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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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outhern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha NaquinDelain hosted the 17th annual Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia. The grand marshals and their entourage tossed thousands of beads, doubloons, and lube from the balcony at Ambush Headquarters, 828 Bourbon Street.
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n celebration of the 39th Southern Decadence, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Julien Artressia and Toby Lefort proudly present $5,000 to NO/ AIDS Task Force, the 2010 Southern Decadence Charity. This was the largest donation ever made by grand marshals in the history of Southern Decadence. Their goal was to reunite the city as one bringing the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, Metairie and Slidell communities together, and this they achieved. (Photo: SDGM Julien Artressia, NO/AIDS Task Force's Noel Twilbeck & Cheryl Grace, and SDGM Toby Lefort)
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huck Robinson did it once again bringing the seventh world class event to Southern Decadence, the Bourbon Street Extravaganza. With talents like Deborah Cox, Jeanie Tracy, Kimberley Locke, Erika Jayne, and Damien Faul, it is no wonder some 25,000 came out for the free street concert in front of Napoleon's Itch.
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia get the "official" nod from New Orleans City Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer presenting proclamations from the council in celebration of Southern Decadence 39 to the grand marshals at the Bourbon Street Extravaganza.
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia, and their huge entourage led the 36th Southern Decadence Parade through the streets of the French Quarter celebrating Leather & Feathers, the 2010 theme. Adorned in the official colors: powder blue, purple and black, the grand marshals made a stop at each of the sponsors of the parade, carrying on the bar crawl tradition, including Tubby's Golden Lantern, Le Roundup, Double Play, Society Page, 700 Club, Ninth Circle, Voodoo Bar, Starlight By The Park, Rawhide, Good Friends Bar, Bourbon Pub Parade, Napoleon's Itch, Oz, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile, returning to Ambush headquarters for the Southern Decadence Bead Toss. The Labor Day weekend of festivities brought out between 125,000 and 135,000 participants bringing in over $150 million to the city. It was the best Decadence since 2004 when the late Donnie Jay reigned as grand marshal. Business was up throughout the city with businesses seeing between a 10 to 50% rise over 2009 revenues. For more, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.
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mbush publishers Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain hosted the Southern Decadence Gay Press Party before the Bourbon Street Extravaganza in their home above Ambush offices. Representatives from The Advocate, Between The Lines, Forward Austin, GayListDaily.COM, Instinct, Out & About, and Pride Source, got to meet and speak with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia.
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
2010 Decadence Makes Big Jump with 125,000 to 135,000 Participants; Over $160 Million Pumped into Local Economy
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he 39th Official Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture was up an average of 25-35% percent over 2009. The event brought out an estimated 125,000-135,000 revelers including visitors and locals. The economic impact on the city could very well exceed $160 million, based on a conservative spending average of $1,300 per person for the four-day Labor Day holiday, September 3-6. Many visitors stayed 5-7 days. Ambush contacted a majority of gay businesses following the holiday to find that business was up in all cases across the board including bars, clubs, restaurants, delis and shopping establishments. Some businesses were up as high as 50% while others were up 10% or better. It appears that participants are not confining themselves to only one area of the Quarter. This year many visited different establishments throughout the French Quarter, CBD, uptown and particularly in the Faubourg Marigny/Bywater area of the city. Many gay friendly businesses showed their support of the giant celebration flying pride colors over their establishments and advertising in Ambush. Participants also visited more museums, art galleries and the casino as part of their vacation weekend, while booking more historic tours than in the past several years. More women participated this year than ever before. Additionally, the Leather Block Party by Lords of Leather and the Phoenix turned into a two-day affair on both Friday and Saturday attracting thousands of Leather/Bears, the largest event outside of the French Quarter for Southern Decadence. Even though Ambush printed an additional 2,000 mags for the holiday weekend, the publication flew off the shelves of distribution points throughout the city, many running out of the publication before the weekend was over. This was the best Southern Decadence since the late Donnie Jay was grand marshal in 2004, the year before Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and Southern Decadence.
36th Southern Decadence Parade Brings Thousands to the Streets; $5,000 Raised for NO/AIDS Task Force
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Julien Artressia and Toby Lefort led the 36th Southern Decadence Parade through the streets of the French Quarter bringing thousands out for the spectacle celebrating Leather & Feathers. The grand marshals succeeded in their goal of uniting the entire gay community bringing the French Quarter, Faubourg-Marigny, Bywater, Metairie and Slidell areas together raising a total of $5,000 for Southern Decadence Charity, NO/AIDS Task Force. This is the largest amount raised for charity in the history of Southern Decadence. After an introduction and champagne toast by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, the grand marshals addressed the huge crowd amassed outside of the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby's Golden Lantern, and presented the $5,000 to NO/AIDS Task Force's Noel Twilbeck and Cheryl Grace. The parade then lined up and headed down Royal Street where thousands of spectators waited in anticipation. Many of those joined the parade as it went by from Royal to St. Louis to N. Rampart to Toulouse to Burgundy to St. Peter, back to N. Rampart, then to St. Ann to Bourbon, ending at Lafitte’s. Immediately following the parade, the grand marshals headed for Ambush Headquarter for the 17th annual Southern Decadence Bead Toss hosted by the Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's. Here they refreshed before heading out on the balcony, joined by their entourage to toss thousands of beads, doubloons and lube to the huge crowd below. Southern Decadence sponsors included: Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.COM, Harrah’s Casino, Bud Light, Quartermaster, Bacardi, Absolut, Larry Graham, and Sir Speedy. The 40th anniversary of Southern Decadence is set for August 31-September 5, 2011. Visit SouthernDecadence.COM to keep up with the latest.
KC & The Sunshine Band, and Village People, Live at Mahalia Jackson Theater September 16
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he infectious, feel good happy music of KC & the Sunshine Band has filled the hearts of music lovers for over 37 years. Harry Wayne Casey better known as KC is the founder of KC & The Sunshine Band and has been called the “Founder of the Dance Revolution.” “I remember that I always wanted to do something that would make people forget about their problems and be happy,” recalls KC. "I always loved music and I was fortunate enough to grow up in a multi-ethnic area that exposed me to a lot of different cultures and music...from Pop to Reggae to Latin. I experimented at trying to put all three types of music together and the Sunshine Sound
Gay History Month/Natl. Coming Out Day Issue out Sept. 28 ~ DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 21
inside
celebrazzi sdgms extends thanks under the gaydar/new orleans sd parade paparazzi/nola sd parade paparazzi/nola sd bead toss paparazzi/nola classifieds ambush paparazzi/nola
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acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette hot tails of red stick/baton rouge red stick paparazzi/baton rouge the pink pastor ambush paparazzi/new orleans halloween new orleans ambush paparazzi/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 was born." Their music gets people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Their first record, Blow Your Whistle, made the top 15 on the R&B chart. KC & The Sunshine Band became the first act to score four #1 pop singles in one 12-month period since the Beatles in 1964. In 2002, KC received the coveted Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. KC & the Sunshine Band have been entertaining audiences around the world for many years, and have sold in excess of 100 million records and “That’s The Way They Like It” uh-huh uh-huh! Village People, who will join KC & the Sunshine Band, have been labeled the world’s disco icons, performing a full schedule of fairs, festivals, universities, public concerts and casinos throughout the United States for over 30 years. The Guiness World Records book has just certified their Sun Bowl appearance on December 31, 2008 as the world’s largest YMCA dance with over 40,000 fans “doing the YMCA moves” while the group performed. Their songs endure and their performing talents delight audiences all over the world. Village People in concert can make anyone smile and dance and sing along. The concert is Thursday, September 16 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.COM and Mahalia Jackson Theater Box Office. For more info visit MahaliaJacksonTheater.COM.
Local & National Celebrities Design & Autograph White Shrimp Boots For Raffle
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he Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans is reaching out to help Louisiana fishermen and other parish residents hit hard by the Deepwater Horizon oil well explosion. The HBA has partnered with Catholic Charities in a fundraiser that will occur during the inaugural launch of the New Orleans Home + Interior Design Show scheduled for September 17-19th at the Morial Convention Center. The fundraiser will center on what has become an iconic symbol in South Louisiana — the white shrimp boot. Local and national celebrities have been asked to decorate and autograph a shrimp boot that will then be raffled off during the Interior Design Show. Saints Coach Sean Payton, The Manning Family – Archie, Eli and Peyton, Chefs John Besh and Emeril Lagasse, Broadway shows and the cast of Glee are among those decorating and “This fundraiser is going to be a great
help to us,” says Gordon R. Wadge, CoPresident of Catholic Charities. The organization has been in the forefront of the
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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 Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John-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 9 recovery efforts, operating five relief centers in four south Louisiana parishes to help those impacted by the spill. Wadge further explains, “As has been recently reported in the media, our Oil Spill Relief Fund is running out of money and we are truly leaning on the generosity of others to help us. While many think this disaster is over, it’s really just beginning because the long-term effects are going to hit more and more families. We expect the need to continue for quite awhile.” “We really wanted to do something for our fellow Louisianians who are really hurting due to the oil spill,” explains Mike Zalaznik, show manager of the Interior Design Show. “We tossed out a few ideas, but the symbol of the white shrimp boot kept coming to mind so we thought it would be fun to have celebrities decorate them and then we raffle them off. We have encouraged our celebrity artists to really let their personality shine so it’s going to be exciting what they create.” Proceeds from the raffle tickets will go directly to the Catholic Charities Oil Spill Relief Fund. Margaret Dubuisson, Director of Communications for Catholic Charities, says to date about 22,260* people have been helped with such things as obtaining food, paying bills and receiving medical and crisis counseling. “This disaster has completely turned people’s lives upside down,” Dubuisson explains. As one of the contact people on the ground in the impacted area, Dubuisson has spent countless hours with families hit hard and she says while it’s difficult for the adults, it’s the children who have really touched her. “The kids have gone through the horrors of two major hurricanes in the past five years – Katrina and Gustav. And now this. They watch their parents struggle and they see their community devastated so we are really doing everything possible to help families get through this and keeping the relief center open is vital to the recovery.” The New Orleans Interior + Design Show has designated a special raffle area on its website to view the shrimp boots and purchase tickets: http:// www.neworleanshomeshows.com/homeanddesignshow. The boots being raffled will be photographed and displayed as they come in so web viewers can see what the celebrity artists have created. “We are getting some really creative boots returned; ideas that I would never have thought of,” Zalaznik says with a chuckle and adds, “We have had such great feedback from our celebrity artists and their enthusiasm has really made this fun and created rather unique novelty items that I believe will become a huge hit even if you are not from the region.” Raffle Tickets are $5 each and are now on sale via the website. Raffle tickets may be purchased online until noon central time on Friday, September 17. After which time,
Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.
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tickets will only be for sale at the New Orleans Home + Interior Design Show until 2pm on Sunday, September 19. The Raffle Drawing is slated for 4pm on September 19th.
Weekend of Great Women's Theatre
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n Friday, September 17th, Karen Shields stars in The Last Reading of Charlotte Cushman, a portrayal of the famed Victorian stage actress’ “farewell perfomance” in retirement from a long and glorious career most notable for her stellar performances in male Shakespearean roles. Cushman’s numerous “romantic friendships” with women did not negatively impact her reputation as the “most acclaimed actress on two continents,” and she remained indomitable to the end. Saturday, September 18th brings Veronica Russell starring in A Different Woman: a True Story of a Texas Childhood, adapted from Gertrude Beasley’s 1925 autobiography of her life growing up in rural west Texas. Banned in three countries, destroyed at US and British customs, purged from libraries by the Texas Rangers, and considered shocking by the greatest literary minds of her day, Beasley’s ...story is an unvarnished, subversively funny, and at times heartbreaking tale of her family life told more frankly than many contemporary authors dare. Both plays are set for Le Chat Noir. For reservations: call 504.581.5812 or online at cabaretlechatnoir.com. (See both show for $30! Use the code DOUBLEDOWN.)
GLSEN and the GSA Network, Equality Forum mailed out more than 5,000 GLBT History Month celebration kits to high schools and colleges, and to workplace groups, community centers and regional, state and national organizations. The kits include posters, Icon lists, and ideas for creating exhibits and awareness for GLBT
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High School & College GSAs To Celebrate GLBT History Month
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igh school, college and university Gay Student Associations (GSAs) are back to school and working on GLBT History Month 2010 celebrations. In collaboration with
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email/letters Subject: Winner Southern Decadence Accommodations for 2
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e enjoyed very much the weekend Southern Decadence retreat at your hotel and will return later as a paying entourage and will spread the word of your generosity so others will cum!!!!!!!! ...Matt, Montgomery, TX Editor's Note: Matt won accommodations for two for four nights Southern Decadence weekend in the online contest sponsored by SouthernDecadence.COM and New Orleans Courtyard/French Quarter Suites Hotels. international GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates GLBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high impact initiatives and presents annually the largest national and international GLBT civil rights summit.
Houston Center Celebrates Center Awareness Day
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the "official" dish ...from 10 History Month. “Our students were surprised and very proud to see how many famous people past and present are GLBT,” said David Salvaggio, GSA Advisor, Moreno Valley High School in California. “The GLBT History Month poster is a powerful visual statement that gives strength and meaning to GLBT youth.” Equality Forum and GLSEN are sponsoring a GLBT History Month Exhibit Contest for high school GSAs. “This is a great way for educators to increase awareness about LGBT people and support students at the same time,” said Marvin Henchbarger, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Buffalo, New York, a GLBT History Month collaborating organization since 2007. Beginning October 1, a GLBT Icon is presented daily, with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources – all provided for free. The 124 Icons with resources from 2006 to 2009
are archived on the site. “Equality Forum encourages high schools, colleges, workplace groups, community centers and organizations to celebrate GLBT History Month - a powerful civil rights message about our community’s extraordinary national and international achievements,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. “We are the only minority community deprived of its history in schools, at home, or in religious institutions. GLBT History Month teaches our heritage, provides role models and builds community.” In 2006, Equality Forum launched GLBT History Month with 20 organizations having a GLBT History Month link on their Web sites. In 2009, over 650 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and for profit corporations had a GLBT History Month Link, making GLBT History Month the largest collaborative project worldwide for our community. “LGBT issues are often forgotten or sidelined in the media and our education system,” said Amit Taneja, Associate Di-
rector, LGBT Resource Center at Syracuse University. “Having this month-long celebration helps us recognize the many accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals and their contributions to society.” To be a GLBT History Month 2010 collaborating organization, register for free at www.tinyurl.com/GLBT-History-MonthForm to receive the latest updates and ideas about celebrating GLBT History Month. Equality Forum, www.equalityforum.com, is a national and
Only 3 Issues til
Halloween cont act
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504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
n September 15, the Houston GLBT Community Center will participate in LGBT Center Awareness Day, a day of action organized by CenterLink, the national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community centers. Locally, the Center (3400 Montrose Blvd., Suite 207) will host an open-house reception from noon until 8 pm that will feature Center programs and Center community partners. At the same time, the Center will hold an opening-night reception for an exhibition in the Center art gallery of GLBT-themed quilts created by the artist Mike Kelley. Center board members and facilitators and organizers of Center programs will be on hand at the open-house event. Guests can sign up for the Center Volunteer League, the Center’s volunteer corps, and obtain information on Center programming. Individuals representing Center partner organizations have also been invited to participate. These groups include Charles Botts Memorial Archives and Library, Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of GLBT History, Houston ARCH, QFest, Team Houston, Texas Transgender NonDiscrimination Summit, Theatre New West, and Unhinged Productions. “We invite everyone in the community to join us on September 15 as the Center partners with GLBT centers across the United States in this annual day of celebration,” Center president Tim Brookover says. “At the same time, we are honored to present the extraordinary quilts of Mike Kelley in the Montrose Gallery at the Center.” In conjunction with LGBT Center Awareness Day, the Houston Center will host the opening-night reception for the Mike Kelley quilt exhibition in the newly inaugurated Montrose Gallery, located in the Houston GLBT Community Center. For additional information, visit: houstonglbtcommunitycenter.org.
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So u t h e r n D e c a d e n c e Gra n d M a rs h a l s X X X VI Ju l i e n Ar t re s s i a & To b y Le f o r t Ex p re s s Th a n k s
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Photo by Larry Graham
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, Julien Artressia, your 2010 Co-Grand Marshal would like to personally thank Sammy Utley “Paloma” for choosing me to be your Co-Grand Marshal; and all of our Sponsors: Larry Graham for the beautiful photos, Bud Light, Absolut, Bacardi, Harrah's New Orleans, Sir Speedy, Quartermaster Deli, SouthernDecadence.COM, and a very special thank you to Rip and Marsha of Ambush Magazine, for being there every step of our way, and making us look so good. Also, thanks goes out to Urban Earth Flowers and Head Set Salon. And to all the bars who hosted our fundraisers, which we raised $5,000 for NO/AIDS Task Force, thanks to Billy’s, Cutter’s, Lafitte’s, Country Club, Good Friends, Rawhide, Phoenix, Corner Pocket, Bywater Patio Bar, JohnPaul's, The Friendly Bar, Big Daddy's, 700 Club, Sanctuary, and a very special thanks to Tubby's Golden Lantern for keeping the tradition of Southern Decadence alive. Also to Oz for hosting the Announcement Party, and of course, the Bourbon Pub, my home bar, for hosting the Press Party, and to Sandy Sachs, Bobby Revere, and Louis Sachs, for all their support, and for allowing me to be me during this wonderful journey! Thank you all so much. Napoleon's Itch, thanks for inviting us to the Bourbon Street Extravaganza stage, and for acknowledgments. And to the patrons of the bars who donated to our cause. Special thanks to The Friendly Bar for hosting the Brunch and Make-up Party on parade day. I would additionally like to thank all the bars that allowed us to come in and have a great time and reunite the city as one. We all had a wonderful time in each club. There are so many people I would like to thank, but that would be impossible to print, but I need to acknowledge a few ... Tiffany Alexander for making me look so good, and being very supportive; Brad Robert for always being there and helping with items in print, photography; all my ladies in waiting, and the men and boys of my Royal Court. And to the Royal Clothiers, Joey Misael “Potter’ for my dress, Clara Diaz and Lisa Beaumann for all the costumes, and last but not least, Bryan of Fifi Mahoney’s for my beautiful wigs! I love you all. And to all of the bars on the Labor Day Survivor's Bar Crawl: Corner Pocket, Double Play, Le Roundup, Society Page, 700 Club, Ninth Circle, Voodoo Bar and to Starlight for the great ending barbecue. Thank you all. I was and still am very honored and humbled to have served the city as one of your Co-Grand Marshals. I will cherish my memories always.
--Julien Artressia 2010 Co-Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXVI
would first of all would like to thank Tittie Toulouse for naming me Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Without you none of these great moments would have ever happened. I would like to thank all of our sponsors: Bud Light, Harrah's Casino, Bacardi, Absolut, Ambush Magazine, SouthernDecadence.COM, Sir Speedy, Quartermaster Deli, and Larry Graham. I would also like to thank all of the venues that participated in our fundraising activities: Tubby’s Golden Lantern, Mike's Bywater BBQ, Country Club, Friendly Bar, Cutter's, Big Daddy’s, Phoenix, JohnPaul’s, Cafe Lafitte, Rawhide, Good Friends, 700 Club, Corner Pocket, Sanctuary, and Billy’s in Slidell which raised $5,000. I would like to say a very special thank you to Golden Lantern for keeping the tradition of the start of the parade there and welcoming us to their bar. I would like to say thanks to the Friendly Bar for hosting the makeup party and brunch that was made by Quartermaster Deli. Thanks to all the bars that hosted us on our bar runs and welcomed us to their clubs throughout the entire season. Thanks to Chuck and Bill from Four Seasons, Billy’s, and Double Play for their continued support for me and the community. Thanks to all who made contributions to make this possible. I would like to say thanks to Phil Fricano for hosting the Friday Night parade “Knights of Decadence.” Rip and Marsha thanks for putting us out there on the front of America, without your support we could not reach the world. Thanks to the City of New Orleans and the police department for keeping everything together for us. I know I am probably forgetting to thank someone very special so I want to say THANKS A MILLION TO THE ENTIRE WORLD that was here by my side. If I forgot someone, I am very sorry.
Thanks a million, Toby Lefort, SDGM XXXVI
Photo by Larry Graham
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
And Then There Were Four
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and can make one hell of a mean drink. I believe that having a good memory is a key element in being a bartender favorite. This young man is good, he remembers names, faces and most importantly drinks. Nothing makes a patron feel special when you walk into a tavern and the bartender knows you by name and has your drink ready. As a bartender, it may take you a few times to perfect this, but trust me, if you take the initiative to learn frequent customers’ names and drinks, you will reap the benefits through tips. This simply comes
he search for the final cast member of FourPlay has come to an end. If you were not aware, Show Director Elizabeth Bouvier has been holding auditions all summer to see who would be the lucky “girl” to join this stellar ensemble cast of Elizabeth, Tami Tarmac and Lauren Brown, every other Friday night at John Paul’s. Four talented contestants tried out for the part and after whittling it down to two, Barbara Ella and Dominique DeLorean emerged. On Friday, August 27, they lip synced for their lives in the final round of competition. Both artists did solo and group numbers with the cast, showing off their performing abilities. But in the end only one person could be chosen. (Drum Roll please…) Dominique DeLorean was awarded the fourth FourPlay Cast: Tami Tarmac, Elizabeth position in the show and Barbara Ella was given a Bouvier, Dominique DeLorean & monthly guest spot. Lauren Brown @ JohnPaul's So check out the cast with new member Dominique at this popular drag show. The next show will be at down to one thing, great customer service and Justin provides that effortlessly. 10pm on Friday, September 24. So stop by Good Friends and let one of the cutest guys in the city make you a Bartender of the Month cocktail. Good Friends is located at 740 he bartender of the month for Dauphine Street. September is someone who has a truly charming personality. My friend Chris brought me to Good Movie Review: Friends to get a quick drink one evening The American and he introduced me to one of the nicest ecently, I was asked to write a bartenders. Justin is not only a great movie review. Since I have mixologist, but he has one of the brightest always been one of those smiles that just lights up the bar. people who never seem to agree with what Justin is truly a talent behind the bar, reviewers say about a movie, I figure why having what I call the trifecta in bartending. not give it a try myself. I tend to believe that He has charisma, wholesome good looks some people overthink a movie instead of just enjoying a film for what it is, escapism. So here it goes, you are reading my first movie review and it is with one of my favorite actors. The American stars Academy Award winner George Clooney in the title role of Anton Corbijn’s suspense thriller. Clooney plays Jack, an assassin who is constantly on the move and always alone. The movie opens up with Jack in a remote mountain cabin in Sweden in the embraces of his gorgeous lover. The idyllic scene is soon shattered by a horrifying event which sends him retreating out of the country. His harsh actions in the beginning of the movie sets up most of the suspense for the remainder of the film. After leaving Sweden, he holes up in a small medieval town in the Italian countryside, where he becomes friends with a local priest, Father Benedetto, played by Bartender of the Month the wonderful Italian actor Paolo Bonacelli.
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Justin-Good Friends Bar
The second new business is the opening of the Anthropologie store at The Shops in Canal Place. I went to the grand opening party for this wonderful new retail outlet that gives new meaning to the word urban chic. If you are not familiar with this store, you are in for a treat. This is another first for the city of New George Clooney (right) & Anton Corbijn (left) on the Orleans, being that set of his suspense thriller The American, a Focus this is the first Anthropologie in the Features release city. The store is arHe accepts an assignment to construct a chitecturally stunning and carries a large weapon for the very mysterious and sultry selection of ladies clothing, shoes, handMathilde portrayed by Thekla Reuten, who bags, jewelry, gift items and housewares. most recently was seen in the movie In Also, local artists will have merchandise Bruges. As he savors the peaceful life he sold there. For more information on this finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, he store, go to www.anthropologie.com. begins a very torrid love affair with a prostitute named Clara, played by the delight- Good Morning ful Italian actress and singer Violante Placido. How Clooney interacts with both Baltimore Placido and Reuten makes for a nice e Petit is bringing to the stage balance showing the audience both sides one of my favorite musicals, of his persona. One is a man waiting to Hairspray, September 16 experience love and closeness that he through October 10. And the gay carnival has denied himself for many years, and krewes have bought out the opening night the other is the more sinister and deadly as a fundraiser on Thursday, September side of his nature. 16 at 8pm. The krewes of Armenius, From the onset, no bones have been Pertronius and Satyricon all have tickets to made that Jack is not a nice character. He sell to this award winning musical. So call is a deadly mercenary, but Clooney man- your contacts at any of the krewes to buy ages to show the character’s vulnerable tickets. The phone number for anyone who side. The American is based on the 1990 would like to buy tickets from Satyricon is novel by Martin Booth, A Very Private 504.495.3326. Gentleman, with the screenplay done by Rowan Joffe. This Focus Feature presenMy Decadent Ways tation is a This is that/Greenlit/Smokehouse his year’s Southern Decadence production. Corbijn does a wonderful job was off the charts, with over directing a suspenseful story on the gor125,000 people in town, two geous landscapes of Italy. parades, more parties than ever before, Clooney once again proves that he is the ultimate leading man and looks abso- porn stars aplenty and an abundance of lutely amazing in this film. He is in peak hot men and women. My Southern Decashape which is fabulous because you see dence week started on the Sunday prior at the Friendly Bar’s Sister Sunday Southern a lot of him in very little clothing. Even though the film ends very pre- Decadence Social. Marty and Koo rolled dictably, I didn’t mind, mostly in part to the out the red carpet for our grand marshals wonderful cinematography and the en- Julien and Toby. There was plenty of gaging actors. All in all, The American is celebrating that day, Ambush owner Rip a satisfying little thriller and well worth the Naquin also celebrated his birthday at the occasion. The food was delicious and the price of popcorn. excitement for the coming week was exhilarating. Canal Street Revival Then on Tuesday, I went to dinner with ecently, two exciting new busi- my friend Steve Kemble, who is dubbed nesses have opened on Ca- America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru. He nal Street. The first one is was in town doing a speech at the National Pinkberry, the famous Los Angeles based Association of Catering Executives lunfrozen yogurt store, opened at the foot of cheon the following day, so I showed him Canal Street across from Canal Place and a night out on the town. For those who are Harrah’s. It is at 300 Canal Street directly not familiar with Steve, he has been the in front of the Doubletree Hotel in that cute magic behind countless corporate events, little unused triangle of land that has re- weddings and other sassy ventures for mained empty for so many years. Like its more than two decades. He has been other location at 5601 Magazine Street, dishing out fashion disses at celebrities for this Pinkberry has an open and airy design more than three years as a Top Cop for Us filled with bright colors. It’s location may be Weekly magazine’s Fashion Police and tiny, but it has created an inviting atmo- with annual appearances on TV Guide sphere which also has includes a French Network’s “Idol Tonight.” His daily “What’s Quarter element by the addition of a court- Hot” segment for CBS radio has become yard and fountain. You have to check out an online sensation, and he has gone the healthy and delicious yogurt at head to head with some of TV’s other big Pinkberry with any topping imaginable. personalities from Melissa Rivers to Donny For more information on Pinkberry, go to [continued on 16] www.pinkberry.com.
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under the gaydar ...from 14 Deutsch. He is a centerpiece of WE tv’s marquee block of bridal programming, Wedding Central, Steve has also appeared on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Wedding Edition,” Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away.” To top it all off, he has dished out delectable advice for throwing Hollywood-level bashes at home for E!’s Countdown to the Academy Awards, CBS’s The Early Show and Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. We started off the night innocently enough with dinner at the scrumptious Court of Two Sisters, then managed to party until 3am the following morning. I took him on my special gay Tony tour which stopped at Oz, Pub, Good Friends, Lafitte’s, Corner Pocket, Pat O’ Brien’s (had to throw a straight bar in for good measure) and 700 Club. Steve and his partner, Dean, and I had a great time meeting the boys and he assured me that after getting a taste of Decadence, he will be back for Halloween. Wednesday came around quickly, and I found myself at the Blue Nile emceeing Carolina Gallop’s Annual fashion show/ fundraiser to benefit Honduras Hurricane relief. As with all her shows, she spotlights several fashion designers in addition to herself. The fashions ranged from the eclectic and bizarre to the more traditional, but each designer brought to the stage their own unique perspective in design. The models both male and female were smoking. Kudos to Carolina for once again creating another great event. Thursday brought more people to the city to celebrate Southern Decadence and there was one group that joined us this year that was especially worthwhile. The Hotel Monteleone and the Bienville House organized a familiarization (fam) trip composed of gay journalists to the city. We had writers from New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, and Nashville in attendance. For the next few days, an itinerary was put together showing them some of the best this city has to offer while also giving them a taste of one of the biggest gay holidays.
I was very honored to be invited to some of the events with the visiting media, as well as helping organize some of their schedule. On Thursday, we started off with a welcome reception at the Bienville House with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Afterwards, I took anyone who wanted to join me on one of my whirlwind gay tours. Being a part of this fam tour was one of the most rewarding experiences, mostly because I met an incredible group of men and women. We decided to start the night out with doing all the Wood Enterprises events. We went to Rawhide, I know first gay bar I bring them to is Rawhide, talk about starting them right in the thick of things. Anyway, we went to the crowning of the Wood Enterprise's King of Decadence announcement, who by the way was Charlie Bear. Then we went to the USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest at Good Friends, which included hot men over 35 vying for the title. Not only did I love all the contestants in the competition, but I knew the winner, whose name is Tony, a DJ from Mississippi. Next, we went to the Dick of Decadence Contest upstairs at Lafitte’s, which was one crowded mess. Over one hundred sweaty men crammed into the place to get a glimpse at the largest meat, which ultimately could have been seen on the street later that night. But at least I can now say I went to the contest. Check that off my bucket list. The night continued in a rather fevered pace with us going to Oz, Pub, Corner Pocket and 700 Club. After saying good night to the journalists, I took my liver to bed to let it rest. On Friday, Jeff (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I went to the Halloween Host Decadence party at Whiskey Blue in the W Hotel. The ratio of locals to visitors at this party was about even, with many hot men coming in for the holiday. The vodka flowed freely as we mixed and mingled and got slightly smashed. Then we went upstairs to the pool deck at the W where Passport Magazine hosted a party to benefit Lazarus House. This party was amazing, great weather, spectacular views of the city, porn stars behind the bar, waiters in g-strings passing food and most of all complimentary vodka drinks. It was nice to leave the chaos of the Quarter for a little while to attend another type of party that did not include a penis gyrating in your face. After that party ended, Jeff and I trudged our way to the Golden Lantern for the longest drag show of the year (Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show). If you like drag, which I do, then you would be in heaven at this show. It had more drag queens in it then I have ever seen perform at any given event before. Toby and Julien stopped by and brought some porn stars in tow with them, who did not need much convincing to strip down. After that, I wandered into the Marigny to the Leather Block Party put on in front of the Phoenix by Lords of Leather. This year the party was held over two days and was bigger and better than ever. There were more vendor booths and lots of bars and food being sold on the street. If you are a fan of the leather lifestyle than this place was your Garden of Eden, there were so many great men wearing the coolest leather garb, even I met a “special” friend while I was there. Saturday came like a whirlwind. My day started off at Ambush
mansion where publisher's Rip and Marsha hosted a private reception for the visiting media with the grand marshals in their home above Ambush offices. It was truly a delightful and laid back way to spend the afternoon, and a great opportunity for the Ambush staff to meet and talk to our peers on a national level. After the reception, we maneuvered our way to the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, where we had All Access passes to see one of the best free shows in the city. Chuck Robinson, owner of Napoleon’s Itch along with his stage manager Phillip Pizzi, produced one of my highlights of the weekend with the Bourbon Street Extravaganza. It opened up with a performer from the Hispanic Ballet company performing a traditional dance in vibrant colors. This year’s show was dedicated to the Hispanic community who worked so hard in bringing New Orleans back to her feet after the storm (Katrina). The next singer was the incredibly talented local boy, Damian Faul, who was this year’s Voice of Pride winner. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he is one of the most pleasant people to be around. After the show he joined the rest of the adoring fans in front of the stage for the next acts. Erika Jayne, who I was not that familiar with before this show, came out and literally blew the crowd away with her high energy performance and sexy dancers. Next up was a BSE staple, the legendary Jeanie Tracy, who has the hit song “Cha Cha Heels.” She is one dynamo of energy. In addition to her doing the Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men,” she did a special dedication to Chuck where she serenaded him on stage. Next was American Idol performer Kimberly Locke, who is just an outstanding singer. Whether she was singing an oldie like “Band of Gold” or her top forty hit “Eighth Wonder,” she commanded the stage. I could see how she was so popular on American Idol. Ending the night was none other than the incomparable Deborah Cox, who brought the house down. Talk about one lady who knows all the right moves. She captured our attention the moment she stepped on that stage and never let us go. Throughout the night, there were plenty of beefcake appearing in between acts throwing goodies to the audience like tee shirts and lube (one can never have too much lube on this weekend). After the show, some of the journalists and I went to dinner at Snug Harbor, which always has consistently good food. When dinner was done, our next stop was the Leather Block Party with a complete tour of the Phoenix (upstairs and down) and then we hopped over to JohnPaul’s for Marcy Marcell’s Golden Age Review. Marcy pulled out all the stops and gave her audience one top notch Decadence show. When Sunday came, I was ready for another day of non-stop excitement and I was not disappointed. I went to the Friendly Bar that morning for the grand marshal's makeup party which in my opinion is one of the best and most underrated things to do for Decadence. Not only do they serve a free delectable breakfast which includes grillages and grits, bacon, sausage, eggs and fruit, but you get to hang out with the grand marshals and their entourage as they get ready. I met up with the Princesse Stephaney who was dressed as a slutty sailor girl and when the time arrived we walked with the procession to the starting point of the parade. There I met up with more people and looked at the great costumes which were plentiful this year. Before I knew it the parade was off and we went to the Ambush mansion to watch all the festivities. When the parade ended, the grand marshals and their entourage joined us on the balcony of Ambush for their 17th annual Southern Decadence Bead Toss. It is quite an experience. But my day was not over yet, I ran home in the early evening to get ready then made my way to Harrah’s Casino who was hosting the Men of Masquerade. In the spirit of the holiday and to celebrate Decadence, they had men dancing in their popular nightclub instead of women. I worked with them to get the dancers and the DJ, as well as help promote the event. And for their inaugural event, it was a huge success. There were plenty of men and women who showed up and danced the night away. It was so successful they extended the time of the party by an hour. The journalists also made an appearance, which gave me a great chance to say goodbye to all my new found friends. When I left Harrah’s I went to see one of my
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36th Southern Decadence Parade Led by SDGMs XXXVI Julien Artressia & Toby Lefort ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black, Facebook Friends, Lee Mullen
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36th Southern Decadence Parade Celebrating 39th Southern Decadence ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black, Dee Cooley, Facebook Friends, Lee Mullen
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under the gaydar ...from 16 favorite performers, Rusty LaRoux, at the Allways Lounge for her new Zoo Review Reunion show and it was as much fun as I remembered it to be. Selena, Bliss, Rikki Redd, Regina Adams and Princesse Stephaney all returned. After Allways, I took myself to JohnPaul’s which is my neighborhood bar for a nightcap that lasted until 6am on Monday morning. When I finally stirred on Monday, I had my coffee and reflected on the entire week. It was an incredible holiday. I made some great new friends, did some things I had never done before (which as I get older gets harder to do), but most of all, I watched our local gay community celebrate the holiday with our brothers and sisters from around the globe, showing them that this is one of the most fantastic places on Earth to live. And, on a side note, Julien and Toby, you were exceptional grand marshals, congratulations on your reign.
A Stritch Revealed
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Are you sure this is a good idea,” Elizabeth Bouvier asked me as we descended the dark stairs into the basement of John Paul’s. “No, of course not, especially since you decided that grabbing a bottle of vodka was a better idea then bringing along a flashlight, it is dark down here,” I told her reaching the bottom and feeling around for a light switch. We were trapped in the bar with almost a dozen other people by a horrible storm. One of the people in the tavern could be the person who tried to kill the wonderfully talented and slightly entertaining Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox. Unfortunately for poor Ms. Kazinsky, the woman who was in the hospital room with Cathy, the killer made a mistake and offed her instead. Now we were searching for a clue to who the culprit was. I thought I was getting close, but Tami Tarmac, the person who may have a valuable piece of information just vanished in thin air while everyone was upstairs being questioned by power lesbian Persana Shoulders and her deputy Sable Nicole Starr. Finding the lights, I turned them on and illuminated the room. “Honey,” Elizabeth said, “is their a dimmer knob on those things, it is way to bright in here.” The thunder crashed so loudly, I felt the foundation of the bar shake. “Wow, that Hurricane Bubbles is a bad one.” “Oh, please, first off we have all withstood worse, remember we sat through Tami’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I mean really, Roseanne did a better job. So don’t get jazzy about Bubbles, she is just a depression. Now why don’t you find me a good mixer down here on one of the shelves for my vodka.” “Elizabeth, can you be serious, we need to find Tami, she could be in real danger. Now keep looking.” The room was awfully smaller than I anticipated and the entire time I could not understand why John and Paul did not want us to go in the basement, it seemed harmless enough. “Hey I found some pineapple juice, lets have an exotic drink,“ Elizabeth called to me. “We can make it in one of these tiki glasses here on the top shelf.” She reached up and grabbed the glass and with that movement she activated some motion that opened up the wall behind the shelf expos-
ing a secret room. “Aww hell.” “Elizabeth, come on lets see what is in there.” I walked in cautiously with Elizabeth right on my heels, slurping her vodka drink in a tiki glass with an umbrella in it. The room was huge with metal walls from floor to ceiling, They were shiny reinforced steel and aligned with all kinds of bondage equipment. There were cages, whips and chains hanging from the rafters. On the wall to the right, there was a shelving unit with every size of dildo imaginable in every color. Elizabeth stopped briefly and started perusing the selection. “Will you come on,” I said. She waved me off and grabbed a very long black shiny plastic dildo from the shelf and put it in her purse. It had to be a foot long in size. “I do not think they will miss one, besides, a girl needs a release every now and then, don’t judge me. Now lets find that Tami and get out of here, this bottle is almost empty.” Suddenly there was a muffled cry from the far side of the room. A large draped canvas hung over something and that was connected to the ceiling with chains. “Did you hear that? It came from over there.” We slowly approached the canvas. Sud-
“That is your brilliant idea, uncover the scary thing making noise, wonderful.” She tossed the tiki cup to the side and started drinking the vodka straight from the bottle. “I know what I am doing,” I said saying a silent prayer as I pulled the canvas away. We both stared in stunned silence, then Elizabeth spoke, “well I will be damned. Girl, I never knew you were into that kinky shit.” Tami was tied into a sling hanging from the ceiling with a rubber bondage ball in her mouth. She started thrashing around more. “Is she trying to tell us something, that little slut, who knew,” Elizabeth said. “Only one way to find out,” I took the ball out of her mouth.” “You stupid bitch, someone dragged me down here and tied me up, they tried to have there way with me but I fought them off valiantly, my honor is still intact.” “Well that is the only thing you have left in one piece because you lost your dignity, virginity and decorum a long time ago,” Elizabeth took another swig. “Just get me out of here,” she said. We untied her and went up to the door. In unison, the three of us threw ourselves against the door and broke out of the basement. John and Paul were standing right there when we fell onto the floor. Paul said, “you know you will have to pay for this.” “Put it on my tab, along with this little beauty.” Paul quieted down as Elizabeth flashed the enormous dildo in the air. “I thought you would see it my way, very interesting little playroom down there, I wonder if you are zoned to have a pleasure palace in your basement. I think you will just forget about that little door and make sure all my cocktails from this point forward are free.” Paul grumbled and walked away followed by John. We joined everyone in the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, I announced, I think I know who the killer is?” Barbara Ella gasped. "Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox" “Why do you keep doing that? ...Tony Leggio Is it just for effect, because it is getting on my nerves. “ Elizadenly it started twitching. beth berated her. “That’s it I am out of here. The hell with “I walked around from person to perTami, I can get someone else in FourPlay. son eyeing them all, “Tami, you were on She ran up the stairs to the door of the the fire stairs at the hospital and you did not basement. “Oh, Tony could you come up see any man come down.” here for a moment.” “No, I did not, but a man grabbed me I walked up the stairs and met her at earlier tonight. I know a man’s touch when the landing. “What’s wrong?” I feel one, firm yet gentle pushing my body She closed her eyes for a moment into contortions unimaginable for his seand took a deep breath, opened them and cret pleasure,” she said breathing heavily. slapped me. “What the hell was that for?“ Cathy stood up. “Would someone I yelled at her. splash some disinfectant on that cesspool “The door is locked and we are of sex and tell me who is trying to kill me, trapped, great going Sherlock Holmes. Cathy Fox, beloved star of stage and And if we have to rely on that Persana screen.” Shoulders to find us we may be here til I continued, “we established that the Christmas.“ man did not run down the fire stairs and he “We will be fine, let me think a sec- did not pass through the lobby, that only ond.” The noise from the figure downstairs means one thing, he never left the hospistarted getting louder. We briefly looked at tal.” each other, then started screaming loudly “That is impossible,” Persana said, banging our fists on the door. After a few “we searched the entire hospital and did minutes when no one came we gave up. not see him, so what is your theory on that.” “I have an idea, follow me.” We went “Just what I said, he never left the back downstairs and toward the canvas. hospital, at least not as a he, but as a she,”
and with that announcement, I ripped the wig off Nurse Haley exposing a man underneath. “Oh my god, Nurse Haley is a man, what in the blazes is this world coming to when men dress as women,” Tittie Toulouse stated in shock. Before I had a chance to move, Nurse Haley pushed me to the side and grabbed Deputy Starr’s gun from her holster. She then grabbed Barbara Ella and used her as a shield in front of her. “No one move or this little slut gets it,” he said threateningly. “Power lesbian kick your purse over to me.” Persana huffed and walked over and handed him her purse. “This is Prada baby, I am not kicking this anywhere, it will get scuffed. You have no where to go, so I suggest letting this little tart go.” Cathy finally approached, “you look so familiar to me, where have I seen you before.” He seethed with hatred. “You don’t remember, we had one weekend of passion then I never heard from you again, you know what that does to a person. You can’t just get rid of me that easily, like I am just some sex toy.” “Maybe she just forgot your number, you know she drinks,” Lauren Brown added. “Great going Fox, you sleep with someone and turn him into a drag queen, your record of screwing up men is still intact,” Tami said taking a seat at the bar. “Look, just let the little hussy go, she means nothing to you, take me as a hostage instead,” I said. “Will everyone stop calling me names,” Barbara Ella said. “No, I will not be satisfied until Cathy is dead,” and with that he threw Barbara Ella to the floor and aimed the gun. Suddenly a bottle of vodka came out of nowhere and knocked the gun from his hand. “And you said this vodka would not come in handy,” Elizabeth said, “Besides I was getting bored and I could not let that crazy boy take you hostage.” “She’s getting away,” C Alice screamed. “After her,” I said and we all ran out into the storm. Nurse Haley was crossing the flooded street with difficulty in the torrential rain and high heels. As she got halfway across the street she disappeared from view. We ran over to the area. “She fell down an open sewer hole in the street,” I said. It was completely flooded with water and she was nowhere to be seen. “Elizabeth slid the metal cover laying beside the hole over the top and sighed, “well I guess that is the last we have seen of Nurse Haley Manhole.” “Shouldn’t we do something,” I said to Persana. “No, honey too much paperwork, she or he got swept away with all the other garbage in the sewer, that should be the last we hear of her.” We walked back into the bar, but for some sinking reason, I had this feeling that this would not be the last time I set eyes on Nurse Haley Manhole. (Stay tuned for our next mystery and please keep in mind this story is not real. No one has fallen down a manhole, at least not yet.) Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.
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17th Southern Decadence Bead Toss hosted by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip & Marsha, The Giant Crowds
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CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
200 BIENVILLE
300
500 TOULOUSE
600
RAMPART
ST. LOUIS
BURGUNDY
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DAUPHINE
ROYAL
CHARTES
DECATUR
CONTI
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ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
900 ST. PHILIP
1200 1300
bookstores
URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
BARRACKS
classifieds
ESPLANADE
1800 19
M A R IG N Y
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FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D
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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.,
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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 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
246.8317 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 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 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
New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
hair salons
New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS
New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com
chiropractic
insurance
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1610]
New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833
casinos
circuit/events 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 Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2011, 40th Official Southern Decadence 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
computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. 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
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Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0111] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is26/10]
marketing & printing
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
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;
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
models/escort New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/#1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA504.756.9443, New pictures @ www.M4RN.COM. Search by ID# 190508, 24/7, in/out/hotels, 5'10", 180# of cute pure muscle. [is1910]
museum/arts
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 MU-
SEUM, 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
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29
Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons.
Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, 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] FRENCH QUARTER REALTY, Agents: Gary R. Williams 251.2047, Sandy Preston 319.7500; Office 949.5400 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 WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Free Instant Access to New Orleans and the Nations Top Gay & Lesbian Realtors. On-line: www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683)
restaurants 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 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Cooyon's Cajun Cooking, New Orleans French Market, 1100 N. Peters St., 337.339.1131, CooyonsCajunCooking.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, CreoleCuisine.COM The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place
Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., 309.8236 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 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 3209 Edenborn Ave., 888.7722, Suzettes.COM 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 [French Quarter], 525.4372; 4901 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, 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 RAZZLE DAZZLE, the newest sensation in a very old place, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
spas New Orleans, LA [504] SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier Street, 566.8088, SpaAlantis.NET 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] MORTUARY HAUNTED HOUSE, ghost haunting/tours, private parties, haunted attraction, 4800 Canal St., TheMortuary.NET 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 BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PRIDE NEW ORLEANS, NOLAPride.ORG
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ambush
papar azzi
Bubbles & Lance join the Leather Block Party during Decadence outside the Phoenix
Robert & Howard celebrate during the Leather Block Party: Under The Big Top
Smokin’ hot men @ Phoenix’s Leather Block Party
The Phoenix’s own Ron during Decadence weekend
Russell & Ginger join Lords of Leather Decadent Church Bazaar @ JohnPaul’s
Lord Pat & Miss LA Leatherette Bubbles Champagne work the LOL Decadent Church Bazaar
Marcy’s Starlight Showcase brought Eva Las Vegas to the stage @ Starlight
Marcy Marcell leads the Starlight Showcase Revue for Decadence
Men of Oz Dancers James, John & Josh
Paul deals cards at the Lords of Leather Decadent Church Bazaar @ JohnPaul’s
Toga men @ the Mounted Olympus Party for the Radical Fairies
Zsa Zsa d’LaHor in Marcy Marcell’s Starlight Showcase @ Starlight
Ted leads Eric & Scott in the 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl @ Corner Pocket
TJ & Maggie sling cocktails @ Le Roundup for 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl
Society Page’s Trux joins SDGM Julien for 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl
Ted snagged by the hot men of 700 Club for 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl
Rip, Marsha & Julien @ Ninth Circle for 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM hernDec
Leather & More @ 39th Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans
Phoenix mgr. Clint along with bartenders Brian & Wayne welcome all to the Decadence Leather Block Party
Jeff accessorizes @ Lords of Leather Decadent Church Bazaar with help of Kevin & Gary
Opal, Rikki, Todd & Regina @ Double Play for 13th SD Survivors Bar Crawl
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
acadiana
papar azzi
Miss Kasi is a hot mess! BFF’s Mitch & Darren Ben taking a moment to strike a pose
Hunter & Tayler
Tayler aka “vers” & Joe Kim & Stephen
Girls will be girls @ Jules Miss Mannies & Miss Hernandez
Happy Birthday Steven!
Downtown always seems to feature a gaggle of gays
Steven & Mitch are always up to something
Scary-oke @ Jules
Steven & Whitney
Gavin, Brian, Thomas, Eddie & Trevor @ Jules
Sam loves his job so much!
Mitch & Joey
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM hernDec
Gaggle of Gays ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins
Ryan, Ronnie & Joey
Good friends & good memories @ Jules
acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com
A
s many of you recover from your Labor Day weekend you may find yourself questioning your dignity. It’s all okay; most of us have been there. Just move on, and push through it. Welcome to autumn. The leaves are beginning to coat the Earth and before you know it we will all be humming Christmas Carols and pondering where the year went. Until then, you’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl!
Bar Spill
I
n case you’ve been inquisitive of the next big party scene at Jules, here’s what it is: Heaven vs. Hell Party. I have mentioned it in the past two issues and I’m mentioning it again. Have your outfit ready because this is it, don’t get scared. This celebration represents yours truly growing another year older and if you experienced last year’s Hollywood Party then you won’t want to miss this one. This year is expected to be even bigger than the last. Come as an angel or a demon, whichever your heart desires, and party all night at Jules Downtown. The ceremony will commence on Saturday, September 18th. You won’t want to miss. Don’t forget about the highly anticipated newest addition to the lineup, Tonic.
Former Sound Factory owner, John Gilland, has been working tirelessly to ensure that Tonic will satisfy every expectation. Sources tell me that the grand opening is soon to come and will be filled with many surprises. Stay alert because such an experience will sneak up on you before you know it.
Bros before Hoes?
I
can only assume that we’ve all been there at one point or another. Recently it may come in the terms of a friend expressing to you, “I’ve been talking to this guy on Grindr (or Adam4Adam or even ManHunt).”
Sidebar: Yes, I did go there…
S
o your initial response is probably something like, “oh really, who?” Before you know it, you realize that the person your friend is speaking of is someone you’ve been talking to. Odds are that you realize that this is the perfect moment for you to queen out and cut to you bitching your friend out. What should one do? It’s quite obvious that being gay can be quite tricky and dramatic. I suppose it
comes with the territory. Being friends with the same sex and attracted to the same sex can bring upon problems from time to time. So when this happens I typically pull the ‘bros before hoes’ card and boldly lay it onto the table. I mean why shouldn’t I? From my perspective I’m thinking to myself, “this will only last about a week anyway, I’m still going to be here. Just pass him up and find another.” Though that logic may seem clear, are there other factors involved? For example, I once knew somebody who wanted to date one of his best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Though he knew the best friend would be upset, the guy still acted upon it. In this case it wasn’t for that random night of intimacy. The guy was truly after love. As nature would take its course, the best friend resented him and that relationship retreated. In the end the two dated for a little over a year and that was that. So what did the guy end up with? I guess a broken heart and a lost friendship. Who wins in this situation? I suppose nobody because it’s a gamble. Had it all worked out and the friend’s ex ended up being the guy’s soul mate, then I suppose the guy would have won. Some may argue that one man’s misfortune is another man’s gain. I suppose that can be true. Some also argue that one may lead you to find that soul mate, regardless of the sacrifices that one may have to endure. Then one may argue the virtue of loyalty. I’ve been told that friends are friends through thick and thin. People may enter and exit your life but your friends will always be there for you. They are your rock and will be the ones that you will
always want to run to. Here is another scenario to question. What about when you have a friend who enjoys the occasional random hook-up? The kind that only may last for about a day to a week and then they’re done? What about if that hookup is somebody that was of interest to you? Then what do you do? I’m no Dr. Phil but I would say that this is definitely the point where you pull the whole ‘Bros before hoes’ rule. I know somebody whose bedroom may as well have a revolving door with a guest book to be signed by each trick on the side. This guy recently took on another interest that his roommate, let’s refer to him as the prude, saw a potential in. The roommate is just after another one night thing yet the prude is after something more. The prude decides to pull the ‘bros before hoes’ card and the roommate calls the prude’s bluff and proceeds. Who is right and who is wrong? Does the prude disenfranchise himself from the roommate or does he make amend, accept defeat, and move on? It’s a cruel world when it comes to dating and sex. We can’t deny it. So what is the bottom line? I say stick to your gut feeling and put your friends first. Tricks and boyfriends/girlfriends come and go. Your friends will always be there for you and they are the ones that you will need when romanticism goes south for the winter. As my favorite queen, Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) once said, “The hardest thing to govern is the heart.” Though it is true, just keep in mind your priorities.
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Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict Email: bradhottails@hotmail.com
Derek's Deck
I
can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the holiday weekend sitting on sexy and gorgeous Derek’s deck. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience. It was definitely something I will remember for a long time to come and am hoping for a repeat of this event. It is definitely long, wide, and really large, and looking up at the stars made for a remarkable conclusion to a nice encounter. I have seen Derek’s deck many times before but never in this way looking up at the stars, and I came away with a smile on my face and an evening I will never forget. I am so happy that I finally got to see and feel the warmth and friendship and closeness of sitting on his deck. Parties are common in Spanish Town, and if you don’t go to Southern Decadence, you find ways to pass a good time, and Derek’s private party was enjoyed by everyone. I enjoyed this chance to see neighbors in a relaxing situation – dining on the excellent food and drink that was in abundance, watching the football games, sharing stories with and meeting new friends as well as seeing old friends again. I left the party before many of the participants so I could watch my own football
acadiana happens ...from 35
Community
F
or those of you who may be looking for a safe and positive environment for young gay men within the ages of 18 and 30, then FM is for you. FM Acadiana is a sector of Acadiana CARES and it serves as a support group for young gay and bisexual men. Meetings are held every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm at Acadiana CARES which is located at 811 Martin Luther King Drive. These meetings are to enable a discussion of issues that affect the local gay community. This is also a great opportunity to meet other gay men outside of the bar scene. For more information please contact Jason Crooks or Shayne Guidroz at 337.233.2437. If you’re looking for a way to become politically involved then Forum for Equality is the group for you. Forum holds monthly meetings at the Alamo art gallery. Forum’s local representative, Colin Miller, has been working very hard to make sure our voices are heard at not only a local level but a state level as well. For more information on meeting times, dates, and locations, please email Colin at colin.miller@forumforequality.com.
Closing Out
O
n a final note, I plead with many of you to learn tolerance. I know that many of us often find ourselves trying persuading the general public of such a thing. When I speak of such a matter I think of the state that our country is currently in. By now September 11th will have passed and certain clergymen in Florida may have held
team at my home which was only two blocks away. It was a beautiful evening out under the stars with a cool breeze, beautiful lighting, and great conversations. I got to see Edward again too. I hadn’t seen him since I took a picture of him at Mardi Gras or maybe it was at that great party at David’s house down the street. At any rate, he met up with another super stud named James, and they finally got a house together and moved out of Spanish Town. I use to smile while walking my dog in the mornings. I would see James leaving Edward’s apartment and wondered at the time why they just didn’t move in together. I was so glad they did because both of them are just as sexy and gorgeous as Derek. If memory serves me correctly, Edward is from up in Rapides Parish. All I can say is they really raised a nice one in this youngster. Those tight jeans really tell a lot about a guy, and I can assure you that on this stud they are a joy to see. I’ve always liked Edward. He just has that charming personality that makes you want to reach out and get a big hug every time you see him. That is exactly what he did when he arrived at the party. He gave me a big hug, and that was a treat for me. Now if James would do the same, it would please me even more. I believe that James is an Alaskan stud and recently a graduate of LSU. Whatever the case, his blond hair and beautiful smile make him a rather sexy standout in any crowd. Put him with Edward, and you have a dream team. They really were the “wow factor” on Derek’s their ‘National burning of the Koran Day’. To such a thing I must express great opposition. I only feel as though this sends the message of hate to the world. Whenever I find our country torn with such an issue, I often refer to the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. These very delicate and significant bodies of literature that serve as the backbone of our government I keep on my bookshelf. I think of the Declaration of Independence which reads, “…all men are created equal…” Remember that tolerance is not easy to come by but if we all work together we can achieve. As we all fight opposition for our own rights as a gay community, we soon realize that America isn’t easy. Just as strongly as you feel about an issue, someone on the opposing side also has the right to stand and scream just as loudly against you. It’s the bad that comes with the good. With that said, we have to recognize the fact that as much as we’re allowed to practice our beliefs and faith, so are they. Just as American as some of us are brought up learning the Christian faith, there are those out there who are either brought up or later in life choose to follow a different faith. This is their right under our given Constitutional freedoms. It’s what makes us, as a country, unique compared to others. You’ve been listening up with Joey Collins, keep the party going!
deck. I need to get out more. Being with these youngsters made me feel good, and talking with Edward was a highlight of the evening. I do hope they had fun in Lafayette. They were heading over there the following day. I met so many people that I just can’t recall all their names. I did talk with a little cutie named Josh, who was excited about going to Decadence for the first time. I’m anxious to see how many beads he obtained because he kept telling me he wasn’t shy. I like that in a guy. I believe in sharing. It is the right thing to do. I may have to switch banks and check this one out further. Maybeth was a riot, but she always is. I got my hug and kiss from her when I first arrived, but with her recent eye surgery, it could have been a bump instead of a kiss. I’m sure that full vision in one eye and limited vision in the other didn’t make for a pleasant way to view things at the party. She apparently loves Derek’s deck too. They were constantly clowning around. Derek gave me a tour of his home too. Wow, that bathroom was something else. I had last been there when Smiley owned the house, and we watched the Academy Awards with all of us up in that big bed. Oh, well, that is a story for another day. I must send Derek a note and tell him how much I enjoyed our encounter. I can hardly wait until the next one. He does wonders with his deck.
Jason's Charm
I
have mentioned Jason to you before, but this beautiful and remarkable stud deserves more than just a mention. I enjoyed the holiday weekend watching the Navy-Maryland football game with him, and it was a most enjoyable afternoon. This stud has what it takes to be successful, and his goals are so much higher than most guys his age. He knows what he wants in life, and his plans are on track to accomplish this. I love to talk with him and watch the glow coming from those piercing blue eyes. They tell you so much, like being the mirror to one’s soul. They are so expressive that they make you want to stare and long for more. When he speaks, it is with knowledge far beyond his years, and that is so impressive in one so young. When I first met Jason, he was just another LSU student, part-time bartender, and someone who was charming but not overly outstanding until he spoke. That did it. The inner beauty came through with every word, and I suddenly realized I was in the presence of someone who knew how to handle any situation that came his way. You could immediately see that his plans for the future were there but needed to be conquered through determinations and excellence in how he would meet his goals through a special kind of desire to accomplish and be the best. Jason is the best. His charm is just one phase of a complicated but beautiful young man. From the piercing blue eyes that send out a radiance that is rare for someone his age to the structured magnificence of a body that has been molded through constant workouts in order to achieve the magical beauty of all the muscles in his arms and chest. All of this can be summed up by stating that he is an All-American guy, full of wit and charm and determination to do what is best to further his goals and to master anything that comes
his way. His privacy is his most precious asset, and he guards it with diligence. Whatever comes his way, Jason seems to be the master of his own future, one that will likely be filled with success in every thing he undertakes. This is an outstanding young man, and I can’t say enough good things about him. Like a magnet, he draws you to him and commands your very presence so that you will honor him and understand that he is a young man of a great passion for life and all that life has to offer. I admire him. He is a rare and remarkable individual. He is the master of his own destiny.
Acadiana John
I
had no idea I would run into bar baron John while I was out enjoying my Labor Day here in Red Stick. You all know John well as the owner of Sound Factory in Lafayette and Crystal’s in Lake Charles. Well, now with the closing of Sound Factory, a new bar called Tonic will be open by the time you read this. I’m hoping to be there for the opening because I think John is one of the most admirable guys you will find anywhere. He is my friend, and we go back a long way. I spent many happy hours at the Sound Factory being with friends, judging contests for the local Mardi Gras krewe, and just dropping in for a surprise visit now and then. I do the same periodically for Crystal’s. I will never forget those adorable and absolutely beautiful twins I used to photograph there. In fact, I asked John about them, and he has lost contact with them. I have pictures from one of my visits there, and I deliberately turned off the flash and proceeded to photograph with natural lighting. One of them figured out what I was doing, and he was so intrigued that he just couldn’t keep his eyes off me. It wasn’t sexual. He knew I was photographing the show on the stage, but he realized that he was the one I was really concentrating on. It was a fun night that I need to repeat soon, maybe one night when John will be there. Of course, I know Billy, but not as well as John. I have to say that running into John really brought a nice close to my holiday weekend. You have to realize that Southern Decadence is not a Baton Rouge happening, but there are so many guys who just don’t bother to go down for all the festivities in New Orleans. I think everyone I ran into has done the Decadence thing before and have settled into the quiet lifestyle that is common here in Red Stick. For me, I guess it is more age than anything else, but I can assure you that I have known many great times in New Orleans whether I was at Lafitte’s, Oz, Good Friends, MRB, or the Phoenix. I’ve been to all of them, enjoyed all of them, and plan to do more in the future. I might even talk John into barhopping with me if I can pull him away from Lafayette. That would be a fun thing to do. Whenever we are together, we always manage to bring each other up to date on all things of importance that we might like to know about, and this Labor Day meeting was similar to other meetings. It was a time for conversation, for sharing, for relaxing. John is just one of those guys that I find comfortable to be around, and I think there is a bond or sharing there that is something that only
[continued on 38]
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Super stud Jason
Sexy Toby enjoying a cold Bud
Michael showing off muscle
Good friend John (of Tonic & Crystal's) enjoying the holiday
Don & Tom enjoying night out Phil, Billy, John & Daniel
Richard & another beautiful stud
Luther & Michael
Anthony celebrating his birthday Happy trio enjoying themselves
Gorgeous studs @ George’s
Ben & a lovely friend
Cutie Ben with friends Another happy couple
Enjoying a night on the town Karaoke time @ George’s
Richard with another cutie
Trio of handsome studs
Richard always gets nice hugs
Hot couple @ George’s
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Sexy in the Capital City ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict
rpa ed stick par azzi
the pink pastor by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw Email: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com
Sweet Fruit from Bitter Trials
W
e have been covering a lot of trials and tribulations in our sermons at church this summer. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II called the year in which her sister and mother both died her ‘anuus horriblis’ or ‘horrible year’, and I think for the local and national economy, and for many other countries beside, 2010 has been pretty grim. Many in our church have lost jobs, homes and partners; we have suffered illness and suffered bereavement even as we have grown in faith and numbers beyond my wildest dreams. Many people approach Christianity (and indeed God in all senses) as a variety of celestial ATM, a sort of kitschy wishing well shrouded in gilt and scrollwork to whom we go whenever we want comfort, or better yet, whenever we WANT anything. There are even bizarre perversions of the Christian faith that tell us that the closer we are to God the more money, houses and uselessly expensive cars we will gain. In this scenario there is no self giving, just self seeking - there is no concept of God as the wellspring of hope,
hot tails of red stick ...from 36 1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe
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two friends can recognize. Whatever it is, it all came together again, and I’m anxious to do it again. Hopefully, this will be at the new Tonic. Get ready, John. I’m hoping to make it to that Grand Opening.
Miscellanea
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can’t tell you too much about Toby right now, but I will let you know more in the future. I ran into him at Cajun Cove, and I was impressed with his immediate and friendly charm. It was early in the evening, but we enjoyed our brief time there and even ran into each other again at George’s. I found him to be interesting, and his personality has caused me to wish for more – learning about him, that is. Whatever did you think I meant? I’m sure I’ll run into him again, and I’ll make it a point to see what I can learn and pass on to you. One of my favorite friends in the world is the beautiful Michael who has worked at George’s for such a long time. I fell for this magnificent Montana stud the first time I ever saw him. He reminded me a lot of Joey on the first time I met him. (And by the way, I hear he’s working at Cajun Cove now.) There is a fabulous personality and charm with Michael that grabs you immediately. This causes you to desire more contact, and when it comes to a bartender, it is great for the bar because you immediately have built in customer returns. I think I can safely say that every time I’ve been to George’s on Michael’s shift, there are always lots of customers there. He is just one of those super-nice guys that you want
grace and wisdom, but the wellspring of everything our greed desires. There is no humility, no grandeur of human optimism, no hope for something better than endless consumption, just endless satiation. The unending repetition of want, have, want, have, want, have. In truth we all know the situation is usually much more complex, we have needs as well as wants, and some of our wants are noble, soul expanding wants dreams that take us above ourselves, and make us more than just ‘our sweating selves’. Our appetites are inherent within us, whether for food, sex or water – they are not in themselves destructive or damaging. Rather it is our capacity for self distraction, for putting importance on the things of least importance that leads us to misery. Unless we have at least realized that the products sold on the shopping channel are not the route to fulfillment and growth then we are probably headed for a pretty poverty stricken spiritual existence. Jesus spoke this unwelcome wisdom when he asked his audience to ‘consider the lilies of the field’, he pointed out that they neither sowed nor reaped, yet were more glorious than King Solomon in all his splendor.
to hug and hug and hug – and then hug some more. My goodness! He is just so wonderful that I sometimes lose myself in lust. Hanley and his entourage were at George’s, and they are planning another great Halloween with some original costumes. I can assure you that they have created some of the best I’ve ever witnessed. You would never know who they were at first glance. Hanley is another of those outstanding young men who I have known for many years, and it is always nice to see him with his significant other and that sexy little bear stud. Time passes quickly, but the memories linger on. A lot of the neighborhood residents enjoy going to Hound Dogs. It has grown into one of the best of all the local bars with special appreciation going to their bartenders. I’ve told you about Joy many times, and I don’t know the night bartenders that well. It interferes with my bedtime hours and my love of NCIS, new and reruns. Then I got hooked on White Collar (with lust for handsome Neil), Covert Affairs, and lately Bones. That keeps me up watching re-runs. I think I’ll head over to Hound Dogs this week and check things out. I can walk there. Splash is on my list of places to go too. I haven’t seen Stephen in such a long time. I hear he worked in New Orleans this holiday. Now what in the world would he be involved in down in the Crescent City? I’ll check it out and report back. I also stopped at Guy and Richard’s home, and we talked outside for quite some time. It was early, and Richard was still asleep, but the two of us talked of old times and all good things about the future. Guy is another one that I really like, but
We may suffer poverty relative to our past or relative to our neighbors, and still need to know that in the eyes of God we are more glorious than Solomon in all his splendor! Wisdom comes from the gradual gathering of truth, the truth that lies deeper than mere facts and figures. This truth brings us closer to the reality that people have named God, and this truth frees us from fear and misery when the ‘stuff’ of this world falls away. It is no coincidence than many of those who humanity has thought richest in Spirit have been poor in possessions. Nobody understands better than the people of this city that losing all you own is nothing compared to losing one that you love – one that lived and breathed and embraced and cried and laughed. I have recently had to examine every opinion I hold. After seven years of marriage, my husband Leon and I have decided to part. We still love one another, but have had to accept that we need different things, and are too radically different to give one another happiness in a shared life. We are not villains to one another, and are genuinely parting friends, but despite the intellectual comfort this gives I feel the pain of loss like a knife in my heart. Next to a loss such as this possessions and privilege fall into sharp perspective. Like bereavement this pain rises and falls like waves in a storm. I understand through all this that God is not an extension of my needs – God does not exist to comfort me; God does however give me hope, and hope gives me comfort. God’s hope is that no matter what befalls me, if it is in the presence of that selfsame God then I am content with it. If God is God and I die, so be it. If God is God and I am paralyzed tomorrow, so be it. If God is God and I lose all I thought I wanted in life, then even from the gutter I can cry tears of joy for the grandeur of being able to glimpse that incomprehensible God. The God from which flows all things, and around which all life, all joy, all tears revolve. God is truth, and I want my life to be truthful always rather than comfortable fantasy; for one day the fantasy will be drawn aside, one day the vision will clear, and we who now see ‘through a glass darkly’ will see face to face. I want on that day to be reunited, not to be faced with the terrifying unknown. I want to become comfortable with the truth, not face it for the first time on my deathbed. Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. They meet every Sunday at 1pm (low mass said in the chapel) and 5pm (Praise and Worship service in the main sanctuary) at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. NOLA 70118 – ring or email for details: revcrawshaw@yahoo.com, 504.214.4340, www.bigeasymcc.com. when you have known someone for so long, it just seems that a friendship happens for a reason. I’m certainly glad for the good times we have had together. I could write a book on some of this, but I’d have to change all the names. And, yes, Dwayne - I was being really nice, but you should learn to knock first. Don’t make me tell about the uniform, the telephone call, and what happened to you that day. Or maybe I will. I’ll think about it.
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Reach the Market ONLY 3 ISSUES TIL HALLOWEEN!!!
Ambush 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
ambush
papar azzi
Marsha celebrate’s Rips 57th bday on August 29 @ Friendly Bar, hats courtesy of Misty
BSE’s Chuck Robinson serenaded by Jeanie Tracy
Tropical Isle’s Pam & Earl with Bourbon Pub Parade’s Sandy @ BSE
Michael Elias & The Corner Pocket Dancers kick off Decadence @ the Pocket New Orleans Superintendent of Police Ronal Serpas Erika Jayne is a showstopper
Hot Dancers do it with Erika Jayne 8th District Police Captain Edwin Hosli
The huge crowd estimated at over 25,000 for 7th Bourbon Street Extravaganza
Bear Decadence Beer Bust kicks off weekend @ Rawhide
Cy, Princesse Stephaney & Oz’s Johnny kick off Decadence Dingo @ Oz
Headliner Deborah Cox following her sensational performance in the Green Room
Rawhide’s new King of Decadence IV Charlie Bear & Barbara Ella @ Lafitte’s
Fam Tour participants Tony, Justin & Jeremy enjoy Barbara Ella & the men @ Good Friends USDA Prime Aged Beef contest
Voice of Pride winner Damian Faul
American Idol’s Kimberly Locke on stage
A salute to the Hispanic community
Scott Garrett sells his first leather voodoo doll to Ambush’s Marsha @ Phoenix
The lovely Teryl-Lynn Foxx (r) with her honey @ JohnPaul’s for Golden Age Revue’s Decadence Show
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Southern Decadence Highlights ~ New Orleans
7th Bourbon Street Extravaganza presented by Napoleon’s Itch ~ New Orleans
BSE Producer Chuck Robinson & Philip Pizzi
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SDGM Drag Show brings Divas R Us to the stage @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams returns to Tubby’s Golden Lantern for SDGM Drag Show
SDGM XXV Miss Love in SDGM Drag Show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern for SDGM Drag Show
Laura Tennison joins Ambush’s Marsha Naquin-Delain for the SD Gay Press Party hosted by Ambush
Bradley, Mike & Beth Ann @ the rooftop W party during Decadence for Passport Magazine
ambush
papar azzi
Harrah’s Marketing Team Karol & Luann flank SDGM Toby @ Harrah’s Men of Masquerade Decadence event Porn Star Rod served up drinks @ the Passport Party on the pool deck of the W
SDGM Drag Show special guest Moanalot Fontaine @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
SDGM Julien poses with one of the Men of Masquerade @ Harrah’s SD event NO/AIDS Task Force’s Cheryl Grace with her boys from Atlanta @ the Passport Party
Tubby’s Golden Lantern brought special guest Lola Fontaine to the SDGM Drag Show stage
Pride Source’s Susan Horowitz & Between The Lines’ Jan Stevenson join Ambush’s Rip Naquin-Delain for the Southern Decadence Gay Press Party hosted by Ambush
Instinct Magazine’s Mike Wood, Hotel Monteleone’s Marvin Andrade & The Advocate’s Jeremy Kinser @ the SD Gay Press Party hosted by Ambush
Harrah’s Dancer Chase in Masquerade for SD event
Jeff, Whiskey Blue GM Lane & Mark join Halloween Southern Decadence party @ Whiskey Blue
Coca & Tony’s new “it” boy Eddie @ the opening weekend of Candy Bar
Former SDGM Errol selling Clover Grill’s big weenies the entire weekend of Decadence
42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Excitement @ 39th Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Larry Bagneris presents Mayoral Proclamations to SDGMs XXXVI Toby & Julien during SDGM Drag Show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Porn Stars Steven Richards & Scott Garret join Quartermaster’s Misael, along with MCs Lady Hope & Michael Brandon in SDGM Drag Show
Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43
44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 14-27, 2010 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM