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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 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
It's Almost Here, The Giant 38th Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture; SDGMs XXXV Pre-Weekend Events Announced
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t's almost here! The GLBT community in New Orleans is gearing up for the giant 38th annual Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, coming Labor Day Weekend, Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. However, before the big weekend, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma have announced an exciting line-up for "official" events running from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 30. The line-up is as follows. FRIDAY, August 21st... 9pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Metairie Bar Run at 4 Seasons, followed by the first SDGM Slidell Bar Run at Billy's; SUNDAY, August 23rd... 4pm, Trash Disco with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, Cafe Lafitte in Exile; THURSDAY, August 27th... 7:30pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Meet & Greet Reception with SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, Society Page; 9pm, Official Southern Decadence Poster Signing hosted by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, 700 Club; FRIDAY, August 28th... 10ish pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Marigny Bar Run following FourPlay at JohnPaul's; SATURDAY, August 29th... 2pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Luncheon, by invitation Official Southern Decadence Poster only, Pat O'Brien's; and Signing August 27 at 700 Club SUNDAY, August 30th... 6:30pm, Sunday Sister Social honoring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, plus all former grand marshals with buffet and drink specials, The Friendly Bar. For a complete list of SD Events, available as of press time, see page 16. The 2009 Southern Decadence theme is Hurricane: This Year, They BLOW Back!; colors are black, silver and red; and song is Stormy Weather by Viola Wills with remix by DJ Jayskee. The Official Sponsors of Southern Decadence include: Official Guide, Ambush Mag; Official Beer, Bud Light; Official Photographer, Larry Graham: GrahamStudioOne.COM; Official SDGM Luncheon Site, Pat O’Brien’s; Official Deli/ Caterer, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Official Clothier and Jeweler, Queen Fashions; Official Vodka and Rum, Republic Beverage Company: Absolut Vodka & Malibu Rum; Official Printer, Sir Speedy; and Official Website, SouthernDecadence.COM. For more on the weekend, visit AmbushMag.COM and SouthernDecadence.COM.
Don't Be Left Out of the Official Southern Decadence Guide & Labor Day Weekend Edition of Ambush Mag
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he giant Official Southern Decadence Guide and Labor Day Weekend edition of Ambush Mag hits the streets at 8am on Tuesday, September 1 running through Monday, September 14. You won't want to miss the opportunity to reach the thousands of readers across the Gulf South who are ready to celebrate on this last holiday weekend of Summer. Deadline is this coming Friday, August 21. Contact Rip Naquin for more information by calling 504.522.8049 or e-mail marsha@ripandmarsha.com.
Oldest Traditional Events at Southern Decadence Are Free, No Passes Required
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he oldest traditional events of Southern Decadence weekend are free and open to the public. No passes are required. Those events include the annual Southern Decadence Drag Show kicking off Southern Decadence weekend featuring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma which is set for Friday, September 4 at the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby's Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, beginning at 9pm, emceed by Gary Glitter and Regina Adams. Also on Friday is the annual Leather Block Party & Vendor Fair brought to you by the Lords of Leather and the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields, beginning at 10pm. Saturday, September 5, Napoleon's Itch brings the 5th annual Bourbon Street Extravaganza, an outdoor concert on the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets featuring
Giant Southern Decadence, Labor Day Wknd. Edition due out Tuesday, Sept. 1st
inside
DEADLINE: Fri., Aug. 21st
under the gaydar ambush paparazzi/new orleans the pink pastor southern decadence events everybody's a critic ambush paparazzi/new orleans sdgm pre-sd events celebrazzi 38th official southern decadence trodding the boards nola, chicago, charlotte pics classifieds
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hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge alexandria paparazzi & column allons acadiana/lafayette acadiana paparazzi/lafayette mobile paparazzi & letter sappho psalm drag survivor paparazzi/nola in the spotlight, c'est bon e-mail/letters snap paparazzi/new orleans chop chop/nola restaurant guide
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com live performances by Deborah Cox and other stars on the circuit. Get to the balcony at Dance Club of the Year Oz for one of the best views. The big day is Sunday, September 6 when SDGMs Tittie and Paloma lead the 35th annual Southern Decadence Parade winding its way through the French Quarter beginning at 2pm sharp at 1239 Royal Street outside the Lantern. Around 4ish pm the grand marshals head to Ambush Headquarters, 828 Bourbon Street, to lead the 16th annual Southern Decadence Bead Toss from the world famous Ambush balcony. And on Monday, don't forget the 12th annual Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl starting at The Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis Street, at 2pm. Loads of other events are scheduled as well. You can check out the most comprehensive list at SouthernDecadence.COM and click on 38th Southern Decadence Events/2009. You can also book your hotel accommodations right from the Southern Decadence website.
Don't Miss Glitz Southern Decadence Weekend, Sept. 3 & 4 at Harrah's Theatre
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ou won't want to miss one of the hottest tickets in town for Southern Decadence when revelers head on over to the theatre at Harrah's New Orleans Casino to catch the return of Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation, back by popular demand. Brought to you by Elias Productions' Tommy and Michael Elias, the show begins promptly at 9pm on Thursday and Friday, September 3 and 4. Tickets start at $25, and are available at the Harrah's Box Office, by calling 504.533.6600 or by visiting TicketMaster.COM. The emcee is the sassy Bianca Del Rio, voted Bitch of the Year many times by the Gulf South readership of Ambush Mag, now reeking havoc on New York City. With numerous costume changes, Bianca is a stunning Cher in Glitz. She is joined by Teryl-Lynn Foxx doing Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick; Lisa Beaumann as Carol Channing, Judy Garland and Liza Minelli; Blanche Debris as a busty Marilyn Monroe; Lawanda Jackson doing Tina Turner live and portraying Michael Jackson and Mary J. Blige; Christina Cayne as Paris Hilton; and Cotie Collins as Dolly Parton
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, Tony Leggio-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2009, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
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the "official" dish ...from 4 and Reba McEntire. The cast is joined by four talented dancers: Jeremy Roberts who is choreography, Gawain Dupre, Josh Mesa and Darin Eliasen.
Circuit Greats & Men of Manwatch Headline Oz Southern Decadence Wknd.
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ance Club of the Year Oz has big plans for the giant 38th annual Southern Decadence celebration over Labor Day Weekend with it’s mega circuit DJ line-up running September 4-7. The club brings circuit great Joe Gauthreaux on Friday, Phil B. on S a t u r day
OPEN
and David Knapp on Sunday. The hot Men of Manwatch will perform the entire weekend on the bar. You can also look for the resident talents of DJ Tim Pflueger and Jason Lanoux with lights by Johnny Eubanks and Parker. Oz Southern Decadence VIP Passes are going quick, so if you don't have yours, go to OzNewOrleans.COM today. Don't wait in line!
9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. Meeting; 6pm, Roll Call - All Contestants; 7pm, Solo Talent Prejudging; 9pm, Pageant Begins; and Friday, August 21 - 10am, Opening Production Rehearsal (Bring Male Interview Clothes); 12noon, Male Interview; 8pm, Roll Call - All Contestants; 9pm, Pageant Begins. For more information on the pageant, visit MissGayLouisianaAmerica.COM. For more on Olympus Bar, visit OlympusBar.COM.
Miss Gay Louisiana America Heads to Alexandria's Olympus Bar Aug.19-21
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he 20th annual Miss Gay Louisiana America 2009 pageant heads to Alexandria for the first time in many years. Hosted at Louisiana's newest club, Olympus Bar, 4003 S. MacArthur Drive, in Alexandria, the pageant is set for Thursday and Friday, August 20 and 21 at 9pm. The theme this year is Mysteria, and the pageant will be hosted by producer House of DeLorean's Domi-
New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus Rehearsals to Begin in September Miss Gay America Victoria DePaula
nique DeLorean, Miss Gay Louisiana America 2005. Pageant goers can look for Miss Gay America 2009 Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay America 2004 Rachael Erikks, Miss Gay Louisiana America 2008 Anastacia Davenport, and a host of other celebrities. With over $2,500 in cash and prizes at stake, competition is sure to be stiff among prelim winners and first alternates. Additionally on Wednesday, August 19 at 10pm, locals and visitors alike can look forward to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Revue Show, also at Olympus Bar, featuring Miss Gay America Victoria DePaula. The competition schedule includes: Thursday, August 20 - 9am, Registration / Briefing from the Promoters, Opening Production Rehearsal; 11am, Promoters Meeting with the Formers, all formers must attend; 12 noon, Lunch and Judges
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f you’ve got a voice to be heard, here is your chance! The New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (NOGMC) will begin open rehearsals in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge right after Labor Day for their 27th annual December holiday concert, Greetings of the [continued on 8]
Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.
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“Wayne and Billie have worked exceptionally hard this past year building their business and I’m very proud of their accomplishments,” said Richard Lowe, president and chief operating officer of Franchise Services, Inc., parent company of Sir Speedy. “Winners of this award exemplify the Sir Speedy brand commitment of helping our customers grow their businesses.” Sir Speedy provides printing and marketing services designed to help companies grow. Products and services include traditional printing, copying and mailing services as well as value-added offerings such as web to print solutions, integrated direct marketing tools, and promotional products. Sir Speedy helps companies meet their business growth objectives from lead generation, customer retention and reactivation to brand management and more. Sir Speedy is locally owned and operated and is part of a worldwide network of franchise brands and affiliates that spans more than 800 locations in 16 countries. Located at 343 Carondelet Street in New Orleans, you can get more information at http://sirspeedyneworleans.com. Based in Mission Viejo, California, Sir Speedy, Inc. has received numerous awards and recognition including the Franchise Times Top 200, Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Quick Printing Top 100, Printing Impressions 400, an AllStar Top 300 Award, a Franchise 50 Award and a Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.
Equality Across America National Day of Action Sunday, October 11
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the "official" dish ...from 6 Season. New singing members will be welcomed and encouraged to join in either location until October 1st for the December concert series. Rehearsals in New Orleans will commence at 7:30pm on Tuesday, September 8th, at UNO’s Performing Arts Center in the Choral Room (Room 203). Baton Rouge rehearsals will begin at 7:30pm on Thursday, September 10th, in the Choir Room at University Presbyterian Church, 3240 Dalrymple Drive. NOGMC holds several joint rehearsals with the New Orleans and Baton Rouge singers, including a fall choral retreat on September 19th to learn new music and vocal techniques. For more information on how to join, please visit NOGMC on-line at www.nogmc.com or call 504.322.7007 or 225.387.4281. Founded in June 1982, the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (NOGMC) is starting its 27th season. Under the artistic direction of Cedric Bridges, NOGMC performs three major concerts in December,
February and June as part of their concert series. All concerts are performed in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge and NOGMC supports many community organizations in both cities. NOGMC often appears in New Orleans to support such organizations as PFLAG, Buzzy’s Boys and Girls, Project Lazarus, Forum for Equality, Arts Council of New Orleans and the NO/AIDS Task Force’s Food For Friends program. In Baton Rouge, NOGMC has performed to support HAART, St. Anthony’s, Krewe of Apollo’s HIV/AIDS Crisis Relief Fund and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. To further our musical impact, NOGMC sponsors a vocal music scholarship at UNO and has a long history of and a commitment to commissioning new music for men’s choruses. NOGMC is a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses) and has proudly represented Louisiana at all eight of the past quadrennial GALA Choruses’ Festivals.
Similar to their performance in 2004 in Montreal, NOGMC performed for 3,500 delegates and guests at GALA Choruses’ Festival VIII in Miami in July 2008, receiving multiple standing ovations and becoming the talk of the Festival. NOGMC will again represent southern Louisiana at GALA Choruses’ Festival IX in July 2012.
Sir Speedy Receives Century Club Award
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ission Viej, Calif. - Sir Speedy in New Orleans recently received a Century Club Award, placing them in an elite group of Sir Speedy franchises worldwide. The Century Club sales achievement award recognizes 100 of the top franchises in the entire network for outstanding sales achievement in 2008. The award is presented annually at the Sir Speedy International Convention, held this year at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, July 29-August 2. Sir Speedy in New Orleans is owned by Wayne Chambless and Billie Cox.
quality Across America, the new grassroots network calling for Federal action to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, has moved forward with plans for a massive national day of action on Sunday, October 11. Major national LGBT organizations including the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) have endorsed the march as have local and state grassroots organizations like Join the Impact Chicago, One Struggle One Fight and Freedom Democrats of Miami-Dade. October 11 has been observed as “National Coming Out Day” since 1988. As well, this year, commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. “We’re marching this October to demand action from the Federal government to protect our rights in all fifty states,” said Kip Williams, one of the organizers. “Real equality can only come from the President, the Congress and the Supreme Court.” Equality Across America brings together veteran movement activists such as David Mixner, Torie Osborn, Cleve Jones, Anne Northrop and Nadine Smith, with new organizers like Williams and Robin McGehee, who lead the successful “Meet in the Middle” rally in Fresno, California following the California Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8. “We’ve got people from the Stonewall generation to the Facebook generation working together to win real equality,” said McGehee. “We’re
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
8th Fashion Designers & Artists United 4 Hondurus
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veryone needs a little fashion in their lives. And, although we are not New York, New Orleans has its fair share of clothing designers. The design diva herself, Carolina Gallop is hosting her 8th Annual Fashion Designers and Artists United 4 Honduras Fund-raiser on Wednesday, August 26 at the Blue Nile. If you have ever been to one of Carolina’s fashion shows in the past then you know they are fun, splashy and over the top. This year I will be a guest emcee along with the incomparable Margarita Bergen and Ranord Darensburg. Gallop will be showcasing her fashions along with Jose Luis Rodriguez, Oliver, Elsa Brodmann, and Alicia Zenobia. There will be musical talents of Freddy Omar, Debouche, Maryflynn’s Jazzy Blues, DJ Otto, Chuck Perkins and many more. There will also be a host of female illusionists (drag queens) and dancers to keep the night interesting. Tickets are $15 for general admission and only $10 if you bring an article of clothing. If you want to feel like a celebrity, you can have reserved front row seating for only $20. All the proceeds benefit Gallop’s hometown of La Ceiba, Honduras who was decimated by a hurricane
the "official" dish ...from 8 tired of compromises and delays.” The march in the nation’s capital is necessary to help supporters of equality focus their attention on the Federal government after decades of work at the state and local level according to Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. “The Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, but LGBT Americans are still denied that protection, now is the time to push for real equality, in all matters governed by civil law.” Lt. Dan Choi, also a member of the march steering committee, is working to ensure a strong presence by LGBT and straight veterans at the march. “The majority of Americans reject discrimination in the armed forces, it’s time for Congress and the Administration to move on this and all issues of equality for LGBT Americans.” Equality Across America pledges more than a march and has begun recruiting volunteers in all 435 US Congressional Districts to pressure members of the House of Representatives. “We want to bring together all the different groups that support equality: young and old, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, people of all races, faiths and backgrounds from every corner of this country” said Corey Johnson of New York. “We want every member of Congress to know that there are LGBT people and our allies in every single district.” Equality Across America has also
eight years ago. Now this is a cause we in the Crescent City can relate with. The doors open at 6:30pm and there will be complimentary food and liquor samplings until 7:30pm. The Blue Nile is located at 532 Frenchman Street. Glamorous fashions, scantily clad male models, this is a gay guy’s dream. Guys, this show is a great way to meet great new people and support a wonderful cause. And if the show was not enough, there is an after party upstairs from 11pm to 1am where you can rub shoulders (or other body parts) with the models. So channel your inner fashionista and come out and support this wonderful event. For more information, call 504.931.7779.
One Hot Gay Party Aug. 29
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n my last article, I wrote about the Krewe of Satyricon’s event Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It is quickly turning into one of the hottest gay parties of the summer. It is Saturday, August 29 from 8-11pm at Venusian Gardens. Tickets are $30, and it includes a buffet, open bar, DJ with dance music and special guest performances by some of the hottest talents in the city, such as Princesse Stephaney, Opal Masters, Elizabeth Bouvier, Cathy Fox and many more. There will be a costume contest reached out specifically to HIV/AIDS activists, interfaith leaders and Youth organizers to create independent events during the weekend in DC, as well as to state equality associations to build local actions throughout the US in conjunction with the march for those who cannot travel to DC on October 11. “The LGBT struggle for equality is the civil rights movement of the 21st century,” says pioneer activist and City Commissioner Nicole-Murray Ramirez of San Diego. Ramirez who has been a part of every national march for LGBT rights, since 1979 says, “history has proven for us to achieve full equality we must be engaged in the suites of political power and the streets of activism.” The National Equality March is scheduled to begin at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 11. The exact route of march is still being negotiated with the DC authorities. Organizers are building partnerships with other groups to create workshops, trainings, seminars and teach-ins throughout the weekend. Parties, concerts and other entertainment are being actively discouraged. “It’s not about another party, it’s about getting to work,” said Kip Williams. The march and district lobbying campaign are directed by a national Steering Committee of over 60 members from throughout the nation, reflecting the diversity of the LGBT community. Operating under the auspices of the Tides Center, Equality Across America is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization.
judged by none other than the city’s only female, female impersonator Becky Allen. If you do not have a costume, no worries it is not necessary to enter the Garden, just come as you are. Or feel free to come wearing nothing but a fig leaf. And there will be plenty of fabulous male models on display for everyone’s enjoyment. For tickets call 504.525.4498.
Charlotte, The Queen City
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ecently I took a business trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. In case you do not know, when I am not writing for Ambush my day job is an event producer. The National Association of Catering Executives held its national convention this July in Charlotte this year so off I went. Since I had never been before, I did some research on Models at the Wedding Party in Charlotte, the gay scene. And, did you know that Pretty in Pink Theme Charlotte is called the Queen City. Talk about your bait and switch advertising. traveling for my job is the wide array of There is not that big a gay scene at all. people I meet along the way. The opening But all was not lost because the day before speaker for the NACE conference was my conference started, Charlotte was celebrity chef and television reality star holding its Gay Pride festival. So I called Rocco DiSpirito. He was just as funny and Inge, one of my great friends, who now live witty in person as he is on television. And, in Charlotte to go with me. I was surpris- the oven is not the only thing hot in his ingly pleased with the gay pride festival in kitchen, the man is smoking. I actually got Charlotte. It had a large turnout and was to meet him and get him to sign his new bigger than I anticipated. Inge, her hus- cookbook for me. Now I just need to band Derek, and their brand new baby actually try my hand at making his recipes. Caleb, donned gay beads I brought from But my favorite part of the convention New Orleans and we hung out enjoying was meeting other gay professionals in the day. my industry. The conference held some of There was food, entertainment, and the best parties. lots of corporate presence. Almost every I did manage to break away from the banking establishment in Charlotte had a classes and events to see some of the booth, as well as most of the gay bars. sights in Charlotte. The Epicenter is a There were two stages one for the main downtown mall complex filled with restauacts and a smaller one. The One Voice rants, movies and nightclubs. One resChorus was one of the highlights of the taurant Mez is a hip little restaurant that main stage. But they had lots of lesbian serve great mojitos. Another great restaurockers to keep the crowd going like the Jill rant I got to go to was the trendy Nikko, Austin Band and Rodie Ray. And no gay where the owner will dance at your table pride festival would be complete without a with a boa and tambourine if you do a sake little drag. The show ended with perfor- bomb with her. I still do not know how she mances by the city’s top drag entertainers. was standing at the end of the night, cause But the one thing that I brought back she was dancing at a lot of tables. with me from the festival was learning And, I did go to one straight club called about a young man named Sean Kennedy the Breakfast Club, which had rubick’s who was murdered in a hate crime in May cube tables and movies playing all John 2007. His attacker was caught, but be- Hughes films all around the place. cause of lack of laws and protection in Brought me back to my high school days North Carolina, Sean’s murderer’s charge dancing to all the eighties hits. I feel like was plea bargained down to involuntary it was a fitting tribute to the late John manslaughter. This murderer, Stephen Hughes who just passed away. The man’s Moeller, was sentenced for only three years. movies defined a decade. Sean’s mother, Elke Kennedy, started an Another great restaurant that was very organization called Sean’s Last Wish. The gay friendly was The Dish, which also has mission of this group is to empower the some of the cutest waiters and the best community through educational diversity home cooking in town. programs, non violent conflict resolution But the best part of the trip was meetand community involvement. Elke travels ing local David Klingel who played the the country speaking on behalf of her son ultimate hostess to myself and several and others who have suffered. To find out other gay attendees. He took us around more about this organization go to the city on a private tour and made us feel SeansLastWish.org. I have to warn you very welcome. All and all, Charlotte should though, one of the things on the website is definitely be on your list of places to visit. a voice mail Sean’s murderer left on And, girl, if you like NASCAR, then start someone’s answering machine after he your engines because this is the city for killed him. It is chilling to hear how callous you. he is and to know that in a year, he will be back walking the streets. White Linen But what Charlotte lacked in a gay scene, it made up for it in hot male eye & Dirty Linen Nights f there is one thing I have learned candy. There were beautiful men everyabout being gay, is that cultural where in that city, you practically tripped events are the best place to meet over one on every corner. But the convention I attended proved to be a larger gay [continued on 14] scene than the actual city. What I like about
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10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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ambush
paparazzi
Bartenders Marty (Lesbian of the Year) & Danielle hail from The Friendly Bar
Double Play owner Chuck & new bartender Brad behind the bar at Double Play
Bartender JR always has a big smile for you at Cutter’s Satyricon’s Gene & Karen join Amon Ra’s Sister Sunday Social at JohnPaul’s
Bruce, Ashlee & Troy gettin’ ready for a busy Saturday night at The Corner Pocket
Bar baron Mike “Cookie” Cookmeyer ready for the Decadent Ducks at 700 Club Queen & King Amon Ra XL Ricky & Randall join their krewe’s Sister Sunday Social
Manager Joe joined by Randy for Rawhide’s Friday Chuckwagon Happy Hour Brad pops into Leather Bar of the Year, the Phoenix The baby Sassy at home lookin' for parents Rip & Marsha Big Daddy’s friendly bartender Juanita
George, Rick & Rick of Tubby’s Golden Lantern fame cocktailin’ at Lafitte’s
Phoenix’s Eric & Brian Society Page’s Orlando, Lucille, Trux & Jay cocktailin’ at Big Daddy’s
Lords of Leather Capt. David & Lord Alan pop into Neighborhood Bar of the Year Lafitte’s for a cold one
Hey, it’s Phoenix manager Red
Cutter’s big three: Dudley, Mac & Jimmy
Cody slingin’ cocktails for Rawhide’s Chuckwagon Happy Hour
Rawhide manager Joe serves up one of his famous bacon cheese burgers for Chuckwagon Happy Hour
12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Get This ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush
Bartender Richie, manager Neel & bartender Jake welcome you to Good Friends Bar
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under the gaydar ...from 10 guys. The gays love art and recently this city had two of their biggest art events of the year back to back. We started off with White Linen Night the first weekend of August in the Warehouse District. If you have not been to this event, it is when all the galleries on Julia Street and surrounding area open their doors for a large street party filled with art, music and of course libations. This year actually the private parties thrown by people in the area definitely out shadowed the party on the street. One of my good friends Laura Tennyson and I took to the task of making all the parties that night we were invited to and like champs we accomplished our goal. We started off by attending Mary Metoyer’s soiree at her shop, Mary’s Floor World at 927 Julia Street. Mary is the mother of Paul Metoyer, who is one of Satyricon’s members. There was plenty of live music, food and drink, which was a perfect way to kick off the night. We then ambled to the Vespa shop. Wow, do these people know how to throw a party complete with DJ and mojitos stations. If you have never been to the shop in the Warehouse District, then I would make it a point to check it out, even if you do not ride a motorcycle, it is worth a visit. We then moved to the Julia Place condominiums for our next two gatherings. Laurene Miller and Cherie Vogel both hosted events in the building a floor apart from each other. And since both ladies have similar friends, it was like one large party split over two floors, what a great concept. After those parties, we decided to actually view some art. The galleries were packed with people and the art was exceptional, especially at Arthur Rogers, Canary and d.o.c.s galleries just to name a few. Our final party of the night was a birthday party hosted by Gene and Gia Sausse in a space next to the Republic bar. Gia turned the big 4-0 and threw a party in style with one of the best DJ’s in
town and a great crowd of people. I met more hot “straight” men that night at this event. It is amazing how inhibitions go out of the window when alcohol is introduced into the mix. We danced the night away and was plied with more liquid pleasure by studly bartender Chadley. After our fill that evening of the culture the city has to offer, we went to another cultural “icon” for a different kind of entertainment. Big Daddy’s had their show that evening and the crowd was massive. Highlight was Princesse’s dead on interpretation of Lady Gaga. Talk about a Poker Face. The following week, Dirty Linen Night kicked off in the Quarter on Royal Street. Now this event is very different than White linen. Different crowd and vibe on the street. But nonetheless the party was not any smaller. This night gives locals a chance to check out the businesses in their own city. Even the Cornstalk Hotel had its doors open and were giving people quick tours. I have lived in this city my entire life and I had never been to that hotel. Very cool highlight of the evening. The art was also wonderful with standout galleries such as Joe Dunn photography, Rinard Gallery and Hansen King to name some. And, of course there were parties. One of my high school classmates Randy and his friend Brian hosted an after party in their condo on Bourbon Street right next to the Pub. Talk about location, location, location. This place is truly a party destination. He was the perfect host with a great mix of guests. If you missed the festivities of these two nights, remember to mark your calendar for next August.
Remembering George Bodin
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nd on a final note, the gay community lost a wonderful person a few weeks ago. George Bodin, who was a past king of the Krewe of Apollo in Lafayette, a professional member of the hospitality community in New Orleans and most of all a friend of mine died on July 23 from complications in a car crash. I met George about ten years ago at the Marriott on Canal Street which he worked for twenty years. He quickly became a person I admired. He was extremely handsome, professional, funny and just a friendly regular guy. And most of all he made a lasting impression on all those whose lives he touched. Unfortunately his time was shorter than expected on this earth, but his presence will always be here. George thank you for your friendship and making me always strive to be a better person. God speed my dear friend. Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.
the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com
WHATARE WE?
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s we approach Southern Decadence, a church such as mine does some theological tap dancing in order to express just how we go about accentuating the positive while still pointing toward a God of growth and transformation. I have come across some widely varying ideas about what my church is, and what it stands for. Some of these misunderstandings are dishonest – they are attempts to devalue what we do so the accuser can be absolved from engaging with anything that challenges their comfort zone. Mostly however they are quite genuine, and they go to the heart of the Christian message. This is why it is worth taking a look at them because they are central to the human relationship with God. Contrary to popular opinion the job of an MCC pastor is not all relentless, vapid affirmation! It is not about telling people they are just fine and dandy no matter what catastrophic choices they make, rather it is trying to show people - in a hard-won, patient way, that their personhood is inviolate and beloved, and that they are truly unique even if they never buy another thing, or make another ‘choice’, and that their value before God is irrespective of their sexuality, gender or race. The challenge faced by MCC (Metropolitan Community Churches) is to cherish the PERSON without elevating the INDIVIDUAL. This is a controversial distinction – to many people they are one and the same thing; but I hold them to be very different. Paradoxically, the thing society calls the ‘individual’ is not remotely unique, it is just a marketing target or a statistic, personhood on the other hand can never be reproduced, and stands immune to the blandishments of commerce – it is the created soul/body/mind that can never be completely known by others, can only completely be known by God. This is where the confusion with our conservative brethren comes from; they mistake the individual, the world of choices and whims, with the person, the created and inherent Clinton, or Leon, or Ellen. MCC does not make it’s stand behind the notion that a life worshipping libido is as valuable as a life worshipping God; rather we make our stand on the premise that sexuality (i.e. orientation) and gender identity are part of the created person, not parts of the rummage bag of choices and accidents that society calls ‘the individual’. As a part of our personhood it is morally neutral, in fact it is a Godgiven ‘good’. It is as much a potential source of blessing and growth as any other part of our nature. Joyful and healthy behavior flows from it, but in tune with it – so a marriage flowing from a gay PERSON would be with someone of the same sex, but would still be a marriage, and hope to achieve the same closeness, growth, faithfulness and self giving as a heterosexual; marriage. I argue until I am hoarse that we start from a genuinely level playing field as regards our sexual orientation and gender identity. I would also say that choices are often a poor guide to a person’s heart, and only God can judge our intentions with any justice – we walk a dangerous and bitter road when we first set out to judge our brothers and sisters, we bind ourselves into an endless cycle of doubt and self defense. That does not however prevent us from holding ourselves to a higher ideal, a standard guided by our experience of love, faithfulness, grace and forgiveness and by our hard-won wisdom, gained in relationship with others. In the light of this reality I can no more pretend that a life of condemnation and anger is pointing toward God than I can pretend that black is white, but the way to describe this truth to the outside world is to model a life that seeks always to turn aside from condemnation and anger and illustrate love and faithfulness to others. The Christian church has talked a lot about ‘telling the truth in love’ – this is not a tactful way to tell other people just how wrong they are, no, it is rather a way of telling the truth of God’s love through your life and behavior. That is going to be as different for each person as each person is different, but just as we all breathe air so all [continued on 16]
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southern decadence line-up
everybody's a critic
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by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com
s of press time, this is the current list of Southern Decadence events on the schedule to the 2009 celebration FRIDAY, August 21st... 9pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Metairie Bar Run at 4 Seasons, followed by the first SDGM Slidell Bar Run at Billy's SUNDAY, August 23rd... 4pm, Trash Disco with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, Cafe Lafitte in Exile THURSDAY, August 27th... 7:30pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Meet & Greet Reception with SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, Society Page 9pm, Official Southern Decadence Poster Signing hosted by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, 700 Club FRIDAY, August 28th... 10ish pm, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Marigny Bar Run following FourPlay at JohnPaul's SATURDAY, August 29th... 2pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Luncheon, by invitation only, Pat O'Brien's SUNDAY, August 30th... 6:30pm, Sunday Sister Social honoring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, plus all former grand marshals with buffet & drink specials, The Friendly Bar TUESDAY, September 1st... 8am, giant new Official Southern Decadence Guide Ambush Mag, hits the streets in New Orleans, the rest of the Gulf South by Wednesday, September 2 WEDNESDAY, September 2nd... 10am till, Get Decadent Outdoors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot Tub Party, The Country Club 10:30pm, Drag Survivor hosted by Blanch Debris & Persana Shoulders, plus special guest Bianca Del Rio, Dance Club of the Year Oz 10pm, Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contest hosted by Lisa Beaumann, judged by SDGMs 2009, plus the Boys from Around The World & the Corner Pocket Boys with $150 in cash & prizes, Corner Pocket THURSDAY, September 3rd... 10am-till, Get Decadent Outdoors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot Tub Party, The Country Club 4pm until, Welcome to Bear Decadence Beer Bust, Rawhide 2010 6pm till, Boys from Around the World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancing on the Bar, The Corner Pocket 9pm, Elias Productions presents Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation, starring Bianca Del Rio, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Lawanda Jackson, Blanche Debris, Christina Cayne & four very talented dancers. Tickets available at TicketMaster.COM, The Theatre at Harrah’s Casino 9pm, New Orleans Bear/Bear Trapper Social Club's ‘Rompin in da Swamp’ Pool Party, The Country Club 11pm, Southern Decadence: 3rd Annual Fetish Ball crowning 3rd King of Decadence, Rawhide 2010 11pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence with USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest w/
$100 cash prize, Good Friends Bar 12midnight - Dick of Decadence Contest, all $5 cover charge proceeds goes to top 3 finishers, Balcony Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile FRIDAY, September 4th... 10am-till, Southern Decadence Ultimate Pool Party, The Country Club 3pm till, Boys from Around the World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancing on the Bar, The Corner Pocket 8pm, New Orleans Bear/Bear Trapper Social Club Bear Beer Bust & BBQ, JohnPaul's 9pm, Annual Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals’ Drag Show emceed by Gary Glitter & SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams, starring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma with Past SDGMs & New Orleans finest entertainers, Official Home of Southern Decadence: Tubby’s Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. 9pm, DJ Tony B, Phoenix 9pm, Elias Productions presents Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation, starring Bianca Del Rio, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Lawanda Jackson, Blanche Debris, Christina Cayne & four very talented dancers. Tickets available at TicketMaster.COM, The Theatre at Harrah’s Casino 10pm, Leather Block Party & Vendor Fair, Phoenix 11pm-5am, It’s Southern Decadence with Circuit Great Guest DJ Joe Gauthreaux, Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & Jason Lanoux, Lights by Johnny Eubanks & Parker, plus the hot Men of Manwatch all weekend long, Dance Club of the Year Oz SATURDAY, September 5th... 10am-till, Southern Decadence Ultimate Pool Party, The Country Club 11am-2pm, Arctophile Party Returns, Cutter's 3pm till, Boys from Around the World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancing on the Bar, The Corner Pocket 5pm, Napoleon’s Itch presents the 4th Bourbon Street Extravaganza live free concert featuring Circuit Guest Stars live at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets 5-9pm, Playgirl.COM, BrokeStraightBoys.COM Pool Party, The Country Club 8pm, New Orleans Bear/Bear Trapper Social Club Sire Ursus of Decadence Contest, JohnPaul’s 9pm, Lords of Leather host Sleaze Blackout Beer Bust w/DJ Karbin, Phoenix 9pm, Nawlins' Queen of Comedy, Tubby's Golden Lantern 9pm, Southern Decadence 2009, Live DJ, 700 Club, Official Sponsor of the Decadent Ducks 11ish pm, Marcy Marcell's Grand Decadence Show, JohnPaul's 11pm-5am, It’s Southern Decadence with Circuit Great Guest DJ Phil B., Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & Jason Lanoux, Lights by Johnny Eubanks & Parker, plus the hot Men of Manwatch all weekend long, Dance Club of the Year Oz SUNDAY, September 6th... 10am, Bear Breakfast featuring Best Bear Beard, Butt, Belly & Chest Contest, Phoenix 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Ultimate Pool Party, The Country Club 1pm, Southern Decadence Grand
Halsted Market Days
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t’s nice to see in other “gay” communities that they can come together and do some good for their neighborhood by joining forces and cooperating with each other to help make things safer and cleaner. With that said, I have just returned from another trip to Chicago and attended the “Halsted Market Days” that has become a big tradition for their gay community. This is a two day street fair that was started in the 80’s and originally was a two block sidewalk festival, and has grown into an 8 block festival that they close the streets down totally, and they have to charge admission ($7) to get into. It is the one time of year that all the Marshals 2009 Brunch & Make-up Party, Friendly Bar 12noon-2pm, 3P (Pre-Parade Party) & Show emceed by Gary Glitter with legendary stars from around the city, outside Tubby's Golden Lantern 2pm sharp, 35th Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma celebrating Southern Decadence 38, begins at Official Home of Southern Decadence: Tubby’s Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. 3pm till, Boys from Around the World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancing on the Bar, The Corner Pocket 4pm, 16th Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, sponsored by the Susan Lucci’s: Rip & Marsha, Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM, AMBUSH Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. 5pm, Annual Miss High Hair Contest, winner takes home the coveted Bronze Barbie, Good Friends Bar 8pm, New Orleans Bear/Bear Trapper Social Club Bear Dance, JohnPaul’s 9pm, DJ Karbin, Phoenix 9pm, Southern Decadence 2009, Live DJ, 700 Club, Official Sponsor of the Decadent Ducks 11pm-5am, It’s Southern Decadence with Circuit Great Guest DJ David Knapp, Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & Jason Lanoux, Lights by Johnny Eubanks & Parker, plus the hot Men of Manwatch all weekend long, Dance Club of the Year Oz LABOR DAY MONDAY, September 7th... 10am-1am, Official Recovery Day Outdoors: New Orleans Only Pool & Hot Tub Party, The Country Club 2pm, 12th Annual Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl sponsored by Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM led by Cruise Director - Ted Mahaffy, honoring SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, beginning with snacks at Corner Pocket 3pm till, Boys from Around the World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancing on the Bar, The Corner Pocket 10pm, Decadence Closing Dance Party DJs plus hot Men of Manwatch, Dance Club of the Year Oz
bars and restaurants are allowed to have booths out on the street, and also they have vendors that come from all over to “show and sell” their products. Of course the big draw is the 4 stages that are set up at various locations, and the 40 entertainment acts that appear. You haven’t seen anything until you see the “Village People” and 1,000 drunk sissies singing YMCA as loud as they could. But, the moral of the story is, the money that is earned from the front gates is used by that section of the gay businesses to have extra cleaning of the streets and sidewalks during the year, and to have extra security patrol during the summer in the evenings when the bars are open. Incidentally, this year they made almost $70,000. And all it took was a few business men to get together and say they wanted to make it nicer for their customers.
Tubby’s Golden Lantern's P3 Sept. 6
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his year, on the Sunday of Southern Decadence, Tubby’s Golden Lantern is hosting “P3” before the parade begins at 2pm. P3 is: Pre-Parade Party which will take to the streets from 12noon until 2pm when the parade starts. The concept is that when the people come to line up for the parade, instead of just waiting and drinking, they will have music and an outdoor show to keep them entertained. The show is a mixture of talent from the gay community that have been specifically invited to perform, with the hope that this will be a “new tradition “ for the future, and for the “Home of Southern Decadence“, Tubby’s Golden Lantern at 1239 Royal Street. And what a better way to get the day started than to come to the start of the parade and dance and have entertainment to get you in the mood for what will undoubtedly be one of the best Southern Decadence celebrations in past years. This will be an event you will not want to miss, and when Grand Marshals Tittie Toulouse and Paloma arrive to start the parade, there will be a toast to them by a representative of the city. We are hoping that your weekend will be filled with excitement and you will be able to say, “ This was the best one yet !“ Can’t wait to see you at P3 !!!
the pink pastor ...from 14 illustrations of God in human lives will show some similar qualities. It is fundamentally a message of hope over despair – that we are better than our choices can ever suggest, and that we are shaped to be more than just consumers. We are not Prada-wearing, upper middle income democrats (or whatever) that shop at Rouses (or wherever) – we are PERSONS and as such we are unique and wonderful things. Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans.
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ambush
White Linen Night hostess Laurene with Tyler, Robbie & Marvin
The Girls of White Linen Night
Having fun at Blush Boy’s Night at Le Phare! Newly crowned Miss American Dynasty Gia with her mother at Rubyfruit Jungle
Miss American Dynasty Coronation MC Persana Shoulders
Frankie entertains for the American Dynasty Coronation at Rubyfruit Jungle
Yarda & the Jagerhaus crew displayed an awesome spread for Blush at Le Phare
Brandon, Stephen, Justin, Drew & Cody enjoying Blush Boy’s Night at Le Phare
White Linen Night, Laura & Louann Dirty Linen Night with Nikki & Brian Peterson at Fifi Mahoney’s
White Linen Night Party hosts Tony & Cherie Baton Rouge Boys in town for Dirty Linen Night
Rachel Monroe at the American Dynasty Coronation
Ophelia Breast (aka Nathan Brooks) hits the Jungle stage for the American Dynasty Coronation
The boys were loving the cocktails at Blush Boy’s Night at Le Phare
Showgirls Princesse Stephaney, Marcy Marcell & Zsa Zsa D’LaHor salute Starlight bar baron CW Stambaugh
Cute partygoers at White Linen Night
Dirty Linen Night celebrants Dante with Spooky
Dirty Linen Night celebrants Laurie Toups & Drex
Dirty Linen Night after party hosts Randy & Brian
18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Coronation, Boy’s Night, White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Nathan Brooks, Gary Glitter, Tony Leggio
paparazzi
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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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S
outhern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Tittie Toulouse emceed the annual Miss Louisiana Leatherette pageant along with Lords of Leather Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer culminating with the crowning of Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2009 Cathy Fox by Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2008 Passion Armani Cassidine. The pageant, hosted at Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s in New Orleans, helped raise funds towards the Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVII on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the Alario Center. For more visit LordsOfLeather.COM. (Photo: SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse, outgoing queen Passion Armani Cassidine, newly crowned Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox and Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer.
eighborhood Bar of the Year, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, has a new manager, Jerry Billiot, joined on his first official day as manager by long-time bartender Aletha Bryant at the oldest gay bar/club in North America. Located at 901 Bourbon Street, visit Lafittes.COM for more information on the club.
R
achel Monroe joins newly crowned Miss American Dynasty Emeritus Gia and pageant promoter Nathan Brooks at the American Dynasty Coronation hosted at Rubyfruit Jungle in New Orleans. The new national pageant will be held in Louisiana, and the Coronation was emceed by Persana Shoulders.
T
he Krewe of Amon Ra hosted it’s August Sister Sunday Social in conjunction with the Miss Turn-About pageant at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans. Emcee Lauren Brown joins Miss Turn-About 2008 Justus Pretty, newly crowned Miss Turn-About 2009 Barbara Ella and 1st runner-up Gizelle Bouvier. The afternoon of fun, hosted at JohnPaul’s, raised funds for the Krewe of Amon Ra Bal Masque XLV at the Alario Center. For more, visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM.
E
vent producer and Ambush columnist Tony Leggio meets celebrity chef and television reality star Rocci DiSpirito, as the opening speaker for the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) national conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. “He was just as funny and witty in person as he is on television,” said Leggio. Leggio also got DiSpirito to sign his new cookbook. Leggio added, “Now I just need to actually try my hand at making his recipes.” See more on the conference in Under The Gaydar in this edition of Ambush on page 10.
Southern Decadence SouthernDecadence.COM
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com
South Pacific at Dixon Hall/Tulane University
U
nfortunately for those who did not see it, the curtain has come down on Tulane Summer Lyric’s South Pacific, and this wonderful production of an American classic, expertly directed and choreographed by Diane Lala, is now just a happy memory for those who did. In Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, Christopher E. Carey made a conflicted but upright, virile Emile De Becque complete with convincing French accent. Charlotte Lang’s Bloody Mary was comic but determined to get a better life for her daughter, and she displayed a rich contralto in Bali Ha’i. Elizabeth Argus, reprising her award-winning Nellie Forbush, is now a little older than most Nellie’s but that made her ingrained racism all the more believable. Argus’ open, almost innocent quality, combined with her consummate acting skills, however, allowed an audience to embrace her change of core values by the final scenes. The rest of the cast from the comic (Shad Willingham’s Luther Billis) to the touching (Stephen Lukas’ Lt. Cable) all fulfilled their roles admirably while the chorus, under C. Leonard’s Raybon’s always first-rate musical direction, sang beautifully and brought Lala’s dances to vivid life, especially so in the rousing There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame. Rick Paul’s simple set and Julie Winn’s period appropriate costumes struck just the right note while Peter Pfeil’s lighting, in which the pink rays of a dusk’s sun were reflected in the water, was sublime.
Smokey Joe’s Café at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center; HONK! at Westwego Performing Arts Theatre
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was bored out of my mind when I saw Smokey Joe’s Café in New York and never could figure out why it ran so long on Broadway, so I approached the JPAS Summer Youth Musical Theater production of this revue of the songs of Leiber and Stoller with some trepidation. Well, trimmed to a fast-paced 85 minutes, Clayton Phillips’ production showcasing over sixty (60!) 8th-12th graders was delightful, sheer entertainment that deserved
a longer run than just four performances. Leiber and Stoller’s songs (Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown, Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, etc.) are hardly Mozart, or even the Beatles, but under Alan Payne’s snappy musical direction and enriched by Lynne M. Lawrence’s exuberant choreography Ruby Ruby, Dance With Me, On Broadway, Poison Ivy, Love Potion #9 and I (Who Have Nothing), among many others, were real crowd pleasers. With a 4 to 1 ratio of gals to guys and with many of the songs featuring the guys, none of this production’s young ladies stood out though all were fine. As for the guys, their newly deepened voices sounded great, they danced well, and all had the requisite swagger for this testosterone-fueled show. Austin Alleman had charisma to spare and looks likely to develop into an exquisite leading man. Connor Appel had the perfect basso profundo that many of the songs required. I expect that in a few more years Alex Attardo with his yearning voice and bookish demeanor will be playing a lead in Spring’s Awakening. The extraordinarily cute Miles Pagson stood out by standing small. Though equally adept, the more soft-edged Rilan Roppolo contrasted nicely with the more “guy’s guy” Dillon Tauzin. And it won’t surprise me if we’ll be seeing more of Dylan Campbell Troost dancing up a storm in the coming years. Andrew Goodman, Austin Pecot, Tyler Seagar, and Benjamin Volletine, all singing smoothly, completed the male contingent. Over in Westwego, a reprise of The Ugly Duckling-inspired musical HONK!
directed by Kate Arthurs with a different gaggle of young kids commandeered JPAS’s other stage. This is such a marvelous show that I was actually thrilled to see it twice in about a month. If the East Bank version seemed a little more polished it could be because I saw the final performance of that production whereas I saw the opening night of the West Bank one. Nevertheless, Carlin Dougherty, with a strong voice and estimable comic skills, made a plucky Ida, exuding maternal warmth and concern. If Serguis Centanni was a little awkward as Ugly, the future swan, it suited his character and his certain stage presence more than made up for it. Other notable barnyard creatures included Madison Smither (Maureen), Rachel Romano (Henrietta), Vincent Acosta (Greylag), and Riley Tafaro (Penny). Acting as though she owned the stage, Elizabeth Donner was a sassy, conniving Cat and radiated 1,000 megawatts of personal magnetism, the innate kind that’s impossible to manufacture; I suspect Donner just might be the next Bernadette Peters. And making for the most gymnastic bullfrog I’ve ever seen, Riley Reynolds executed Michael Moore’s impressive tap dance choreography with aplomb. The only question I have is not how an ugly duckling can turn into a swan or how JPAS managed to turn out two excellent productions of HONK! in this city overloaded with talent, but why has this adorable, moving musical with its memorable score not yet had a first class production
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New dancer Eric won the weekly Calendar Boy Contest
Roscoe Lifeguard, Northalstead Market Days Baby Caleb & Inge at Charlotte Gay Pride
The Marines have landed at The Corner Pocket
Ambush’s Gary Glitter welcomed to Northalsted Market Days
Street Artist, Northalstead Market Days
travel
paparazzi Dancing Queen owner of Nikko Sushi restaurant in Charlotte
New Corner Pocket Dancer Marcello
Personal Trainers, Northalstead Market Days Breakfast Club in memory of the late John Hughes, great bar in Charlotte
Old Gay Folks out for Northalstead Market Days
Dancers Brian & Skipper in the Calendar Boy Contest at The Corner Pocket
Side Track - Show Me Your “TIPS” for Beads, Northalstead Market Days
Steam Works, Northalstead Market Days
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Charlotte Hotties
~ Photos by Corner Pocket, Gary Glitter, Tony Leggio
August Calendar Boy Contest winner Brian being interviewed by host Barry Bareass
Charlotte Gay Chorus, Charlotte Gay Pride Fest
Calendar Boy Contest ~ New Orleans; Northalsted Market Days ~ Chicago, Illinois; Charlotte Gay Pride Festival ~ N. Carolina
Candle Maker - How gay!, Northalstead Market Days
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CANAL STREET
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BURGUNDY
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ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
900 ST. PHILIP
1000 URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
1300 ESPLANADE
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Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com VISION'S TWIST, 266 Dauphin St., 431.9002, visions-mobile.com Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] OLYMPUS BAR, 4003 MacArthur Dr., 442.6735, OlympusBar.COM Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457
body rubs
Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, PhoenixNewOrleans.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM
bush, OneMightyWeekend.COM
computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964
New Orleans, LA [504] MASCULINE TOP STUD FOR AWESOME BODY RUBS & MORE 6'0, 178#, w/magic hands & hard gun. 6am-mid. Fantastic 4 hand session avail. In/Out/Hotels. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is1709] NEW GUY IN TOWN - Avail for full body rubdowns starting @ $50 for Fr Qutr area. All other areas, add'l fee. 24 hrs. Out calls only, 616.334.1432 [is1709]
Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
bookstores
New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAME, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
Baton Rouge, LA [225] CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494 New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S OF KENNER, 96 West 26th St., 466.1870 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELLADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616
galleries
cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78
casinos
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
bars
RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431, NOLAJungle.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156 STARLIGHT BY THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 561.8939, StarlightByThePark.COM TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860 Shreveport, LA [318] CENTRAL STATION, 1025 Marshall St., 222.2216 KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
New Orleans, LA [504] HARRAHS NEW ORLEANS, Canal at the River, 800.HARRAHS
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1709]
circuit/events Sept. 2-7, 2009, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 12-16, 2010, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 3-6, 2010, One Mighty Weekend,. Orlando, Florida, sponsored by Am-
florists framing
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 OFADEAN SALONSPA & WELLNESS CENTER, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318, ofadean.com SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555
laundries New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274
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Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2/2010]
media
WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is1509]
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0809] CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly reno-
vated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking. Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon! [1109] MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/ cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0110] BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny
New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-hot, cute muscle stud, pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, friendly & discreet. In/Out/Hotels. Body rubs & 4 hands avail. 7 days, 6am-11pm. 504.756.9443 [is1709] COLBY RYAN, Greek-American, a true New Orleanian, not a boy toy, but a man's dream. Pics @ m4rn.com, ID #215544. Discretion is of the utmost importance. Avail. 24/7 serving New Orleans & Baton Rouge, 504.400.9214 [is1709]
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTSAND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANASTATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr.
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955
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OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm 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] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org 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 METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org 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 statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org 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
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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 http:// kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 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, 511 Dumaine; 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 by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com
Loving Lea
I
don’t mean this section heading to mean that something is going on between me and Lea, but I do consider him a “close” friend, if you get my drift. I don’t see Lea that often, but do run into him when I stop by the nursery for more supplies and plants for my garden. I think he also does private landscaping jobs too. We go back several years, and I’m not even sure how I met him, but it probably had to do with a meeting at the old Hibiscus Bookstore or maybe just a casual meeting at the old Mirror Lounge. I knew his former lover, and I’m sure this is how the connection came about, but Lea has moved on with his life while still remaining friends with this ex-partner. When I ran into Lea at Hound Dogs
New Orleans, LA [504] AVALON PLUMBING, residential & commercial repair & remodeling, call Michael 237.0888 RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS, QueenFashions.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
printers
spas
New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812
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
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] JUDY FISHER, INC. REALTORS, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, marylind2020@gmail.com 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 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 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
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
last week, it was a surprise. It was his day off I suppose, and I didn’t realize he was there until my eyes became adjusted to the lighting inside the bar. On a bright day, it takes a while to get things back in focus. In fact, I heard him call my name first without realizing who it was. It was great being able to sit with him for a while and catch up on the latest in his love life. It turned out to be an unsuitable subject, so I didn’t pursue the details. I will, however, say that someone is missing out on a good thing from a good guy with great and winning ways. Lea is tall, well muscled from all that gardening work, and has a tan to match. The last time I saw him at the nursery he was landscaping one of their flower beds in the parking lot. We didn’t talk very long that day, but catching up with him at Hound Dogs gave me a chance to make up for lost time. With a great personality and a kind and masterful way with words, Lea just stands out wherever he is. I like this in a guy, but then I really like Lea too. He is just simply one of the good guys that deserve the great things that life has to offer. I wish him well in all his endeavors whether private or public. Happiness should always come his way because he shares his own happy presence willingly. You just can help but love Lea.
Another Stud
I
guess I need to tell you a little about Brett. He is one of the Spanish Town studs that hang out on the porches where food and beverages are shared in abundance. He’s also one of the neighborhood handymen – a handyman for the asking. He’s a former Colorado resident, and I’m not sure how he happened to come to Baton Rouge, but I would think he either wanted a warmer climate or just to get away and be on his own. Whatever the situation, he apparently enjoys his present way of life, and he has made lots of friends in the area. Brett has a nice personality, and he is always around to give you a pleasant smile and a nice hello. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him when he didn’t have that positive attitude as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I’m really don’t know that much about him, but from my standpoint, I find him to be a refreshing addition to Spanish Town or to any of the other local hangouts where you find friendly gatherings. This tall young man gives you the impression that he doesn’t have a care in the world. He is either good at hiding the negative things in his life, or he really is that positive individual who can convince you that life is great. Living this life on his terms seems to be working for him. I’ll have to sit with him one of these days and see what I can get him to tell me that needs to be shared with everyone. Until then, I’ll just enjoy his friendly smile and the way he adds sparkle to those he happens to be around.
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Richard, Chris and Guy Jimmy and sexy Jeremy again Luther and Jim
Checking It Out ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict
Cody with gorgeous Jeremy
Rick and Todd
red stick paparazzi
Catching Lea off guard Pink and Luther
Kevin and Wayne
Andy and Chansley
Cody, Stephen and Walt Jason finds a cutie
Cowboy Dwayne
Sexy couple at George’s Ready for the show
Jeff, Jimmy and Michael
Little Corey checks it out
Ronnie, Richard and Cody
Hound Dogs Johnny with Paul
Scotti and friends
Chad and Nick
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
alexandria, olympus style by Jodi Belgard ann and Eric might feel like they need a breather after another busy weekend. They’ll have no such luck. Coming off the heels of a wild weekend featuring a drag benefit for Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services (CLASS), they have plenty more in the works. The CLASS benefit was the first at Olympus, but hopefully not the last. I don’t think I need to say how important that agency is in our community. Houston’s Kofi headlined, and Shreveport’s Dominique DeLorean, Natchitoches’ Sable and Alexandria’s own Lucinda Majors followed. They put on a hell of a show, and they certainly put the “class” in the fund-raiser when they donated a portion of their tips to CLASS. I’ve always said queens should get more involved in HIV/AIDS awareness locally. After all, gay men listen more to their queen mothers than they do their real ones. After the show, the best new sport for beer drinker took the spotlight. My sister and I had first dibs on the beer pong table. As good of a team as we are with everything else, we failed miserably at beer pong. Fortunately, there was plenty of consolation beer. As usual, the Olympus team is working to bring something to everyone at the bar.
They’re instituting Thursday night ladies’ night, which, I’m happy about. Let’s be honest, most gay bars forget about the lesbian need for cheap beer and a juke box. And, of course, the big shebang on the horizon is the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant, which will be held in Alexandria August 19-21. August 19 will be a review show of previous title holders, as well as a special appearance by the current reigning Miss Gay America, Victoria DePaula. The 20th and 21st will be the pageant. Go to wwww.missgaylouisianaamerica.com to see who’s competing. This will be the first time for the pageant to be held in Alexandria, and Dann and Eric have done their part to make to event more relaxing (and wallet-friendly) to travelers. They’ve worked out a deal with the Econolodge on MacArthur Drive. Ask for Donna Bibby when you make reservations, and mention you’ll be in town for the pageant for a discounted rate. Call 318.880.0110 for reservations. Who says small towns aren’t gay friendly? Also, if you want to prepay your admission fees for the pageant, you can do it over the phone. Admission is $12 for the review show $15 for Thursday’s portion of the pageant, and $17 for Friday. Call Olympus at 318.442.6735 if you’re interested.
hot tails of red stick ...from 34
with warmth and that smile is such a welcome sight. She gives you the impression that she knows no strangers, and her enthusiastic hellos come to you whenever and wherever she sees you. You don’t find this type of class in many places, and it is such a thrill to have her as a neighbor and a friend. She is always around to add a little extra charm to any occasion, and that wonderful personality stays with you even after she walks away or leaves the room. In a sense, she is just a remarkable and loving human being, and it is with great pride and good fortune when you can claim her as a personal friend. What a fantastic lady! It is no wonder that Chansley can claim her new title as Lesbian of the Year. I’ve known her for many years, and that title was secretly hidden all along. I like to refer to her as my friend in the lesbian limo. My goodness! That’s a bigger truck than Dwayne used to own. Let’s just say that the limo serves her well. I hear she has a new love, but I want comment too much until I delve into the matter further. Let’s just say that Chansley is one of those fantastic individuals that you absolutely love to love. She is outstanding in every way. I haven’t seen Sharie in a while, but I do keep up with her on Facebook. We go back a long way too. Oh, my goodness, sweetie! Remember that time on Rip and Marsha’s balcony at Mardi Gras? We had such a great time, and our common studly friend was great to have with us too. What a shock when I opened up a magazine and saw him in all his glory. Wow! All I can say is that he must have got the urge while
D
alexandria
paparazzi
WOW!!!!!
Nothing But Olympus!?! ~ Alexandria, Louisiana
She likes to be hands on!!!
Our newest bartender Joey Just one kiss I promise!!!
Around and About
I
Nothing but trouble!!!
When Drag Queens Go Bad !!!
Kofi and her new husband
Sexy Ladies!!!
Nothing but hotness!!!
Beer Pong Time!!!
didn’t have a chance to talk with Jeff at Splash last week, but I did spend some time with David. I like to keep up with things, and I especially like to keep up with this stud. I believe he is one of the sexier guys I’ve met at Splash, and I haven’t inquired of his love life but I’ll welcome a discussion about this and other things in his life. I did learn a few things about him last week, but I need to just sit down with him over a nice meal and pull a few things from him. Hmmm. That sounds rather erotic. Jesse and Blake are new residents of Spanish Town, and they are definitely welcome additions. Jesse appears to be the shy one, but I could be wrong. He is a graduate of LSU mainly because of Katrina. He was attending UNO at the time. He has worked at a local salon, but after graduation took a job as an account manager at a local plumbing distribution company. He was born in New Orleans but has lived in Slidell, Folsom, and Natchitoches. He loves gardening, aquariums, animals, martinis, Blue Moon, Café Du Monde, Mardi Gras, and dancing. And he actually loves to fish, camp, and hike. Goodness! This guy rocks! I don’t know that much about Blake yet, but I believe he has lived in Houston, and he was also a resident of Spanish Town before moving to Texas. Let’s just say that it is nice having him back in old Red Stick. We lost a little class when he moved, and now that class act is back. I’ll tell you more about him later. Sharon is our lady of class in our historic section of the city. She just glows
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hot tails of red stick ...from 36 in Spanish Town where he lived before moving on. As to you, my dear, the good times are always with me, and we really need to get together again – soon. I need to get to New Orleans soon too. I just don’t get down there as much as I did in the past. I especially would like to get our old group of Baton Rougeans together to go bar hopping. I’ll bring along my designated driver, and I’ll even plan the trip. I’ll just have to get with the two Johns, TTT, Sam, and all the others who used to make these jaunts worthwhile. The more I think about it the more I want to do this. After all, life is too short, and time is going by too fast. As soon as I finish this column, I’m going to e-mail all of these friends and might even have to invite some new ones and just make a day of it. I like this idea a lot. Maybe I can get Luther to invite Jeremy to go along with us. I just get weak all over when I see both of these studs. Of course, I’ve been with Luther so many times that this weakness is normal, but Jeremy is a relatively new fixture on the horizon. I can’t recall in recent months when I have been so enthralled by such a beautiful hunk of sexual humanity – the smile, the body, the eyes – Oh, my! Oh, my! Be still my heart – and other body parts! Okay, Luther, let’s get this thing rolling. It would also be nice to get Joy, Katie, and Jeannie in on this little invasion too. And definitely some of my Splash studs – Ty, Stephen, Lance, Brad, David, Wes, and the Cincinnati flash Danny – and maybe George’s Andy and Ronnie, Michael and Jimmy, even that sexy lawyer Joseph and his little stud. We used to have so much fun getting out for Sunday tea, showing up at the Phoenix, doing Good Friends with Joey, and I’m ready to do it again. New Orleans – here we come! Maybe Rip and Marsha can join us. And we will have to do the Golden Lantern too – or wherever that gorgeous Lance might be hanging out. I’m about to put all this in motion.
And The Beat Goes On
I
haven’t really seen Robert that much lately. This wonderful preservationist is doing his best to take the older homes of Spanish Town and bringing them back to their original glory. I have to say that Baton Rouge is
trodding the boards ...from 26 in NYC? Honk if you know the answer!
Much Ado About Nothing at Lupin Theatre/Tulane University; Everything About School (Almost) at NORD/Crescent City Lights Youth Theater; Run It! at The Anthony Bean Community Theater
I
n addition to JPAS’ Summer Youth Musical Theater program, similar programs around town provided training for dozens of other young thespians. And as they trod the boards this summer, it became clear that the future of theater in New Orleans is bright indeed. The only question I have for the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane is why did they use an adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing complete with narrators (unnecessary but well done by Patrick Bowen and Heather Heidman) when Clare Moncrief’s simple but very effective direction and a cast who spoke the Bard’s lines clearly and intelligently made such “helpful” twaddle an unwanted intrusion? For these were not just kids doing Shakespeare, but full-fledged actors deeply connecting with some of the most glorious lines in the English Language. With the aid of Assistant Directors Rebecca Frank & Billy Slaughter, this Much Ado sped along without sacrificing clarity,
definitely better off for having this one move into the area. Maybe this could be because of his gracious and extremely nice other half Brandon, but that doesn’t really matter as much as having both of them grace the area with their presence. Now that he has aced both those classes he took at LSU this summer, Robert is going gangbusters with enthusiasm over his newly acquired projects. He is the blessing that Spanish Town has needed and deserves all the praise that can be bestowed upon him. I can’t say that about the two ass-wipes that are trying to tear down valuable and historic homes just to further their own selfish goals.
and segued wonderfully between the comic, dramatic and romantic passages. Nysa Loudon was charming as the slandered Hero. Joel Derby properly brought out Claudio’s passion and, later, his bone-deep repentance. In dual roles, Josef Stengl conveyed well both the rapscallion Borachio and the wise Friar, while Brendan Bowen bestowed a natural gravitas beyond his years upon the wellmeaning but gulled Don Pedro. That Alex Ates, looking like a tall drink of water, portrayed the befuddled Constable Dogberry as a Southern sheriff, should come as no surprise; Shakespeare is ever malleable in that way. But that his dimwittedness was informed by youthful energy made this an unforgettable performance. If Sean O’Brien and, especially, Leslie Gamboni did well as the feuding lovers Benedick and Beatrice, I suspect they’ll do even better fifteen or twenty years from now when life experience, both the joys and frustrations, will be able to inform their interpretations of these very challenging roles. Only the more stylized Preston Thomas as the evil Don John seemed to be inhabiting a different production, yet, as the 2nd Watchman, he fit in perfectly and amusingly. Crescent City Lights Youth Theater’s Everything About School (Almost) had a cute premise—showing the same kids at different stages in their young lives and how consistent their personalties tend to be as they move through elementary, junior high and high school. With a fun, intel-
ligent script and a cast full of clear strong voices, this was one of CCLYT’s best productions. >From the tale of a girl with an unusual name (the cute Nancy Ann) to the bouncy Can’t Keep Still to the fantastical history lesson cum well-staged battle of The Middle Ages, Kevin Charpentier’s smooth direction and Myisha Dunn’s peppy choreography made this a brisk 75 minute (inc. intermission) joyride. Charlotte Lang’s color-coordinated costumes allowed the audience to keep track of who was who in each age group. More importantly, each trio convincingly portrayed their character’s ongoing immutable traits so that each one’s developmental process was completely plausible. All the high schoolers (Clayton Dixon, Bryton Gunther, Alaina McClue, Keaton McNamara, Grace Nsuami, Michael Pepp, Curtis Thomas, Jr., and Dorothy Caronna, who was a bit shrill but that well-reflected her role as a self-defined H.S. diva) were very good and if they stood out, it’s simply because they had more stage time. Among the younger ones, I particularly enjoyed Anre’ Robichaux’s plaintive Nancy Ann and Johan Lowe, possessor, like JPAS’ Elizabeth Donner, of an innate stage presence. Over at The Anthony Bean Community Theater, Run It! presented a smorgasbord of scenes and playlets, musical and dramatic, that showcased over 75 members of the ABCT Youth Ensemble. A stirring song/word collage exploring emotions both positive and negative opened the show and was followed by
What they are doing is trying to destroy the very oldest part of our capital city. Just to borrow from O’Reilly, let’s just classify them as f——— pinheads. There is just no way of beating around the bush here. They are disgraces to the city of Baton Rouge, and those who stand up for preservation are definitely the patriots. I’m all for those patriots – and there are many of those kind of people around. It is just a shame that these two blotches on humanity are allowed to call themselves human beings. They crawl with the lowest of the low. It is nice to know that we have lawyers who live here, writers who write here, workers who work here, lovers who love here, preservationists who preserve here, and children who play here. We are family. What more can I say?
America’s Nightmare (What Have We Learned?) a haunting one act about urban violence written and directed by Bean. Then came tales about kids auditioning in New York, child stars and the problems they encounter (stage fright, absent parents, prejudice, child-molesting directors, etc.), and a first act finale serving up impersonations of celebrities both dead (Minnie Ripperton, Sam Cooke & Marvin Gaye) and alive (Whitney, Aretha, Patti, Dolly, Tina, Stevie Wonder and Little Richard). Act Two offered Run It!, a tale worthy of 1950s Hollywood involving a top-selling hip-hop girl group whose members come to realize that there are greater values than just making lotsa money and wearing hot clothes. Throughout the evening, great voices, impassioned acting and lots of energy trumped some technical difficulties and the peculiar sense that there are more pressing topics than whiny child stars, however justified their complaints might be, for a group like ABCT to explore. Among the many talented youngsters,
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allons acadiana by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana E-mail: keebler_6984@yahoo.com
S
o here we are again and with many things changing around us every day and in many ways, are they for the good, or not? Well of course I can't tell you that, you have to make some kind of decision for yourself. It may be a great change, but like any change, for some it is good, for others it will seem like the end. Being ready to face it is more of what we all need to learn how to do, and then when change does come along, whether we like it or not, at least we will be able to deal with it. peaking of change brings me into downtown Lafayette nightlife. What's going on there at the Sound Factory? Well one of the biggest changes we already know about, but we also have to remember that it is just the beginning to many other great things to come. This article only comes out bi-weekly, and some time things happen so quick that the new article may not reach you in time. That and the fact that they open the doors 7 days every week, it's a lot to keep up with, so be sure to also check them out on-line, with three sites to follow them on, I’m sure you will be able to keep up. You can find them on Myspace at w w w . m y s p a c e . c o m / soundfactoryonjefferson, they are also
on Facebook under Chris and Macky’s pages, and they also are on twitter, w w w.twitter.com/soundfactorylaf, which will keep you posted through out the night if you choose to receive text updates from them and are away from you computer or wifi, and if you want to e-mail Chris, Macky, John, or the Staff, soundfactorylaf@yahoo.com. Besides all of this, their Drag Bingo every other Thursday is growing week by week. Hopefully it will be done every Thursday soon, with Dinner and Movie prior, feel like cooking, just get in touch with them. Karaoke is of course doing sensational every Tuesday Night along with an ever changing Drag Show on Sundays. Also on Sunday afternoon, they open at noon with an awesome lunch prepared for everyone, great drinks all afternoon and for a great price. Let’s not forget that good old Monday Night, where you can have happy hour all Night long, win cash if you get there before 8 for the pool tournament and you just never know what all you will get on a Monday. Well, I think I will just wrap it up for now, you all better do the same, have a great time, and until the next issue, I will catch you all downtown.
trodding the boards ...from 38
C. Nicholas, collectively the Black Forest Fancies, Black Bonnet was an absolutely enchanting combination of an engrossing story and lyrics, bewitching music that evoked both Weimar Germany and traditional British airs, puppets that seemed realer than many people, and a small but ingenious set that permitted multiple locations. Switching among characters, Gastelum and Nicholas endowed the various personages with such humanity that they avoided the woodenness that such puppet shows too rarely rise above to make Black Bonnet a visual and aural treat. I plan to be first in line for whatever they might present at this year’s Fringe Festival!
twins Lionell Thomas and Darnell Thomas stood out both dramatically as scared witnesses in America’s Nightmare and for their moves as Marvin Gaye (Lionell) and a Temptation (Darnell). Might there be a production of The Comedy of Errors or Rodgers & Hart’s The Boys from Syracuse in ABCT’s future?
Fringe Encore at the Marigny Theatre
A
t the recent Fringe Encore, a little bit of personal drama (hey, it was the late night show) kept me from fully attending to Ratty Scurvics’ musical aerial tale The Legend of Suzie Sidesaddle and the first two installments of Thomas Little’s trilogy of short films, The Tableclothe Palimpsest, but they seemed to combine hipster humor with interesting effects, though Ooops the Clown’s aerial routine, while pretty to look at, seems a bit cliched in this post-Cirque du Soliel world. No matter. After intermission and the third part of Palimpsest (“Dinner”), The Tragical Ballad of Black Bonnet returned from last year’s Fringe Festival. Its billing as “An Original Puppet Operetta” had caused me to avoid it at the Fringe as puppets haven’t done much for me since I was a kid. Silly me. Based on a true story of an intersexed housemaid in 16th century Scotland, this amazing work follows the plight of Black Bonnet, the kitchen maid, as she and Liliana, the Landlord’s lovely daughter, fall in love and tragedy results. Created and performed by Pandora Gastelum and Nina
sion of Romeo and Juliet remains a brilliant retelling of this tragic story accompanied, of course, by the now classic Bernstein and Sondheim score. The decision by Laurents, who also directed, to integrate Spanish into the dialog adds an extra layer of authenticity to the proceedings and, in the Tonight Quintet especially, the melding of English and Spanish lyrics is thrilling. Josefina Scaglione makes Maria tough and smart. As the spitfire-with-aheart Anita, Karen Olivo lives up to the promise she displayed in In The Heights. And by not overplaying it, Matt Cavenagh creates a Tony understandably caught between two worlds (tho I’m not sure if this Tony would be the type to start a gang). Along with James Youmans’ protean set, never more breathtaking than when it places us under the highway for the rumble, it could be argued that the real stars here are the chorus and Robbins’ remarkable choreography. Go see for yourself. With its incredible score and high octane cast, it’s hard not to have a good time at Diane Paulus’ revival of HAIR (Al Hirschfeld Theatre). Still, I couldn’t help thinking that rather than being a noteworthy reinterpretation or rediscovery of the piece, it simply was on par with a great production of this landmark musical that any college or advanced high school could do. The cast started off a little too polished/slick/actorly though that abated as the show went on; that Mother and Dad were too much the caricatures remained so throughout. If this HAIR sagged a bit, as HAIR always does, in the second act, it also packed an emotional wallop at the end. The players all were fine, Gavin Creel as Claude especially so. Only Kacie Sheik as Jeannie was a little too cutesy/comicky for my tastes, particularly in her big number Air. Conversely, as the waifish Crissy, Allison Case was so right, so true, so
authentically expressive as she sang of the longed for Frank Mills that I wished everyone else on stage could’ve been as real as she. Perfect? No. Enjoyable? Absolutely! I wish I could say the same for Next to Normal (Booth Theatre), Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s musical drama about a woman’s battle against mental illness. What begins with a powerful and gripping opening number eventually turns manipulative and unremittingly depressing. While Normal is a keen indictment of modern medicine’s shortcomings, what it leaves out is any sense of the history of the characters whose stories it tells so that, ultimately, one finds it hard to care much about them; they remain sad abstracts, pitiful but unmoving. Only at the end, as this tragic family’s members begin new lives does Normal become as engrossing as it was at its start. As Diana, Alice Ripley sings and acts her guts out and deserves every award she’s received. That said, after a while, I was hoping Diana would OD and put us all out of her misery. As her husband, J. Robert Spencer is as good as can be expected in a role that’s described as boring. I didn’t completely buy daughter Jennifer Damiano’s transformation from nerd to party girl but that’s the script’s fault not hers nor is it Kyle Dean Massey’s fault that he has no character play; his over emotive crooning, tho, is. As the daughter’s boyfriend, the only thing wrong with Adam Chanler-Berat’s performance is that he doesn’t run away from this crazy family. At least Louis Hobson scores as two sympathetic doctors. As crazy people go, far, far better is Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning God of Carnage. With its all-star cast (Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden), do not miss it when it resumes performances on September 8.
New in New York
A
recent trip to New York permitted me to take in some things new and old. Having seen Tulane Summer Lyric’s West Side Story (wonderful) and New Orleans Opera Association’s (not so wonderful) in the past few years, I wondered if the current Broadway revival would seem like so much been there, seen that. Not at all. If I’d come to think that the opening Prologue seemed a bit preposterous with all those supposedly tough guys leaping around, when done at this high level, Jerome Robbins’ choreography, vibrantly reproduced by Joey McKneely, appears to be the muscular epitome of hormonal energy that it was always meant to be. Throughout, this revival at the Palace Theatre is so fresh as to seem like a new musical. Arthur Laurents’ streamlined ver-
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acadiana
paparazzi
Belinda B, well will let you ask her Ladies... Darrius with a very lovely young lady...
These guys want to tell everyone hi Aren’t they just two peas in a pot...lol Well that’s just a shot from behind...
Miss Mercedes joins us for Beyoncea’s birthday show
Macky is just camera happy... I think that was suppose to be a wink...
Elizabeth, Mitch ‘n BJ, now let’s go do some shots...
Awww
Miss Erruhhhh is just having a fall down, hit the wall, good time
Smile big, big! Butter me...Biscuit singing his song for his birthday
The two studs of the night???
No this isn’t our stripper, it’s one of our new bartenders...
Go figure...lol
When I say jump, u say how HIGH!!!
Trying to sing Happy Birthday to our two stars, only Troy kept eating the cake
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Back & At It Again ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins
Steph back and at it again
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mobile
out & about in mobile
paparazzi
Invitation – Mobile Alabama Pride Town Hall Meeting
O
College Night, Shows, SYTYCD ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John
College Boys on Thursday night @ B-Bob’s
Venus Shante’ Da Vis “Freeing Her Mind” @ B-Bob’s College Night
n behalf of the 2009/2010 Board of Directors of Mobile Alabama Pride, we would like to cordially invite you and your organization to join us for a community town hall meeting. As a volunteer organization, we realize that Mobile Alabama Pride exists as a service organization for the GLBT community in Mobile. As such, we work for you and in an effort to be as forward thinking as possible we need your help in defining what work we as the Board of Directors for Mobile Alabama Pride should focus on in the 2009/2010 year.
Date: Tuesday, September 8 Agenda: 6:30 – 7pm, Mix and Mingle; 7 – 7:30pm, Presentation current state, challenges, future state; 7:30 – 8pm, Town Hall Discussion (end time flexible as required) Jerry, B-Bob’s owner has graciously donated the upstairs space to us, so we can meet uninterrupted, and has offered to staff the bar for refreshments. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us at info@mobilealabamapride.com Best Regards, --Board of Directors, Mobile Alabama Pride, Inc, PO Box 227, Mobile, AL 36601
sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: psalmwrite@att.net
The beautiful & talented Mercedes Alexander from Knoxville, TN
Birthday Boy Brett with bartender Mac of Baccus Downtown
Kristi joins Miss Cie for her Saturday night performance @ B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s SYTYCD 2nd Runner-up Eris
PaPa Cherry, the winner of B-Bob’s “So You Think You Can DRAG (SYTYCD)” hosted at Sunday Tea Dance
Miss Cie with a fan @ B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s SYTYCD 1st Runner-up CoCo Caine
Chrissy & Greg
Hazing
I
t is all now a haze; not at all like drinking too much good alcohol or taking good drugs. It was an uncomfortable feeling. I didn’t like it. And after a short time, it became very painful. Every time I opened my eyes, they refused to focus. Even my speech was mumbled except when I wasn’t yelling for someone to stop what they were doing to me. Hearing, too, was difficult and uncertain. Are they talking about me? I wondered. Watching for what? — Bleeding. Who’s bleeding? I wasn’t shot. I just came in for an easy removal of the gall bladder. Is this the same room I was in before? It doesn’t look like the same room; the nurses are all different. I don’t like them. They are trying to hurt me. Oh, God, I hurt so bad. Why is there so much pain? Toni, Toni, the voice repeated. It was familiar. I remember it from childhood. It wasn’t my mom; was it? No, it’s Cookie. What is Cookie doing in my nightmare? Toni, you’ve been out for almost four days, you’ve got to wake up. Toni, you have to try to sit up today; NO, don’t close your eyes. Is this hell? I whispered. No, Sweetie, it isn’t but it must feel like it. Yes, I think it is hell, I decided. Why do you think that? asked the familiar voice. The pain is so bad and my body doesn’t work. You’re not pushing the button on the pump for your pain meds, she answered. Where is the button? In your hand, Toni, the button is in your hand and you can push it every 5 minutes. I pushed the button and in a few seconds, I wanted to sleep again. No, the voice was calling from a distance; you cannot go back to sleep yet. You have to sit up and eat. It didn’t sound difficult. It was even a pleasant suggestion compared to the dreams. The hard part was actually doing what was asked of me. It hurt too much to sit up and I had no interest in eating. I wanted coffee. I could drink coffee through a straw if someone would hold the cup. But it seemed like everyone was gone suddenly. Where did they go?
Someone squeezed my hand a little later and I felt better. It was Russell my black male nurse. He is kind, I thought. Then someone squeezed my hand and I felt a needle stick. I opened my eyes and another nurse was robbing me of more blood. You can’t take that, I said. Why? Because I’m being watched for bleeding, I replied with great authority. Honey, that was three days ago, the voice stated, you better wake up or the doctor won’t let you go home. Home!! So I waited and tried to stay awake. I waited for the food. I waited for someone to help me sit on the side of the bed. But the haze was still there and the goblins were still there. Where was Cookie? What did she tell me about the pain meds? TONI! The doctor is here. I opened my eyes. Yes, I knew this man in the white coat but his name was way back in my brain somewhere. Hi, I’m Dr. Richardson, remember me? I frowned at the stupid question. I’d been waiting for three, almost four months for him to take out the drain from my upper stomach. Is the drain gone, I asked. No, I had to put in another one. We had a little problem, he continued; remember I said if I couldn’t get it out through the punctures, I would have to cut you open? I could feel my eyes start to close into squints: not like when you are falling asleep but when you are getting angry. The good news is that we made history, he said. There was only one gall stone and it was the size of a baseball. I had to cut it in two to get it out. Good news for who, I muttered. I didn’t get an answer. I don’t remember what else he said but Cookie said it was time to sit up. With a lot of pain (where was the pump?) and anger, I finally did sit up and I ate what I was told was my second meal since surgery. The first was clear liquids. This was coffee and milk and juice and grits. Someone in the kitchen got the doctor’s order wrong, and added a biscuit. I ate the grits and biscuit and drank the
42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
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Heroes vs. Villains
Contestant #2 Carmen Valdez
Contestant #7 Sha’nia Ellis Narcisse
snap paparazzi
Survivor Eye Candy Mike
Contestant #3 Sable Nicole Starr Heroes vs. Villains Contestant #8 Ava Jane
Contestant #4 Mercedes Ellis Loreal Co-emcee Persana Shoulders Pretty in Pink
Contestant #9 Candi Foxx
Contestant #5 Deanna Ninneman Pretty in Pink Co-emcee Blanche Debris & Nikki Narcisse
Contestant #10 Tyra Van Ryan
Contestant #1 Felina Colby Shane
The Judges: Ashlee representing Absolut, Neil representing Bud Light & Tanya representing Stanley & Stella
Contestant #6 Tahtianah Kresha’
44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Pretty in Pink
Friday Theme Parties at Dance Bar of the Year Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Nathan Brooks
Drag Survivor - The Kick-Off at Oz, “10 Contestants, 10 Weeks for $1,000 in Cash” ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush
GM Tommy Elias explains the rules of the contest, the perfect lip sync
in the spotlight
c'est bon by The Susan Lucci's E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com
Births, Icon, Pageant, Leatherette ICON
T
he long awaited “Surprise” birthday of that Golden Lantern icon, Winston Gray will soon be upon us, August 22nd, with a Roast Suckling Pig Buffet commencing from 6-8pm, and followed by a “requested” show. Along with the buffet, will be music by Don, Biff, and Russ. And the members of the show, at Winston’s request will be: Lisa Beaumann, Regina Adams, Marcy Marcell, Miss Dee, Passion Armani Cassidine, SDGM XXXV Paloma, and Rikki Redd (show director). Winston is hoping to see all of his friends to help him celebrate the “Big Seventy-Eight” years on this earth. (But, remember don’t tell him...it’s a surprise !!??!) Oh, and no gifts please.
PAGEANT
O
n August 6th, at 10:30pm at Rubyfruit Jungle on Decatur Street a new pageant was born by the name of Miss American Dynasty. To mark the occasion, several members of Splash of Baton Rouge did numbers to entertain the crowd, and to honor the new Miss American Dynasty Emeritus - Gia, who also happens to be the GAA Cheridon Comedy Award winner of 2009. Those participating in the show were: Ophelia Breast, Jasmine SX, Mercedes Ellis L’Oreal, Rachel Monroe, Ali Walker Lemann, and special guests. The crowning of Gia was highlighted by the fact that her mother was there to see her crowned
and had never seen her do a show in “drag” before. Needless to say there was “love” all around. We wish Gia “good luck” on her journey to the Miss Louisiana finals at the end of August. This new pageant is owned by Nathan Brooks.
LEATHERETTE
W
ell, sometimes wishing on a star does make things come true! And as predicted by yours truly in the last issue, she did take it by storm and walk away with the coveted title she had her eye on. Who you say!! None other than Cathy Fox, and she didn’t walk away with it, she knocked everyone out of the way. From presentation, swimsuit, talent, right down to evening/fetish wear. Sometimes “the girls” seem to forget that not every contest is a “pageant”. This was one of those contests! Cathy worked very hard on making this very unforgettable for all that were there. It’s hard to explain all that went on, but I will say that her entertainment as the “singing, tap dancing midget” was such a hoot, the whole place went up for grabs. (My dear, they are going to want you to do that number FOREVER). My dear, you truly deserved that title, and I know that you will be a good representative. But, I do have to agree, that you truly looked like the illegitimate child of Donnie Jay and Wally Sherwood, and you did them proud. Congratulations to Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2010 - Cathy Fox! And another fine job by the Lords of Leather.
The Best Survivor Ticket in Town Boast Suspense, Talent & Heartbreak
A
re you looking for excitement on a Wednesday night? Well for the next eight weeks head on over to Oz for the 2009 Drag Survivor contest starting at 10:30pm. You had better get there early if you expect to get a seat for this sold out thriller, and it’s only five bucks to make it in. It all started on August 5th with 10 Contestants, 10 Weeks, For $1,000 in Cash! The contest brought to the stage burlesque queens, pageant queens, show girls, and even virgin queens (drag stars in the making). Oz GM Tommy Elias explained the concept for the contest. Each contestant comes up and does one number. The only thing that counts was a perfect lip sync to the song they chose. At the end of the contest, all of the contestants are brought back on stage, and one by one, each has to announce before their competitors who they are voting off and why. The one with the most votes can be saved by the team of three judges, who watched all performances, for the perfect lip sync. As each judge is called, they raise a card with either “You Go Girl” or “You’re Out”. If the contestant is voted you go girl, then the next contestant with the most votes would come up and go through the same process until one contestant is voted off. The ten contestants were #1 Felina Colby Shane, #2 Carmen Valdez, #3 Sable Nicole Starr, #4 Mercedes Ellis Loreal, #5 Deanna Ninneman, #6 Tahtianah Kresha’, #7 Sha’nia Ellis Narcisse, #8 Ava Jane, #9 Candi Foxx, and #10 Tyra Van Ryan. This first week, the theme was Anything Goes. Each week there will be a different theme which the contestants will have to choose a song specifically for that theme. We saw everything from Marilyn Monroe to Beyonce. There was definitely some talent on the Oz stage this night. It was the end of competition, and now was time for the “heartbreak” portion of the contest, voting off one of the contestants. Well the girls were not shy in stating why they voted off the competitor of their choice ranging from “didn’t know the song”, “no talent”, and even “I just don’t like her”. Tonight the contestant receiving seven votes to oust her was contestant #8 Ava Jane, and all three judges voted “You’re Out”. Even though Ava Jane was voted off, this is one girl you should keep your eyes on. With more practice and polishing up her image under her belt, she could very well be one of New Orleans’ rising stars. Ava Jane is a young beauty, and with that catchy name, is quite memorable. You definitely made an impression on us. Good luck to you in the future. To all of the other contestants, keep up the good work and may the best girl win at the end of the ten week competition.
e-mail, letters Dear Rip & Marsha:
sappho psalm ...from 42 coffee first. Milk and juice, no way was I going to even try. I don’t like milk and juice. Do you know what it feels like to be treated like an obedient dog? I do. Every time you eat or sit up or go to the bathroom, you are praised with expressions like “good girl” – “good job, girl” – “we’ll try harder next time” and you truly want to kill the voice from the unseen aid. Sometimes you even get a pat on the head or arm to go along with the words of praise. As bad as that sounds, it was better than the night that I physically tried to fight off four aids from making me sit up. I don’t know what night it was but it must have been the night before I sat up for grits and became a “good girl.” That would have been on Saturday or Sunday night. No, I remember Fr. Michael coming to see me on Sunday. Michael wanted me to read the gospel reading and I did want to but the same sentence kept popping up. Finally, he gave me communion and let me go back to sleep. Or was that last rights? The night of the altercation I cursed them and kicked at them and told them they were in the job so they could be “cruel for pay.” I know that’s you Betty – I’m going to get you when I feel better, I screamed at
one aid. You just do what I say, Betty yelled back at me, there are four of us and only one of you. But it’s you I’ll be taking out, I answered her in a low growling tone. Several days later when I was packing to go home, Betty was back on duty and she came into my room. I figured that I was drugged up during our (my) fight so I should apologize. She refused to look at me and when I said something about that night, she just said that I was drugged and didn’t mean it and left my room quickly. I looked for her later but she was in hiding. I must have really gotten my point across – don’t mess with me. Needless to say, I made no friends during my last visit to Ochsner. And if lucky, I’ll never be on the third floor again. The staples and drain come out on deadline day. It couldn’t come quickly enough. I’ve done very little here at home except read and watch movies. I have thought a lot about Donnie Jay and Sonny Cleveland since the drugs cleared. I almost died twice during the months of May and June but almost is a joke when compared to someone who knows they are dying and does it with dignity. I’ll miss and respect them more now that I’ve spent so much time in the hospital, and have a wee bit of an understanding of the pain, fear and gratitude we share.
O
n behalf of NO/AIDS Task Force and the clients we serve, we would like to thank Ambush for the contribution of $15,528.75 to the Food For Friends program raised by the 2009 Gay Easter Parade. We are so grateful for the continued support of the Official New Orleans Gay Easter Parade. We know that it is through the efforts and generosity of so many individuals, businesses, and organizations that this donation is possible. Please pass along our thanks to the Board of Directors, this year’s grand marshals, Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, all of the sponsors and everyone who worked
so hard on the events and fund-raisers leading up to the parade. NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing critical and compassionate services to thousands of men, women and children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS for over twenty five years. Your contribution to the Food For Friends program helps ensure that the basic food and nutritional needs of our clients are met through both the food pantry and home delivered meals. Again thank you and rest assured, until there’s a world with no AIDS, there is NO/AIDS. Sincerely, --Heidi E. Chapman, Director of Development; --Noel Twilbeck, Chief Executive Officer
Don't be left out!
of the GIANT Southern Decadence, Labor Day Weekend
Ambush Deadline: Friday, August 21st
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 45
2nd Runner-up Heaven Lee, outgoing queen Passion Armani Cassidine, winner Cathy Fox and 1st runner-up Imani Illusion Jackson Black
The crowning of Barbara Ella as Miss Turn-About by outgoing queen Justus Pretty (center)
Imani Illusion Jackson representing the Strawberry Capital, Ponchatoula
The Judges: Amanda Straddle, Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier, Josie Mae Cotton & KC (Kevin Coakley)
King Amon Ra XLIV Nick Olivares, Capt. Timm Holt & Prom Queen Alexis Daniels Jay Cooper & Miss Turn-About 1st runner-up Gizelle Bouvier The illegitimate daughter of Wally Sherwood & Donnie Jay, Cathy Fox in Talent competition
Queen Amon Ra XLIV Rhonda Roget & King Amon Ra XLIII Paul Davis
The MCs: Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Lord King XXVI Gary Vandeventer Cathy Fox in Evening/Fetish Wear competition
Miss Gay Gulf States Classic Kelly Chaisson
snap paparazzi
Heaven Lee representing Orleans Parish
Function Lt. David Richardson Mr. America Nathan Brooks
Passion Armani Cassidine’s last song as Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2008
Cathy Foxx representing St. Mary Parish
Lords of Leather’s Ken G., Terry C., Tim S., Alan K., Pat J. & Capt. David B.
Robert & Kevin (aka Cathy) work the door
Prom Queen & King Alexis Daniels & Tony Leggio
46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM
Krewe of Amon Ra Sister Sunday Social & Miss Turn-About at Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s ~ Photos by Ambush
Lords of Leather Miss Louisiana Leatherette at Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s ~ Photos by Ambush
President Ron Issler, MC Lauren Brown & Stuart Nettles
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 11am3pm.. 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 11am10pm, 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. 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.
Prime Rib with baked potato Sunday evenings at Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.
(left) Gourmet Burger with fries at The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
(right) Pan seared Wild Pacific Salmon at Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St.
Eggplant Parmesan at Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
BBQ Brisket with two sides at Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Gourmet Pizza (Salsiccia Marinara) at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
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48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 18-31, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM