuning and charm we can’t help but love the big galoot. Lenny D. Minutillo, Jr., plays a Mafia guy, Mario, with such a sly tongue in cheek delivery that it works as well and thoroughly as Earl J. Schineauz, Jr., as Angelo Pecorino, as the Mafia man who wants to become the Don and take over the gang. Joe Bonelli does a fine job as The Don, himself, who gets into the wild mushrooms Aunt Rose fixes for the dinner party so much that he begins to think Lynne Lawrence is Marilyn Monroe, but that could easily be done over one glass of wine. But let me not spoil the show for all of you who should and must go and enjoy it. It’s another class act among the many that JPAS has given the community. A wonderful and usable set is created on stage by Elizabeth Broomalll, with fine lighting by Ryan Hauenstein, sound design by Kristen Carrier, and costumes by Laura E. Jordan. The faultless and exquisitely balanced direction was by T. J. Castronovo.

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • March 17-30, 2009 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM