Ambush magazine volume 27 issue 10 by Ambush Publishing

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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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

Saints and Sinners Gather for Literary Revelry in NOLA

We’re looking forward to seeing you!" says TJ Rogers of the NO/ AIDS Task Force. "The seventh annual Saints and Sinners LGBT Literary Festival is right around the corner, and we can’t wait for you to join us in the French Quarter May 15-17. To purchase tickets go to www.sasfest.org. Be in touch! Drop in at the Saints and Sinners Open House and Reading/Reception. Drop by FAB: Faubourg Marigny Art and Books on Thursday, May 14. Open House: 12 noon—10pm. Reading/Reception: 5pm—6pm. Author Jim Duggins will read from his novel, Power: A Novel of Voodoo, and author Steve Scott from Café Respect and The Glad Hand Saloon. Additional authors may read throughout the day and evening. 600 Frenchmen Street at Chartres (8 blocks downriver from Jackson Square). Be festive! YOU’RE INVITED TO THE SASFEST WELCOME PARTY! On Friday, May 15, Saints and Sinners is hosting a special welcoming soiree and we want to see you there! With music, hors d’oeuvres, and libations as full-spirited as the conversations, you’ll love unwinding at the end of the week in this beautiful French Quarter courtyard. W-Hotel, 316 Chartres Street, 7 to 10pm. Included in your Weekend Pass. If you’d like a ticket to the party only, you may purchase it online or at the door. Tickets are $25. See you there! Be inspired! Come for the literary panels and master classes and the fellowship with other writers and publishing industry professionals. You’re sure to leave these programs filled with new ideas for your next story, fresh strategies for getting your book published, or novel approaches to fine-tuning your verse. Be entertained! Check out the premiere performance of Hand Over Fist by the winner of our playwriting contest, New Orleans’ own Michelle Embree. Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16 at 9pm. Following Hand Over Fist on Saturday, May 16, don’t miss the boy-lesque performance by the Rough Trade Revue. Included with tickets to the play. The Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street. $12 at the door. Be tantalized! Let Saints and Sinners titillate your after-hours literary sensibilities with “The Bold and The Beautiful.” Readings, burlesque and gender-bending fun with Bold Strokes Books authors and the Crescent City Kings drag troupe. Saturday 5/16, 7pm, upstairs at the Bourbon Pub/Parade. Suggested donation $5. Pitch Your Book! Just Announced: a Pitch Meeting with Bold Strokes Books! Bold Strokes Books is pleased to provide an opportunity at this year’s Festival for Saints and Sinners participants to pitch projects to BSB’s acquiring publishers and editors. Pitch Meetings will be conducted in a read/critique format from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, May 15 in the St. Mary’s Salon at the Bourbon Orleans. Ten minutes is allowed for each meeting, in which

the author will pitch his/her idea, reading a blurb and the first page of the story. The acquiring publisher and/or editor will then provide immediate impressions and any suggestions and indicate whether he or she would like to receive a copy of the manuscript for consideration. * Who Should Pitch: Authors not currently under contract who have a complete project ready for submission or a work in progress very soon to be available. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. To set up an appointment for May 15, e-mail publisher@boldstrokesbooks.com. * Participating Publisher and Editors include Len Barot, President, Bold Strokes Books; Greg Herren, Consulting Editor; Victoria Oldham, Editorial Assistant. * Accepting Pitches for: Liberty Editions-LGBT general fiction (including gay male erotica and mystery); Victory Editions-lesbian general fiction; BSB Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Crime genres; and BSB Soliloquy YA fiction. Be a part of the solution! Proceeds benefit the NO/AIDS Task Force and the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to nurturing the artistic growth of GLBT writers and strengthening the cultural economy of the great city of New Orleans. For tickets and full schedule, check out www.sasfest.org. You can also drop by the festival box office May 15 – 17 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel for tickets and info."

FAB Welcomes Saints & Sinners May 14-17

AB invites Saints and Sinners 2009 participants, neighbors and friends to an open house and two reading/signing events on Thursday, May 14 and Saturday, May 16. FAB: Faubourg Marigny Art & Books is located at 600 Frenchmen Street at Chartres, just 8 short blocks from Jackson Square. Store hours are from Noon till 10pm every day. This special Saints and Sinners open house starts on Thursday, May 14 and extends till Sunday, May 17. Author Jim Duggins hosts a reception and reading/ signing of his book The Power: A Novel of Voodoo from 5 till 6pm on Thursday, May 14 at FAB. Joining Jim will be Trebor Healey

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reading/signing his book Perfect Scar. The duo will bring some tales of Voodoo and Spirits to Frenchmen. Jim’s book is a historic fictional tale of Reyna Royale, escaped slave and protégé of New Orleans Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau. She flees to San Francisco with a meteoric rise to wealth and power and forms a relationship with a white Mining Stock Market broker, a closeted homosexual. They share his secret which they use in self defense. On Saturday, May 16 from 7 till 8pm at FAB, come experience MOJO WORD GUMBO – Queer Poets and Prose-ets Performing. The most ecstatically inspired saints and lowliest sinners share their best stuff at funky not-to-be missed FAB – queer gathering spot, museum, gallery and bookstore. Featured readers include Lethe Press’ Steve Berman and Rebel Satori authors Sven Davisson, Peter Dube and Trebor Healey, along with poets Kyle Conner, Steven Reigns and Thomas Kieth. Celebrate Saints and Sinners 2009 with a walk on 500 and 600 Frenchmen Street – the Faubourg Marigny “in” spot where locals dine, drink and enjoy great music from the jazz and blues clubs, restaurants and bars combined with a late night visit to FAB.

Memorial Day Weekend Big in the Gulf South

his Memorial Day Weekend edition of Ambush Mag brings you to destinations across the Gulf South. You'll find loads of events right here in New Orleans with happenings in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Mobile and Pensacola. Whatever you do, don't be left out. Join in the fun! As you peruse over the ads, you are sure to find it all. There are special and regular events, circuit great DJs, performers, strippers, contests, specials, dining, shopping, spas, hair salons, and even more. It is the weekend to kick-off summer. Please remember to support your local businesses.

Rupaul’s "Real Fruit" Tour Comes to Oz May 24

uPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour/Absolut “Real Fruit” Tour DJ Mark Picchiotti and America’s Next Drag Superstar, Bebe Zahara Benet have hit the road. He’s pumped out dance remixes for every diva on the pop charts, now international DJ Mark Picchiotti’s is mixing live for the diva of them all, America’s Next Drag Superstar, Bebe Zahara Benet!

Gay Day Edition due out Tuesday, May 26 DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 19

everybody's a critic sappho psalm in the spotlight/donnie jay e-mail/letters celebrazzi: celebrations/paparazzi snap paparazzi/donnie jay snap paparazzi/donnie jay memorial wknd/pensacola big easy paparazzi/new orleans the pink pastor saints & sinners literary fest

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classifieds hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge allons acadiana/lafayette trodding the boards acadiana paparazzi/lafayette mobile paparazzi ambush paparazzi/metairie-nola one mighty wknd/ chop chop ambush paparazzi/new orleans pensacola pride

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While Bebe Zahara Benet is getting adjusted to her new title as American’s Next Drag Superstar, Chicago’s premier DJ, Mark Picchiotti (pronounced “Pick-eeah-tee”) is pulling records for his divalicious gig as the official DJ of RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour (also known as The Absolut “Real Fruit” Tour). RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour/ Absolut “Real Fruit” Tour DJ Mark Picchiotti and America’s Next Drag Superstar, Bebe Zahara Benet at Roscoe’s (Chicago), The Patio (San Francisco, w/Tammie Brown) and together. The tour has already drawn capacity crowds in New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Now, due to popular demand, five more cities have been added to the tour. Throughout the Spring lucky RuPaul’s Drag Race fans in Dallas, Austin, Houston, New Orleans and [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 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 Chris Perkins-Lafayette, LA Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Gary Glitter-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieann & John, DJ Chromatic, David Long, Craig Powell, Leon WeekleyMobile, 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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9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. the "official" dish ...from 4 New Jersey will get to see Mark and Bebe live, but those not fortunate enough to live in tour cities can still put some bass in their walk. With a quick sashay over to www.markpicchiotti.com, fans can snatch DJ Mark Picchiotti’s Megamix. It’s free, it’s fierce (includes his remixes of songs by Solange, Kylie, Beyonce and Basstoy) and downloads with a single click. Work! The remainder of RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour (also known as The Absolut “Real Fruit” Tour) includes: May 21 in Dallas, May 22 in Austin at Oilcan Harry’s, May 23 in Houston at South Beach Night Club, May 24 in New Orleans at Oz and June 5 in New jersey.

Clover Grill Presents 10th Annual MASCARa benefiting the NOCCA Institute Memorial Day May 25

ASCARa 2009 will be presented by Clover Grill on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, beginning at 2pm in New Orleans at 900 Bourbon Street. The 10th annual event again benefits the NOCCA Institute, which is the non-profit organization which supports NOCCA Riverfront. Over the past nine years, MASCARa has raised over $52,000 for charity. Each contestant in the race is given sponsorship forms and they solicit persons to sponsor them for a given amount of money to be determined by that sponsor. The sponsorship money is to be

turned in before the start of the race, when the contestants pick up their tee shirts at Clover Grill. Each participating bar will sponsor a contestant. It will also be open to the general public. Contestants will be provided a tee shirt and should wear a pair of jogging shorts. These will be considered as your under garments. Each contestant will provide a pit crew that will assist them in their transformation at each stop. Each crew will consist of at least two people, one to assist at the present stop and the other to proceed to the next stop. Failure to fully complete any lap’s conditions will result in disqualification. Each contestant and their crew will be re-

quired to sign a release from liability form. Those wishing to participate will be required to arrive at Clover Grill no later than 1:30pm the day of the event with their crew to complete registration forms. Lap 1: Race begins at Clover Grill precisely at 2pm (no, not drag time). Here the racers will fuel up with an order of chili cheese fries. The chili cheese fries must be swallowed before continuing. There will be no substitutions. This food lap is not for the faint of heart, nor vegetarians. Lap 2: The contestants will then race across Bourbon Street to Café Lafitte. Here they will put on panty hose supplied by Queen Fashions in the traditional manner, on their legs. They will also put on their high

heels which must have a minimum three inch heel. Someone will be there with a ruler to measure the heels. They will rev up their engines with a shot of Peppermint Schnapps. This is a 1 3/4 ounce shot served in a plastic cup. Lap 3: The contestants will run down Dumaine Street, turn left on Burgundy Street and proceed to Rawhide. Here they will put on jewelry consisting of earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and two rings. After this heated third lap they will cool their fueling system with a cold 7 ounce Bud Light. Lap 4: The contestants will then run up St. Ann Street to Good Friends Bar. Here they will put on make-up. Make-up is to include foundation, lips, eyes (must include false eye lashes provided by Queen Fashions), and painted finger nails provided by Southern Eagle. They will shift gears with a Frozen Separator after all make-up is applied. After their Separator

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the "official" dish ...from 6

is consumed they will retouch their makeup. Standard press on nails may be used as well as the contestants own nails. Lap 5: The racers will then run up St. Ann Street to the Bourbon Pub where they will put on tits and a bra, grab a hat and a purse and then respark their plugs with a 2 ounce Mind Eraser. The hat will be worn for the final lap, after the wig has been put on. Lap 6: The contestants will then charge across Bourbon Street to Oz, put on a floor length evening gown. They will have their final refueling with a six ounce daiquiri. Lap 7: The contestants will then race down Bourbon Street to Clover Grill, entering in the Dumaine Street entrance. Here they will don their wig and hat. They will then exit out the Bourbon Street entrance. The first contestant out will take their place on the sidewalk where they will be inspected by the judges to see that they have complied with all the requirements of each lap. The first person with all the accompaniments will be declared the winner of Fastest Time. There will be three categories judged: Fastest Time, Best Drag and Most Money Collected. Trophies will be awarded in each category. Points will be awarded based on performance in each category, the person who receives the most points will be crowned Miss Mascara 2009. All awards will be presented at Rawhide2010, 740 Burgundy Street at 5pm, following the race.

3rd Annual Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus June 13

roject Lazarus in New Orleans announces Saturday, June 13, as the date of the 2009 Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus fund-raiser, and are inviting you to support the Lazarus Mission by hosting a party of your own. What is Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus? ~Parties are hosted by supporters of Lazarus in a location of their choosing. ~The theme is up to the host, previous parties have run the gamut from formal dinners to pool side soirees. ~Hosts request a donation from their guests for Project Lazarus. ~As the parties end at 9:30, everyone gathers at the Dessert and Champagne After Party, where hosts, guests, and volunteers meet to celebrate the success of the evening This year marks the third event, and in the past two years Bon Appétit has contributed over $44,000 to the care and treatment of Lazarus residents. The goal for 2009 is 20 parties in support of the men and women who reside at Lazarus. Lazarus is requesting that you as an advocate of Lazarus, sponsor a party for your friends, family or co-workers. Please contact Jezelle Hebert at 504.949.3609 ext. 505, jhebert@projectlazarus.net, or Sarah Wick at 504.949.3609 ext. 507, swick@projectlazarus.net, for additional information and to schedule your event. On behalf of the residents, Board of Directors, staff and event Co-Chairs, Warren Backer Jr., Dr. Mark Carbon, Wayne Christenberry, and Dr. Troy Scroggins, Jr. thank you for your ongoing support, and we are all looking forward to working with you to make this year’s Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus, the most successful

Bon Appétit event yet.

Guerrilla Gay Pride - New Orleans June 27

CC (The Community Coalition), Forum For Equality, NO/AIDS Task Force and FAUBOURG MARIGNY ART & BOOKS (FAB) are organizing a LGBTQ community event on Saturday, June 27 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Using NO/AIDS CAN office at 507 Frenchmen, the Lesbian and Gay Community Center at 2114 Decatur Street and FAB Books at 600 Frenchmen in New Orleans as anchors, the event is open to participation by any interested organization or business. TCC and the participating locations will provide space, including sidewalk tables if the weather permits, to showcase your group or business. This is National HIV Testing Day, so CAN (Community Awareness Network) will be having special testing hours. The next planning meeting will be Wednesday, May 20, with meet, greet and

network from 5:30 - 6pm and the meeting will start at 6. The location is the Lesbian and Gay Community Center at 2114 Decatur. If you can’t make the meeting and want to know more, please e-mail Jean Redmann at jeanr@noaidstf.org or Mary Griggs at megriggs@sprynet.com.

Local Pastor Visits Washington on Behalf of LGBT Community

ev. Clinton Crawshaw, pastor of Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans, traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in Clergy Call 2009, an effort of the Human Rights Campaign to facilitate congregational involvement in the mobilization of the LGBT community. The effort builds off Clergy Call 2007, where the HRC Religion & Faith Program brought 230 religious leaders from all 50 states to Washington, D.C. Beginning this summer, HRC will support faith-based trainings throughout the country with a particular targeted emphasis on

transgender education in 40 communities. The trainings led into the national Clergy Call event May 4-5 and propelled faith leaders to organize and advocate locally for GLBT equality. The theme for Clergy Call 2009, “Moving from Acceptance to Advocacy,” reflects the vision of a faith-based movement for GLBT equality built from the ground up: in local churches, synagogues, mosques. The series of trainings will utilize HRC’s faith-based Transgender Curriculum and Online Resource written by transgender religious educators and edited by Rev. Chris Glaser. The curriculum will also include an accessible biblical piece, “Gender Identity and the Bible.” In addition, a study guide to accompany the award-winning film, For the Bible Tells Me So, will be offered for the first time. Both the faithbased transgender curriculum and For the Bible Tells Me So study guide provide hands-on training designed to engage communities in rich and faithful dialogue on GLBT issues.

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everybody's a critic by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

Josh Duffy Premieres New CD/Video at Oz

n Sunday, April 26th, happened to be at Oz, and was lucky enough to be there when Josh Duffy, one of the dancers that appears there on the bar, introduced his new cd/video entitled, Artificial. Having known Josh for quite a while, I had no idea that he was a talented singer, and song writer. I just know him from being half naked and dancing on the bar and giving him tips. His debut album already has chart topping singles on SIRIUS/XM with: Artificial, Call Back, Truth, What If Life, and hit dance single I Will Love You. And I must say that he handles himself with all the professionalism that he has gained by being a dancer at Oz. We wish him all the best, just don’t go away and forget us. Come back once in a while and dance for us. Ha Ha!!! (I love when he just wears a towel.) If you want to check out some of Josh’s music, go to www.joshduffyonline.com, and also check out his cute boyfriend in the video. Good Luck Darlin’!

Coca’d Up

n case you didn’t know it, last weekend was Coca’s Birthday, and on Saturday, she and all her friends had a Pajama Party Birthday Crawl. I cannot truly imagine what that could have been like, with all the “girls” in their pj’s going from bar to bar. But, I’m sure that it was a spectacle to behold, especially after about the 5th or 6th bar. On Sunday, she and her friends did the show at Oz and were in rare form. It’s always nice to see everyone rally and help one celebrate their birthday. The crowd was more than generous, and she even received some lovely things from her adoring audience. And as a special guest for the evening was the ever sexy and handsome Constantine, who dazzled the crowd. ( I want those rhinestone glasses.) Happy Birthday Coca !!!!!

All-Ways Lounge Variety & Burlesque Show

riday, May 1st, brought the AllWays Variety & Burlesque Show at their venue on St. Claude, formerly Cowpokes. Being one of those “late places” the show didn’t start until midnight. I must tell you that they have changed things around a bit with a new stage, and the curtains are arranged better for the cabaret setting they are giving, enables them to have more seating. Opening the show was Pop Gun Paul, a talented pianist in his own right. (Liked the skimpy outfit.) Our MC for the evening was none other than that master of talk, Chris Lane, who is the MC of the “Fleur de Tease” at One-Eyed Jacks. Flap the Clown, did an unbelievable number with a pair of cymbals, and somehow morphed into a fire eating act, and then back to the cymbals. Her clown get up was very cute. Mary

Go-Round, known by everyone that has been to the French Quarter, was next up with her accordion, and wowed the audience. They didn’t want her to leave, but she squeezed her box so hard she had to take a rest. Boilesque was next on the list and did a repeat performance of their number, the “Balloon Dance”, which always wows the crowd with the hope that someone will drop a balloon. No such luck, however, just like the first time, one of the dancers did come out afterwards and wander naked through the audience. He had pink hair, on his head! Harry Mayronne brought along a friend of his, his puppet sidekick, Viola! She was a blousy old broad, in the New Orleans tradition, and sang some very risque numbers, which of course the audience loved. Harry said that we were lucky that she had survived the termite season. We need more of her !!! Trixie Minx was next up on the stage and how lovely she was in her green fish costume, as she proceeded to take it off, and at one point discovered that she had crabs!!! She is always lovely to see and a very talented performer. Felipe and Flap were the “Intellectual Musical Number”, with his violin and her accordion, which she had more fun with the audience, much to his dismay. Boilesque was back for a little diddy that was set in the men’s room of one of the local stores and what really happens while you shop and cruise. Mary Go-Round and Walter, minus her accordion, but armed with about 20 or so hula hoops, while Walter accompanied her, she passed out the hoops to the audience and had everyone throw them to her while she proceeded to use everyone of them to prove that she could. Becky Allen and Chris Wecklein accompanied by Harry Mayronne sang some songs by local writers about the uniqueness of New Orleans. They told of how to kill a palmetto bug without having it squish on the carpet. Yuk !!! And other such bits of info. Ha-ha !!! Last but not least was the Morracan Hip Hop Band called, “Clown Pussy”. As they came out they each had a can of whip cream and someone was passing out plastic bags, so the audience wouldn’t get sprayed. (Nothing smells worse than whip cream on your clothes on a hot New Orleans night.) I decided that I better leave before the “whipping” came! Good job to Dennis Monn, manager of All-Ways Lounge, and can’t wait to see the “Rough Trade Revue” coming on May 16th. Nice to see Cowboy John at the bar. You sexy devil !!!

Just a Thought

veryone is always complaining about not having good turnouts for their functions. But if you don’t advertise or make fliers or e-mail far enough in advance you can’t expect to get the crowd. Today I received an e-mail for a contest that was tonight, but I don’t read my mail until the evening, and it was

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sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: psalmwrite@att.net

Christian Shame

ecently I attended a Seminar at ULL (University of Louisiana in Lafayette) on Faith in Our Families. It was presented by PFLAG National complete with the Director Jody Huckabee and one of his assistants, Liz. The information was excellent and the ideas for introducing GLBT members into mainstream religions was interesting. It is important for us to take part in the normally heterosexual world, PFLAG National told us. So for people like me who would rather attend Christ the Liberator Church so that I can be with other Gay people, isn’t helping our cause. This leads me to say that I’ll go back to the Methodist church I grew up in if MCC which is international will start spreading their membership into other denominational churches. I’m a Catholic today — an Anglican Catholic, not Roman. But both branches have shamed the teachings of their Savior by teaching and acting with hatred for God’s creatures that are different from themselves. Roman Bishops are refusing to attend important events because they do not approve of the beliefs of others in attendance. The Pope is sounding more like a judgmental hypocrite than a

man of God and head of his church. They are separating themselves from the everyday human who needs their love and acceptance and guidance. Romans are removing themselves from prominence due to the issues of abortion and Gay rights. Can our attendance change that? The Anglicans are splitting into factions over a Gay Bishop and acceptance of Gay Priests. As I’ve said, I wasn’t always an Anglican or Episcopalian. As a child, I don’t remember the Methodist Church talking about abortion or Gays. Occasionally a preacher would speak harshly about sodomites. Most of us never understood what was being said or why. As members of these denominations, we are questioning long held beliefs and cannons of the Church. These divisions are shattering our faith instead of giving us strength and courage to face the problems of the world. And now more than ever the Church is trying to interfere with our politics and bedrooms. As a bi-sexual woman, I want the Church and politics out of my bedroom. I want to live openly and practice what I know to be correct for me — love, respect and acceptance of those who are different and whom I do not understand. My problem is that I don’t know how to achieve

these goals. I voted for a Democrat in the hope that he would help. However, the needs of the Gay community are not #1 during this time of war and financial collapse. So when will we become #1? The Church doesn’t want us; the Government hasn’t time for us. Can we help ourselves? It doesn’t appear so. For us Gay Christians, I guess we are just left to pray and wait. I will leave the solutions to the Pink Pastor this time or to my dear Fr. Michael. I will still write my monthly letters to the Episcopal Bishop in the hope that someday I will stop being invisible. Surely, if we could band together, we could get something positive accomplished. If we do not come together for change and acceptance, why are we sit-

ting in pews each Sunday listening to Biblical psycho-babble. I wonder how much many of us believe in what we are told during Sunday services if we do not act on that knowledge for change. We must demand acceptance because we are also divinely created. I guess you can tell that I had another confrontation with a Christian conservative who was “sad” to tell me, I am not acceptable to God. You have the right to speak for God, I asked. There was no answer to that question but I was reminded of what they believed. My answer was, you will be judged by what you know — that’s a quote from the Bible. If God has made it known to you then it is true. It isn’t

everbody's a critic ...from 10

After the competition was completed and the votes were tallied, the winners were: 2nd alternate Amy Nelson, 1st alternate Tami Tarmac, and MGVCA 2009 Bambi Baxter. Congratulations to all. Bambi Baxter and Tami Tarmac will now advance to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant to be held later in the summer. We wish them much success !!

something that I wanted to attend. It’s called “planning” people!!!

This Just In

n Sunday May 3rd, the Pa rade in conjunction with “Profiles” held their 8th Annual Miss Gay Vieux Carre America Pageant. Six contestants vied for the title, and competed in the categories of Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent. Emcee’s for the evening were Savanna DeLorean - MGLA 2006-07, and Tiffany Alexander - MGLA Emeritus. There was a special performance by: Anastasia Davenport - MGLA 2009. And the winner was crowned by: Cassidy St. James - MGVCA 2008.

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He’s at it again!!!!!

rsuline Burgundy is back on the list for America’s Got Talent. He’s off to Houston this month to see if he can advance to the finals. He tells me that he has new costumes and new music and plans to give it all he has to make it this time. We’re rooting for you and wish you the best of luck. See you on TV!!!

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in the spotlight by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

Happy Birthday Donnie Jay... Your Friends Really Love You!!!

n Friday April 24, all of Donnie Jay’s friends gathered at Tubby's Golden Lantern to cel ebrate his birthday and pay homage to one of New Orleans finest. To show how much he was loved by all, the staff of the Golden Lantern under the direction of Will (Wilhemina), had a lovely buffet which started at 9pm, and continued until 10pm. At 10pm a show, under the direction of Rikki Redd would begin with entertainment and raffles and auctions to help the “Donnie Jay Memorial Fund”. Some of New Orleans best talent was on display to help commemorate the night for Donnie. In between the entertainers, many, many prizes were raffled off, and several live auctions were held to help defray the costs of Donnie Jay's funeral. To say that everyone “gave until it hurt” was an understatement, and the fact that they were doing it with “love” is a tribute to the person they were honoring. The show was something that Donnie Jay would have been proud of, and Rikki Redd did a fabulous job putting it together. Donnie would have been especially proud that his friend of many years, Klorocks Bleachman came out of retirement to honor him. The show lasted well into the evening, and after all was said and done, it was a total success to say the least. Even the bartenders, Lance and Jimmy donated 50% of their tips, and the entertainers donated all of their tips to the cause, not to mention all the bidders of the live auction, who were more than generous. We can’t “thank” enough the people that participated

and helped with this event. Will and his helpers with the raffle: Charlotte, Paul and Sam. Rikki Redd and the entertainers: Klorocks Bleachman, Zsa Zsa d'LaHor, Anita Rich

Goodman, Athena Jewel, Gizelle Bouvier, Tami Tarmac, Nathan Brooks, Ursuline Burgundy, Earl and Don the DJ. Emcee’s Aletha Bryant, Gary Glitter, Nathan Brooks. A “big thank you” to all the contributors for the raffle and auction: Ron Bines, Gary Bergeron, Robin Malta Fund, Lesbian & Gay Community Center, Corner Pocket, Gary Glitter, Gene Kish, Rip and Marsha, Flannigan’s Irish Pub, Starlight by the Park, Matassa’s Grocery, Floral Affair, Ricky Lane, Dan Baum, Ron Chalon and Estate of Christian Kean-Johnson, Crescent City Liquors, Pet Asylum, Headquarters, Bobby Blue Salon, LSGRA, Phoenix, PJ’s-Metairie Rd., Fifi Mahoney’s, JohnPaul’s, Volup-

tuous Vixen, Alternatives, Rab Dab, Republic Liquor, Denise Meyers Jewelry, Skulls Music, Sam, FAB: Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, Petunias, Mona Lisa, Oz, Hotel LaSalle, Cajun Mike’s, 700 Club, Andrea Bohnet Photography, Lafitte’s in Exile, Cutter's, Mimi’s, Craig, Buffa’s, Billy’s-Double Play-4 Season’s, Carl Mack, Big Daddy’s, Friendly Bar, Winston, Starling Magical, Ralph & Kacoo’s, Tomatillo’s, Ol’ Tunes Salon, Salon D’Malta, French Quarter Phantoms, Good Ole Days Tours, Kajun's Pub, Chris Allen, Bourbon Pub, Big Daddy’s, Rusty LaRoux,

sappho psalm ...from 12

laughing almost uncontrollably. That’s our idea of the fun side of working toward religious equality. HRC recently announced a press conference for clergy to lobby congress in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. The two day conference was the 2009 Clergy Call for Justice and Equality. More than 300 clergy members from all 50 states attended to lobby on Capitol Hill for pro-equality legislation. A list of some of the clergy and their appointed locations was listed but it did not include the denominations represented. I don’t think MCC counts in an event like this. Included in the legislation that was supported was the Hate Crimes Bill in the US Senate and employment non-discrimination bill that would protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Church and State working together — how improbable. So there is progress in the area of religious acceptance of our community. From PFLAG to HRC to concerned individuals, we are moving forward for people of Faith. Gay people should and will be comfortable attending the church of their choice some day; and not one that is just designated for them as though we are outcasts that need to huddle together for protection. We are working towards Faith being Free for all.

what you believe because someone told you must be believed. Understand the difference? The confrontation came after the seminar where I learned how to react to negative statements from right wing Christians. I don’t think I was very successful. But I didn’t allow my temper to control my answers, and that is an improvement. Let me address what PFLAG New Orleans is doing. PFLAGNO has been active in getting the Lafayette group organized. Thanks to some guidance PFLAG Arcadia is up and running. Now we are working with interested individuals in the Houma area to start a chapter there. There is even talk of teacher training on Gay issues by PFLAG in the Houma school district. My goal is to get the Baton Rouge area PFLAG back up and active. Most of the calls I get on the PFLAG hotline come from Baton Rouge. I am trying to make contact through the Baton Rouge Pride organization. You might ask why I’d take the three hour drive to Lafayette for a seminar on religious equality. It was the chance to “road trip” with Randy Trahan. We spent the drive up munching on Chee-Wees, banana taffy, smoking cigarettes and

[continued on 16]

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e-mail/letters Subject: Donnie Jay In reading your articles of Donnie Jay, I applaud you for letting people get to know more of him through the Ambush. If I may, while Donnie Jay moved here from Miami, with Eddie his partner at this time, Mr. Boobie moved here at the same time, but from Galveston, where he worked at “The Kon Tiki” club. Donnie Jay and Boobie were billed as “The Comics” when at Travis’s, with Miss Harriet, some may remember the cartwheels, before being joined by the list of great entertainers you mentioned. Because of Donnie Jay moving here, we also gained Mr. Bobbie Ramone, and John John, after Bobbie came and guest starred at Travis’s, and they decided to move here. I had the pleasure of working with them all at Travis’s, and was also roommates with Mr. Boobie {David Parker} Donnie Jay may be gone, but will live on in so many memories he left with us. Thanks for sharing her through your articles. Sincerely, --Jack Jones, Alternatives

Subject: Donnie Jay's Obituary Dear Rip and Marsha, Thank you so much for remembering my relationship to the wonderful Donny Jay, and for the great memorial in the Ambush. I live in Chicago where I see Drew (Drewsie) from time to time. I am still a pianist after all these years, working as pianist for the Ballet Chicago. I miss all of you beautiful people of New Orleans and remember you fondly always. All My Best. --Hubert (Hugh) Clay

Subject: MARSHALL WAS HERE Dear Rip and Marsha, Thank you so much for all that you have done, to pay tribute to our sweet Donnie Jay. Your BEAUTIFUL and INFORMATIVE obituary. So many things I didn’t know about my buddy Donnie. WOW!!! He really was SOMETHING SPECIAL to this diverse city. The 1st Class Ad produced, to announce his Tribute at the Marigny Theater, was so sweet, with a comical twist, just like him. Mostly THANK YOU for going to see him, and sharing his last precious days with us, (your readers, and his friends). The tribute show was well done. Timm Holt, and crew, were WONDERFUL and GRACIOUS hosts to this TOUCHING event. As always, it was great to see you both there. You’ve always shown us, a true sense of COMMUNITY and FRIENDSHIP, both personally and in your business. I just thought a great big THANK YOU was

in the spotlight ...from 14 and more contributions keep coming in. To be a part of this evening to honor someone who will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts was truly an inspiration to all that attended, for when the tally for the evening was all said and done. A whopping, “ $6,045” God bless you, Donnie Jay, we will definitely miss you !!!!!!!!!!

in order. To let you know your positive efforts, do not go unnoticed. Still it’s hard to believe this truly was Donnie Jay’s ONE LAST SONG He will be missed... All my LOVE, --MARSHALL From: “Marsha Naquin-Delain” <marsha@ripandmarsha.com> To: “Rip Naquin” <ripna@ambushmag.com> Subject: Fw: Letter to the Editor Date: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:00 PM

Subject: The Pink Pastor Dear Sir: Congratulations on your last article in the Ambush concerning, Does The Bible have anything to say to Christians about Homosexuality? I must say that when I saw the headline, I thought that I would not be very interested in whatever you were going to say, as I have had my run-ins with several priests and ministers concerning this same topic. However, when I got started reading I was very impressed with the way you presented your side of the story, and when I finally got to the end I thought now finally someone has looked into this in a sensible way and has been able to sit down and put this into a semblance of order that anyone could understand. I am hoping that everyone that read your article has cut it out and kept it for further reference for that moment when someone starts one of those conversations about gays and the church, and they could just pull it out and have that person read it, then and there. Better yet, why not make a pamphlet of it and give it out !?!! You have justified my feelings that this is what has been all along, and people just don’t take the time to read things the way they were written. Thank you for sitting down and interpreting it for us, and maybe you have helped many people see that. --Gary God made everyone for a reason - He knew what He was doing!!

the "official" dish ...from 8 “I’m delighted to have participate in Clergy Call 2009, and enjoyed meeting with Congressman Joseph Cao to press for the full equality of all his constituents in the greater New Orleans Area,” Crawshaw said. Metropolitan Community Churches are active in 24 countries. Founded in 1968 as a denomination with the mission of ministering to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Christians and to evangelizing in the LGBT community, MCC is arguably the most open and diverse Christian congregation in the world. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information about the local MCC congregation, visit www.bigeasymcc.com. For more information about Clergy Call 2009, www.hrc.org/issues/religion/ 9194.htm.

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

o-emcee’s Aletha Bryant and Gary Glitter hosted the birthday celebration and benefit for New Orleans icon and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXII, the late Donald “Donnie Jay” James, at Tubby’s Golden Lantern on April 24. Under the direction of Will “Wilhemina” Bennet, the evening raised a whopping $6,045 which went to the Donnie Jay Memorial Fund to take care of his final expenses. In addition to a great show, auction and raffles, guests were treated to a birthday buffet prior to the event itself.

ill “Wilhemina” Bennet presents $6,045 for the Donnie Jay Memorial Fund to Ambush Mag’s Marsha Naquin-Delain raised at Tubby’s Golden Lantern’s Donnie Jay Birthday Celebration & Benefit. The funds were turned over to Timm Holt, Donnie Jay’s power of attorney, who was out of town when the presentation took place.

ar Baron’s Mike “Cookie” Cookmeyer and Matt Giglio celebrate the 1st Anniversary of 700 Club on April 25 with anniversary cake and $1 well drinks and Miller High Life. The progressive club was packed to capacity with well wishers pouring out onto both Burgundy and St. Peter Streets in the French Quarter. See their ad on page 15 or visit 700ClubNewOrleans.COM to find out more about this popular club.

eam Dossie Mae from Rawhide accepts Chili Cook-Off Grand Champion trophy and $350 cash from King of Decadence Danny Lecompte and joined by first runner-up Team Shitz from Good Friends. The 1st Good Friends/ Rawhide Chili Cook-Off brought nine teams out vying for the championship. Attendees paid $10 for free Bud Light and to taste as much chili as they wanted, and voted on the champion at each bar, and then the grand champion between the top two. Half of the proceeds went to the Grand Champion and the remaining $350 benefited the Wood Enterprises Have A Heart Fund.

he vivacious Nicole Dubois, Miss Gay America 2006, dazzled a crowd of well wishers at the Parade in New Orleans. Friends were there to help raise funds to send Nicole on to compete in Miss Gay USofA Classic at the Roundup in Dallas on May 17 and 18. For more on Nicole visit NicoleDubois.COM.

aptain David Boyd and Lord KaCey did the honors for the Lords of Leather Cheese & Wine Tasting Art Auction in the Victorian Galleries above JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. The event raised funds to help put on the krewe’s 27th bal masque on Sunday, February 14, 2010. For more on the krewe, visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

mcee Vatican Lokey and Musical Director/Accompanist Jim Walpole did an outstanding job for Tribute: A Celebration of the Life & Work of Donald “Donnie Jay” James at the Marigny Theatre in New Orleans. The moving event brought to the stage members of the theatrical community and leading illusionists who each told their own favorite “Donnie Jay” story before their performances. At the end of the presentation a brass band led the large group on a second line parade outside the door of AllWays Lounge passing the Marigny Theatre, Phoenix and JohnPaul’s.

AB: Faubourg Marigny Art & Books’ Otis Fennel joins author Barbara Benjamin Marcus for the signing of Inside Out, the ultimate drag queen coffee table book, at FAB during Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

arsha joins Doc Reed, Carol and Mother Moses for a bon voyage toast to Doc at Le Roundup in New Orleans. Doc, who was Easter Grand Marshal VII and manager of The Double Play for years, will be returning and retiring to his home state of Indiana. We’ll all miss you Doc! Best wishes!

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The Glass Menagerie's Lyla Hay Owen

Dirty Martini & the Late Donnie Jay

Brass Band kicks off Donnie Jay's 2nd Line after the Tribute show

snap paparazzi

Eric Michael Liddick

Amon Ra Prom Queen Cathy Fox

Easter Grand Marshal X Marcy Marcell

Emcee Vatican Lokey & Big Easy MCC Rev. Clinton Crawshaw

Michael Sullivan

Christmas with the Crawford's Jason George & Rikki Gee

Vagina Monologue's Lisa Davis

Ken aka T. Paul Dodson out front

The men from Take Me Out

Chris Wecklein & Becky Allen

2nd lining for Donnie Jay

Harry Mayronne

Tami doin' it for Donnie Jay

Rebecca Fox

Naked Boys Singing's Jason George, Marshall Harris & Philip Gordon

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Tribute: A Celebration of the Life & Work of Donald "Donnie Jay" James at Marigny Theatre ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Leon Contavesprie

paparazzi

Steve Patrick Earl performs live

Athena Jewelle Slutpuppies' own Klorocks Bleachman

Ursuline Burgundy

Golden Age Revue's Zsa Zsa d'LaHor

Miss Starlight Rikki Redd Miss D

Amon Ra's Mr. America Nathan Brooks

700 Club's Mike, Ambush's Marsha & Kenny

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The Late Donnie Jay's Birthday Celebration & Benefit Raises $6,045 at Tubby's Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

snap

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big easy

King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac joins the send Nicole Dubois to Miss Gay USofA Classic at the Parade The staff: Matt, Paul, Mike, Cody & Michael celebrate 700 Club's 1st Anniversary

Good Friends Team 1 Alex

Rawhide Team 2 David

Anniversaries & Shows ~ Photos by Ambush

Opal Masters in the send Nicole Dubois to Miss Gay USofA Classic show RB, Janae, Darrin & Malissa in for 700 Club's 1st Year Anniversary blowout Good Friends Team 2 Chris

Rawhide Team 3 Troy

Nicole Dubois ready for Miss Gay USofA Classic

big easy

paparazzi

Good Friends Team 3 DJ Myke

Mike cuts a slice of 700 Club's Anniversary cake for Paul

Lisa Beaumann helps send Nicole Dubois to Miss Gay USofA Classic

Good Friends Team 4 & Good Friends Champion Team Shitz

Rawhide Team 4 JJ

Celebrating 700 Club's 1st Anniversary

Sexy boys Travis & Ryan at 700 Club's 1st Anniversary

Tiffany Alexander emcees the show to send Nicole Dubois to Miss Gay USofA Classic

Rawhide Team 1, Rawhide Champion & Chili Cook-Off Grand Champion ($350 Cash) Team Dossie Mae from Alabama

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Rawhide Team 5 Dennis

Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off Raises $350 for Wood Enterprises Have A Heart Fund ~ Photos by Ambush

paparazzi

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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 THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com 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 METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF 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]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free state-

wide 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 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

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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, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com 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! 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 New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

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

photography

hot tails of red stick

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

by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.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 Petunias, A Restaurant, Cajun, Creole, Crepes, Cocktails, 817 St. Louis, 70112; 522.6440 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416

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

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

Red Stick Happenings

t was another weekend of fun in downtown Baton Rouge with plenty of guys out showing off their buffed bods. It was FestForAll time, but there was one major problem on Sunday – rain, rain, and more rain. As bad as it was during the day, the main blast came during the night with wind and lots lightning to go with it. All of the activities were effected by this latest front that moved through the area including the annual hibiscus show and sale at Burden Research Center. FestForAll started in Baton Rouge in 1973, and it has really grown over the years. Since it first started, it has provided attendees with great art selections, music, and food. It is sponsored by the Baton Rouge Arts Council, and it isn’t just a guywatching thing. It is really a great festival for families. The outstanding part, however, would have to be all the excellent music that is provided – all free to everyone. As you might expect, the food exhibits feature the best that Louisiana has to offer, and it definitely affords everyone with a great place to relax and have a great time. I can’t complain about the rain interfering with things this year. It was needed to make things grow into the beauty that surrounds us every day. As you know from experience, Louisianians just wait for a break in the clouds, and then we just continue what we were doing before things got interrupted. That’s life in Cajun country! I can’t speak for activities in New Orleans, but I’m sure it was the same there. All was not lost completely. The three gay bars – Hound Dogs, George’s, and Splash - were hopping with activity, something that is a common occurrence here. With planned attractions at each, it was a

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

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

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

time of meeting friends and enjoying the entertainment. One Red Stick activity that happened prior to the storms was the planting of trees in a beautification effort in the historic Spanish Town section. I sometimes wonder at the positioning of plants like this because of all the wires, but I suppose this gives city workers a chance later on to come back and trim away the tops. At least this is minor to what happened several years ago when all the magnificent oaks along one of the major streets leading to LSU were stripped down the middle leaving a bunch of Y-shaped forms that really was a pitiful sight and one that raised an uproar from residents, and rightly so. It took several years for them to fill back out to at least a reasonable comparison to their former beauty. Someone really messed up here, and it probably cost a job or two at the city level. As of this writing deadline, I’ve talked with several friends and bar patrons about their plans for the upcoming holiday, and it looks like many will be Florida bound. This is the holiday where the gay community packs up and heads to the beach. It’s the community’s spring break, and Pensacola beaches become miniature tent cities with lots of fun in the sun and guy-watching along the way. With all the activities going on in these groups, there is never a dull moment. Usually Baton Rouge downtown becomes almost empty of life, but with all the new bars, coffee shops, and restaurants gracing the area, this may not apply this year. It will be an interesting adjustment for those of us who don’t head to the beach. We just stick around and get naked around our pools and gardens – well, not everyone, but you get my drift. I do have to say that one of the Mexican restaurants here in the city (on Government Street) got a jump start on Cinco de Mayo. Dining there last night, I was serenaded by the mariachi band. This establishment celebrated the occasion for a week leading up to the big day. I have to admit that my waiter did not look the part. He was tall, dark, and handsome - and very attentive to my needs. Dressed in a white shirt and black pants, he was absolutely a gorgeous young man. I think I’m in lust – again.

HAART of Red Stick

’d like to give a little praise to a fine organization here in the capital city. It is HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two (HAART), a local non-profit agency serving individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. HAART is coordinating the local observance of the 26th Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. This is among the world’s oldest HIV/AIDS remembrance, awareness, and community action events. It takes place on Sunday, May 17. “Light Up the Levee” is an event which everyone should participate in. This is HAART’s planned candlelight vigil and memorial walk on the levee. I think many

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

[continued on 34]

red stick paparazzi

Luther and Richard

Richard with Hound Dogs’ Johnny Karaoke time at George’s

George’s, Hound Dogs, Splash ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ By Brad Benedict

Damon and Gerry

Todd and Mike Sweet William with Guy

The Divas

Todd and friends

Out for an evening of fun Proud of his shirt

Splash’s Ty and Stephen Those sexy New Orleans studs

Cody King

Trio of super studs

Rocky and two cuties

Michael and Cody

A kiss on the cheek

Chica La Rouge

Splash’s Trixxie and friend

The beautiful Nicole Foxx

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allons acadiana by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana E-mail: keebler_6984@yahoo.com

o start things off we would like to congratulate our newly crowned Miss Lafayette Newcomer of the Year, Miss Chriseet Davenport and our first runner-up Miss Trish Oday. These two gave their all for the pageant, showing the judges and the crowd watching that they were the ones ready to bring what it takes to win. With one successful pageant just behind us, Sound Factory and the Krewe of R.O.U. gear up to bring it just once more with the Mr., Ms. and Miss R.O.U. Pageant this coming Saturday, May 16. It is sure to be one worth coming to see all the talents of the people that will compete for these titles. Also, the summer months are just kicking off from a successful Festival International to many other festivals, festivities and fun and exciting extravaganzas. Everyone is hustling and bustling to get things ready for Memorial Day Weekend just ahead. Some will head out of town and others will party it up right here in Lafayette. With that said, Sound Factory has been getting things together for the fun that is sure to happen. So if your plans

do not involve heading out of town, then head downtown to your favorite hot spot, Sound Factory, and party it up with the staff, bartenders and all your other favorite people that just make having a good time, great! With the month of May comes spring time and with that comes blossoms and new life, Sound Factory has also had spring time within itself. Sound Factory would like to warmly welcome to their family Mr. Courtland and Mr. Johnny. Courtland is a ball of energy and will definitely entertain you and make you smile regardless of what is going on, as he joins us all the way from Dallas, TX. Johnny is another great additive to this great family that will ensure a great time every time he takes the bar, as he joins us from Rustin, LA. Did I mention that these two great guys are also two really hot guys, so come check them out and make them feel even more at home. So until next time, have a great Memorial Day Weekend, hope that everyone is careful where ever that weekend takes you. See everyone out and about.

hot tails of red stick ...from 32

case rates. It is believed that as many as 4,000 of our friends, neighbors, and family members in the Baton Rouge area are living with HIV/AIDS, and nearly 12,000 Louisianans, including 99 children, have lost their lives to this epidemic. More than 16,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Louisiana, and, of these, 8,796 or 54% have an AIDS diagnosis as of December 31, 2008. The Candlelight Memorial seeks to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS by reducing negative stigma, promoting test-

people in the community here and elsewhere have forgotten how to take this disease seriously especially the younger members just coming to terms with their sexuality. When you take a look at the statistics, it is a frightening truth to what has been going on for so many years. Louisiana ranks 5th highest in AIDS case rates in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Baton Rouge ranked 3rd in the nation, behind Miami and New Orleans for AIDS

Adorable Andy points to sign promoting HIV testing

ing and prevention, and continuing the fight against this disease. You can help by participating in “Light Up the Levee,” which will begin at 6:30pm across from the Baton Rouge River Center. It is a free event open to the community with refreshments and entertainment being provided. Mark your calendars for this date, and come out and support this excellent cause and this exceptional organization. Make HAART a part of your life. The local bars are to be congratulated on their recent participations in events that helped raise money for this group. I know Hound Dogs had a special day set aside for this. All the bars offer condoms for patrons, so make sure you have several with you at all times. With the holiday upon us and lots of fun activities planned, there will be drinking and games of all types. Just make sure you have those condoms handy in case you should need them. It is always important to remember to wrap that rascal while participating in sexual pleasures.

The Porch Studs

panish Town is blessed with a daily helping of manly men who hang out on a popular front porch across from a popular and historic little store in the heart of this historic section of town. I can’t even start to name each of them, but all you have to do is drive by, and you will see what I mean. They are of various ages – the youthful, the middle of the road, and even some sexy elderly citizens. All in all, it is a happy representation of what this part of town is all about – relaxation with friends in a wonderful setting. If this was New Orleans, residents would immediately notice them, and these locals would have classifications for them similar to some of those characters I recall so well while I lived in the Crescent City. I rather enjoy just observing them and occasionally join them when I’m out and about. New residents are constantly changing the face of this area. It is amazing how many people want to live in Spanish Town. That is a compliment, I suppose, to the quality of the resident owners or those who have rental properties in the area. It is nice to live in a section of town where everyone knows everyone else, almost like living in a small town, an area that is not isolated yet would appear to be. Located in the shadow of the beautiful State Capitol, it is the choice of many who prefer to walk to work, but for most, it is the ambiance that sets it apart from the rest of the city. If you don’t believe me, just ask Claudette. She will verify my summation. With the warmer weather, it is a sight to see all the work being done to improve properties in the area. Things are ablaze with colors, and new fences, paint jobs (one in particular which was desperately needed), and better landscaping projects are really making things more inviting to the eyes. I suppose spring is my favorite season even though I find myself busier at this time. However, with the approaching heat of summer and the thought that a hurricane might again threaten us, the sudden burst of beauty and activity just makes you realize that it is the sign of a new awakening. It happens annually, but it always seems to bring forth new life and new things to admire including all the sexy guys out manicuring their yards. Oh, sweet and wonderful spring!

Just A Little Diversion

don’t know about the rest of you, but I was a night worker for so long that I just didn’t have time for television. I have never been a fan of too many shows anyway (except “Tour of Duty” and “Twin Peaks”), and I now have my own home theater for movies and boxed sets of TV [continued on 35]

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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

The Little Dog Laughed

he unsinkable Francine Segal has done it again! She has given us a finely etched, well crafted role as Diane in Douglas Carter Beane’s sophisticated play The Little Dog Laughed which recently played on the boards of the

hot tails of red stick ...from 34 shows. However, I discovered what I missed when I started watching NCIS. This is one of those shows where everyone is beautiful. I may be wrong, but I believe that Mark Harmon was one of the most beautiful men in that category sponsored by a major magazine. I have to agree, and age hasn’t hurt him either. He is still a magnificent piece of male perfection. Of course, the other cast members are gorgeous too. If you haven’t watched this show, you may want to check it out on Tuesday nights. Just don’t call or expect me to do anything around 7pm and thereafter. I don’t answer my phone, and I don’t answer a knock at the door should that happen. Just leave me alone. I’m in Harmon space, and I kinda like DeNozzo too. Wow! That New Orleans lassie is also quite lovely and does her hometown proud in the role of Abby. And McGee and Ziva are just really outstanding. Even the doctor brings back

memories of an old TV show when I was younger. I bet most of you don’t recall “Mork and Mindy,” or who was in the cast. That was actually how Robin Williams got his big start, and most people don’t realize what happened to Pam Dauber who played Mindy. Well, she became Mrs. Mark Harmon, a beautiful couple who produced some gorgeous youngsters. What more can I say? After all this excitement, I just fall in lust over “The Mentalist” and go to sleep with a smile on my face.

The Penis Incident

just heard some devastating news concerning a very important body part. Believe me – I am not making this up. It seems that a certain young man did the unthinkable. He injected his penis with Vaseline and other oils to make it fatter. Holy bat merde! What the hell was he thinking! The discovery came to light when he

Muriel’s Cabaret Theatre, the smaller venue at the financially struggling Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre. As Ms. Segal did in Mr. Beane’s other play (presented at Le Chat Noir) of a similar concept, As Bees In Honey Drown ,she plays the unflappable power-agent for film stars as a pushy Yenta with an mind-set that would survive levee breaks caused by hurricanes like Katrina or an H-Bomb. What am I saying? Ms. Segal is a pushy Yenta, but she has the talent to go with her unwavering theatrical bent, and does the role of Diane with a flawless and seamentered a clinic for a “penis abnormality.” He had apparently used the Vaseline and other oils on this important body part and was suffering from ulcerations and had lost the ability to have an erection. I know every man dreams of having a larger one, but this is just ridiculous and certainly not the way to obtain more girth. Instead of accepting what he had, this man sought something better, or so he had planned. Things were finally put under control by doctors at the clinic as they surgically removed dead tissue under the skin of the man’s penis. Ouch! He is currently in psychological counseling. It reminds me of the time when I was working in a hospital in Texas, and a patient came in with a case of gangrene of this portion of the anatomy. You don’t want me to explain what had to be done in this situation or what caused the condition in the first place. And I’m out of here. Maybe a strong cup of coffee and some hamentachens will make me stop thinking about all this.

The cast of The Little Dog Laughed Photo: Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre

less style. She looks good, and performs exceedingly well in this role of an agent who handles a famous film star who might or might not be gay and who would lose his career (and her fees) if she can’t keep him in the closet. (Diane may be much like the agent for the late box office leading man Rock Hudson, I would assume.) Manipulative, ruthless, and cunning Diane resolves all problems with little or no expense to herself - and also her client, Mitchell, played with a better understanding and finer technique than he has demonstrated in earlier gay roles by the handsome and hung Michael Aaron Santos. Yes, he has a much too brief frontal nude scene in this play, as does his rent boy, Alex, played with a fetching worldly humor by the attractive Sam Dudley. (Bobbling penises are so au courant in plays of late in the New Orleans area (re: Scandalous! The Musical Based on the Life of D. H. Lawrence), one suspects that [continued on 38]

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They are prepared for the night ahead n’ all that comes Can you tell how these two feel tonight

Daric & Keebler, ready to cut up!

The Ladies wishing ALL a great night... Big Gurl & her gang for her birthday, out n’ about for Festival International

The gang says HEY!!!

Macky just likes to hang around sometimes...

acadiana

Miss Scott says hrrrrr hrrrrr hrrrr

paparazzi

Courtland, SF’s hot new bartender, along side his partner in crime Well, if you can’t tell, we won’t either

Aww! I think this pic says it all...

Johnny, SF other stud to join the crew

They really had no idea, but they posed & smiled anyway

Diva is the female version of a what...

Corey looks so happy

Joe said, “Really? Hurry Up! Justin is like whatever...”

Just chillin’

Dustin & Joel sporting their new hairstyles

They are really tryin’ to see who’s hair is bigger...

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Hey, Hurry, Whatever ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins

Kevin would like you to meet Marticia

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mammaries in motion will be the next big expose for actresses in the legitimate theater. Can you wait to see Lady Macbeth or Juliet bounding around the stage with bouncing bobbling boobs exposed? Even secondary characters could go topless, such as Juliet’s nurse... But I digress.) The scene stealer of the evening was none other than Jessie Terrebonne who played the street wise and ever clever opportunistic girlfriend of the rent boy, Alex, and later the “beard” of Mitchell the movie star. As Ellen, she was astonishing using her big expressive eyes as elements of an “ogle of surprise” or “acceptance with charm and finesse” and with perfect timing. Heidi P. Junius directed this clever show about the empty souls in the movie biz with an astute understanding and a firm vision. She worked these actors and worked them well around a splendid set in black and white with a huge bed that was set down center stage on this small stage taking up most of the room. Joshua Palmer did this set and it did bring to mind a chic busy Hollywood or NYC hotel room. Linda Fried dressed them up in lovely contemporary costumes, and Zak Moses showed off his excellent lighting ideas. But it was Ms. Segal who lit up the stage most of the evening with an occasional bright flash of Ms. Scene-Stealer Jessie Terrebonne who is getting better and better and showed it in this Segal sensation, this wonderfully well done show so, “Hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle. The cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such sport. And dish ran away with the spoon.”

Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical

f you didn’t get to see Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical by Bob and Jim Walton performed at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre and presented by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society don’t feel left out. This musical with a fine cast of actors, decent direction, and good musical direction did not ever come together for this reviewer. Presented as a series of skits about mid-life moments any one over 50 (and even some bitter “old” theater queens of an undetermined age) can relate to, the show fell flat, and received only limp applause from the audience. Some of the skits worked, most did not. Claire Conti, one of our bawdiest, liveliest local performers, worked her tight trousered butt off, and probably had the best stage presence of any of the cast, still she couldn’t bring up the applause. (She’s beginning to look more and more like Uncle Wayne Daigrepont in drag (not a bad thing - if you are a puppet) and I’m beginning to see both of them as one “sister” act.) She played Woman 3. Andy “Dr. Bone” Galbiati played Man 2, Mary Lee Gibbons played Woman 1, Richard Hutton played Man 1, Jerry Lee Leighton played Man 3, and Marlene Thian played Woman 2. Clayton Phillips directed the show (or misdirected?), Alan Payne was musical director and Lynne M. Lawrence did the choreography. Now I know all of you know these names and have seen these people give wonderful and professional performances. So what happened? I really can’t tell you except that some of the performers seemed to be working under a spell, list-

less and not quite there. Was it an early case of H1N1 or swine flu? Or a late case of backstage uglies. As the show was I would recommend it only to first time theater goers. They probably would not notice the peculiar flaws or the actors who seemed to be on Thorazine.

mobile

paparazzi

La Traviata

a Traviata, one of Verdi’s most beloved and enduring operas was recently presented by The New Orleans Opera Association and the Lupin Foundation on the Placido Domingo stage of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. This opera about a lovely courtesan Violetta who finally meets the love of her life in the handsome young Alfredo Germont and who gives up the life of champagne and parties among the wealthy to live with him in a country estate with great happiness. She has tuberculosis but the country air and happy life seems to do her good, until one day the father of her lover, Girorgio Germont arrives to ask her to give up her lover so that he can marry off his daughter without disgrace. She does and later dies of her illness when the Alfredo finds out too late what she has sacrificed. This was a lush and lovely production full of chandeliers, lacy fluffy costumes and gowns and dignified 19th century clothes for the men. The lyrical beauty of Verdi’s score was sung with great vivacity and joy by the cast. Georgia Jarman as Violetta Valery sang with a strong and pure voice as did her love interest Leonardo Capalbo as Alfredo Germont. With a suave rich tone the role of the elder Germont was sung by Stephen Powell. The chorus under the direction of Chorus Master Carol Rausch was dynamic and lovely to hear. (Local singer, Rebecca Fox, was in the chorus; and recently she added her beautiful voice in the May 1, 2009, Marigny Theatre tribute to much loved and missed Donald “Donnie Jay” James. Ms. Fox

Rebecca Fox (Photo: Glenn Meche)

sang a number from Randy Bibb’s Esther Williams inspired musical Onepiece.) This splendid production was one of the best of the season and the house was full the night I attended. It was wonderful to hear these principals sing over the orchestra when necessary although the orchestra was directed with deep sensitivity by Robert Lyall and the dynamics of the score were kept in check.

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Mobile Alabama Pride Festival 2009 (MobileAlabamaPride.COM) ~ Photos by Cieanne & John, Leon Weekley

trodding the boards ...from 35

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Enjoying the Patio at 4 Seasons in Metairie Coca celebrates her birthday on stage at Oz

Corner Pocket’s Week 2 Calendar Boy Finals

Trixie in All-Ways’ Variety & Burlesque Show

Fun in the sun at 4 Seasons Out Back Bar More from All-Ways’ Variety & Burlesque Show

Sir Speedy’s Billie worships the ground you walk on at Good Friends Bar

Constantine joins the show Sunday at Oz

Toby & some of his buddies at 4 Seasons

Corner Pocket’s Week 2 Calendar Boy Finals The “shot boy” performs his duty at Oz Pnuts joins bartender Lance at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Brad servin’ up cocktails at 4 Seasons

Singing sensation Josh Duffy joins bartender Vito for his debut album “Artificial” release at Oz

Passion Armani Cassidine with yet another crown at Oz

Corner Pocket’s Week 2 Calendar Boy Finals

Naked Balloon Dance finale @ All-Ways

Corner Pocket’s Week 2 Calendar Boy Finals

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Ricky & Winston cocktailin’ at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Stephen slingin’ cocktails at Double Play

Sunshine, Cocktails, Entertainment ~ Metairie & New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Photos by Ambush, Gary Glitter, Larry Graham, Chris Ward/Pride Specialty

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in the spotlight One Mighty Weekend June 4-7 in Orlando

ne Mighty Weekend, the "Gay Day" events you've heard about, is set for Thursday, June 4 through Sunday June 7 in Orlando, Florida. The weekend is presented by Johnny Chisholm in association with Absolut®. According to Chisholm, "Sixteen years ago, a vision to bring amazing events to the 'Gay Day' weekend took shape with our creation of One Mighty Party. We work all year long to bring a fun, exciting and memory-filled weekend to thousands of attendees of One Mighty Weekend. Despite the obstacles associated with this year’s big financial downturn, which has hit every single one of us, our production team is pleased to bring you One Mighty Weekend once again this year – with some events in new locations but most in familiar locations! As a token of our appreciation for your understanding, all ticket holders and pass holders alike will receive a $15 beverage coupon for each of the three main events – Beach Ball Luau, One Mighty Party City After Dark and All Stars Deep Blue World. Magic Journeys, voted by Just Circuit as “2008’s Best After-Hours Party of the Year,” One Mighty Party, voted by Edge New York as 2008’s “Best National Party” and One Mighty Weekend, voted by Edge New York as “2008’s Best National Party Weekend,” you can once again expect over-the-top performances and a visual extravaganza this year! You’ve been impressed with our parties in the past and I promise you’ll be impressed again this year as we present to you One Mighty Weekend 2009 … your One Mighty Weekend!" Here's this year's schedule: JUMPSTART • Thursday, June 4 • 8pm-2am: Jump-start your weekend in One Mighty way with DJ Eddie Baez at the House of Blues® Downtown Disney West Side as Johnny Chisholm presents JUMPSTART. REUNION POOL PARTIES AT THE BUENA VISTA PALACE • Friday, June 5 –Sunday, June 7 • noon-6pm: You asked for it, and we listened! This year we are bringing the DJs closer to you and the energy with an all-new location…poolside! DJ Don Bishop (Friday), DJ Wendy Hunt (Saturday) and DJ Phil B. (Sunday) will be closer to the action than ever before. MAGIC JOURNEYS AT ARABIAN NIGHTS • Friday, June 5 –Sunday, June 7 • 1am8am: Magic Journeys is back and better than ever with DJ David Knapp on Friday night, DJ Tony Moran on Saturday night and DJs Peter Rauhofer and Offer Nissim spinning Sunday night. BEACH BALL “ LUAU” (“Get lei’d and get wet!”) • Friday, June 5 • 8pm-1am: The lush tropical nighttime setting at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel sets the stage for the first ever “Beach Ball-Luau”! Grab your coconuts and your hula skirt and get ready to shake it to the world’s hottest tracks with DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Dance among the stars and under a canopy of light and sound as the sights and sounds of the tropics fill the night air. Tickets are limited so get yours today for this first ever event! ONE MIGHTY PARTY “CITY AFTER DARK” • Saturday, June 6 • 8pm2:30pm: Amidst a 60,000 square foot space of concrete and steel at the Gaylord Palms Resort, join us for a sensory explosion of lights, sights and sounds in the “City After Dark”. Extreme stunt performers catapult themselves up, over and through the buildings of the cityscape while DJ Roland Belmares is perched above on a rooftop spinning today’s hottest dance beats. ALL STARS “DEEP BLUE WORLD” • Sunday, June 7 • 8pm-2:30am: You’ve been dazzled in the past with shows like FREEZERBURN and RUNWAY, and now the production teams responsible for those shows transport you into a “Deep Blue World”. Immerse yourself into the depths of the sea as DJ Abel and DJ Ralphi Rosario, aka Rosabel, transport you into the depths of a world unknown inside the Empire Ballroom at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel. Exciting Celebrity Talent for this weekend will be announced soon! Stay where the action is! Stay at the Official Host Hotel, the Buena Vista Palace! Hotel guests get into Reunion Pool Parties for FREE. Book your room today, they are going fast! Visit the website to download a registration form. All hotel guests of the Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa will be provided with complimentary transportation to and from One Mighty Party in addition to complimentary transportation to Magic Journeys nightly. Buy tickets, passes and book your rooms at OneMightyWeekend.COM.

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

New Orleans Restaurant Guide Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 9am-9pm Mon.Fri., and Sat. & Sun. Closed Wed. Call 944.4445 for additional info. MasterCard/ Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and drinks. Serving lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. brunch 10am-3pm and special Lundi Gras opening 11am-3pm.. Call 412.8965 for reservations or additional information. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the new direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm 7 days and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees.

Prime Rib with baked potato Sunday evenings at Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.

Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery. Call 529.1416 to order.

Gourmet Pizza (Salsiccia Marinara) at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place

BBQ Brisket with two sides at Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Gourmet Burger with fries at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

Eggplant Parmesan at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

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Chris makin’ Mint Juleps for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Cutter’s

Shawn serving up his homemade salsa on Cinco de Mayo at Lafitte’s

DJ Tony B spins Fridays at the Phoenix

New Orleans Gay Men Chorus’ Cedric & Bill grab a cold one at the Phoenix Society Page’s Orlando & Trux pop in for the Derby at Cutter’s

Yes, Jeff did swallow the canary at Lafitte’s

JohnPaul’s John & Cutter’s Mac pop in for the Bears Beer Bust at the Phoenix Jimmy, Mac & Dudley host the 135th Kentucky Derby bash at Cutter’s

Chris slings cocktails at the Phoenix Miss Ashlee welcomes you to those “hot” Boys on the Bar at Corner Pocket

Shane slingin’ cocktails at Big Daddy’s for Kentucky Derby night

Gertrude & Koo celebrate Cinco de Mayo at The Friendly Bar

Blake celebrates his 50th b-day with Mac, Tony & partner Rene at Big Daddy’s

Lord King & Consort XXVI Gary & Bruce welcome guests to Lords of Leather’s Wine & Cheese Art Auction at JohnPaul’s

King & Queen Armeinius XLI Ricky & Tim pop in for the Lords’ Wine & Cheese Art Auction at JohnPaul’s

Lords of Leather Capt. David joins Amon Ra’s Darwin & Opal at the Lords’ Wine & Cheese Art Auction

Lord Consort XXIV Princesse Stephaney & Amon Ra’s Barry join the Wine & Cheese Art Auction at JohnPaul’s

700 Club’s Mike welcomes Corner Pocket’s Michael to 700 Club’s 1st Anniversary blowout

Stanley & Stella's Tanya joins Mike for 700 Club’s 1st Anniversary

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

The Cocktail Tour ~ New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Photos by Ambush

Manny & Joshua “feeling lucky” at Cafe Lafitte in Exile

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 12-25, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM