Ambush magazine volume 28 issue 13 by Ambush Publishing

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

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

Ambush Celebrates Pride in New Orleans & 4th of July Across the Gulf South

his 13th edition of Ambush brings loads of information on New Orleans Official Pride celebration as well as 4th of July activities across the Gulf South. With some 36 pages in ads, you're sure to find out all of the information you will need to enjoy a stay-cation or find that great travel destination available for our community. More than ever we need the help of the nation and the world to travel here and preserve our way of life in spite of the Gulf oil spill. On another note, we'd like to welcome back the Bourbon Pub & Parade to the Ambush family of advertisers. The popular club is under the direction of new owner Sandy Sachs, and brother, general manager Louis Sachs.

Mayor, City Council, Recognize NOLA Pride as New Orleans Official Pride Celebration

mbush has learned that both New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and New Orleans City Council will each present proclamations recognizing NOLA Pride as New Orleans Official Pride Celebration. The proclamation from the City Council will be presented on Friday, June 25 at the Seven Deadly Sins Gala kicking off Pride weekend at the W Hotel. The mayoral proclamation will be presented Sunday, June 27 on the Pride Street Fair stage located on Bourbon between Orleans and St. Ann Streets. The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community of New Orleans celebrates thirty-one years of Pride Wednesday-Sunday, June 23-27. The all new NOLA Pride Committee has worked diligently this year in Bringing Pride Back to New Orleans and restoring trust in New Orleans Pride organization. It joins InterPride (International Association of LGBT Pride Organizers) in celebration of the 2010 theme of One Heart, One World, One Pride. Early on the committee asked various respected community leaders to be on the Honorary Presenting Committee to lend credibility to the event. All who were asked accepted enthusiastically including New Orleans Human Relations Commission Chair Larry Bagneris, William Fanning Foundation's (Buzzy's Boys & Girls) Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Don Evans, political activist Mary Griggs (formerly of Forum For Equality), Mr. Louisiana Leather and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal and past Pride Grand Marshal Toby Lefort, Gay Easter Parade and past Pride Grand Marshals Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, PFLAG President Julie Thompson, and NO/AIDS Task Force Executive Director Noel Twilbeck. 2010 Pride Grand Marshals Steven Forster and Cathy Fox will lead Pride festivities. And with them look for Mr. and Miss Gay Pride Travis Bergeron and Tami Tarmac. These four celebrities will add pizazz to New Orleans Official Pride. The NOLA Pride Committee has an exciting slate of activities planned. Join the Men of Pride Underwear Fashion Show where you can buy the briefs right off the boys Wednesday, June 23, 10pm at the Bourbon Pub & Parade, 801 Bourbon Street. The $5 door donation includes a drink. The finals for the Voice of Pride Karaoke competition is set for Thursday, June 24, 9pm at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. Emcee's are GoWiz's Rikki Gee and DJ P. Door donation is $5. The Grand Prize winner will sing live on the Pride stage Sunday, June 27 and receive a three (3) song Recording Demo disk sponsored by GoWiz Creative. The Seven Deadly Sins Gala kicks off the weekend on Friday, June 25, 8-10pm at the W Hotel, 333 Poydras Street. Royalty from seven gay krewes will welcome guests to the silent auction, variety show, and raffle with special guest. Tickets are $40 available at NOLAPride.ORG. Saturday, June 26 kicks off with Pride In The Park at City Park, Field # 18, corner of Harrison and Marconi, at 12noon, co-hosted by the NOLA Softball League. It includes Inaugural Season Awards Presentation, BBQ Picnic Lunch and Beer Bust, and Kings vs. Queens Softball Game. Tickets are $20 and includes admission to games, lunch, soft drinks, water and beer. For tickets or to sign up to play, go to NOLASoftball.COM/ Pride.html. Later that evening is the Chris Owens Benefit Performance honoring 2010 Pride Grand Marshal Steven Forster beginning at 8pm with the Grand Marshals Cocktail Reception Wine & Cheese Party at K-Joes, 720 St. Louis Street, followed by a show by legendary performer Chris Owens at the Chris Owens Club, 500 Bourbon Street, at 9:30pm. Tickets are $25 available at NOLAPride.ORG. Sunday, June 27 closes out the weekend with two big events. The first is the Pride 2nd Line Parade. The walking parade will be led by the New Orleans Rainbow 2nd Line Band under the direction of Kent Richard, followed by one carriage with Pride Grand Marshals Steven Forster and Cathy Fox, and Mr. and Miss Gay Pride Travis Bergeron and Tami Tarmac on board, then by all registered walking groups. The parade starts promptly at 1pm. Line-up is St. Louis between Dauphine and Burgundy from 12noon12:45pm. Check in at The Double Play, 439 Dauphine, with Lineup Chair Steve Patrick. Position in parade is determined by when Entry Form and payment were received. The parade turns right on Burgundy, right on St. Ann, left on Bourbon ending at Dumaine. New Orleans first Pride Street Fair runs 12noon-6pm with loads of entertainment.

Lifetime Achievement Award, Summer Issue out July 6 DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 29

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celebrazzi gaa top 5 finalists trodding the boards/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie ambush paparazzi/new orleans mobile paparazzi the pink pastor acadiana paparazzi/lafayette alexandria paparazzi acadiana happens/lafayette

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classifieds snap paparazzi/new orleans new orleans official pride under the gaydar/new orleans 39th southern decadence hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge snap paparazzi/new orleans halloween new orleans dining out for life/new orleans

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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

It will be set up between Orleans and St. Ann Streets on Bourbon. As part of the street fair, an informational tent will be available. The tables are $100 each. The LGBT Community Center is presenting NOLA Pride 2010 Celebration. For more information contact the Center at 504.945.1103 or email pride@nolapride2010.org. The NOLA Pride Committee includes Co-chairs Darrin Duplissey and TJ Rogers, Secretary Steve Patrick, Community Outreach Chair Alita Glass, Entertainment Chair Michael Martin, Financial Chair Ryan Rivers, Logistics Chair Allan Spach, Media Chair Toni Pizanie, Parade Chair Rip Naquin, Risk Management Chair Robbie Gurtner, and Volunteers Chair Crystal Little. Sponsorships are still available. You can help bring Pride back to New Orleans by downloading a sponsorship form at NOLAPride.ORG. Pride Sponsors as of press time include Platinum ($2,500) Ambush, Bourbon Pub/Parade, W Hotel; and Gold ($1,000): Bacardi Mojito Cocktails, Budweiser, GoWiz Creative, Grey Cross Photography, JohnPaul's, Napoleon's Itch, PFLAG. Other sponsors include 700 Club, A OK Men’s Wear, Allways Lounge, Bywater Restaurant/Deli & BBQ, FAB/Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, Good Friends Bar, Kajun's Pub, Phillips Restaurant & Bar, and Oz.

Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalists

he 23rd annual Gay Appreciation Awards public voting is done and brings the Top 5 Finalists in each voting category to you below. One of the Top 5 Finalists (the one receiving the most votes) is already the winner, but will not be announced until the 23rd GAA Gala on Saturday, July 24, 810pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. VIP Tables with four seats are $150. Admission at the door is $10. All proceeds benefit the William Fanning Foundation (Buzzy's Boys & Girls). Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049. Entertainment will include the return of 2009 Entertainers of the Year Coca and Ama Rosa, and GAA Founder Marcy Marcell. Additionally, each Show Club of the Year Finalist is invited to do a production number. All stage performance tips

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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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the "official" dish ...from 4 also benefit Buzzy's Boys & Girls. The Top 5 Finalists include: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Gay Easter Parade, Halloween, PFLAG's 20th Anniversary Champagne Reception, Red Party/Lafitte's, Southern Decadence • Hair Salon of the Year: Bobby Blue Contemporary Barber & Beauty Parlor, Headquarters, Mickey Nolan's Salon, Paris Parker, Salon D'Malta • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon • Neighborhood Bar of the Year: 700 Club, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends Bar, JohnPaul's, Tubby's Golden Lantern • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service in the AIDS arena]: Michael Hickerson, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, Chris Leonard, NO/AIDS Task Force • Bitch of the Year: Aletha Bryant, Paul Chiriaco, Ken Grandpre, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders • Show Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, JohnPaul's, Oz, Tubby's Golden Lantern, Starlight By The Park • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals]: GLITZ: The Art of Female Impersonation, I Am My Own Wife, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Outworks 2010/LSU Theatre Department, Running With Scissors • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ; Clover Grill; Mona Lisa Restaurant, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Verti Mart • Dance Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, JohnPaul's, Oz, Rubyfruit Jungle, Splash/Baton Rouge • Bartender of the Year: Aletha Bryant/ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Darrin Duplissey/ JohnPaul's, Lance Pippin/Tubby's Golden Lantern, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Cody Warembourg/700 Club • DJ of the Year: Chris Allen/Bourbon Pub & Parade, DJ Myke/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Johnny Love/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Richie Rich/JohnPaul's • Leather Bar of the Year: Dallas Eagle/ Dallas, JohnPaul's, Phoenix, Ramrod/Ft. Lauderdale, Rawhide 2010 • GLBT Business of the Year [no bars/ restaurants/delis/hair salons]: Alternatives, La Mina Sterling, Moms Mini Mart, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts, Scully'z Recordz • Leather Person of the Year: Michael Albracht, Cathy Fox, Jose Gonzales, Toby Lefort, Gary Vandeventer • Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Dee Cooley, Stephanie Lee, Rikki Redd, Jasmine SX • Lesbian of the Year: Marty Curtin, Mae Falgout, Red Hanson, Pat McCardle, Sandy Sachs • Gay Man of the Year: Tommy Elias, Ken Grandpre, Toby Lefort, Tony Leggio, John Vignone • Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer]: Big Mama, Elizabeth Bouvier, Blanche Debris, Passion Armani Cassidine, Coca The Board of Directors will announce the Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, and the Top 5 Finalists for the Cheridon Comedy Award, and Fly Fashion Glamour Award on July 6. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence will be presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain at the GAA Gala. The Board of Directors includes Lisa

Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Toni Pizanie. Sponsored by Ambush, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. For more, visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA.

Oz Celebrates 18th Anniversary Neon Party on June 26

z will celebrate its 18th anniversary on Saturday, June 26 with it's spectacular Neon Party. Hosted right in the middle of Pride weekend, the club will feature DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger and DJ Bull. It will also bring it's colorful host Persana Shoulders and the Club Kids up front and center. It is sure to be one of the biggest nights at Dance Club of the Year Oz, 800 Bourbon Street.

The Summer of Pride at Cafe Lafitte in Exile

n keeping with the upcoming Pride week-end, Café Lafitte In Exile is proud to bring to stage another original production; this one entitled, The Summer Of Pride. The production takes us from the inception of the gay pride movement to the present day, highlighting moments in gay culture, and featuring comedic performances by some of today’s “out” artists; all woven around an original script. If you were lucky enough to see The Summer Of Love, you will not want to miss this one. The show is on Saturday, June 26th, 9pm sharp. Starting out the week-end on Friday, June 25th, it’s Café Lafitte’s 2nd Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, with a prize going to the best interpretation of gay pride. Then upstairs in The Balcony Bar at 7pm is the Pride Jewelry Making Contest. Lafitte's supplies everything you need, you supply the creativity. Then on Sunday, June 27th, it’s Lafitte's famous, often imitated, Trash Disco, with DJ Johnny Love, from 4-9pm. "Make sure and spend your Pride weekend with us!" says DJ Myke.

NEA GLBT Caucus Holds Awards Dinner July 5 in New Orleans

he NEA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus will hold it’s annual Robert Birle Awards Dinner July 5, 2010 at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. Held in conjunction with the National Education Association’s (NEA) 148th Annual Meeting and 89th Representative Assembly (RA), the Robert Birle Awards Dinner is attended by 700 educational professionals from across the nation. This year’s special honoree is Ashley Judd. For information visit nea-glbtc.org. Over 10,000 participants are expected to attend the NEA’s event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Participants meet to discuss, debate and set NEA policy and direction. An integral part of this annual meeting is the input from caucuses.

Founded in the 1980’s by a handful of NEA Members seeking to provide a means of professional support for gay and lesbian colleagues, The National Education Association Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Caucus works to eliminate institutional discrimination and homophobia, the NEAGLBTC monitors and participates in the development of NEA policies and activities, provides resources and fosters better communication among educators, students, and communities. During the NEARA, members of the caucus meet provide NEA-RA participants feedback on proposed changes in NEA policy and their potential affect on GLBT educators, educational support professionals and students.

Southern Decadence Press Party July 6 @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia have set the Official Southern Decadence Press Party for Tuesday, July 6, 7pm. This year the exciting event will be hosted in the Parade above the Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon Street, and is open to the public. The grand marshals will unveil the official poster by renowned photographer Larry Graham, and announce both the official song and sponsors. The duo will lead the 39th Southern Decadence celebration over Labor Day Weekend, Wednesday-Monday, September 1-6.

Win A Room for 2 for Southern Decadence Weekend Valued @ Almost $1,000

outhernDecadence.COM has partnered with New Orleans Courtyard and French Quarter Suites Hotels to stage an exciting contest giving away a room for two for Southern Decadence weekend. The contest winner would get deluxe accommodations for two for four nights, Friday-Monday, September 3-6 valued at almost $1,000. It includes the use of two beautiful pools, Wi-Fi Internet services, continental breakfast and off street parking. Visit SouthernDecadence.COM to enter. Drawing for the winner will be on Saturday, July 31. Hidden behind antique shutters lies an urban oasis where European charm meets New Orleans elegance and the echoes of Jazz greats join with the melodies of trickling fountains. The New Orleans Courtyard Hotel and French Quarter Suites Hotel invites you to experience New Orleans in a legendary French Quarter neighborhood where trumpeter Wynton Marsalis first picked up his horn and Jazz legends the like of Cannonball Adderly once played-all a stone's throw from Congo Square-where Jazz "was born." Steps away, you'll find celebrated Bourbon Street, New Orleans renown restaurants, bars, clubs, irresistible shopping and the many attractions and destinations that make the Crescent City one of the most popular and loved travel destinations in the world. French Quarter Suites is the official host hotel of Oz New Orleans. The properties are located at 1101/1119 N. Rampart

Street. For reservations call 800.457.2253, email reservations@bpmhotels.com. For more info visit NOCourtyard.COM or FrenchQuarterSuites.COM.

FNBMG Awards Funds to 3 Local Charities

riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG), a New Orleans 501(c)(3) charitable fundraising organization has, for the past 11 years, been dedicated to raising funds for local HIV/AIDS charities and related support organizations. All funds FNBMG raises are derived from FNBMG’s annual extravaganzas. FNBMG organizers receive no compensation for their efforts on behalf of FNBMG. This year, following the Cirque du Sogay Extravaganza XI held at the Audubon Tea Room on February 12, the FNBMG Board of Directors designated seven local charities as recipients of cash awards. Already FNBMG has awarded $6,800 to the NO/AIDS Task Force Food for Friends Program, $2,800 to Belle Reve New Orleans and $1,200 to the Forum for Equality Foundation. Over the next few weeks, FNBMG will announce additional donations to the following four charities: Project Lazarus, AIDSLaw of Louisiana, the William J. Fanning Foundation (Buzzy’s Boys and Girls), and the New Orleans Gay and Lesbian Community Center. FNBMG thanks all of its generous supporters and advocates who have made these annual donations possible. Since the year 2000 and including this year’s Extravaganza, FNBMG will have donated more than $130,000 to local HIV/AIDS agencies. FNBMG especially appreciates the unprecedented support and advertising Halloween New Orleans provided this year. FNBMG Extravaganzas are over-thetop parties held each year on the Friday night just before Fat Tuesday – Mardi Gras Day. Extravaganzas are open to the general public and every Extravaganza features an open bar, a bountiful buffet, free professional photographs, several costume prizes, live entertainment, dancing. Several luxury round-trip transportation options from locations throughout the metro area to whisk you to and from the Audubon Tea Room for the festivities. The FNBMG extravaganzas have been described as “the Mardi Gras Ball where everyone is the tableaux”. That’s no exaggeration. Extravaganza participants arrive to party the night away in costumes best described as running the spectrum for spectacular to beautiful to out-landish. Much more information, including mailing list sign-up information as well as a wealth of information about FNBMG and the extravaganzas is available at FNBMG’s official web site. Anyone interested in contacting FNBMG for organizational information or to participate in planning the next extravaganza and other FNBMG events should contact FNBMG at: fnbmg@cox.net or call 733.3311. FNBMG’s official web site address is: www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com . Please check the site frequently for new information about Extravaganza XII, photos taken during Extravaganza XI, special events planned and an exciting on line raffle for something everyone is going to

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the "official" dish ...from 9 want to win. It’s a great big wonderful surprise! FNBMG will again return to the Audubon Tea Room for Extravaganza XII on March 4, 2011. Mark your calendars now. It’s never too early to start constructing the costume that will knock everyone’s eyes out and make you the belle or the butch of the ball!

Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans, and further made possible by the Contemporary Arts Center’s Performance Support Program.

D’PROJECT celebrates SOUTHERN VOICES: dance out LOUD 3

NFL Star Scott Fujita & America's Wetland Foundation Launch Text Messaging Drive to Replant Wetlands

’PROJECT, an innovative local performance company, is bringing to the stage its third season of SOUTHERN VOICES: dance out LOUD 3. The show is composed of exciting new works by seven of New Orleans best choreographers. Over fifty performers and artists are collaborating to create yet another memorable dance experience. SOUTHERN VOICES 3 showcases a variety of styles and personalities, with choreographies by Eddy Villalta, Alice Pascal Escher, Anne Burr, Cheryl O’Sullivan, Leigh Brockman, John Rodi, and Nicole Boyd-Buckels. The show’s unique multidisciplinary approach gives a voice to the choreographers through interviews, which have become a hallmark of this event. Company Artistic Director, Eddy Villalta boasts “We are extremely excited about the lineup of talent we have this year. And our audience grows every season because the variety we present has something everyone can appreciate. They come expecting quality, and we deliver.” Performances are at the Contemporary Arts Center’s Freeport-McMoRan Theatre on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at 8pm and on Sunday, June 27 at 2pm. Tickets are $20 and $15 for CAC members, seniors and students, and may be purchased on the Contemporary Arts Center website CACNO.org. D’PROJECT is a local non-profit dance performance company whose primary goal is to create performance and educational opportunities for the New Orleans audience, while building a greater appreciation of the performing arts and artists in our area. Visit D’PROJECT on the web at www.DProject.us to find out more. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the

ew Orleans - Marking the opening of hurricane season, former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl linebacker Scott Fujita and the America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) have teamed up to heighten awareness and build support for restoring Louisiana’s eroding coastline. As part of a public service announcement campaign, AWF is launching a textmessaging drive to support volunteer planting and restoration projects in Louisiana’s marshes after the oil spill. Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, donated $12,500 to AWF for plantings in April and is a strong supporter of coastal restoration. He recently taped a PSA that urges supporters to “Give Now” by texting “isupport wetlands” to 20222, then replying “yes” when asked for confirmation of their $10 donation. All donations will go directly to support the work of the America’s WETLAND Conservation Corps (AWCC), an LSU Ag Center-based AmeriCorps program that will manage volunteers and plantings in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill. “These wetlands, already endangered due to coastal erosion, need all of us to pitch in to save this internationally important habitat,” Fujita said. “Please join me to save this threatened area. Now, more than ever, it is critical to protect America’s WETLAND,” Fujita said. Learning that Louisiana is losing land at the rate of a football field every 50 minutes triggered Fujita’s interest in the wetlands. “We estimate it would cost between $2,500 and $5,000 to purchase the plants needed to restore a wetland habitat the size of a football field,” said Hilary Collis, program director of the AWCC. “Once areas are declared safe, and don’t require the wearing of hazardous material cloth-

ing, we will go in and replant areas that need it,” Collis said. Each plug of Smooth Cord Grass, the primary grass used for wetlands restoration, costs about $1. The grass grows well in salt and brackish water at low levels and has an intricate root system that supports retention of marshland. One text message donation will purchase 10 plants. The AWF has long raised money for the conservation corps to support its replanting efforts, but has stepped up the appeal because of the potentially huge impact of the oil spill on America’s WETLAND. During 2009, AWCC members exceeded all expectations. Volunteers and energetic AWCC members recruited 4,155 volunteers that logged almost 25,000 hours while helping with 87 restoration projects. The 2010 members are eager to help out with wetland restoration as the oil is removed. “The accomplishments of the America’s WETLAND Conservation Corps have both immediate impact – through their wetlands planting projects – as well as long term, through their educational programs, The AWCC volunteers teach thousands about the importance of maintaining the wetlands for habitat, seafood production and hurricane protection for our communities and the nation’s critical transportation and energy infrastructure,” said R. King Milling of New Orleans, chair of the America’s WETLAND Foundation. “The long-term partnership with the Saints organization and some individual team members such as Fujita, help in our efforts to reach broader audiences to join in the fight to save the coast,” Milling continued. To view the new PSA featuring Scott Fujita visit: www.americaswetland.com There are two ways to donate to this effort: Online: go to www.americaswetland.com and click on the “Gulf Oil Spill Restoration Fund. Give Now: Text “isupport wetlands” to short phone number 20222 (note no space between “I” and “support,” then answer “yes” when the return message asks for a response. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the America’s WETLAND Foundation by the Mobile Giv-

ing Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code 20222; Reply HELP to 20222 for help. America’s WETLAND Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that has acted as a neutral arbiter for coastal interests since its inception in 2002, elevating issues facing the Gulf Coast, specifically those of coastal land loss, to regional and national attention. The America’s WETLAND Conservation Corps is a partnership of the America’s WETLAND Foundation and the LSU AgCenter, which is supported by AmeriCorps through the Louisiana Serve Commission, and the Office of Lt. Governor. The Corps build community pride and environmental awareness through volunteerism and education. It supports collaborative efforts to organize and engage participants in a variety of activities, all with the message of responsible stewardship and a call for action to save coastal Louisiana. Exciting hands-on volunteer programs involve and educate audiences through the work of a diverse group of members, who not only take their experience with them when they leave Louisiana, but also leave a physical, virtual and emotional handprint on the state.

Nicholls Offers Post-Oil Spill Financial Assistance

hibodaux – Students at Nicholls State University whose personal finances have significantly changed as a result of the recent environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico may qualify for need-based financial aid. Those who have not qualified for such aid in the past are encouraged to apply, along with those who already receive assistance. The latter may be eligible for additional aid if their current award is less than the maximum amount allowed. To begin the application process, students must complete the appropriate form, accessible at www.nicholls.edu/finaid/oil. Applicants must then contact the Office of Financial Aid at 985.448.4048 to schedule a meeting with a counselor. “We are closely monitoring the ongoing oil disaster in the Gulf as well as its impact on a large percentage of the students we serve,” Courtney Cassard, director of enrollment services, said. “Nicholls is committed to helping our students and their families get through this catastrophe and accomplish their academic goals.”

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

r. Marc Behar, Forum for Equality Chair receives a $1,200 check from Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Board members Billy Henry, Christian Rountree and Ed Potratz Chapman. Proceeds were raised at FNBMG's Cirque du Sogay Extravaganza XI held at the Audubon Tea Room this past February.

etronius Crown Prince & Crown Princess L Jimmy deBlanc and Bootsie DeVille (King & Queen Petronius L-Elect) are presented by Petronius Captain L & Queen Petronius XLIX Randy Chauvin at Crowns & Cocktails Quatre. Hosted at the Fredrick Guess Studio in New Orleans, the Krewe of Petronius announced their 50th anniversary: The Golden Jubilee Ball to be held Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the St. Bernard Civic Center. The “grand dame” of Gay Carnival’s charity partners will be the NO/AIDS Task Force and PFLAG Scholarship Fund.

riday Night Before Mardi Gras President Billy Henry (center) presents a $6,800 check to Noel Twilbeck, Chief Executive Officer of the NO/AIDS Task Force as FNBMG Board members Larry Gumpert and Larry Anderson look on. Proceeds were raised at FNBMG's Cirque du Sogay Extravaganza XI held at the Audubon Tea Room this past February.

iss Gia (above) was crowned Miss Gay Central Louisiana America 2010 at Olympus Bar in Alexandria, Louisiana. Celeste David (right) was 1st alternate and both will travel to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant to represent Alexandria in Lafayette.

he Tommy Elias Band including bass guitarist Lowery Hicks, keyboardest Barry Bareass, singer Tommy Elias and drummer James Bolware wowed the audience at Oz's new Tuesday Concert Series in New Orleans featuring a different live band or act each week.

r. Louisiana Leather and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, Toby Lefort, hosted Drag Survivor Semi-Finals at 4 Seasons in Metairie. The event raised $1,010 for Toby's NO/AIDS Walk Fund. The finals are set for July 23.

riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) President Billy Henry presents a $2,800 check to Executive Director Vicki Weeks of Belle Reve New Orleans during the Grand Reopening of Belle Reve. Proceeds were raised at FNBMG's Cirque du Sogay Extravaganza XI held at the Audubon Tea Room this past February.

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trodding the boards by Patrick Shannon, III Email: nedcat@earthlink.net

Naughty Cabaret Some people got it And make it pay, Some people can’t even Give it away. This people’s got it And this people’s spreadin’ it around. You either have it Or you’ve had it. Sung by Mama Rose during Rose’s Turn in Gypsy - Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - Music by Jule Styne - Book by Arthur Laurents, is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of ecdysiast, actress, and author Gypsy Rose Lee

ris. Mr. Harris created this cabaret act of one hour and fifteen minutes; and he also directed it with sharp show biz gusto and infectious joy. Included in his creative team was the ever splendid work of “local man with the golden fingers,” Musical Director Jim Walpole. Adding their own thoughts to the creative musical team of Walpole and Harris, were Jimmy Williams on upright bass fiddle and Dane Schindler on drums and of course, “She Who Looms And Laughs” our own Mardi Gras float on two bawdy legs, the treasure of our hearts, and always special guest star of this show or any show, Miss Becky Allen. Her jokes

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"New Orleans collaboration of artist/actor/singer/dancer and now producer, our own golden boy Marshall Harris." ...Patrick Shannon

f you missed Naughty Cabaret, a charming, witty production done on the stage of One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse Street, do try to see when it is brought back Friday, July 2 (8pm) and/or Saturday, July 3 (8pm and 10pm) at the Marigny Theatre - 504.218.5778. And this cabaret show is a return engagement I can recommend, because this show’s “got it.” It seems like we have another Hal Prince in our town as brightly shown with this new New Orleans collaboration of artist/actor/singer/dancer and now producer, our own golden boy Marshall Har-

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trodding the boards ...from 15 and timing always exquisite, her stage presence always overdone with sharp precision and wit, and her brassy look in any show a gift of love and wacky lyricism with lots of baubles, bangles and beads with a body full of glitter. So, so Noo Awleens. There was so much talent in Mr. Harris’ cabaret concoction I’m going to list the entire cast, and pleased with answered prayers that Mr. Harris is producing Naughty Cabaret again so you can see for yourselves what turned out to be simply a marvel of invention and entertainment for a first time producer. Here’s what they all did and they did so well! Show Creator, Producer, & Director Marshall Harris, Musical Director Jim Walpole, Comedy Consultant Becky Allen, Upright Base Jimmy Williams, Drummer Dane Schindler, Special Guest Star Becky Allen, Performances by: Veronica Belletto, Iggy Ingler, Rikki Gee & Philip Gordon, Burlesque Performer Roxy Le Rouge, and Naughty Showgirl Christina Tichenor.

Following are the song titles and/or acts: Opening Dance by the Naughty Cabaret show girls Christina Tichenor and Roxy Le Rouge. (Both of these ladies also did a couple of naughty strip teases. Ms. Veronica Belletto was a stunningly beautiful performer and did a mini-strip tease and sang well.) All of Me - Marshall Harris A Good Man’s Hard to Find - Becky Allen Fever - Marshall Harris Why Don’t You Do Right? - Veronica Belletto When You're Good to Mamma - Rikki Gee Pussy Cat Song - Philip Gordon Great Balls of Fire - Marshall Harris After the show break: The Stripper Theme - Roxy Le Rouge Laundry Man - Becky Allen Just a Gigolo - Iggy Ingler Do You Take It - Rikki Gee & Philip Gordon

I’ll Be Seeing You - Marshall Harris Life is just a Bowl of Cherries Marshall Harris Marshall Harris is bringing back Naughty Cabaret at The Marigny Theater. Tourists and locals still need a good entertaining distraction! We always like a little spice in our lives. And it will be your “Patriotic Duty” to attend over the Fourth of July Weekend.

Avenue Q

venue Q was a very entertaining musical brought to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre via Work Light Productions. The show has bouncy, and or lyrical music, by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Some people have claimed to find many elements from the musical scores from Jim Henson’s Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Whatever the inspiration, the music was played with a sharp precise sound by the Avenue Q Band under the direction of Michael

McCassey, and the script by Jeff Whitty was charming. The lyrics were also witty and fit the moment(s) with precision. Yes, this was a puppet show but thank the gods, NOT A CHILDREN’S PUPPET SHOW. No whiney brats in the audience for this show. The very adult book by Jeff Whitney was not what one might have seen eons ago on our towns Miss Muffin Show. Not at all. (Although two puppets banging each other on stage with wild abandon would have added a little salt and pepper to her show, which was often boring to the toddler set I’m told.) So maybe a revival, with adult updates) of an old local favorite like that could come along, since kids see this “effing” stuff on computers all the time anyway. I’m told... However this lovely show, set in an outer borough of New York City, had as part of its life-lessons plot had: puppet boy meets puppet girl; loses puppet girl, finds puppet girl again, and all end up together - happily ever after. Of course everything in between (including the outrageously funny “first night f—” of boy puppet and girl puppet, skinny arms and legs flying about like stork parts on a hot griddle) filled out the clever show with lots of stage business and Trekie Monster, a Cookie Monster look alike, who sings one of the most popular songs in the musical about personal computers and the Internet “which are made for watching porn and nothing else!” (Actually this is fact as much of web based technology such as secure payments and web-streaming are products of the market driven desire for adult entertainment safely delivered to the privacy of

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Bartender Blake earns job security from bar baron Mac @ Cutter’s

Rip & Opal flank Marsha as she makes a wish @ her surprise b-day party hosted by 700 Club

Birthday celebrant Marsha joined by Corner Pocket’s Michael

Corner Pocket’s Jonathan ready for the 4th of July

Marsha celebrates with Gary @ her b-day party Dawn Leggio joins Marsha for her 57th b-day @ 700 Club Devin joins bartender Matt for Toby’s Drag Survivor @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Bartenders Juanita & Lester welcome you to Big Daddy’s

Marsha joined by Ron & Stuart for her surprise b-day party

700 Club’s Mike takes a taste of Marsha’s lemon doberge b-day cake from the Decadence Shoppe Devin & one of the Survivor beauties @ Toby’s Drag Survivor benefiting NO/AIDS Walk

New Orleans Bears take advantage of free steaks from Rawhide for their support of the bar

Trainer Troy gets new bartender RJ in shape @ Rawhide

Marsha with Princesse Stephaney @ her surprise b-day party

Tami, Cathy & Paul in for Marsha’s b-day party @ 700 Club

Dancer Andy on the bar @ The Corner Pocket Another Drag Survivor with Devin

Paul shows his talent on The Corner Pocket Bar

4 Seasons DJ Eddie with Devin for Toby’s Drag Survivor

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Around The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Metairie

Louise & Spider flank Cutter’s Dudley & Jimmy

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When her phone rings and no one answers she seems a bit dismayed as it has been happening too often of late. She continues her slow but fascinating story of her life with her “saint” of a husband, the phone rings again, she answers again breathing but no voice. She settles down and decides to call some of her students. Most of them rudely show no interest in speaking to her of old times, but two of them end up in her parlor. Their versions of what happened while they were being entertained in the kitchen waiting for their lessons to begin is filled with suggestions of whatever horrors you might imagine the more horrible the better. Only you, the audience, can mentally react to the scripts suggestions and that reaction builds into a terror that is never fully revealed. All memories which the characters recall in this marvelous script by Julia Cho are seen from askance, are revealed through a glass darkly or perhaps they are right on the mark but not verbalized clearly. Veronica Russell and Michael Aaron Santos were frightfully convincing as pupils with perhaps an - dare I say it - AX to grind. Mr. Santos as Michael was a very scary as a former pupil who could easily be a serial killer, the frequent phone caller, an old lady torturer (as in a Quentin Tarantino or Alfred Hitchkock movie) and one wonders what horrible memories Ms Russell’s character, Mary Fields, might harbor in maybe a now twisted brain. Yes, The Piano Teacher was frightful story telling at its best directed by Mark Routhier and all acted before you on the Southern Rep Stage with skillful technique and mind boggling suggestions.

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Violet a Musical trodding the boards ...from 18 the home.) Most of the songs were sprightly and the actors sang with gusto and joy. And what a collection of powerful voices and adept perfomers. Brent Michael DiRoma played Princeton Rod; Tim Kornblum played Brian; Jacqueline Grabois did Kate Monster, Lucy and others; Michael Liscio, Jr., played Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear and others; Lisa Helmi Johanson played Christmas Eve; Nigel Jamaal Clark played Gary Coleman; and Kerri Brakin did Mrs. T., Bear, and others. The strong ensemble was made up of Charles M. Baskerville, Ashley, Eileen Bucknam, Ben Hart, Julianna Lee, Ms. Johanson’s Christmas Eve and was one of the evenings scene stealers with a strong beautiful clear voice and a frisky lovable character. The acting and singing was as good as it gets. However the well done set of the

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tenement houses - by Anna Louizos - with alleyways, and 2 and 3 storied buildings seemed a bit too small on our enormous local stage. Anyone in the rear section of the house hopefully brought binoculars. And the sound was not soundly heard. It needed work to be clearly understood. That being that, I enjoyed this snappy little love story among the stuffed and wired who only live because those actors on stage knew their craft craftily and do it with love and pizzazz. Somewhat like the great operas of Mozart, Avenue Q no doubt plays better in a smaller house.

The Piano Teacher

outhern Rep’s production of The Piano Teacher was indeed a thriller but not of the slash and gash currently popular with the blogging and twittering public. No indeed, it was a an old fashioned type of “lets sit around grandma and hear her tell us a scary story.” And that’s exactly what we did. Starting of rather slowly, with Mrs. K who is like a kindly grandma even as she steps into the audience to offer us cookies, actress Peggy Walton-Walker brilliantly played the role of a sweet little old lady. Ms. WaltonWalker portrays a character who once taught piano to students as she shares her wonderful memories with us, and also the somewhat too good memories of her husband whose job it was to “entertain” her students in another room where they waited for their lesson to begin. Hmmmmmm. Her memories of adoring sweet loving husband take on a bit too saccharine a taste as we all listened enthralled to the masterful Ms. Walton-Walker.

iolet a Musical, was performed in two acts, with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics and book by Brian Crawley. The play is set in various locations in Tennessee maybe in the 1930s. As one would expect in such a theatrical piece, the performers formed a cast of characters resembling small town Flannery O’Conner type country folk, Holy rollers, good Christian women, and assorted Southern Gothic rural personages. This show was presented at NOCCA by its newly and proudly touted production company of actors, actresses, and behind the stage talents: The NOCCA Stage Company. The confusing co-program with the concurrently running production of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird lists a cast of thirteen performers in well conceived country folk costumes by Julie Winn and performing under lighting by the talented Joshua Courtney on a minimalist set by Dan Zimmer. All worked well to establish the ambiance of the old time 1930s of a small country town in the South during The Great Depression in America. Violet, the principal character bears an ugly facial scar resulting from an accidental ax whap by her father. She spends her life seeking meaning and reason for her state of being. She hopes to be cured of the scars by an itinerant healing preacher. There is not too much overt action or conflict in this drowsy script. (If you are interested in a book with a character with a facial deformity, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon and the subsequent film with Liza Minnelli and Ken Howard is recommended. Otto Preminger directed this Marjorie Kellogg story of people who are differently abled, not yet down, who decide

to live together in a house. During the course of the story they bond with a determination to prove themselves. They form a true family and end up flourishing and helping each other along with those who meet them.) The performances were restrained and convincing. The singing voices were excellent. The direction of the show was lax and slow as old time black strap syrup in wintertime. Such pacing made the show drag and seem too long. Jason Kirkpatrick had the difficult job of directing this play. Jefferson Turner was the musical director. Davis Barron handled the sound design. Victoria Sumrall was manager of The Box Office that has no telephone listing. Ms. Sumrall, according to the dual-program, is part of the NOCCA Capital Police. Violet as a young girl was well played by Bryn Purvis and the adult Violet was convincingly performed by Janie Heck. Other characters who did a fine job with their roles were Cameron Ware as Flick, Keith Claverie as Monty, Paul Broussard as Father, Janet Shea as Old Lady/Ensemble, Phyllis Treigle as Old Lady 2/ Ensemble, Amy Alvarez, Hotel Singer/Radio Singer/Ensemble, Sean Patterson as Preacher, Bus Driver #1 and #4/Rufus, Kesha McKey as Woman Knitting/Landlady/Gospel Singer/Ensemble; Leslie Limberg as Music Hall Singer/Radio Singer/ Ensemble, and Larry Johnson as Leroy Evans/Waiter/Mechanic/Radio Singer/Bus Driver #3/Earl, and Brian Falgoust as Creepy Guy/Bus Driver #2/Radio Singer Soloist/Billy Dean/Virgil. NOCCA and its new group, the NOCCA Stage Company, can only keep getting better and better and our town is indeed excited and grateful.

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Bartender Trevor welcomes you to the Double Play

Mike & Orlando work the Bywater Bar.B.Que booth @ Louisiana Seafood Festival

Ambush’s Tony doing his best to promote tourism to out of towner Blake

Mr. Gay Pride Travis joins Jeff, Richie & Ginger @ Bourbon Pub

Brent & John welcome you to the Concert Series @ Oz Ed & Drew @ Lafitte’s Trash Disco Bartender Shawn & GM Tommy @ Oz

Andrew & Chris cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s Trash Disco Bartender Allen & DJ Bull working happy hour @ Oz

Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival @ the US Mint

Wood Enterprises’ Ken & JohnPaul’s Paul @ Lafitte’s

Trekkie from Avenue Q “looking for porn” with Jason @ Rawhide

Aynsley flanked by hotties Blake & Justyn @ Oz’s Dingo

Jake with goodies to go along with drinks on the fly @ Good Friends

Ambush’s Tony Leggio & SDGM Toby Lefort

Rikki Gee & Marshall Harris belt one out @ Good Friends Kocktail Karaoke

Aletha & Jeff serve it up right @ Lafitte’s

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon @ Lafitte’s

Bartenders Paul & Chris @ Bourbon Pub

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The Club Scene ~ New Orleans

David & Lawrence serving cocktails @ Bourbon Pub

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the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com

Mercy Blake & Robert having a party @ B-Bob’s along with Miss Cie

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Entertainment, College Night, Cocktails ~ Mobile, Alabama

The talented Miss Samantha Foxx performs @ B-Bob’s

The beautiful & talented Toni Dee performs @ B-Bob’s

Happy Birthday, Keith, along with Guthrie & Rob

Justin & friends @ B-Bob’s Thursday College Night

Pensacola, Florida’s Emerald City DJ Jay R hangin’ out @ B-Bob’s for Thursday College Night

Bob’s long time bartender & DJ Leroy, hangin’ out with friends & family

Michael & David having a cocktail @ B-Bob’s

Miss Venus Deviss @ B-Bob’s

The Gulf Coast Favorite, DJ Chromactic @ B-Bob’s w/Miss Cie

ho is my neighbor? I have been rather vague about this question in the past – but the answer you give to it can either unsettle you and your whole lifestyle, or can reassure you that whatever you are doing is just fine and dandy. We are at a real turning point as a society. For the first time the old excuse of ignorance is falling away – we now know better! We now have an approximate grasp of cosmology and our place in the universe; we understand something of the human brain, and now understand the extreme effects that chemical imbalances and genetics have upon character, mood and the ability to perform highly or otherwise in society. We realize that the differences between us genetically are trivial, and we are indeed ‘brothers under the skin’ – the old myths of race superiority have been shown to be mean spirited attempts to dehumanize large swathes of humanity. We understand the inherent nature of sexuality – and sooner or later the ‘isms’ that afflict us will be banished through scientific rigor and the lack of any reasonable hiding place for ignorance and hatred. We no longer hunt witches, in the future we will no longer see and be threatened by difference like we do today – rather we will recognize similarities and value diversity. I am a great optimist; I believe that what scripture calls ‘the kingdom’ and what I may want to call a ‘Jesus shaped future’ based upon compassion, kindness, honesty and respect is our birthright, and sooner or later humanity will achieve it. In my own lifetime we have made great strides - in law and social reform toward our community we have moved further than I ever could have hoped (but not far enough) when I came out as a frightened 14 year old in 1984. This future rests upon who we define as neighbor. When the religious legal expert asks Jesus ‘who is my neighbor’ in Luke’s gospel he gives an uncompromising answer – the parable of the Good Samaritan. Familiarity has drained the story of it’s potency – but to a first century Jew Samaritans were beneath contempt, and chosen by Jesus because they were the ‘lowest of the low’ who the Jews saw as ‘God defilers’ because they believed differently. Today we may choose a Muslim or a Trans woman or a gay man or some other feared and hated group to represent the core message. Of course the core message is

‘everybody is your neighbor!!!’ with no get out clauses. But the story has a subtle twist at the end – neighbor status is not just by virtue of existence, Jesus asked the man who was a neighbor to the man that fell into the hands of the robbers. The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” There are 64 references to ‘mercy’ in The New Testament – it is presented as a foundational attribute of God, and an imperative for human behavior. The Greek word used for this in the New Testament is ëåïò, el-e-os, and means compassion, empathy, to forgive and cover mistakes and hurts – to dwell within another’s reality and understand them and not to judge solely by external behavior. We all judge ourselves by our intent and everybody else by their words/actions. God sees the intent of our hearts, and we, by being called to show mercy are being called to do the same thing. We can only build ‘The Kingdom’ by looking through the behaviors which are nothing more than symptoms of the internal struggle, and seeing the human soul. When we look upon human hearts, external differences such as race, sexuality, creed or nationality have only peripheral importance. The mindless reflex reactions to actions and the harsh words returned for harsh words – the executions and the slaughter, the useless attempts by our society to criminalize the broken and the mentally ill – the baying of the masses and the politicians for more and more jails and less and less money spent on the causes of dispossessed communities must end. The cycle has to be stopped by the ‘responsible adult’ – those who claim moral superiority must show it, and not mindlessly return like for like. Mercy will set us all free – even though it carries short term risks it carries the full weight of the Christian promise, and we, possibly above all communities, have most to gain from it. We will find we are treated as neighbors, even as we accept others as our neighbor. Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the full-time pastor of The Big Easy MCC. They meet every Sunday at 1pm (liturgical service) and 5pm (larger Praise and Worship service with communion) at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. For full details of Christian Education classes, social functions, marriages and events, and also to check out online sermons, go to www.bigeasymcc.com. Tel: 504.214.4340 to speak to the pastor or email at revcrawshaw@yahoo.com.

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acadiana

papar azzi

Hunter & Robby @ Jules

Having a blast @ Sound Factory PJ Party

The Acadiana Scene ~ Lafayette, Louisiana

Kasi & Thomas @ Jules’ Toga Party

Too cute, Rodney & Kyle @ Jules

Always cute, Ben & Mitch

Alright for that Sound Factory Pajama Party!

Stephen, Kasi & Kim @ the Toga Party

Kira being that wonderful host @ Sound Factory

Justin & Joe, perfect match @ the Toga Party A cute bunch @ Jules’ Toga Party What a great after-party at Rick’s house

Mya Nicole @ Sound Factory’s Talent Show

Cutting up @ Sound Factory

DJ Kyle D spinning the mix @ Sound Factory

George bartending @ Sound Factory

Trevor @ Jules’ Toga Party

What a beautiful mix @ Jules’ Toga Party

Mitch & DJ Kyle D @ Sound Factory

Hanging out @ Sound Factory

Kasi, Ryan, Ronnie, Eddie, Brian & Trey @ Jules’ Toga Party

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acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com

lright Acadiana, is it hot enough for you? The shorts have grown shorter, the tans have become darker, and partying has just begun. Take those slutty togas off because now it’s time to move this hot crazy summer right along. This week shall be short and sweet so buckle up for the ride. You’re listening up with Joey Collins and here’s the dish.

Beer ...it does a body good Renee & Joey

alexandria

Drag, Security, Gum@ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

papar azzi

Eric & Dan

Sexy security guard

Dann & Eric Hot body ...look out!!!

Mitch & his gum

Brandi & Crystal

Bar Spill

ound Factory has very recently broken a few barriers when it hosted its Pajama Party. Bar patrons didn’t have to worry about looking their best on this night when attendees showed up in their slippers, pajama pants, and t-shirts. The mood was comfortable while the crowd enjoyed the mix which was presented by DJ Kyle D. Even if you missed the comfort zone, there’s still more to come. Do not forget that every Tuesday night Sound Factory hosts its talent show. This is an open night where all are welcome to show up and display his or her talent. On Saturday, June 26th, Sound Factory will host its infamous Bears on the Backside night. Odds are that you have heard many rumors of such an event and it’s way past time for you to see for yourself if the rumors or true or not. On Saturday, July 3rd, the Miss Sound Factory pageant will be in full swing. Such a display of area talents will not be found anywhere else. Tease up that hair and bring out those turquoise leggings because on Saturday, July 17th, Tim Pflueger will be mixing up your favor hits from the 80’s when a decade of retro returns to Sound Factory. Jules Downtown recently hosted its Toga Party and if you missed it then you then you missed a great time. Participants went beyond their creative endeavors when they displayed some of the most immaculate togas. If you happened to stumble onto such a party then you noticed that Jules has recently updated their patio area. An intimate atmosphere has recently been created with the use of lighting and cool ceiling fans. This is the exact thing that is just in time for the days of summer. Summer is just the mood that Jules has been inspired by. On Saturday, July 17th, Jules will be hosting its annual White Party. Throughout the summer do not forget that Jules also offers karaoke on Thursday nights and daily drink specials with bar-top dancers every Saturday night. Don’t forget to follow Jules on Facebook. This is the best way to keep up with daily drink specials.

Chez Gizele

Hear no drag queens, see no drag queens, speak of no drag queens

Marsheya St. Clair, the bell of the ball

ecently I took the time to peak through a window of our community and cultural past when I attended the production of Chez Gizele. Such a performance would not have been complete had I not been sitting with a few of my good friends: Trey Schmaltz, Adam Foreman, and John Landry. As the lights dimmed in the theatre, all four sat in our seats, very delicately, and with very few expectations. We were greeted with a

slide show of the actual Gizele Carriton, who in the late 1960s and early 1970s operated the very first openly gay cabaret bar in Lafayette. Suddenly we were whisked away into a time period where diversity was not as accepting as it is today. We were introduced to Gigi aka Gizele Carriton (Stephanie Broussard) who amazed the audience with her fantastic French accent. From the moment this character stepped on stage the audience became very captive by the strong heart and openmindedness in which such a humble person could grow to display. It was not very hard to fall in love with such a main character. The handsome supporting character, Clarence (Jack Robertson), portrayed a struggle in which many find ourselves facing almost a day to day basis. The struggle for the search of acceptance amongst our family and friends runs deep in such a character when he is disowned by his own family for being openly gay. Clarence finds himself confiding in other supporting characters such as Miss Marie (Blaine Peletier), Miss Fancy Fontenot (Gavin Willis), SoFonda Peters (Sasha St. Julien), and Miss Hannah (Pat Cravins) when they display a true family which lies deep within our own friendships in which we create. Such a display of supporting characters gave away the true feeling of a close-knit family. Such a thing is the sort of family that we often find ourselves in when we sit within the comfort of a random night with a group of close-knit friends in which we confide our deepest feelings with. No better display of sisterhood could have been displayed. In the end, each character deals with his or her struggle for acceptance. As time passes, the group stands strong against hate, ignorance, and even murder. They continue to stand up for what they believe in and who they are. They take a stance and refuse to back down. Such a resilient display of character showcases how strong the past of our community has chosen to lead with. Without such a continuation of stronghold, we just may not be able to enjoy the opportunities in which we enjoy in everyday Acadiana today. In the end, each character moves on with their lives. The end result is displayed in a vision of the after-life, heaven, where all are at peace and enjoying a cocktail and reminiscing with one another about the good ole days. I must admit that when such a scene was set, a tear instantly ran across my face. I couldn’t help but to hide a grin which grew from cheek to cheek. It rained true to my own heart because I know that that would be my own unique heaven, simply a room filled with my closest friends. Always remember that you may not be able to choose your family but you can choose your friends. Work hard to embrace and bridge the gaps between your closest friends and those who continue to touch your life.

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ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

cable shows

GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

BARRACKS

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800

M A R IG N Y

23 ES TR R A H C

FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D

C EL H YS 210 ME 0 N IA N F 22 IE LD 00 S RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

autos 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 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 Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000

bookstores

1300

1100

New Orleans, LA [504] BODY RUB & ESCORT: Charlie 504.430.7413 , Mikey 504.756.9443, 4 hands available, 24/7, in/out/hotels, pics at www.men4rentnow.com. Search by ID# 190508 [is1310]

1200

URSULINES

body rubs

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

1000

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

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 BOURBON PUB/PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM 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 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM

New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99

chiropractic

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

insurance

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1210]

New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833

circuit/events

lodging/accommodations

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 May 26-30, 2011, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, 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 cot-

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

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM hernDec

tages. 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

marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com

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 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

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;

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

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 activ-

ism. 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, www.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 70117-4035, 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 NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: 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 advanced. 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] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

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 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 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] 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

acadiana happens ...from 30

Closing Out

n the end we all have much to offer during the summer season. During such a season we often find ourselves creating new romances and friendships. Remember that people come and go yet a simple few we should hold onto. Some teach us new experiences while, in return, we find ourselves teaching them something new. I challenge you to never take such a bond for granite. Remember that everything truly does happen for a reason. Allow yourself to open up for a new experience. Continue to grow and prosper, Acadiana! Here’s to keeping the party going. As always, you’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl!

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paparazzi

Lui & Brett

Outgoing Captain Bootsie DeVille hands over the whistle to Petronius Captain L Randy Chauvin

Former King Cake Queen Princesse Stephaney & former Queen Petronius Toni Pizanie

Macy Gray at her private concert @ Tipitina’s

Krewe of Mwindo

The “official” 50th anniversary theme: The Golden Jubilee Ball Crown Prince L (King PetroniusElect) Jimmy deBlanc & Queen Petronius XLIX Randy Chauvin

Ambush’s Tony with Zoo from Macy Gray’s band after the private show at Tipitina’s

Lord Consort Tim & former Lord King Gary Former King Satyricon Tony, Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox & King Cake Queen Opal NO/AIDS Task Force’s Dir. of Development Cheryl Grace, Chad & Lindsey

Laura & Carla at Macy Gray’s show @ Tipitina’s

Food For Friends Glen Kahrman & NO/AIDS Task Force Exe. Dir. Noel Twilbeck

King, Captain & Queen Armeinius Albert, Bruce & Randy

Former Queen Amon-Ra Safonda Peters, Queen Amon-Ra Countess C Alice & Stuart

Roy & former King Amon-Ra Nick

Randy & Jimmy flank Romney @ Wally McLaughlin’s Memorial @ JohnPaul’s

JohnPaul’s bartender Little Debbie serves it up

King Satyricon Paul & former King Satyricon Todd

Robert & Ed @ Wally McLaughlin’s Memorial @ JohnPaul’s

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Concerts, Tributes ~ New Orleans

Krewe of Petronius’ Crowns & Cocktails Quatre Celebrates 50th Anniversary Kick-off @ Fredrick Guess Studio ~ New Orleans

snap

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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

June Book of the Month

ne of my favorite parts of this column is the book of the month picks, because I am given the opportunity to discover new authors. And when I come across someone in my preferred literary genre, it is especially exciting. That is the case with my pick for June. James Rollins delivers his first stand alone suspenseful story in more than five years with Altar of Eden. Rollins steps away from his popular SIGMA series with Eden, a very smart, science based thriller. Having never read any of Rollins novels, I was pleasantly surprised with this fast paced story that takes place in and around New Orleans. I have even been to the place he describes in his book, the Audubon Institute’s Acres facility. The Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species (ACRES) was created to safeguard endangered animals for future generations through innovative scientific programs that accelerate reproduction and preserve the earth’s genetic heritage. Audubon Nature Institute’s Center for Research of Endangered Species was founded in 1996 and is not open to the public. It is an ambitious and innovative initiative in species conservation. Located on New Orleans’ West Bank on the 1,200-acre grounds of the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, the Center is a 36,000 square-foot facility designed to house scientists whose research programs include studies in reproductive physiology, endocrinology, genetics, embryo transfer, and the expansion of a “frozen zoo” to ensure the future of endangered species through the banking of ge-

netic materials. What better location to set a story about genetic experimentation gone awry and it is right in our backyard. All of the characters in his book are appealing and complex, which sometimes lacks in thrillers. But with Eden, Rollins has created an engaging novel that satisfies readers on all levels. The book follows Dr. Lorna Polk, a New Orleans veterinarian who works at the Acres facility. She stumbles upon an exotic animal smuggling ring and discovers genetic abnormalities among the caged beasts. Alongside US border patrol agent Jack Menard, who she shares a dark past, they must discover who is behind these horrible experiments. With breakneck speed, Eden takes the reader on a thrilling journey in the world of genetic testing reminiscent of H.G. Well’s The Island of Dr. Moreau. Altar of Eden is pure excitement from cover to cover, with wonderful characters and non-stop action. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read this author’s other works. Even though this isn’t a LGBT book, our friends at FAB can always order anything for you if they do not have it. So please support FAB and any other of the city’s independent booksellers such as Octavia Books or the Garden District Book Shop.

otic liqueurs and fine and rare spirits are revealed. Everything in this store is sold straight from the cask. Recently, I stopped in to visit them after trying some of their oils at the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience. This place is amazing and will quickly be one of my shopping destinations for unique gifts. How it works is you choose your glass container, then you sample the products, choose the oil, vinegar, wine, or liqueur you find appealing. Once you have made your selection, they dispense the product directly from the barrel. Your containers are reusable and may be brought back for refills. The variety of designer glass carafes range form the traditional to the fun such as a large shoe or the torso of Adam or Eve (or Adam or Steve). This is a gay owned business which is another great reason for us to support this store. So give your taste buds a treat and check out this store. And when you are there say hi to Christine Herman, one of the managing partners, who is knowledgeable, friendly and an excellent person to help you find that right gift or flavor for your next culinary masterpiece. VOM FASS is located at 5725 Magazine Street. For more information, call them at 504.302.1455 or go to www.vomfassusa.com.

Macy Gray in the Big Easy

ecently I had a chance to see Macy Gray in a private concert at Tipitina’s French Quarter. The concert was a promotional event sponsored by Mix 92.3 and all the proceeds for the drinks purchased during the show went to the Tipitina’s Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to support Louisiana and New Orleans’ irreplaceable music community and preserve their unique musical cultures. I have always been a fan of Macy Gray, but seeing her in such an intimate atmosphere like this was a once in a lifetime experience. Macy’s new CD entitled The Sellout goes on sale June 22 and after hearing a few tracks, it is sure to be a major success. She wowed the audiences with her new songs as well as ending the set with her hit song I Try.

Oil Up For Dinner

have discovered a fabulous new shop Uptown on Magazine Street called VOM FASS another first for the city of New Orleans. At VOM FASS, the time-honored European traditions in crafting gourmet culinary condiments, fruit vinegars, exquisite oils, selected wines, ex-

Laura Tennyson, Tony Leggio & Macy Gray I found Macy very personable and witty. She charmed the entire audience with her delightful question and answer session. She also took the time to pose for photos with all the guests there for the concert. After the show, the band mixed with the crowd. Zoo, the guitarist and keyboard player, was my personal favorite. But then again men with long hair have always been my weakness, make them a musician and you have a double whammy for me. I would like to thank Mike from the Mike and Stacy in the Morning show for the invite. So next time you are on that grueling drive to work in the morning and you are getting frustrated with the traffic or the heat, check out the Mike and Stacy show on FM 92.3 for all the news, music, weather and celebrity gossip you can stand. For more information on the station and it’s promotions, go to www.mix923neworleans.com.

A New Orleans Legend and Pride

OLA Pride is truly bringing Pride back to New Orleans. From the Voice of Pride karaoke contest to the Rockin’ Pride Bowling Night, all of their events have been fun, successful and united a community. And the events keep coming culminating in an amazing lineup of weekend festivities. I wanted to tell you about the newest event we have planned for the Saturday night of Pride weekend, June 26. Chris Owens, New Orleans number one entertainer, has offered her club for a special performance in honor of Pride Grand Marshal Steven

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under the gaydar ...from 38 Forster. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception at K Joe’s restaurant directly across the street from the club starting at 8pm. After the reception where guests can meet and greet the grand marshals, we are ushered to Chris Owens’ club for a special Pride concert. This is one show that is not to be missed. If you have not seen Owens’ high energy show, then you are in for a treat. See what has made this legend great. Come out to support our wonderful friend Steven Forster who takes all those flattering photos of us for the Sunday social page in the Times Picayune. Tickets are $25 and includes the show and the wine and cheese reception beforehand. Tickets are limited so buy them early. K Joe’s restaurant is located at 720 St. Louis Street and Chris Owens Club is at 500 Bourbon Street. For more information, go to www.nolapride.com.

Hello Vodka, It’s Me Tony

kay, last weekend I ended up beating the heat by taking a cooling dip in the vodka pool on Friday. It seemed like I was on a mission to see who could make the best vodka drink and let me tell you I went all over the gay city trying to find that answer. Unfortunately it seems my memory of the events that night are a little bit unclear. You know when you wake up in the morning and you seem to not be able to remember the entire evening before. Piecing together your night can be just as interesting as actually going out. So lets play Hangover and start from the beginning. I decided to try to take the easy way and call Jeff aka Elizabeth Bouvier who was my partner in crime that Friday night to see if she could shed a little light on the night. But I quickly found out that asking Jeff about the night‘s antics was fruitless because the first words out of his mouth was “Do you remember how we got home?” I sighed heavily and started putting the pieces together of this puzzle. There were several clues that helped jog my memory. First I remember going to an early dinner with my mom at Bywater BBQ (Drink 1). Then after dinner, I said good-bye to mom and went to the Gay Softball league fundraiser at John Paul’s (Drinks 2 and 3). That is when Jeff called me and I went to meet him at Allways Lounge (Drink 4). There was nothing really happening there so we decided to move this rolling circus into the Quarter. This is the point where things get a little fuzzy. We went to the Corner Pocket (Drink 5). I am sure of this because of that damn stamp they give you at the door does not come off no matter how hard you scrub. So everyone in the city the next day knows you went to see dancing boys. Then we went to 700 Club (Drink 6). Now the night is really getting vague. After the 700 Club, we made our way to Oz and Pub, I know this by the lovely paper bracelets on each of my wrists and since they were different colors, I surmised my destinations (Drinks 7 and 8). In which order we went to first I cannot pinpoint. At some point, we must have realized it was getting late so we took a cab back to the Marigny and decided what a great idea to return to JohnPaul’s for a nightcap. I mean

really (Drink 9). Well, they closed and Jeff had said we needed one more stop before home so off to the Phoenix we went (Drinks 10 through unknown). As everyone knows when you go to the Phoenix, you check your dignity at the door. Now by this time I seemed to have let all inhibitions go when I met this boy from Florida. He was very cute in at three am in the morning sort of way. I know this because I have his photos in my camera. I also know we must have had a fun time because when I woke up later that morning, he had attached a yellow sticky note to me, (oh and by the way I was in all states of undress), thanking me for a great time and asking me to call him. Well that is a first for me to wake up with a sticky note attached to my body. And if that was not bad, I thought it was a great idea to take pictures of him in his birthday suit. I do not think Larry Graham has anything to worry about after seeing my photos. And FYI, those pictures will not be published in this issue. But I do not know what am I more upset by, the fact that he said good-bye via sticky note or that he was one major hottie and I do not remember anything. Well at least I have the photos of our brief time we spent together. Damn you vodka!

A Stitch A Day

pulled up in front of the hospital the following morning after the exciting evening at JohnPaul’s. Elizabeth wanted to join me, so before picking her up, I stopped and got us some coffees. After she entered the car and took a sip of her drink, she shook her head. “Let me fix that right up for us,” and she poured some Baileys into the cups from a small bottle she had in her purse. “You keep Bailey’s in your purse,” I said. “Only in the morning, after noon I switch to vodka, unless it is Sunday. On the Lord‘s day I carry vodka with me the entire day. You never know when you might feel the urge for a Bloody Mary.” We got out in front of the hospital and entered the lobby. “You know,” Elizabeth said, “who would imagine Cathy Fox wasn’t hurt in the fall from the balcony, but ended up fracturing her ankle when Tittie tossed her from the trunk. Oh well, it is not a total waste, I got this fabulous purse.” So we strode over to the information desk. A familiar face was behind the counter doing her nails. “Barbara Ella, what are you doing here?” I asked. “Do you think I can make a living at entertaining, I only moonlight, I do temp work during the day. It pays the rent.” “How long have you been working here?” “Today is my first day, now how may I help you?” “I am looking for Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox. What room is she in?” “Room 427, now if you will excuse me it is time for my break.“ “That is funny,“ I said to Elizabeth, “Barbara Ella starts working at the hospital the day Cathy Fox checks in. That is a weird coincidence.” “Yes, whatever, where is the bar in this joint.” “Elizabeth this is a hospital, they do not have bars here.” “Hell, this place is so damn depressing with all these sick and dying people, I

think a bar in this place would make a fortune. I am going to suggest that to someone. You go and find Cathy and I am going to find the pill dispensary. See you in a jiff.” I made it up to Cathy’s room and knocked lightly, then entered. I found her with her leg up in a sling and her satin robe open exposing her nude body while a strapping young man in scrubs caressed her breasts. “That is enough Diego,“ she said straightening up and closing her robe. We will continue the examination later.” The beautiful Hispanic kid ran past me at lightning speed and out of the room. “You know how it goes with these young medical students always doing tests. It is always a great practice to get a breast exam regularly.” “Really, what exactly kind of training does the orderly cleaning the halls have. You know he left his bucket and mop right outside the room.” “Orderly! that son of a bitch, I should have known something was up when he could not speak English. And to think I was about to let him do a cervical exam. Anyway, thank you so much for coming to see me,” she said lighting a cigarette and pouring the remnants of a martini from a shaker into a bed pan. “I do not think you can smoke in here.” “Honey I am in the celebrity wing, it’s okay. Besides I have decided to get a little work done between you and me. You know perfection can always be improved upon. There are all kinds of famous people here, it is also the rehab wing. How do you think I got the drink. These places always have the best stuff.” “Listen you prima donna, I told you to put that cigarette out,” came a very severe blond nurse who had entered the room. “My insurance is paying your salary, you ungrateful whore, how about less talk and some more painkillers,” Cathy flung the bed pan at her after she drained her drink from it. It hit the wall and fell to the floor with a metal clatter. “You evil spoiled cow, you better start being nice to me or I will give your medication to Mr. Glassman. Now that is a class act, not some rich entertainer,” she turned to me. “Who are you, I told you no visitors,” she snipped at Cathy then at me. I noticed her name tag said Haley. “Now take these and try not to do them with vodka. I do not want to have to pump your stomach out before lunch.” She slammed the plastic pill container down on the credenza beside the bed, gave me an evil glance and departed abruptly. “She’s the friendly sort,” I said and pulled up a chair beside Cathy’s bed. “How are you hanging in there.” “I am well and my procedure is set for tomorrow morning, they are fixing my leg and giving me a little nip here and a little tuck there. I am going to come out a different woman.” “Good morning everyone, isn’t this just a blessed day,” came a new voice entering the room. A very young candy striper with a big smile across her face came barging in the room pushing a cart. She had all kinds of pins on her uniform of rainbows, unicorns and cats. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she filled out her tight fitting uniform perfectly. “Oh god not you again, Jesus, shouldn’t you be cheering up the children or something, why are you bugging me.” “Now Ms. Fox, lets turn that frown

upside down,” she turned to me and held out her hand. “My name is Debbie, but everyone calls me Little Debbie Snatch Cakes on account that I sell the most scrumptious snatch here in this hospital.” “Excuse me,” I said stuttering slightly. “My snatch cakes are the best around, every doctor here says so. They tell me it is so moist and delicious that they lick their fingers when they are done. Even some of the nurses like it too. My snatch is fresh everyday. Would you like a piece of my snatch?” “I think I will pass on that one.” “Suit yourself, but eventually everyone tries some of my snatch. I think it is because I am one of the most wildly popular people here at this hospital. Some people say it is because of my famous snatch, but I think the reason is actually because I am thoroughly efficient and an insatiable bottom.” Excuse me,” I wasn’t sure I understood her correctly. “You know sometimes I am so tired from selling my snatch I can hardly sit down at the end of the day,” she said pulling a wrapped muffin from the cart and leaving it on the table beside me. “It is just a little special sample of my snatch for you to try later. Tell me that it isn’t the most tasty thing you've had in your mouth. And Ms. Fox, I will check on you later tonight.” And with that she turned on her heel and left clanking the cart filled with snatch cakes in front of her. As she went down the hall I can hear her chanting, “Little Debbie Snatch Cakes, come get your fresh snatch here, very hot.” “You see what I have to go through here and to top it off, I am stuck with Ms. Kazinsky in the next bed. I do not even get a private room.” I glanced over and saw a woman completely bandaged looking like the invisible man. “She is 101 and still getting plastic surgery done. I think she has been pulled so taut that when they pluck her eyebrows, it is really a bikini wax. Anyway I am trying to get my own room for tomorrow.“ “Well, there you are,” Elizabeth said entering the room, “I have been looking all over this hospital for you. You look rested Fox. So we can go now, I got everything I needed,” and she opened her purse to display an array of colorful pills in varied shapes and sizes. “Okay, Cathy, we will be back tomorrow, call me if you need anything,” I said. “Oh, I will,” she said picking up a Vogue magazine. I am deciding whose tits I want. Elizabeth should I pick out a pair for you, you could use a little something in that region, you would hate for people to mistake you for a boy in a second hand designer dress.” Elizabeth turned to Cathy at the comment, walked over to her and downed the pills in her container. “Now see how long it takes for you to get another refill. Lets go Tony, I think I may black out shortly.” “We left the room with Cathy Fox cursing after Elizabeth. I could hear her ferociously stabbing at her nurse call button. The creepy Nurse Haley walked pass us as we went to the elevator muttering something under her breath. I know I had seen that girl before, I thought to myself. We got into the elevator and pushed the lobby button. Suddenly the door opened one floor below us and I saw another recognizable face. “You! What are you doing here?” There was an awkward moment of silence, then Elizabeth chimed, “Aww hell.” To be continued... (Once again people this is a detailed account of what may have happened if it was true.)

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

Special Celebration

he corner of Spanish Town Road and North Seventh Street came alive last week when a group of women who support the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo threw a lavish party in honor of their upcoming 30th Bal Masque. This group is known as Apollo’s Women’s Auxiliary, and on the Apollo web site is listed as the “ladies auxiliary.” Whatever the name, they were formed several years ago to help support the Apolloites. Under the leadership of three of Spanish Town’s leading socialites – Claudette, Debbie and Josie – the group has grown into a nice supportive organization and donate their time to help in any way they can whether it is assisting at the bal masques or doing duties at meetings. This is the same threesome of ladies that open their homes during the Spanish Town Mardi Gras celebrations. The corner lot is vacant and fenced so it becomes a sort of private party spot for special occasions. This recent gathering was the latest in the kind of celebrations they are famous for presenting to their friends, especially the members of the Krewe of Apollo. Even though the history of this group is not known by many, it is still a vibrant part of the gay and lesbian community here in Red Stick. At one time, some of the mem-

bers were a part of and founders of the Mystic Krewe of Royalty which lasted for several years. Because of the difficulties of getting volunteers to continue this organization, they came together to form the smaller group which now supports the Krewe of Apollo. With Apollo itself, the history is much more widely known. It has been a long time since that first bal masque held at Broussard’s on Government Street, and always guiding the way is none other than Larry Fremin, King Apollo I and now Bal Masque XXX Captain. The success of the organization has rested with him all these years, and he is still looked up to as the founder of one of the most successful Mardi Gras groups in the state. A lot of the older members are not as active anymore, but they can still be seen as supporters in good standing. Many of the early royalty members have passed on, but the memories of those great balls still linger through the years in the minds of all who participated and through the wonderful themes that have been a part of gay history in Baton Rouge. It was very thoughtful of the women to present such a nice party in honor of the upcoming event in 2011, and it was really an invitation of sorts to all the previous royalty members. The Red Stick picture page in this

Apollo's Women's Auxillary Members issue of Ambush is devoted to these old and new members with a few friends invited to come along for the celebration. Not all the pictures were used, but I’ll try to get to them in a later issue. There is an annual and elegant meeting of the former royalty members, but this is a private club gathering that welcomes the new royalty each year. It is an honor to be a part of this - and one that sets the standard for all future royalty members. There were a number of royalty members at the gathering last week. The food and decorations as well as all the activities connected to this was a tribute not only to Apollo, but it showed a lot of pride that the women have in being able to contribute to and work with such a fine organization. The past few years have seen many of them on stage in costumes and skits to assist in making the bal masques so entertaining. You can see the pride coming through in everything they do. The Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge was formed in August of 1981 to foster brotherhood and fraternal and social unity in the community. Here are the names of all the past royalty members: Bal Masque I – Larry Fremin Bal Masque II – John Federbusch and Mike Hendrix Bal Masque III – Truman May and Dennis Gray Bal Masque IV – Jean LeBlanc and Gary Bruce Creel Bal Masque V – Buddy Jenkins and Vernon Pacetti Bal Masque VI – John Turner and Richard Dykes Bal Masque VII – Gene Ransome and Gary Robinson Bal Masque VIII – Danny Fontenot and Bruce Foreman Bal Masque IX – David Edwards and Kerry Daigle Bal Masque X – Gene Normand and Tom Pearce Bal Masque XI – Mark Nassif and Steve Hurley Bal Masque XII – Donald Devillier and Kirk Sheets Bal Masque XIII – B. Jaye Schooley and Ron Doherty Bal Masque XIV – Pat Stoermer and Kent Roby Bal Masque XV – Hal Holloway and Ken Marino Bal Masque XVI – Damon Veach and

Terry Adams Bal Masque XVII – Sam Favaro and Jim Anding Bal Masque XVIII – Nathan Wright and Joel Jones Bal Masque XIV – Lester Mut and Joe Boniol Bal Masque XX – John Smith and Don Johnson Bal Masque XXI – Ken Gilbert and Truman May Bal Masque XXII – Dennis Dodge and David Perkins Bal Masque XXIII – Frank Rocco and Donald Joiner Bal Masque XXIV – Jimmy Jones and Mark LeFeaux Bal Masque XXV – Alan Daigrepont and Richard Hill Bal Masque XXVI – Scott Blanchard and Eddy Vargas Bal Masque XXVII – John Sallinger III and Lester Mut Bal Masque XXVII – Biff Burris and Beau Carroll Bal Masque XXIX – Greg Foster and David Miller Bal Masque XXX will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Baton Rouge River Center. Bobby Suchman and Paul Lemoine are king and queen-elect for this anniversary year. Captains are Larry Fremin and Don Johnson, and this ball promises to be one of the best in the club’s history. You can learn more about the club by going to www.apollobatonrouge.com.

Fundraiser Scheduled

he Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge is teaming up with Cajun Cove in the month of July for a big fundraiser, and they have asked for a variety of talent to be shown from the Krewe. The krewe is now looking for those who would like to participate. Even though it is scheduled for midJuly, a patriotic theme or a summer beach party theme is under consideration. All indications are that this will be a rather extravagant celebration, and everyone is invited. Cajun Cove is graciously giving the take at the door as a donation, so obviously the more that attend, the more money will be raised. As soon as I learn

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hot tails of red stick ...from 42 more about this event, I’ll pass on the information to you or perhaps you can garner the information from future ads in Ambush. Thanks to Sam for passing on this announcement to me.

Miscellanea

eremy was in a lively mood this past week when I delivered the papers to George’s. I use the word lively very loosely. He was up and about, but I think it was one of those all-nighters, and then a little sleep during the day. It must have been a humdinger because he certainly was a happy camper. Lady Rhonda is still lively too. She somehow managed to break the arm off a lawn chair at the party last week and immediately sought out a glue gun to put it back together. I wonder where she learned that technique. It apparently didn’t work. I saw the chair waiting on the street for garbage pickup. I noticed David working his buns off last week and dressed in those skimpy little black shorts. He certainly knows how to keep that body slim and trim. I wonder if he still works out with that sexy guy who used to grace our part of Spanish Town. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen his truck lately, but then it’s been so hot, I haven’t been outside that much. I’ve offered him the comfort of my massage table, but he hasn’t taken me up on the offer yet. Claudette continues to be an asset to North Seventh Street when it comes to proper landscaping. This sweetheart is always out cleaning and puffing. It is always a quickie conversation when I pass by. There is no need to park for such a brief chat. However, have you noticed that if you stop in the street, a car suddenly appears out of nowhere, and you have to cut the talk short? It’s like when you really need a red light stopping point to get something out of the glove compartment, and it’s always green so you can’t get the needed object – but when you are going somewhere in a hurry, red is always hanging up there greeting you. Gerry was hanging out with Lisa last week. I didn’t get a chance to ask where this was going, but I’ll check and get back to you with the latest news. I’ve heard so many good comments about his job accomplishments. He is always repairing something in the area and

is the major fixit guy for the neighborhood. His exceptional work standard is gaining him positive remarks from everyone – and more jobs. June is slipping away quickly. This entire year is passing by, and I feel a vacation coming on. In fact, I think I’ll head out to Orlando for a few days and later on, maybe I can talk Sam or Kevin into heading out to San Francisco. I heard from John and Ken in Oakland this week, and they sent pictures of all the plants in their patio. It is a lovely setting, and I hear they have a fantastic view of San Francisco. I love that city. I need to go book shopping soon. I haven’t purchased Christopher Rice’s new book yet. I have so many books now that it is difficult keeping up with the

reading. I also stay busy with columns and articles, and I’m working on some short stories. It’s relaxing and keeps me busy. Maybe I’ll get Christopher’s book and read it on the way to the west coast. Wherever you go on your summer trips, just have a great time. Always remember to be safe, and wrap that rascal. It’s the right thing to do when you are in “strange” territory.

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Group of Apollo royalty members

Stephen & former king John

Eric, Walter, and ex-royalty Biff & Mark Bal Masque XXX Captains Larry & DJ

Former king Jimmy Former kings Ken & Mark

Former MKR King Joan

rpa ed stick par azzi

Dynamic actor/dancer Ernest & Bobby Sweet Eddie & Lady Rhonda

Sexy Derek attended the party

David & Nathan Tim & Chad Berry & Red Al & Josie

Former kings Alan & shy Hal

Chuck mixing a drink

Gilbert enjoying the gathering

Sam & Jim

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Krewe of Apollo Ladies Auxiliary host 30th Apollo Baton Rouge Bal Masque Kick-off ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The three hostesses Claudette, Debbie, Josie

Royalty-elect Effie Marie & Bobby Suchman

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snap paparazzi

GAA Founder Marcy Marcell @ her Friday Starlight show Guest star Ali Sebastian Spencer in Opal’s Follies

Linda Lucky in the Starlight show Partying after the FourPlay show @ JohnPaul’s

Lance can shove an entire hot dog down his throat, love a man with no gag reflex

Opal’s Follies brings guest Sydney Williams to the stage

Karen & Miss Gay Pride Tami @ JohnPaul’s for the Gay Softball League fundraiser Former Queen Amon-Ra Rhonda Roget in Opal’s Follies

Carlotta at the Gay Softball League fundraiser @ JohnPaul’s

Tommy Elias live on stage at the Oz Tuesday Concert Series

The Tommy Elias Band: bass guitarist Lowery Hicks, keyboardest Barry Bareass & drummer James Bolware @ Oz

Matthew, SDGM Toby & David take in the Tommy Elias Band @ Oz’s Tuesday Concert Series

Elaine, I mean Cathy Fox saying hi to one of her adoring fans

Bill, Stephen & Brett @ FourPlay Opal’s Follies’ Gizelle Bouvier

The cats of Murder at the Howard Johnson’s @ Allways Lounge

King Cake Queen Opal Masters stars in Opal’s Follies @ JohnPaul’s

David & Scott from Toledo in for Opal’s Follies

Special guest Holli Legget from New York sings live in FourPlay

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Some of the Best ~ New Orleans

The Ladies of the Desperate Housewives of Stepford Parish: Kyle Daigrepont, Dorian Rush, Brian Peterson & Bob Edes

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48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

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50 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

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52 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J une 22-J uly 5, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM