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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Saints & Sinners Literary Fest May 13-16
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he Saints & Sinners Literary Festival, the nation’s only literary festival devoted to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, takes place May 13-16 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. The Festival, now in its eighth year, includes writing workshops, readings, panel discussions and theater and special events that celebrate LGBT literature. Leading LGBT literary names who will be speaking and reading include: Noel Alumit, David-Matthew Barnes, Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Bernard Cooper, Philip Gambone, Rigoberto Gonzalez, Jim Grimsley, Greg Herren, G. Winston James, Michael Nava, Emma Marie Perez, Radclyffe, J.M. Redmann, Kelly Smith, K.M. Soehnlein, Cecelia Tan, Charlie Vazquez, Jess Wells, Emanuel Xavier, Fiona Zedde, and many more. There will be panel discussions and master classes to help you nurture your own literary talent and develop your career as an author. There’ll also be parties and other special events for networking and literary revelry. For the full schedule and ticket information, visit www.sasfest.com. For all locals and students, the fest is offering a ½ price discount on all tickets. This can be done with phone registration or via online registration. Visit www.sasfest.com and click the Buy Tickets Now button. After selecting your tickets, look for the Coupon Code box at the bottom of that page. Enter the coupon code: SAS2010. This will automatically apply the 50% discount to your final order.
Saints and Sinners Open House May 15
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n Saturday, May 15 from 7 till 8pm at FAB – Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, come experience MOJO WORD GUMBO – Queer Poets and Prose-ets Performing. The most ecstatically inspired saints and lowliest sinners share their best stuff at funky not-to-be missed FAB – queer gathering spot, museum, gallery and bookstore. Featured readers include Rebel Satori Press authors Sven Davisson and Peter Dube and poet Steven Reigns. Sven is a rebel-publishing pioneer, founding editor of Ashe! Journal of Spirituality. He received a degree in Queer Theory from Hampshire College and studied photography with Jerome Leibling of the New York Photo League. He is the author of The Starry Dynamo. Peter is editor of the Rebel Satori anthology Madder Love: Queer Men and the Precincts of Surrealism. In addition to writing fiction, he is a widely published cultural critic, living and working in Montreal. Steven’s poetry chart an emotional landscape few writers explore. He published his début poetry collection, Your Dead Body is My Welcome Mat, in 2001.
Since then, Reigns has published four chapbooks. His newest collection Inheritance came out in 2010 by Lethe Press. Satori Press, Bar Harbor, Maine and Metairie, Louisiana is an independent publisher of books on spirituality and revolutionary personal transformation, publishing both new/experimental fiction and creative/inspirational non-fiction. Satori (Japanese; Chinese: wù) is a Zen term for enlightenment. Literally translated, the word means “to understand.” Satori refers to deep or lasting enlightenment. QueerMojo, an imprint of Rebel Satori Press published Saints and Sinners 2010: New Fiction from the Festival. Edited by Amie M. Evans & Paul J. Willis. In addition to the finalists from the Saints and Sinners First Annual Short Fiction Contest, included are stories from “Festival Favorites”—some of the best GLBT authors. There are wonderful new works from Lambda Literary Award winners Rob Byrnes, Greg Herren, and Jeff Mann. The collection also includes original fiction from award-winning authors Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Peter Dube, Aaron Hamburger, Jess Wells and Jewelle Gomez. FAB features New Orleans and Louisiana new and used fiction, nonfiction and coffee table photo and art books as well as new, used and signed GLBT novels and nonfiction – the most extensive GLBT book collection in the Gulf South. The highlight of your visit will include viewing the FAB art gallery featuring original paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints and posters as well as sculpture, all of which is available for purchase. The FAB collection includes Mr. Leather posters from the 1980’s including a signed poster by Tom of Finland. Original comic books illustrated by Tom of Finland are also available. You will find hundreds of vintage magazines such as Honcho, Zeus, Eagle, Drummer, Numbers, After Dark, Christopher Street, Mandate, Blueboy, and In Touch and more. A healthy supply of physique pictorial beefcake zines from the 70’s and 80’s are part of this collection. Celebrate Saints and Sinners 2010 with a walk on 500 and 600 Frenchmen Street – the Faubourg Marigny “in” spot where locals dine, drink and enjoy great music from the jazz and blues clubs, restaurants and bars combined with a late night visit to FAB – Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen Street.
Jazz, Food & Spirits in Washington Square Park May 15
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rvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra will kick-off their Road To Carnegie Hall Tour on Saturday, May 15 with the premiere of Mayfield’s newest Master jazz work – the Elysian Fields Jazz Suite at Washington Square Park on Elysian Fields and Dauphine Street, New Orleans from 5-8pm.
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Big Memorial Day Weekend Issue out May 25 DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 18
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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 The free, twilight concert is open to all ages and will feature for sale food from select French Market restaurants and specialty cocktails created by 3 Ring Circus. The concert will be broadcast live on WWOZ 90.7 FM. Musically, the Elysian Fields Jazz Suite is an exploration of liberty, family, death, and rebirth. The score is named after the historic Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans that connects the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain. Spiritually, the piece is inspired by both the ancient Greek belief in the Elysian Fields as a resting place for the souls of the heroic and virtuous, as well as the Egyptian concept that Elysian Fields was a paradise where the dead spend eternity. The ancient mythology converged with the reality of our time in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Mayfield’s father – Irvin Mayfield Sr. — drowned, and was found on Elysian Fields Avenue. The Elysian Fields Jazz Suite is dedicated to Irvin Mayfield Sr. and all others who perished during the storm. “The Elysian Fields Jazz Suite is a clarion call that triumph can come out of tragedy,” said Mayfield. Adding, “Jazz is democracy in action and we wanted to premiere the Elysian Fields Jazz Suite as a free concert in the park so that everyone could attend.” The Elysian Fields Jazz Suite is also an ode to New Orleans’ historical ties to France and the streets namesake, the Champs Elysees, the storied boulevard where liberty is honored. With aspirational thoughts, and with the University of New Orleans serving as a beacon, Mayfield envisions New Orleans’ Elysian Fields Avenue someday mirroring the grandeur of its namesake in France. The Elysian Fields Jazz Suite was made possible by a grant from the Board of Regents Atlas Awards to Louisiana Artist and Scholars Program received by University of New Orleans in 2009. “The orchestra is very excited to perform this new body of work,” said Ronald Markham, CEO & President of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. “Irvin has written other major jazz works, each with its own mystery and challenges, however, the Elysian Fields Jazz Suite has the entire orchestra clamoring to breathe life into it.” The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra includes Ed Petersen, saxophone; Jason Marshall, saxophone; Herlin Riley, drums; Victor Atkins, piano; Leon Brown, trumpet; Ashlin Parker, trumpet; Barney Floyd, trumpet; Eric Lucero, trum-
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THE OFFICIAL MAG
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin
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 Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, DJ Chromatic, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: 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. ©1982-2010, 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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email/letters Thanking 11th Gay Easter Parade
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n behalf of the board and staff of NO/AIDS Task Force and the thousands we serve, I’d like thank everyone who helped make the 11th annual Gay Easter Parade a success. This year, you helped raise $17,182.15 for our Food For Friends program, which provides pantry services and home delivered meals to men and women affected by HIV disease. I’d like to especially thank Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, without whom, the Gay Easter Parade would not be possible. I would also like to extend my gratitude to this year’s Grand Marshals Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse and the Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade, for all of their hard work and fundraising efforts. Finally, to everyone who donated their time or money to the Gay Easter Parade or any of the fundraising events, I would like to offer my thanks. Over the past nine years, the Gay Easter Parade, due to the efforts of thousands in our community, has helped raise over $80,000. Thank you all so much for your hard work and for continuing to support NO/AIDS Task Force and Food For Friends. Sincerely, -Noel Twilbeck, CEO, NO/AIDS Task Force
the "official" dish ...from 4 pet; Terrance Taplin, trombone; Mitch Butler, trombone; Andre Hayward, trombone; Derek Douget, saxophone; Evan Christopher, clarinet; Aaron Fletcher, saxophone; David Pulphus, bass; Don Vappie, banjo; Johnaye Kendrick, vocals and Irvin Mayfield, trumpet/Artistic Director. After being nominated by President Barack Obama, Mayfield was unanimously confirmed to the board of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), by the US Senate. As a member the National Council on the Arts, Mayfield advises Chairman Rocco Landesman on policy and planning directions, application guidelines, and budgeting, and he also recommends nominees for the National Medal of Arts to the President. Mayfield was also appointed to the post of Cultural Ambassador for the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans in 2003. In 2009, Mayfield entered into a historic partnership with the Royal Sonesta Hotels, opening Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. The Playhouse provides over 50 Jazz musicians an opportunity to perform and build new audiences on a weekly basis. A passionate advocate for New Orleans, Mayfield is Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Public Library. He also serves on the boards of the New Orleans Recovery Authority, the New Orleans Arts Council, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, the Louisiana State University’s Department of Psychiatry and Health Science, Unity of New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library Foundation
and Tulane University’s School of Architecture. A native of New Orleans, Mayfield received his first trumpet in the fourth grade and graduated from the famous New Orleans Center of Creative Arts in 1995. Mayfield studied in the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies program under the mentorship of Ellis Marsalis. Mayfield, a Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, will also present a musical excerpt of his new master Jazz work, Elysian Fields Jazz Suite, featuring the 15-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) at the 2010 UNO Commencement Exercise on Friday, May 14 at 7pm at UNO Lakefront Arena (private event for UNO graduates). The Elysian Fields Jazz Suite will serve as the musical platform for Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s upcoming Road to Carnegie Hall Tour. Confirmed dates include: May 29 – Jacksonville, FL; June 10-13 – Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall; June 13 – Playboy Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl; July 2 – Essence Music Festival, LA Superdome; and September 16 – Bowdoin College, Brunswick Maine.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals to be Announced May 19
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t's official, Coronation 2010 is here! Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma will announce their successors, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Wednesday, May 19th. Hosted this year at Dance Club of the Year, Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, the show begins at 9pm.
The new grand marshals will lead the 39th Annual Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Live, Music & Culture. For a list of scheduled events and additional information, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.
Pride in Full Swing
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ride Grand Marshals Steven Forster and Cathy Fox will lead the NOLA Pride Festival Friday-Sunday, June 25-27. The weekend includes the Pride Kickoff Gala on Friday, June 25. On Saturday, June 26, the Family Picnic will be held at City Park Field 18 beginning at 12noon. The Kings vs. Queens Softball Tournament follows at 1:30pm. Later that evening the Progressive Cocktail Party at various French Quarter locations is set for 7pm. The big day is Sunday, June 27 with the Pride Second Line March beginning at 1pm with line-up between Dauphine and Burgundy on St. Louis Street. The march ends at the stage for New Orleans' first Pride Street Festival on Bourbon at 2pm. It takes a lot of money to put on the Pride celebration, so please join in the various fundraising efforts which interest you. The “Voice of Pride” Karaoke Contest began May 10 at Bywater Patio Bar & Secret Garden, 3162 Dauphine Street. Hosted by Rikki Gee and DJ P, each contestant pays a $5 entry fee. At the end of several weeks of competition, the finals will be held awarding the Grand Prize: singing live at NOLA Pride Fest and a 3-song recording demo disk offered by Rikki Gee and DJ P. Additional Karaoke Contests currently scheduled include Tuesday, May 18, 8pm, at Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St., Sunday, May 23, 8pm at Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St Claude Ave.; and Thursday, May 27, 8pm, JohnPaul’s Bar, 940 Elysian Fields Ave.
The Pride Grand Marshals Show is set for Saturday, May 22, 8pm at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. There's a $5 door donation. Hosted by Pride Grand Marshal Cathy Fox, the show stars Tami Tarmac, Zsa Zsa d’LaHor, Regina Adams, Lauren Brown, Laurence Le Sage and guests. There is also a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. The Rock-N-Bowl Bowling Night is Thursday, June 10, 6:30pm featuring family friendly Zydeco music. Tickets are $30 per person (advance tickets only) which includes 2 1/2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, well drinks, beer, wine and food. Call 504.945.1103 for tickets. Located at 3016 South Carrollton Ave., use the Ye Ole College Inn parking lot in the back – corner of S. Carrollton and Earhart. For more information, visit NOLAPride.ORG.
MASCARa Race Memorial Day, May 31st
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n Memorial Day 2000 Wood Enterprises held the most unique and fun drag race on
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the "official" dish ...from 6 or off the circuit, MASCARa. Eight brave men and their pit crews gathered at the Clover Grill for the start of the race. The gun sounded and the race began with the contestants gobbling down an order of chili cheese fries. When they finished this leg of the race they ran across the street to Café Lafitte In Exile where they put on panty hose and high heeled shoes, which had to be at least three inches (yes there was someone there with a ruler), with the help of their pit crew. Once they completed this task they revved their engines with a shot of peppermint schnapps and headed for the third lap. It was down Dumaine Street to Burgundy and on to Rawhide. Here the pit crews helped the contestants put on jewelry consisting of earrings, a bracelet, and two rings. After this they cooled their fueling system with a seven ounce Bud Light before heading to Good Friends, and lap four. At Good Friends make-up was applied, which consisted of foundation,
lips, eyes (including eye lashes) and painted fingernails. They then shifted gears with a six ounce Separator, then retouched their make-up and proceeded to lap five. Once they made their way up St. Ann Street to the Bourbon Pub, the pit crews fitted them with breasts and a bra. They then grabbed a hat and purse from the crew, and resparked their plugs with a two ounce Mind Eraser. At lap six, in Oz, they were placed into a floor length evening gown and got their final refueling with a six ounce Daiquiri. They were now ready for the home stretch. They ran down Bourbon Street to the finish line back at the Clover Grill. Here they entered through the Dumaine Street door donning their wig and hat and exited through the Bourbon Street door. Here they were inspected to ensure that they had met all the requirements of each lap. There were two trophies awarded, one for fastest time and the other for best drag. The event was put together by the Wood Enterprises staff, with the assistance of Budweiser, in one week. With no
advertising other than “Pit Stop” signs in each of the lap locations, the success was amazing. Each year the event draws more participants and more people crowding the streets to watch the “show.” This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better with events surrounding the race all weekend long. Friday, May 28, Good Friends Bar at the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine Streets will hold the Hamster Derby beginning at 6pm. One can bet on the races using Hamster Bucks which can be purchased at the betting booth. These Hamster Bucks can be used later at the charity auction with prizes that have been donated by local retailers. Prior to the Derby enjoy the prerace barbeque prepared by the manager of the bar. Saturday, May 29 the Balcony Bar will host the annual Ravioli Wrestling. Watch as the contestants go at it in a big tub of Chef Boy-R-Dee’s favorite meal. Sunday, May 30, Rawhide, located at the corner of St. Ann and Burgundy will host the annual Crawfish Boil at 5pm. They brag that they make the best crawfish in
the South. The race itself will be held Monday, May 31 at Clover Grill promptly at 2pm. In 2002, Wood Enterprises decided to turn the MASCARa Race into a fundraising event so that not only could people have fun, but the proceeds would help a worthy cause. All contestants are asked to get sponsors to donate money. The NOCCA Institute was chosen as the recipient of the moneys. In the past seven years more that $65,000 has been raised for this very worthy charity. The NOCCA Institute is the non-profit organization that supports NOCCA Riverfront. There are now three categories: Fastest Time, Best Drag and Most Money Raised. Contestants will be awarded points in each category with a trophy being awarded in each category. The person who receives the most points will be declared Ms. MASCARa 2010. The award ceremony will be held later that day, at 5pm at Rawhide, located at 740 Burgundy Street.
Latino Health Fair Promotes Healthy Living, Educates Public
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n Sunday, June 13, Casa Oportunidades NOLA will host the “2010 Familia, Salud y Vida Latino Health Fair” as part of its ongoing effort to inform, educate and empower the Latino community to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors. The bi-lingual fair will be held from 14pm at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, located at 1313 Esplanade Ave. in the Treme.
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the "official" dish ...from 8 Free health screenings will include: blood pressure, dental, cholesterol, HIV, vision and hearing. The health fair will also provide information and resources about health issues, plus opportunities for acupuncture and massage. St. Anna’s has become a focal point for community activities, and this event will bring people together for health and information and resources in a fun atmosphere. Special musical guests FREDY OMAR CON SU BANDA will perform. Food and drinks, plus fabulous raffle chances, will also be available for purchase. “Latinos are disproportionately affected among preventable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS,” said Jamie McDaniel, director of social services for Casa Oportunidades NOLA. This health fair is an opportunity for us to work toward reducing the health disparity among Latino residents.” Supporters and participants include the American Red Cross, Tulane Community Health Center, Common Ground Health Clinic, Reach NOLA, NO/AIDS Task Force, St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM), Daughters of Charity, New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation, and many other community organizations. Sponsors include State Farm Insurance, Peoples Health, Whole Foods Market, New Orleans Zephyrs, and others. Casa Oportunidades NOLA, a program of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, provides English language instruction, health services, computer literacy classes, and more. In 2008, the program was honored with a Nonprofit Innovator Award by New
Orleans CityBusiness. For more information, please visit www.casanola.org.
Susan M. Taylor Becomes New NOMA Director Sept. 1
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he New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) announces the appointment of Susan M. Taylor as Director Designate. She will officially become the Museum’s sixth director on September 1. Taylor will succeed E. John Bullard, who will retire as one of America’s longestserving museum directors. Bullard will remain on staff as Director Emeritus to aid Taylor in the transition and will continue to work on NOMA’s centennial celebrations throughout 2011. ”As NOMA commemorates a century of art, I am thrilled that Susan Taylor has been selected to lead the Museum into its next chapter of service and success,” Bullard said. “I have known her for a number of years and know that she is an
outstanding choice to lead our institution.” A museum director for over 20 years, Taylor most recently directed Princeton University Art Museum, where she is wellknown for instituting wide-ranging innovations in collections development, planning, programming and outreach. She is also deeply involved in the ongoing debate about collection ownership and cultural property issues, having successfully resolved several ownership claims for works of art in Princeton’s collection. ”I am delighted to be joining a museum of the caliber of NOMA,” Taylor said. “To follow John’s legacy and write the next chapter of the Museum’s history is a remarkable opportunity.” Taylor is the former director of the Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College. During her twelveyear tenure at Wellesley, she oversaw the construction of an award-winning museum facility designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. She holds art history degrees from Vassar College and the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University.
Bullard’s retirement from NOMA has been planned for nearly a year. In September 2009, the Museum Board formed a search committee and in October enlisted the services of Laurie Nash of Russell Reynolds Associates. Taylor was selected from a large field of applicants. ”Susan Taylor was selected from a field of strong candidates thanks to Laurie Nash of Russell Reynolds Associates,” said Donna Rosen, trustee and member of NOMA’s Search Committee. “I spoke to many museum directors around the country about Susan. Words that came up most often while describing her were ‘imaginative, encyclopedic knowledge of the history of art, high standards, seizes opportunities, visionary, intelligent and of our time.’ In fact, through the search process, all of these accolades were revealed.” ”NOMA is a true jewel in New Orleans’ cultural crown and building on the great job John Bullard has done is a daunting task,” said Stephen Hansel, president of NOMA’s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Search Committee. “Susan Taylor was our Search Committee’s overwhelming first choice because of her broad experience, charm, contacts and managerial expertise. We are confident that she will lead NOMA to even greater heights.”
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under the gaydar
some more information on St. Anna’s, stop in for one of their services at 1313 Esplanade Avenue or go to www.stannanola.org.
Stritch It Up by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Remembering A New Orleans Legend
stage. Donnie, we all miss your creativity, your laughter and your joie de vivre.
ubby’s Golden Lantern presented a memorial show for one of the city’s finest performers, Donnie Jay, on Saturday, April 25, which was his actual birthday. Donnie Jay passed away one year ago, but his contributions to the gay community have been immeasurable. Whether as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal or producer of one of his many entertaining plays, Donnie gave it his all. Todd Blauvelt, one of the original members of Donnie’s performance troupe The Slutpuppies, hosted the show. He was adorned in an ornate blue sequined outfit and made a lively emcee. Each performer did one of Donnie’s numbers giving it their own flavor. A host of entertainers came out to perform, share memories, and just have a good time all led under the wonderful direction of Rikki Red. A photo retrospect was put together by Larry Graham, who photographed Donnie numerous times. But what was the most surreal part of the evening was when Donnie Jay opened the show. A video of his Marlene Dietrich number was played to a quiet crowd. He truly was mesmerizing when he took the
St. Anna Thanks the Community
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have never seen a religious organization embrace the gay community as much as St. Anna’s. On Sunday, April 26, St. Anna’s hosted a wonderful awards dinner at JohnPaul’s for the LGBT community. The event was very uplifting and the food they prepared from their own food bank kitchen was amazing. After several successful fundraisers, St. Anna’s wanted to show their appreciation by having this dinner and giving some very deserving businesses and individuals awards. I was honored to accept the award for Ambush by Father William Terry and his wife Vickie. Other awards were given to Cutter's, The Friendly Bar, Phoenix, Kajun's Pub, New Orleans Bear/Bear Trapper Social Club, Lords of Leather, JohnPaul’s and Cathy Fox. It is refreshing to have a religious entity show their support and gratitude to the gay community in this city such as St. Anna’s has done. It just goes to show that we are all one community and as one we can overcome anything. If you would like
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fter speaking with Elaine, I mean Cathy Fox so much, I decided to catch her FourPlay show at JohnPaul’s the other Friday night. Wanting to interview her before she went on stage to see if she ever experiences any performance anxieties like many great stars do, I pushed my way to the packed house to the dressing room at JohnPaul‘s. She was there in front of one of the lighted mirrors applying her makeup when I entered. “Well, hello,” she said in a raspy voice. “Still trying to find out all my secrets.” “No I just had a few more questions for my article on celebrities in The Big Easy. I wanted to see if you ever get any before show jitters.” “My dear boy, every time I walk on stage, it is like my first time. I am like a virgin to my audience, ready to be deflowered. Open and vulnerable and willing to give them my all,” she took a sip from her martini with three olives. “Fox, are you spouting that tired virgin analogy again,” came a voice from the back of the dressing room. “Mary Magdalene was more virginal than you and they tried to stone her. You know it is a shame we don’t keep up with old practices.” A very statuesque brunette walked into the room. She seemed almost seven feet with all that hair and high heels towering above me. “Tarmac, what are you doing in my dressing room.” The tension in the room suddenly became palatable. “Your dressing room, please sister, get over yourself. Bouvier told you to stop this prima donna routine. Now baby, if you want to see a real performer,” she eyed me up, “come check out my next number.” And with that she was gone in a flurry of boa feathers and rhinestones. “That hussy, is always trying to steal my thunder. That is what I am telling you, when you are at the top there are always these people trying to knock you down. I won’t have it. I will have a talk with Miss Bouvier right away about her casting decisions.” “It seems you two know each other,” I said. “We use to work together in a show many years ago, in my formidable years. You know when I was,” her voice lowered, “a chorus girl.“ “So I take it there is no love loss between you two.“ “Tarmac has always wanted what I have. Fame, fortune, men and she has tried to take those things from me every chance she has. Let me tell you a story.“ I pulled my chair closer. “Ten or so years ago, we were both young ingénues at this very respectable theatre.“ “Ten years ago,“ I said incredulously. “I said or so, now do you want to hear the damn story or not. It may have been a little longer than ten years ago. Anyway, I was just this rising starlet making a name for myself and in love. I had the world at my feet so to speak, then Tarmac stepped in and crapped on my parade.” “What did she do?”
“She stole my fiancé, Sven, who was this Russian dancer/actor/model who was totally infatuated with me. You know the allure of stars always goes a long way in my business. He was intoxicated by my presence, if you will. So Sven and I were set to be married in two months. He was so passionate and quite the remarkable lover. But one night I came home early from rehearsal to find him in her arms in a very compromising position.” “Wow, that must have been horrible.” “I was devastated,” she said dapping a tissue to her eye. “I still am.” “So what did you do?” “I did what any normal self respecting star would do, I derailed his gravy train and sent him packing.“ “And what about Tami Tarmac, it must be hard working with her now.“ “Oh she knows to stay away from me. She paid for her indiscretions. You see she use to be known for her high kicks and fabulous splits on stage. That tramp could not keep her legs closed either on or off the stage. She would do this number where she had to hit a mark with her split on the stage. And being the commoner she was, she very rarely wore panties. She said they were too constricting. I think they just got in her way. So right before her final act for the night, I snuck onto the stage and placed some gorilla glue on the exact spot where she hit her mark with her split.“ My eyes grew larger as I imagined what had happened. “It took six stage hands and the jaws of life to get her up. And that is how I invented the Brazilian Wax.” My jaw dropped open. I fought the mental images from my mind. “Now I would love to stay and chat, but I have a number I have to do,” she said kissing me on the forehead and sweeping out of the room. “Damn,” I said, “I am never going to find out her secrets.” I took a tissue from the box on the makeup mirror and removed the bright red branding from my forehead. “I can help you,” came a voice from the shadows of the dressing room. A petite young blond with a tight dress and cleavage for days emerged from the shadows. She had an innocent yet street smart quality all at the same time. “Have you been there all the time,” I said. “Why yes I have,“ she said tapping out a cigarette from its jewel encrusted case. “And like I said, I can tell you all about Cathy Fox’s distasteful past.” She held out the cigarette. I fumbled for the lighter in my pocket and lit her cigarette. “Who are you?” She took a long drag of her cigarette and blew out the smoke in a very sultry manner from her pouting lips. She shook her curly blond hair. “I am Barbara Ella.” “Hi, my name is Tony and I am writing an article on….” “I know who you are,” she said putting her finger to my lips. “How interested are you in learning more about the real Cathy Fox.” She leaned into me pressing her body against mine. “I want to know it all.” Suddenly I was feeling very flush. “Well, I know a place not too far from here that serves great mojitos. You know that is my signature drink. Smooth the entire way down with just a little exotic flair in the finish.”
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10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
[title of show] at Le Petit Theatre [title of show] began life at the New York Musical Theatre Festival then moved to off-Broadway and then to Broadway. It’s a little musical about the creation of a little musical that began life at the New York Musical Theatre Festival then moved to off-Broadway and then to Broadway. Got it? Seen off-Broadway four years ago with its authors Hunter Bell (book) and Jeff
under the gaydar ...from 10 I smiled and bought the lady a drink. To be continued...
Naturally, My Ass. Literally!
I
have always considered myself a team player, go along with the group, be a good sport and all that nonsense, so when Rip asked me to try out this new product that is being launched, I said sure why not. I went over and picked up the box, which was very professionally packaged. Since I was in a rush, I did not have time to look inside. But the weird thing was when I left I could hear Rip and Marsha howling with laughter. After a long day at the office, I came home and decided to try out this new product, hoping that it is a new rejuvenating facial or bath salt, or hell even a good sex toy would have worked. I open the box and shook my head. So ladies and gentlemen, here is the lowdown. Fleet Laboratories introduces Fleet Naturals, the first ready to use cleansing
Bowen (music and lyrics) playing “Hunter Bell” and “Jeff Bowen”, I found it to be full of ebullient life, theatrical wizardry and boundless creativity. [tos]’s recent local premiere at Le Petit was a delight in many ways though it of course lacked the Escherian frisson of seeing Bell and Bowen playing themselves. Ironically, because of this, Hunter and Jeff’s gal pals, who help out and become part of the show, now seem real-er, their charac-
[continued on 16] enema. Now is when I sigh heavily. This is the first enema specially designed for elective cleansing for men and women. Elective rectal cleansing is the practice of introducing a modest volume of water-based liquid into the rectum to cleanse and refresh. Wow, isn’t that called water sports. According to an online poll, it is estimated that over 6.5 million adult Americans, as well as one in five gay men, have chosen to cleanse rectally in the past year. Well, thank god for that. Do you ever question your freshness, well this is the product for you. Continuing, Fleet Naturals is hygienic, ready to use, single-use (you can use these things more than once, EWWW!), pre-measured cleansing enema filled with an isotonic solution made with purified water. Can you imagine if it was made with New Orleans tap water. The pollutants alone will turn your ass a toxic green. Reusable enema products may not always be hygienic or convenient. I can’t imagine they would. Fleet Naturals was specifically created for personal cleansing at home (where else would you do it, the
office) whenever an individual wants to feel fresh and clean. This product has been clinically tested. Can you imagine those lab rats. Fleet Naturals is drug free (although most of the queens who may use this product aren’t) and fragrance free (can you envision your butt smelling like a summer rainstorm). I had actually never did an enema, so I called my friends over at the Lords of Leather and unfortunately for me, the person who likes water sports was at International Male Leather that weekend. Damn, I was on my own on this one. So I read the directions. With a steady pressure, gently insert enema nozzle tip into rectum with a slight side to side motion, with the tip pointing toward the navel. Insertion may be easier if the person receiving the enema bears down on it, this helps relax the muscles around the anus. I seemed to recall a boyfriend telling me that once. Do not force the enema nozzle into the rectum because this may cause injury. I said those exact words to that same boyfriend. Squeeze bottle until all the liquid is gone. It is not necessary to empty the bottle completely. Again, this is the same thing I told that boyfriend. Remove the nozzle from the rectum and wait until the urge to evacuate the fluid is strong. They even give you illustrations on enema use, you can do the left-side position, knee chest position or the normal (or missionary) position for self administration. So did I use the product, once I found out that it helps remove toxins from the body I decided not to. That is the only thing keeping me together. For more information on Fleet Naturals, go to www.FleetNaturals.com.
Auntie Up!
H
old on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen, but the fabulously talented Varla Jean Merman is doing a staged reading of Auntie Mame. She of course will be playing the title character of Mame and Ricky Graham will be portraying her lovable (and cocktailed) sidekick Vera Charles. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will be hosting the opening night performance on Thursday, May 20 at 8pm at Le Chat Noir. This is one show not to be missed. For tickets, call 504.525.4498.
Service With A Smile
R
ecently, it has come to my attention the lack of customer service in gay establishments. Being in the hospitality industry, I notice things that can kill a business and bad service is right at the top of the list. There is a saying a good bartender can save a bad bar, but a bad bartender can destroy a good bar. So I have decided each month to spotlight a bartender that provides exemplary service. Helping me with this choice is Miss Elizabeth Bouvier, professional drinker and mistress of the FourPlay show. Our first spotlight in May goes to Bruce at The Corner Pocket. Elizabeth and I went over there on Friday and he was great, knew our drinks, kept our Bartender Bruce glasses refilled, poured real drinks and most of all was engaging with the customers and did it all while dodging strippers dancing around him. Now that is talent. So go checkout Bruce at the Corner Pocket and be sure to tip big.
In The Pocket
A
nd speaking of the Corner Pocket. Have you ever been to “New Meat” night on Fridays there. It is amazing. Elizabeth and I went last week and I felt like a kid at a candy counter looking through the display window at all the goodies. The per capita ratio for boys to customers are about two to one in there. It was fabulous to be surrounded by a gaggle of half naked gay men bumping and grinding for my enjoyment (and dollars). The winner of the “New Meat” contest receives $100 and the competition was stiff (pun definitely intended). There was John who was all muscles and Cage who had the perfectly sculpted body and Carlos, the Brazilian beefcake, just to name a few. And they kept on coming, it was like there was a little machine in the backroom producing these guys. Can you imagine an army of Corner Pocket boys taking over the city. And all the happenings that night was done under the superb direction of Miss Lisa Beaumann. Thank goodness Lent is over, now you can have meat on Fridays. The Corner Pocket is located at 940 St. Louis Street in the French Quarter. Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.
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Bar Baron Michael & Kurt @ The Corner Pocket Passion & Rikki do the 70s show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
The Amon-Ra contingency @ Tubby’s Disco Queens show
ambush
papar azzi
Kevin & Jose @ Phoenix Manager Lance gets in 70s mode @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Dancer Skippy on the bar @ the Pocket
Jim accepts Cutter’s award from St. Anna’s @ JohnPaul’s
Relaxing @ Show Bar of the Year JohnPaul’s
70s customers @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern Barry Bareass host Sunday’s Striptease @ The Corner Pocket
Marty Curtin accepts Friendly Bar award from St. Anna’s
Wendy, Rikki Redd & Kelton partying @ Le Roundup Sunday Nights @ the Pub can be so fun
Dominique with hottie @ Oz Toga Party
Mikey on the bar @ Corner Pocket
The Disco Diva herself Princesse Stephaney @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Raven Kennedy & Tyriq @ Oz Toga Party
Kevin, aka Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox, accepts award from St. Anna’s
JohnPaul’s Paul & John accepts award from St. Anna’s
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Nightlife in the Crescent City ~ New Orleans, Louisiana
Persana & Jeff @ Oz Toga Party
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trodding the boards ...from 12 ters more fully defined than Hunter and Jeff’s whose personal lives remain rather vague. Far from the Great White Way, Bell and Bowen’s references to obscure musicals tended to go over the heads of local audiences and, perhaps knowing that it flopped on Broadway, the ending seemed heavier than I recalled, but this archetypical portrait of two guys with dreams of artistic glory—I’m sure there were Hunters and Jeffs back in the days of the Greeks—still charmed its way into your heart. AJ Allegra directed with his customary elan; the uncredited choreography was appropriately buoyant. Musical Director Jefferson Turner brought a dry wit to his onstage presence and his usual high caliber talent to all things musical. Cliff Thompson’s Hunter seemed more focused than the goofily endearing Bell and brought the show to life as a soulful blank piece of paper that tries to inspire Jeff. After a number of supporting roles, Thompson is rapidly proving to be a vital part of NOLA’s musical theater scene. Keith Claverie was fine as Jeff, the grammarian of the duo, making him a decent, subdued theater queen. Angela Papale brought understated bonhomie and powerful lungs to Susan who yearns to trade in her 9-5 banker’s life for the thrill of the stage. And Jessie Terrebonne was achingly believable as Heidi whose hopes for stardom, or even semi-stardom, must be balanced by the demands that being in the chorus of second rate Broadway shows places on you.
[title of show] was a last minute entry to Le Petit’s season. Let’s hope Le Petit has more such gems in store for the future.
Marjorie, he revealed a canny, cagey and wily mind. And if his final confession seemed to come out of nowhere, it was magnificently done. As Marjorie’s roommates, Gina Abromson was touching as a decent office worker who carries a terrible secret, while Joyce Deal’s social worker was a welcome presence as the most rational of the bunch. Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans has been on a solid streak this season. I look forward to the announcement of their summer/fall schedule.
Extremities at Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans
W
illiam Mastrosimone’s Extremities begins when an unlocked door in a suburban neighborhood allows a would-be rapist into the home Marjorie (Anysia Manthos) shares with two other women. A can of bug spray, however, allows Marjorie to overcome her attacker and then, after he’s been tied up, the real battle begins. As the intruder Raul (Rudy San Miguel) plays mind games with Marjorie, the psychological violence he inflicts on her may almost be worse than any physical violence he could have done to her. Though well-written and engrossing, Extremities requires an awful lot of suspension of disbelief if we are to buy the goings-on on stage. (Haven’t these women ever heard of self-defense as a legal tactic?). And the ol’ phone-pulled-out-of-wallso-no-communication is sooo last century. But watching René J.F. Piazza’s genuinely suspenseful production for the Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans, however, such reservations could be pushed aside due to Piazza’s taut direction and the conviction the cast brought to the material. Last seen in her Ambie-winning role in Boy Gets Girl, Manthos displayed a brittle quality that allowed us to accept that Marjorie would be open to Raul’s taunts. Though ostensibly in control, Manthos’ pinched face betrayed how she was as much of a trapped animal as Raul. If
Curiouser at the Backyard Ballroom Rudy San Miguel and Anysia Manthos in Extremities Manthos’ raw anger was certainly justified, her thirst for vengeance made us wonder if she was as crazy as her captive was. Matching Manthos’ powerful performance was San Miguel who previously had just been seen in comic roles in Four Dogs and a Bone, The Santaland Diaries (both at ATNO) and La Nuit’s Splatter House. In Extremities, his husky yet slightly doughy physique worked for him by making it entirely plausible that he could overpower Marjorie yet perhaps, in turn, be overwhelmed by her. San Miguel’s Raul was not entirely a wacko which would have been much less interesting; he appeared to be almost normal but with enough of an edge to convince you of his sexual/emotional desperation. Verbally jousting with
C
uriouser, an atmospheric the ater piece written collectively by Skin Horse Theater, brought together Sylvia Plath, Lewis Carroll and Alice Lidell in a series of scenes and monologues. There is talk about truth and loss and longing but it all remained fairly low key and I never felt that a vital connection was made between Carroll and Plath. Brian Dorsam (Plath), Veronica Hunsinger-Loe (Carroll) and Evan Spigelman (Liddell) performed with sensitivity but the cross gender casting did not really add much to the overall presentation. Nat Kusinitz’s staging was worthy, especially his use of different sized lamps to depict various people. Seen the night of a tremendous thunderstorm, the outside sturm und drang added to the drama but the actors did not adjust their projection accordingly. They’re young, however, and are already planning future endeavors. Which is as it should be.
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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
T
E
he officers of the Krewe of Amon-Ra including Secretary James Creech (Gizelle Bouvier), Vice-President Mike Moreau (Opal Masters), President Jay Cooper, Treasurer Paul Davis, Ball Captain Barry Rutherford, Special Lt. Chris Arthur (Barbara Ella) and Function Lt. Nick Olivares hosted Amon-Ra's Fish Fry on the patio at Starlight By The Park in New Orleans. Funds raised help put on the krewe's bal masque set for February 5, 2011 at the St. Bernard Cultural Center. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM for additional info.
xecutive Director Vicki Weeks leads a group of dignitaries cutting the ribbon for the Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the renovations of both Belle Reve and Belle Reve, and the all new opening of Belle Grace following Hurricane Katrina almost five years ago. Serving the HIV/AIDS population of New Orleans, Belle Reve was the first non-profit, assisted living facility of its kind to be licensed in the State of Louisiana. You can help this wonderful organization by visiting BelleReveNOLA.ORG with their important work.
S
heila and Tony DiCioccio hosted a grand train excursion on three beautifully refurbished vintage cars the last weekend of Jazz Fest to the top of the Huey Long Bridge and back for friends from around the country. New Orleans Public Belt Railroad's Jim Bridger did the honors aboard the City of New Orleans dining car, Southern Hospitality Dome Lounge car and Louisiana parlor car.
B
ayou Chad joins Mr. Louisiana Leather Toby Lefort for his annual Crawfish Boil benefiting NO/AIDS Walk at 4 Seasons/Out Back Bar in Metairie. A multitude of supporters turned out raising $2,750 for Toby's Walk Fund. For more on the NO/AIDS Walk, visit NOAIDSTaskForce.COM.
T
odd Blauvelt emceed the special tribute show honoring the late Donnie Jay on his April 24 birthday at Tubby's Golden Lantern in New Orleans. He is joined by manager Lance Pippin showcasing the marvelous Larry Graham poster produced for Donnie Jay's reign as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXII in 2004. The show brought together entertainers from around the city joined by friends celebrating Donnie Jay's huge impact on the community.
G
ood Friends manager Neel joins Team Rawhide Joe and Thor, and Rawhide manager Joe, celebrating Team Rawhide's grand champion win in the 2nd annual Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off raising $270 for the winners and $270 for Wood Enterprises Have A Heart Fund.
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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com
In search of a new moral code: Part 1
H
ow many people blindly accept what their parents or pastors tell them without a second thought? How many people struggle through their lives with a ‘one size fits all’ set of morals that binds them into a set of rules written for a bronze age society of nomads three thousand years ago? How many people talk about ‘Christian morals’ when what they really mean are ‘ancient Hebrew purity and property rules’? How many people ever actually LOOK at what Jesus wrote and did in reference to how we might want to guide our own lives? Remarkably few! I have been thinking about the Ten Commandments for some time. Actually there are not any clear ‘Ten Commandments’, there are three different sets of them in the Old Testament, two different ones in the book of Exodus alone. Jesus never repeats them, and when asked what is needed for eternal life he does not point to them as the fount of all wisdom. Instead he talked of radical equality, of universal kindness and love, he spoke to the unspeakable and touched the untouchable. Again and again he broke the taboos of his own religion, he angered the Pharisees for working on the Sabbath and asked for water from the ritually unclean. Jesus was not a man of religiosity, but of mouldbreaking ideas. The following is my personal attempt to bring Jesus (his person, behavior and teachings) and my own observations into a code – a starting point for a spiritual journey. These are not ‘thou shalt nots’ but exhortations – the urging to greater and better things. These Ten Exhortations may prove worthless, but even if they get you thinking about your own ideas for a Jesus-led ethics then they have succeeded!
The Ten Exhortations *Thou shalt know thyself, for The Lord thy God has made thee. Self discovery, self appreciation and discernment of talents and desires, as well as weaknesses are the beginning of the Spiritual Journey; we cannot grow without self knowledge. This is difficult and must be honest and candid to be effective – we may find out things we dislike! *To thine own self be true. Be what God made you, to the best it can be. Be a loving, God-centered gay person, or tall person, or black person or person with a sex drive like a juggernaut – do not attempt to be something you are not, just the best you can be. That will be different for everyone and is worked out through discernment and a love affair with God. The wino you see in the gutter may be the best he can be, without drink and struggle he may be a murderer or a suicide for all we know. Do not presume to know the mind of God for others! *Strive to grow, to flourish and bear
fruit, to be the best thou canst be before God. As thyself and not another. Growth, redemption and change occur as they do to a tomato plant – it grows and changes shape and bears fruit, but it does not become a potato, tomato it remains. *Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Unless you are a masochist. *Love thy neighbor as thou shalt love thyself (and indeed thou SHALT love thyself). Kindness and forgiveness and tenderness to self are the roots of the same virtues turned out to others. Self hatred and guilt lead to bitterness and sourness of heart – not redemption. *Love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and all thy soul. *Do Justice, love kindness and walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:10 When we do justice we are forced to speak the truth whether or not that is popular or comfortable – pointing out the iniquity in our society is the first step to changing it. Sexism, homophobia, racism, transphobia, all these things kill and corrupt, yet we are terribly unwilling to see them in ourselves. Usually we turn on those who suggest we may have them (I know this only too well!!). *Hold no bond of blood or convenience above the bond of love, and that shall be universal. Fealty to tribe, family and nation is, as Jesus saw, one of the most regressive and damaging traits in humanity – Patriotism and blood loyalty are echoes from our past; Jesus told us that our family was formed by love and faith, not blood ties, and St Paul told us there is no Jew or Greek, male or female….consequently, no Briton or American, no French or Spaniard…no black or white either under God, we have, IN God, true equality. *Thou shalt have no ownership, nor shall thou seek it, of any other human being. Marriage, if pursued, shall be a coming together of equals, not a passive aggressive plot to control one another. Vile emotions such as greed and jealousy shall not be pandered to but called out for what they are - the howlings of the ancient beast, our instinct to own and govern, and they are unfit for our new inheritance. We shall remember we were created, and remain, equal. *Forgive thyself even as God hath forgiven thee, and in doing so, forgive others. Forgiveness is of little use if it does not set us free. We may be told we are forgiven by God, but unless we incorporate it into our self belief and self knowledge then we will be like the guy who buys something, then keeps going back into the store asking if he owes anything more. No, the transaction is final – once for all! Well, I hope you got something from these – it is the beginning of a series, and I hope it starts a conversation. Next issue
I will look at things like adultery, and how the rule came from the idea of a woman as property, and how a man could never commit adultery against a woman, as she had no status. As we try and move away from concepts of ownership and control, maybe we need to examine why certain rules were written, and think about why (if at all) we would respect them ourselves. Radical stuff!! Hope you will read next time. The Big Easy MCC meets every Sun-
day at 1pm (liturgical service) and 5pm (whole church Praise and Worship) at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. Check out their website (www.bigeasymcc.com) for other details. Pastor Clinton can be reached on 504.214.4340. Check out my blog at www.pinkpastor.org and you can support our ministries either as a one-off or weekly or monthly through our giving page at www.bigeasymcc.com.
sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie Email: psalmwrite@att.net
Thoughts
T
he sound of the wind in the climbing rose bushes along my wooden fence is a bit exciting. It says a storm of great proportion is coming. And suddenly hard drops of rain are splattered on my window panes. I could sit in the shadowy grayness of my room and watch for hours while my mind races with comforting thoughts, then fear and back again to that cozy feeling of being safe while outside the house, people, gardens, trees and roofs are being assaulted. I should feel grateful. I’m safe but I know there are things to be concerned about – there are at least two weak spots on the roof where rain water could invade my home. One is the empty bedroom where Ray Bates used to live. I don’t know if he will ever come back to say, I’m sorry I had to leave without explanation while you were still in the hospital, and to pick up the clothes, bike tires, etc. that he left because he didn’t have time to gather everything before Bud Tower rescued me from Ochsner and brought me home. Randy Trahan and I are concerned about Ray so Randy called and was told I hurt Ray’s feelings by something I said. Since I was full of narcotics and going nuts on the nurses and surgeon, I would think that Ray would ignore anything I had to say. This is the third surgery we would have been through together. This is the ninth time I had been in the hospital since Ray moved in so he really should have ignored anything I had to say under the influence. I think he was just ready to move on, and this was easy for him since I wasn’t home and he didn’t have to explain himself. People as a rule are afraid of confron-
tation. Even simple, honest talks are too difficult for some. What did he think I would do? After a year and a half, he should have known that I am understanding when a situation is explained to me. So here I am alone, in pain, told that I cannot lift or carry yet still doing all the things that must be done – taking out the garbage, cooking and cleaning. Since the pain will not allow me to sleep, I do little jobs during the night – wash clothes, sweep, whatever. On FaceBook, I have Zsa Zsa d’LaHor to keep me laughing at myself and the girls (drag queens) that I adore. I get encouragement and gossip from Zsa Zsa. We are both at an age where we would have a little plastic surgery done if finances allowed. It takes a lot of tips to get that extra chin removed or that sagging flesh removed from our upper arms. Hell, what I need is a new body because this one is worn out. It is time for me to leave this world I think. But as night gives way to another day, the wind and rain give way to the sun. The sun is so intense that it quickly dries up any dampness in my back yard so I go outside for just a moment. I love the color green, and luckily the yard is green and fresh, and I am peaceful. Pain is now only a dull ache. This I am used to. This is the everyday companion that demands attention but allows me to complete tasks. Ah, the weekend is over and I look forward to Randy’s visit. He calls just before lunch time and asks if I’d like to share a foot-long Subway sandwich. This is the second time in four days that Randy has shown up with bags of food. The frige is full of Coke and ham and cheese from
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24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
sappho psalm ...from 24 his Friday’s visit. I can feel tears welling up but I stop myself because he doesn’t like for me to cry. Over a meatball sub, we discuss PFLAG business. It is only six days until the PFLAG Scholarship Reception. I have bid sheets to type and copy for the silent auction. I promised Julie Thompson I would pick up our order from the trophy house. I am thrilled to do it because this year Randy is receiving the PFLAG Star Award. I’ve been so good about keeping this secret. He is deserving of this award having given hundreds of hours a year in volunteer service. But Randy isn’t the only friend concerned about the quality of my life. Julie had arrived early Monday morning to help me run errands. Just 18 hours earlier she had been in New York staying at the Time Square hotel where a terrorist had left a bomb. On Saturday evening when the Straight for Equality dinner was ending, it was announced that the police were asking everyone to stay in the banquet room unless they had a room in the south tower. The north tower and event rooms were being evacuated. By Sunday afternoon, the bomb squad had made the area safe again and Julie was allowed to leave the city for the airport. Still she had very little information about what had happened. Back in New Orleans, she learned more from the national news and fear finally set in. The “what-ifs” were becoming very real. And after all that, she was at my house on Monday morning ready to help in any way she could. I was sick with pain and Julie did as much as possible to help me get through the short shopping trip. Monday turned out to be a very busy day. Randy Chauvin, the Petronius Queen and 2010 Captain called to check on my progress and remind me of the upcoming meeting. He suggested that I ride with Arthur to eliminate some discomfort. These men have been very generous with their time in helping me get to events like the Gay Easter Parade. Then Kevin Ramsey arrived to check out the job he would do on Tuesday. Kevin is our openly Gay community
plumber. I have been without hot water in the kitchen for a few weeks. And turning on the cold water meant using a vice grip or pliers. By Tuesday, all my plumbing problems were eliminated. At 2pm on Tuesday, Kevin and I left my house for separate appointments. He had another plumbing job and I was going to beg for stronger pain meds. I succeeded and as I write this at four something on a Wednesday morning, I am thrilled to report I was able to sleep for the first time in many weeks for eight hours without pain waking me up constantly during the night. Finally someone listened and I know I am on the mend. This new found pain free freedom will allow me to attend some
great events this coming weekend. Saturday will find me at the Petronius meeting and then the PFLAG Scholarship Reception. Sunday is the Mr. & Miss NOLA Pride Contest. Can you tell how blessed I feel? And how thankful I am? This surgery has been a bitch. I am glad to feel like I am healing and finally have a doctor that has listened to me. So good times, here I come with my loving friends in tow.
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25
ambush
Bar Baron Javier, Marcy & Lucille celebrate @ Starlight’s C. Ray Nagin Good Riddance Bash
Mike (aka Opal), Darwin & Society Page’s Orlando join Starlight’s C. Ray Nagin Good Riddance Bash
Cutter’s Jimmy & Dudley flank Lola following Cutter’s Chocolate City My Ass Party
South Carolina’s Jon & Denzil celebrate their 2nd anniversary @ Oz in New Orleans
Gizelle Bouvier in Opal’s Follies @ JohnPaul’s
26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Louisiana
Mr. Louisiana Leather Toby Lefort’s Crawfish Boil raises $2,750 for NO/AIDS Walk @ 4 Seasons/Out Back Bar ~ Metairie, Louisiana
papar azzi
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27
acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com
T
he humidity officially has our underwear stuck to our crotch area so you know what that means; summer in South Louisiana is here! Get ready for the dish because girl do I have a lot for you in this edition. It’s time to listen up with Joey Collins!
Festival Recap
Y
ou’ve heard me discuss it many times now. Festival, as always, was a success. Many had doubts due to expected weather conditions yet sunshine beamed down all weekend long. This festival topped many past festivals with crowds hitting record numbers. According to the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau, there were close to 500,000 people to be exact. If you
happened to be out and about downtown during this time then you felt the crunch. Jules Downtown definitely felt it. I don’t think anyone was prepared for the hurricane of people who hit this bar. For the first time in quite some time there was a line of people in front. The bar reached its capacity and had to start turning people away. Jules owner Darren Parker took the time from his busy Festival schedule to share with me his experience: “We brought in record numbers and were pleased to provide a very hospitable atmosphere for bar patrons. I haven’t seen numbers like these in years. We were very excited to provide a location for cooling off.” Many thanks go out to Parker, along with associate bar owner Wendy Wallace, and the hard working staff at Jules Downtown. The
in the spotlight How One Couple Takes Their Lives into Their Own Hands, One Goat at a Time
W
hat do you get when you combine a former Martha Stewart Vice President, a drag queen turned ad exec and New York Times bestselling author, an estate and farm in upstate New York, a few quirky neighbors and goats, pigs and a llama to boot? In the case of Planet Green, it’s their next primetime docuseries The Fabulous Beekman Boys, scheduled to premiere Wednesday, June 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Fabulous Beekman Boys is a funny and irreverent peek into the world of Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, a fish-out-of-water couple who are reviving a farm in upstate NY in order to create a new organic lifestyle brand, ‘Beekman 1802’. The series, produced by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s World of Wonder, uncovers how the couple’s city slicker skillset doesn’t mean much when it comes to wrangling pigs and making goat’s milk cheese. “We believe that a farm can be much larger than its fences. If someone told us that we’d trade in New York City for eighty goats, two pigs, a dozen chickens and a narcissistic llama, we would have told them that they were crazy,” said Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge. “It turns out that we are.” ”The Fabulous Beekman Boys is an amusing look into Josh and Brent’s very unique relationship, their desire to create a business and to transform their lives. Watching it unfold in real time is hilarious and entertaining” said Laura Michalchyshyn, Planet Green, Health, and Fit TV President and General Manager (who recently bought a farm of her own!). ”Brent is a quintessential type A personality with a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude while Josh is a laid back, genteel kind of guy who spends weekends on the farm but is still commuting to work in the city during the week. Their eccentric, extended friends and family dynamic reveals to viewers that trying to live the simple life isn’t so simple after all. We can’t wait to bring these charismatic new personalities to television.” “They bought the farm…literally!” says co-executive producer Fenton Bailey.
“From wrapping 14,000 bars organic goat milk soap to organizing a harvest festival to benefit the nearby town of Sharon Springs, Brent and Josh have their work cut out for them, 24/7.” The Fabulous Beekman Boys documents the adventure of a lifetime, as Brent and Josh try to make their entrepreneurial venture a success without sacrificing their personal relationship. The farm is home to a menagerie that helps produce everything from goat milk soap to cheese, but with Josh still living in the city to earn a paycheck and Brent living full time at the farm dealing with the day to day tasks, the couple have created a recipe for conflict. They try to make the most of their weekends together on the farm now that their getaway has become their latest project, but there’s always more work: be it a harvest weekend, book signing or launching a new flavor of cheese. There’s a lot on the line but the “boys” are driven to fulfill their dreams.
When Pigs Fly - Episode 101 With Josh still living in the city to earn a paycheck and Brent living full time at the farm to launch their organic lifestyle brand, the couple tries to make the most of their weekends together on the farm. Brent and Josh welcome two new residents to their growing family as they bring home a pair of baby pigs who seem more than a bit reluctant to join the Beekman menagerie. Later, Josh asks Brent to come into the city for the first reading of his new book, but Brent says he’s too busy with the business and Josh is left disappointed. Personal feelings are quickly put aside after Polka Spot, the llama, appears to have become ill after
mimosas were great! Sound Factory saw its success as well. Not only were they celebrating Festival International, Sound Factory also found itself with yet another infamous Bears on the Backside with DJ Keith Doucet spinning his tracks. Sound Factory manager Mitch Tate took time to express. “Festival always brings so many people downtown and we’re happy to be a part of it. As always, we expect a great turn out and it never fails.” Jacque Rowe, Festival volunteer, took the time to share a moment. “For the past several years I have spent my time volunteering for the festival. It’s practically the longest job I’ve ever held. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I enjoy meeting so many people from all over the world, it couldn’t get any better.”
Mess a Success
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rodie “Mess” Meche hosted Sunday Funday at Sound Factory with an array of events. Sound Factory owner John Gilland was her feeding. Brent’s calm doctor skills take over, while Josh sets off in a panic, only to later discover that the llama was simply sunning herself. Josh heads back to the city for the week and has a successful first reading of his book as he recounts the first time he met Brent’s former boss, Martha Stewart. When Josh returns to the farm looking forward to a relaxing weekend, Brent has other plans in mind and immediately sets off to do work. Josh can’t handle the fact that Brent has turned their weekend getaway into a business and Brent reminds Josh that they have committed to a year of sacrifice to get their company up and running. But Josh threatens that he’d rather not have a business at all if it means having to sacrifice their relationship in the process.
Beekmanpalooza - Episode 102 In order to bring attention and business to Sharon Springs, as well as to the burgeoning Beekman brand, Brent plans a Harvest Weekend. The 3-day event includes a garden party on the Beekman property, a harvest festival in the village and a feast at the American Hotel. Brent stresses out Josh and Farmer John, wanting to make sure everything will go off as perfectly planned and Josh laments that Brent has no idea how to throw a good party. The garden party goes off without a hitch, but the question of whether people will actually show up to the festival still looms. Josh exchanges his farming attire for an outfit more appropriate for debuting their new Beekman cheese at the harvest festival, while Brent frets about the poor attendance. Eventually, the crowds turn out and the festival is a success. At the harvest feast, Josh is dismayed when Brent announces he didn’t get them reservations to the gourmet dinner, because he wanted to sell out all the tickets. Brent and Josh resort to eating a less-than farm fresh meal, but still find that the weekend was, in its own way, pretty perfect.
Unhappy Birthday - Episode 103 Josh heads home to the Beekman from NYC looking forward to his 40th birthday weekend on the farm. But because Brent has agreed to host the first-ever wedding at the Beekman, Josh’s birthday is put on the back burner. Josh has a hard
very hospitable towards bar patrons as he welcomed in the day with free chicken and sausage gumbo for lunch. For those who still were not full enough, Brandon Richard boiled crawfish while the bar began to fill up with supporters who were eager to get the evening kicked off. Such events as drag bingo along with Sound Factory’s notorious Sunday night drag show heated up the night. A wide variety of performers from across the Gulf Coast embraced the stage. As usual, Belinda Botox received great rave and applause from the audience. Miss Gay USA was also in attendance and was well received by audience members when she lit up the stage.
Bar Spill
O
n Saturday, May 15th Sound Factory will open its doors prepared for summer with a Hawaiian Luau. DJ Keith Doucet will be romancing the crowd with his mixes while attendees can enjoy $4 Jungle Juice. Make
[continued on 29] time accepting that the weekend won’t be all about him and he freezes Brent out, but his anger is overshadowed by sympathy when the ominous weather threatens to ruin the bride’s special day. Brent and Josh pitch in to help with the ceremony, and Josh confesses that his disappointment lies less in the fact that he didn’t get a birthday party, and more in that another couple is getting married at the Beekman before themselves. In the end, the wedding goes off without a hitch and Brent gets back into Josh’s good graces with a birthday present that truly takes Josh by surprise. Dr. Brent Ridge was the Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and developed Stewart’s Healthy Center for Living at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Brent’s doctor skills come in handy when the animals on the farm fall ill. Josh Kilmer-Purcell is the New York Times bestselling author of I Am Not Myself These Days and Candy Everybody Wants. His newest book The Bucolic Plague: From Drag Queen to Goat Farmer An Unconventional Memoir (Harper Collins, June 2010, $29.95), is a look back at his experiences at Beekman Farm over the past year. The Fabulous Beekman Boys is executive produced by Planet Green’s SVP of Production & Development, Jeff Hasler and Executive Producer Lynn Sadofsky. Executive Producers from World of Wonder are Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell. Angela Berg is the supervising producer. Innovative production company World of Wonder is behind such entertaining hit series as Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Million Dollar Listing and Man Shops Globe. In addition, World of Wonder has created award winning films and documentaries such as The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Party Monster and Monica in Black and White. With offices in Hollywood and London, the company has produced cutting-edge fiction and non-fiction programming for HBO, Showtime, VH1, Sundance Channel, Discovery, MTV, BBC, PBS and Channel 4 UK, and can be found online at its entertainment blog The WOW Report, which boasts 500,000 unique visits per month at www.worldofwonder.net.
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
acadiana happens ...from 28 sure you stop by and enjoy this tropical paradise. Don’t forget to keep your eye on Jules Downtown’s Facebook group. This is the best way to keep up with daily drink specials. As always free shots on the bar will be offered to unsuspecting patrons. Bartender Justin Menard always seems to have something up his sleeve.
Community Involvement
A
cadiana CARES is an organization which was started in 1985 by a group of concerned citizens as a response to the affect that HIV was having on the area and to meet the needs of those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS in Lafayette. Since its beginning the organization has grown to serve many people in the Acadiana area. Through these efforts, Acadiana CARES has worked to provide education to halt the spread of HIV in the region and to end the prejudice and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS issues. The mission of Acadiana CARES is to address the issues and problems associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to provide education and services for the purposes of HIV prevention. FM Acadiana is a support group within Acadiana CARES that caters to young gay and bi-sexual men from the ages of 18 to 30. FM holds its meetings every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm at Acadiana CARES. These meetings are held to discuss issues that affect our gay community. It is also a good opportunity to meet other gay men outside of the bar scene. For more infor-
mation you may contact Jason Crooks at 337.233.2437. You may also check out their Facebook group: FM Acadiana. Acadiana CARES also provides free and anonymous HIV testing. No needles are needed and accurate results are provided within 20 minutes. Testing times are on Tuesdays from 12pm to 3pm and Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. You may also call to schedule a testing. On Sunday, May 16, at 7pm, Acadiana CARES will be hosting the International Candlelight Memorial. This event is held to honor those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Acadiana CARES is located at 811 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. You may contact them at 337.233.2437 for further information. You may also visit their website at www.acadianacares.org.
Legislation Affecting YOU!
T
he start of summer also means the start of our Louisiana Legislative Session. For many of you, you may not be aware of the current legislation that poses a great deal of threat to the Louisiana LGBT community. Recently Colin Miller of Forum for Equality took the time to share with me the issues currently facing our community. Forum for Equality is a civil rights foundation, an LGBT advocacy organization and a political action committee dedicated to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and to support of good government. Forum believes that the fastest and most efficient way to achieve its goals is through community organization,
education, and constructive participation in the political process. Colin Miller is Forum for Equality’s Southern Field Director. Here is my exclusive interview with Forum. Joey Collins: As a Southern Field Director, what sort of responsibilities do you take on? Colin Miller: I have the wonderful responsibility of participating in our state’s political process. I educate, and advocate legislatures for LGBT rights. Forum is a bipartisan organization and being so, I work with all political parties. I am very fortunate to travel the Southern part of this great state and organize many energetic people who are thrilled to become involved in this process. JC: What sort of legislation currently affects the LGBT community? CM: Currently Louisiana Senate Bill 606 is a constitutional amendment that would redefine “religious freedom”. People would be able to disobey laws which currently protect many of us. It would void laws which protect such individuals in employment, housing, schools, etc. It also threatens such non-employment discrimination acts in such cities as New Orleans and Shreveport. Anyone feeling as though perusing a certain act based on religious convictions would be allowed to carry out such an act, including discrimination. JC: What are some things that our community can do to become involved in defeating such bills? CM: First off you can go to the Forum’s website, www.forumforequality.com, and go directly to the Join Now link. Doing so you can stay up to date with current advocacy campaigns that are aimed towards
legislatures and make sure we have a voice represented. Beyond that, you can personally contact your state legislatures. I encourage everyone in our community, including our allies, to write to your elected officials. It simply takes a small wave of emails for these elected officials to take our stance seriously. JC: For those who may not be aware of who their elected officials are, how can they find out? CM: Simply check out our website. We have a system where by entering your zip code you can find out who your elected officials are. JC: Rather than oppose, are there any bills in our court in which we should be supporting? CM: Louisiana House Bill 738 by Representative Juan Lafonta is a wonderful bill that would allow a parent who is legally recognized to petition to have a partner added as a parent. LA House Bill 737 by Senator J.P. Morrell and LA House Bill 901 by Representative Walter Leger would add two single adults jointly to the list of the persons who may petition for adoption. This is a huge bill for us and I urge members and allies of our communities to write their elected officials in support of this bill. JC: What sort of victories has Forum and the LGBT community recently shared? CM: Recently The Forum along with President of New Orleans City Council, Arnie Fielkow, ACLU Representative Marjorie Esman, FBI Special Agent Kelly Bryson, and Log Cabin Representative Ted Baldwin went before Senate Judiciary
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Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29
acadiana
papar azzi
Scott, Genn, Big Girl, Mark & Tony, resting @ Sound Factory during Festival International DJ Keith Doucet getting ready for Bears on the Backside
\ Band performing downtown during Festival International
Jenn enjoying Festival International from within Jules
Trey, Rick, Mitch & Kyle enjoying crawfish @ Sound Factory’s Sunday Funday
Belinda Botox performing @ Sound Factory’s Sunday Funday
Ryan bartending @ Jules Downtown A mess waiting to happen
Another crazy after-party Scott, Mikey, Darius & Mario @ Sound Factory
Hunter, Brodie & Jason hanging out @ Jules Downtown
Jacque & Jeff volunteering @ Festival International
Hanging out @ Jules Downtown
DJ Kyle D returns to downtown @ Sound Factory
Getting ready for another night @ Jules Downtown
Gypsy/Jazz Band playing @ Festival International
Trey & Scott showing off their crazy shirts
Troy & Tayler @ Jules Downtown
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Sound Factory, Jules, Festival International ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ by Joey Collins
NOLA’s own Patrick, worn out after a day @ Festival International
Brodie Mess @ Sunday Funday
hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com
A Night on the Town
F
irst, let me say that I am writing this in the order of my visits. Do not ever think one is more important than the other.
Cajun Cove
C
ajun Cove celebrated their grand opening last week, and it was cause for a celebration. I noticed the patio area seemed to be the most popular during the time I was there. Of course, the weather was perfect, and it was also the smoking area. No smoking is allowed inside the building. That is good, and it could be something other businesses may need to consider. It certainly works for restaurants. Scoti looked great all decked out in cowboy attire and showing off that trim body and nice butt too. All the work in getting this entertainment venue off the ground and running has caused him to lose a few pounds. I don’t ever recall him looking so good and being so happy. I wish all those concerned with Cajun Cove a very successful future. It is a nice addition to the Baton Rouge scene. I’d like to congratulate Beau for being the first customer. I was able to catch him for a picture before he obtained his first drink, and I immediately took him away from his partner of the evening, Cameron, but I did get them pictured together later in the evening. Both are extremely handsome young men. I also noted great personalities in both of them, and I’m sure I’ll be running into them again soon so I can collect more info to pass on to you. I saw many people here that I hadn’t seen in quite some time, but then again, I
don’t get out as much as I used to so this was a special occasion for me too. I talked with Miss Gia before the doors opened, and I am impressed with her attitude and her beauty. I didn’t see anyone to match her in these categories, and I went to all the bars, met lots of the entertainers, and she stands tall among them. I do think Adriana Alexander, who I ran into later, is wonderful too, but it was so crowded and so busy that I didn’t get to talk with her very much. Thank goodness I could get a picture of her – and of Miss Mia and cute Rami. (Goodness! Thank goodness for proofing copy. I left the “e” off of cute, but that was probably the case anyway. Right, sweetie?) Many of my old friends were here – Little John and other half Phil, Cass and his Dale, Carroll and other significant other, Rich and Mike, Effie, Mark, Ronnie, Pat, Sondra, Little Corey, Dwayne, Tim, and so many more. I finally got to meet Henry, and this is a rather nice young man. He has a beautiful smile, and the body is certainly well sculpted. I think I need to do an extensive interview with this one. I see some hidden potential lurking here. From one section of the bar to the other, I observed and heard all nice comments about Cajun Cove. I didn’t have a chance to have a separator, but that will be so nice to have on a Saturday afternoon on a beautiful patio, a little different from the balcony of Good Friends, but a separator is a separator, and thank goodness Scoti got the fixings for this drink.
Splash
I
made it over in time to see Cory completely miss a simple shot at the pool table. I thought I was the
only one to do this, but now I won’t mind taking him on in a game or two. I also had the chance to meet another outstanding young man, Darryl. Now this is one that is going to bring me back to Splash or anywhere else he might be. He is slightly gorgeous to say the least. He was very nice, and first impressions mean a lot.
This one definitely made a passing grade, like in the A category. I actually talked with Heather more this time than I ever did before, and I think Quentin was more open and friendly than I ever remember from past meetings. We
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acadiana happens ...from 29 A Committee to oppose Senate Bill 521. Ted Baldwin produced a wonderful video, Family of Two, and presented it to the committee. This video illustrated the love that is possible within a family of same-sex partners. In the end we were very victorious and the bill was withdrawn before entering the Senate floor. JC: For those who may not be aware, what was Senate Bill 521 and what would it have done to our community? CM: Senate Bill 521 provides that no Louisiana Vital Records registrar has to issue a birth certificate showing two same-sex adoptive parents, even if the parents are recognized in another state as the child’s legal parents. This could have been detrimental to the legal process in regards to parents’ rights. JC: If there is one important thing that you can voice to the LGBT community and its allies, what would that be? CM: It doesn’t take much to become involved. A simple email or phone call to your elected officials doesn’t take much time. I encourage each and everyone in our community, as well as our allies, to take this simple act. Such a small thing can make a large difference. Remember, these elected officials work for YOU and nobody else. Do not let this process or the State Capitol intimidate you. Anybody can walk in and request to speak in front of these committees. It takes a simple card to fill out for your voice to be heard. These elected officials are your voice on these House and Senate floors. More information about Forum for Equality can be found at www.forumforequality.org.
LGBT Struggles Showcased
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tarting on May 20th Cite Des Art Theater, located at 109 Vine St. in the downtown Lafayette area, will feature a performance based on the first Lafayette gay cabaret bar. Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire and a tribute to a lovely French woman, Gisele Carriton, who lived from 1928 to 2008. Gisele, under much public turmoil, opened up her bar, Chez Gisele, during the late 1960s through the early 1970s. This was an era of escalating civil rights for gays and African-Americans who poured much support into Gisele’s efforts of creating a safe and accepting place for all people. Gisele was put into the spotlight by a local bigot with political ambitions, Mucky Raker. Raker used his media connections to slander Gisele and build a consensus of hatred and directed at her personally; calling her a madam and her establishment a house of male prostitution. Unfortunately, an employee was murdered in the parking lot of Chez Gisele. During this time period the murder of a gay person carried very little interest of police and the judicial system. This has left the murder, to this day, unsolved. Despite the outside tragedies that would occur, Gisele created a happy and loving atmosphere for her guests. She would use colorful expressions to lighten up the people around her and made sure that everyone, regardless of who they were, felt welcomed. Come observe a time period in Lafayette history when it wasn’t safe for the LGBT community to be who they are, express who they are, and take part in something that many take for granite on a daily basis. Opening night is on May 20th and the final performance is on May 30th. Performances are at 7:30pm with Sunday’s matinee performance at 2:30pm. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 337.291.1122.
Personal Note
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s always, I encourage anyone who has any thing of interest to contact me at ejcollins583@gmail.com. You can also follow me on twitter at JoeyC_583 or look me up on Facebook. The past few weeks in Acadiana have been a plethora of cultures and it continues to expand. I look forward to a summer filled with bonding moments with many of you. I would personally like to thank my very close besties, Trey Schmaltz and Ryan Rogers, who have never failed to be there for me. Honesty, loyalty, and reputation will always remain concrete. Such a thing is hard to go by and should be embraced. Take the time this week to thank your bestie for being a part of your life. Remember to keep the summer going, Acadiana. Between John Landry’s hot tub, Hunter Mainess’ new pool, or Rick Rowan’s backyard, this summer is determined to get crazy. See you at that after-party, girl. You just listened up with Joey Collins. Until next time, keep the party going!
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31
rpa ed stick par azzi
Ty & Stephen Beau, Cajun Cove’s first customer
Ronnie & Corey
David @ Splash Adriana Alexander, Rami & Miss Gia Heather @ Splash Miss Gia @ Cajun Cove
Carol & Donna @ Cajun Cove John & James @ George’s Phil, Scoti & Little John David @ Hound Dogs
Quentin takes paddle to Heather
Richard & Damon
Ronnie & Andy
Jeremy relaxing @ George’s
Gorgeous Michael & his girls
Jared, Chansley & Luther
Chica La Rouge
Entertaining @ George’s
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
The Capital City ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict
Cody King
hot tails of red stick ...from 30 have always enjoyed good conversations, but when someone drops his pants to grab the paddle to work on Heather, it was almost more than I could take. Be still my heart. Those were definitely fully packed whites. I should have dragged him to the back room and really done some great photographs. I like Quentin. In fact, he showed me the new screen they have that covers the entire width of the stage. It is one of the new additions to this bar that constantly stand out each time I visit them. I really think that their sound system and dance area is one of the best in the entire South. I’ve been to most of them from San Antonio to Miami, and Splash is right there at the top. I know Oz in New Orleans is great, but this is Baton Rouge, and things don’t come together here like they do in a lot of cities. The city fathers are difficult to deal with here, or maybe I should say that some of the workers running the city just don’t give a damn. Importance of a given piece of paperwork needing approval just doesn’t move that swiftly. I think reading problems are involved here, or maybe it’s a case of being extremely lazy. Now back to dropping pants, I did so literally when I learned that Karen was no longer doing DJ duties and was going to get married – to a man. When Quentin told me that, my mouth fell open in disbelief. This sweetheart, I suppose, has finally made up her mind on which way to swing. Congratulations, sweetie, and good luck with the new love in your life.
David and I usually talk when I deliver Ambush, so we didn’t chat too much, but I did take a picture of him, which I really think is the best I’ve ever made of him. He is that handsome stud at the front desk. I didn’t get to chat with Jeff that much either. He was rushing up to the main office, and I had to get on over to George’s. Overall, I enjoyed my time here except I didn’t get to see Stephen, one of Baton Rouge’s sexiest studs. It was two down, and two to go.
George's Place
I
think Guy was really surprised to see me walk in the door. I know a lot of others were there that got a little shock out of it. I do a lot of my writing early in the mornings, so I’m not a latenight person. Luther, Jeremy, and Chansley managed to wave from the bar, but it was so crowded I didn’t even make it past the front part of the bar. I talked with both Richard and Guy for a while, met old friends, made new friends, got a hug from the sexiest lawyer in the universe, and had a brief chance to talk with Adriana Alexander, a sexy beauty there to perform in the benefit they were having. It was a joint effort for the DIVAS and the Krewe of Apollo beauties. I know one thing for certain - I’m getting over there again soon just to talk with Michael. I really think he is one of the finest young men I know, but maybe that’s the way they grow them in Montana. He is just really too handsome for words. In fact, his entire body is handsome, and I do love handsome bodies. He fits into the A plus category. Outstanding! And that picture of him is so perfect in my “private file.” Thanks
so much for the pleasure of my being able to continue admiration of your perfection. You are the best! I hadn’t seen my preacher friend since I went over to MCC some months ago, but there he was, and I was able to re-connect. The Reverend Keith Mozingo is actually a really wonderful guy, and I also enjoy being around him. I’m overdue another interview over at the MCC Church on Tom Drive. I keep a full schedule of activities, but I plan to work this in very soon. I really enjoyed my hug from Joseph. The Men in Black Ties were out in force, but I yanked him to one side for that hug. I’d like to yank him period – meaning to one side for conversation, of course. What did you think I meant? It was so nice to see such a big crowd at George’s. You could hardly get in the door, but there were lots of people bar hopping, which is nice. You see this in New Orleans all the time, but Baton Rouge bars are not that close together, so it takes longer to get around. Whatever the case may be, Guy and Richard are still operating the place with the personal touch, and I plan to stay in touch as long as I’m able.
Hound Dogs
M
y final stop on my way home took me by Hound Dogs where there was a goingaway party underway for Mark, our (now former) resident living above the Capitol Grocery. The grass is greener in Washington, D.C., so off he goes. I trust everything will go well for him, and maybe he will keep in touch through Facebook or through common friends. You will always be welcomed back here.
Ken was the talkative one here, but we go back a long way. I got caught up on what was going on in his life and with his other half David. And speaking of another David, he was bartending. I didn’t get a chance to get to know him. He was just too busy with the crowd that was there. I’ll check in with Joy to see if I can learn anything of interest to shake your world. Here again, it seems like everyone was out celebrating something, and I thoroughly enjoyed staying up past my bedtime. Of course, the pièce de résistance of the entire night was Derek. This guy has no idea how sexy and handsome he really is. He is quiet but manages to relay a kind of sexual energy that strikes you as being relentlessly bountiful. It’s not outward. It is smoldering inside of his magnificent frame. I find him to be one of the most impressive men I’ve ever met. We talked for a while. He was surprised to see me out and about, but it was nice that he came over and chatted with me. I really appreciated that act of kindness. He only lives a couple of houses from me, so I should just yank him out and take him barhopping with me. There I go yanking again, but that’s what happens when you meet someone as attractive and good looking as Derek. He is just a marvelous human being – sweet, nice, and all the other positive points a man can possess. Am I in lust? Well, it was finally time to get home. I made it through the night with only one Coke and one mixed drink, so I suppose I did okay with the alcohol intake. At least I could observe people with a sound mind. Now who was that guy who showed me his penis ring?
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
mobile
Pride Grand Marshal Jerry Ehlen of B-Bob's fame leading the Mobile Pride Parade
Broadway & American Idol Diva, Frenchie Davis, letting them have it @ B-Bob’s during Pride
Order of Osiris Float in the Mobile Pride Parade Brad & MJ @ Gabriel’s Pride Foam Party
DJ Tim Pflueger & Pride Grand Marshal Jerry from B-Bob’s Lee & a friend having a good time @ B-Bob’s for Mobile’s Gay Pride celebration
Mobile’s Metropolitan Community Church walking for the One Nation, One Heart Tour
Miss Mobile Pride 2010 Jawakatema Davenport riding in the Pride Parade
Eva & Renita bartending for the “Chix Mix” Pride Party @ Gabriel’s
Southern Renegades Float in the Mobile Pride Parade
Pooh, Alexa & DJ Mel “Gone Wild” at the Chix Mix Pride Party @ Gabriel’s
All the boys come to celebrate Gay Pride events @ B-Bob’s
Brenda, Wendy & Virginia playing dress up during Bingo @ B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s Float in Mobile Pride Parade “Dance Dance Dance” with the Village People
The Asian Goddess, Regine Phillips, visits with Ann Walker, aka Lavonda from Sordid Lives
Bartenders Jason, Bob & Jerry serving cocktails for the Frenchie Davis blowout @ B-Bob’s Former Miss Continental Tasha Long performs @ B-Bob’s for Gay Pride Weekend events along with show director Miss Cie
Sean & Joey @ B-Bob’s
Asher, Jennifer & Steven celebrating Gay Pride @ B-Bob’s
Recording artist & Broadway Diva Frenchie Davis appearing @ BBob’s with show director Miss Cie
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Pride By The Bay led by Pride Grand Marshal Jerry Ehlen of B-Bob's ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John, Leon Weekley
papar azzi
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alexandria
papar azzi
Lucinda & her new ride
Joey & Mika Hector & Sable
Granny’s Gone Wild
Pimp Daddy Dann
Ben & Friends
Security Guard Fish!
Josh & Heath
Gia & Sable
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Olympus Bar Highlights ~ Alexandria, Louisiana
Lady D’s last appearance @ Olympus Bar
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Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557 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] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave. GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com
body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] AWESOME BODY RUB/ESCORT SESSION by masculine top stud. 6'0", 182#, w/ magic hands. 6am-mid. 7 days. 4 hands also avail. In/Out serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is1010]
bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE OF HARAHAN, 301 Funston St., 305.2160
cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
chiropractic RT PA M A R
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
autos
OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE, 1135 Decatur St., 373.5431 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, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 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 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is810]
circuit/events May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Sept. 1-6, 2010, 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. 28-31, 2010, Halloween 27, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 4, 2011, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM March 4-8, 2011, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.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
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center,
924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
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: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 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 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782
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, E-mail 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 half-open 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. [0810] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. 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. [0111] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is17/10]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
models/escort New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-504.756.9443. New pictures at www.m4rn.com (search by ID #190508), 6am11pm, In or Out. 5'10", 180# of cute pure muscle. [is1010]
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org
EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 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 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 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, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 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., 592.4666
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 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF 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 OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] 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, 838.3399 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 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & 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, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@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 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 FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net 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, Email: 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 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC.,
PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, w w w.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org 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, KreweOfPetronius.ORG 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 MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 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 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A 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, 828-A 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 PRIDE CELEBRATION OF NEW ORLEANS: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE FORMING THIS SPRING-All skill levels from beginner to ad-
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Don't be left out of the BIG Memorial Wknd.
Ambush ( May 2 5 -June 7 ) Deadline: Tuesday, May 18
5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9 vanced. For more information, visit www.nolasoftball.com THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 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 YWCA AIDS 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 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 FRENCH QUARTER VET, 922 Royal St., Office 322.7030, Cell 250.1175, DrScott@TheFrenchQuarterVet.COM
pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] BARRY DAVIS PLUMBING, LLC, no job to small or large, free estimates, 272.1582 [is810] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812
real estate agents 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: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com
restaurants Metairie, LA [504] ROOBA'S CRESCENT SPOON CAFE, 2307 Veterans Mem. Blvd., 830.1035, Roobas.COM New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB RESTAURANT, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM 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 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 4901 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889, HerbImport.COM LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158 Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539]
tours New Orleans, LA [504] SOUTHERN COMFORT TOURS, 400.9270, southerncomforttours@yahoo.com STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ, Toulouse Street Dock, 568.1401, SteamboatNatchez.COM
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARRE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM
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, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
snap paparazzi
Good Friends Team 1: DJ Myke in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Elizabeth hosts FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s
Good Friends Team 2: Chris in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Sisters Cathy Fox & Lauren Brown in FourPlay
Good Friends Team 3: Josh in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
FourPlay’s own Tami Tarmac @ JohnPaul’s
Good Friends Team 4: Stephen & Good Friends Champion in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Varla Jean Merman in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s
Rawhide Team 1: Thor & Joe, Rawhide Champion & 2010 Grand Champion in 2nd Chili Cook-off
Rawhide Team 3: Team Bears 1 in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Rawhide Team 4: Team Bears 2 in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Alexis Daniels in Donnie Jay Tribute Show @ the Lantern
Oz’s Tyra Van Ryan joins Donnie Jay Tribute Show
Trudy DeMille in Donnie Jay Tribute Show
Princesse Stephaney does a toast in Donnie Jay Tribute Show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Rikki Redd on stage for Donnie Jay Tribute Show
Randall, Jeff (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) & Larry Graham join the Donnie Jay Tribute Show
Hotties @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Shows, Chili Cook-off, Tributes ~ New Orleans
The Cast of FourPlay with guest Varla Jean Merman @ JohnPaul’s
Rawhide Team 2: Russ & Mike in the 2nd Good Friends/Rawhide Chili Cook-off
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41
paparazzi
Chef Paul Davis & assistant Delta Louise Carter serve up Amon-Ra’s Fish Fry @ Starlight
Gene, Ron, Karen & Stuart join Amon-Ra’s Fish Fry @ Starlight
Pride Logistics Chair Allen @ Lafitte’s Ambush’s Marsha gets a $2.50 cocktails from Oz bartender Allen
Belle Reve celebrates reopening including Belle Grace & Belle Esprit
Starlight bartender Miss Eloy wins Amon-Ra’s 50/50 raffle from Pres. Jay
Amtrack Queen Miss Butch & Jaded Jade @ Starlight By The Park King Cake Queen Opal Masters headlines Opal’s Follies @ JohnPaul’s
Happy Hour with bartender Chris @ Bourbon Pub
FNBMG’s Billy Henry presents $2,000 to Belle Reve Exe. Dir. Vicki Weeks @ reopening ceremony
Double Play’s Chuck & JohnPaul’s Paul pop into Starlight for Amon-Ra’s Fish Fry
Amon-Ra’s Fish Fry brought out Satyricon Capt. Tony & Lord King Alan
Frankie slingin’ cocktails @ The Out Back Bar/4 Seasons in Metairie
Former King Cake Queen Raven Kennedy guest stars in Opal’s Follies
Wilhemina & Bartender of the Year Jeff welcome you to Cafe Lafitte In Exile
Blanche Debris snags hot bartender Joe @ Dance Club of the Year Oz
Howard, Ken & Wayne cocktailin’ @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Bartenders Brad & Chuck hail from 4 Seasons in Metairie
Amon-Ra President Jay Cooper sings live in Opal’s Follies
Rhonda & David Roget celebrate 30th anniversary @ Opal’s Follies
42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Events, Shows ~ New Orleans ~ New Orleans17th Red Cooking, PartyCocktailin’, @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Lafitte’s raises
snap
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43
44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 11-24, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM