Ambush magazine volume 28 issue 23 by Ambush Publishing

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

24th Art Against AIDS Dec. 11th

n Saturday, December 11th, The Shops at Canal Place will be the setting for the 24th annual Art Against AIDS holiday gala & auction from 8:30pm to midnight. Out of the Frame and Off the Wall is this year’s theme and the event promises to be just that - off the wall! There will be amazing art, local and national celebrities designing ornaments and, as always, stellar cuisine and entertainment. This year’s event will feature a newly expanded retail space, The Holiday Boutique, with more art, and hand-crafted creations by local jewelers and artisans as well as the always popular ornaments designed by local school children. The centerpiece of the evening will be a silent auction with some of the region’s best works of art, and items and gift certificates donated by local merchants and retailers. All proceeds benefit the men, women and families NO/AIDS Task Force serves. Guests will be able to enjoy some of the area’s finest cuisine provided by area restaurants, hotels and caterers. Mike Theis and other Where Y’at celebrity bartenders will make sure the drinks keep coming from the open bar, provided by Absolut Vodka, Coors Light and the Goldring Family Foundation. This year’s entertainment will be provided by Josh Duffy and a special guest DJ. Twenty four years ago Art Against AIDS was initiated by Arthur Roger as a sale of ornaments displayed in his gallery. In that first year over 1,000 ornaments were sold and helped raise over $60,000 for AIDS awareness and services for people affected by HIV and AIDS. Again this year, Art Against AIDS is honoring its roots by featuring the initial item that made this fundraiser a success: the ornament. Local, emerging and nationally known artists will design and create original ornaments. In addition, this year Art Against AIDS will also feature “Celebrity Ornaments” in the silent auction. Gala guests will be able to bid on ornaments hand painted by local and regional celebs, as well as several internationally known A-listers! NO/AIDS Task Force hopes you will be able to join them as a Patron this year,

and be part of an extremely exciting and unique celebration. The Patron Party is from 7:30 to 8:30pm, and during this time you will be able to sample cuisine from some of the city’s finest eateries, enjoy complimentary cocktails, preview the silent auction and place early bids. Remember that your patron ticket also guarantees you an original work of art - you will be able to select an original ornament created by an area artist during the private patron party. Patrons will make their selection on a first come, first serve basis, so we suggest you arrive early for the best selection. Art Against AIDS gala tickets start at $50; Patron tickets are $200 for individuals and $350 for couples tickets (couples ticket include the selection of only one ornament). Tickets can be purchased by calling 504.821.2601 ext. 216 or in person at the Task Force’s main offices at 2601 Tulane Avenue, 5th floor. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the event for the same price. Art Against AIDS 2010 is presented by The John Burton Harter Charitable Trust. Other sponsors include: Avita Drugs, The Goldring Family Foundation, Absolut Vodka, Coors Light, Mardi Gras Productions, The Shops at Canal Place, The Times Picayune, The Gambit, Nola.com, AmbushMag, Where Y’at Magazine, and Offbeat Magazine. For over 27 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana. The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why our agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications assistance and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of our entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts.

Help Name New Bar @ Hotel Le Marais

he upscale and trendy Hotel Le Marais has a new bar with specialty tequila drinks, and wines

Thanksgiving, Fall Restaurant Guide, World AIDS Day Issue out Nov. 23 DEADLINE: Tues., Nov. 16

inside

24th art against aids celebrazzi obituary/sylvia frank halloween 27 paparazzi/nola halloween 27 paparazzi/nola under the gaydar paparazzi/mobile

5 6 12 16 28 22 26

classifieds acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette the pink pastor big easy paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie

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by the glass. It overlooks the heated, saltwater courtyard pool in the new luxury boutique property at 717 Conti Street in New Orleans French Quarter. The bar serves small plates and offers big screen video and premium quality mixed drinks. It’s signature drink is purple! Help name this new happening spot! The winner whose selection is picked, will be treated to a night at the new hotel, and a $75 bar tab at the new bar! To enter the contest, visit www.hotellemarais.com/nightlife and click for the online entry form! Contest will run until November 13th, one entry per person.

Mr. LA Leather Troy Powell Hosts Leather Archives Fundraiser

n Sunday, November 14, a fundraiser will be held by the Lords of Leather from 2 to 5pm at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields Avenue, to establish the Lords of Leather Archives at the Louisiana State Museum. The Louisiana State Museum is the complex of state-funded history museums that includes the Cabildo, Presbytère, Old U.S. Mint, 1850 House, Madame John’s Legacy, and museums in Baton Rouge, Patterson, Thibodaux, and Natchitoches. The event is hosted by Troy Powell, the newly crowned Mr. Louisiana Leather 2011.

ter in St. Bernard Parish. In 2009, the Lords of Leather began donating archival materials to the Carnival Collection at the Louisiana State Museum, including a large group of original costume sketches, posters, original poster art, and a nearly complete collection of ball programs. Among the archival materials placed in the new archive was a set of programs from the Mr. Louisiana Leather title competitions, which began in 1988 as Mr. New Orleans Leather. Additional materials are being gathered for the archive, including ball films, and a new ball program, ball invitation, and costume sketches will be added to the collection each year. Hosted by Troy Powell, who recently earned his sash as Mr. Louisiana Leather 2011, the fundraiser on November 14, entitled Bound & Sleeved, will help 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-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin

Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy Powell The Lords of Leather is the first gay Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans to establish an archive at the Louisiana State Museum, which holds the largest collection of Louisiana Carnival materials in the world, including over three hundred original costumes and costume accessories, as well as a vast collection of thousands of original historic and contemporary costume and float designs, photographs, ball programs, ball invitations, and favors. The purpose of creating this archive is document the history and activities of the Lords of Leather, which is the only leather-oriented Mardi Gras krewe and not-for-profit leather-oriented social club in New Orleans. The Lords of Leather was organized in 1983 and gave its first bal masque in 1984. In 2011, the Lords will celebrate their 28th annual Bal Masque with a long-awaited return to the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Cen-

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 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2010, 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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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

hese glamourous celebrities, Opal Masters of Covington, Louisiana, Rona Conners of Plantation, Florida and Marsha Naquin-Delain of New Orleans, set the tone for The Lazarus Ball benefiting Project Lazarus. The Thursday night Halloween 27 kickoff at the New Orleans Museum of Art was Black Tie Optional this year, and was rated as one of the very best Thursday night kick-offs for the four day circuit party extravaganza in its history by Ambush Magazine.

he New Orleans Museum of Art was the elegant backdrop for Thursday's The Lazarus Ball kicking off Halloween 27: Famous, in New Orleans in grand style. Halloween co-chairs Dustin Woehrmann and Jerry Q. Fredieu present the prestigious Paul Plauche Award to Toby Lefort for his outstanding efforts on behalf of the Halloween in New Orleans (HalloweenNewOrleans.COM) organization which puts on the four day event each year benefiting Project Lazarus.

he Gargoyles won top honors as the Best Couple Costume at Halloween 27: Famous hosted at Mardi Gras World East Bank in New Orleans. Thousands packed the convention space for the spectacular main event of the four day weekend. Costumed revelers traveled in from throughout the United States and from around the world. Past Halloween circuit parties have raised over $4 million for Project Lazarus. For more info visit HalloweenNewOrleans.COM.

uzzy's Boys & Girls' (William J. Fanning Foundation) Marty Curtin, Steve Tregre, Inge and Todd Scurto, Koo Gaffney and Rodney Manko joined Art In The Hood Auction and Dinner hosted by Cutter's in New Orleans. Every October, the bar presents Art In The Hood benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls. This year an astounding $6,600 was raised including a $2,500 donation from TJ Maxx according to Cutter's bar baron Mac McAll. Since 2003, and including this year's total, the art exhibition has raised over $27,600 for the popular HIV/AIDS charity. For additional information visit CuttersBar.BIZ or BuzzysBoysAndGirls.ORG.

ill Page joins Benefit For Life organizer Darrin Ferris and Thomas Bruneau at 4 Seasons in Metairie raising $1,636 for NO/AIDS Task Force. With over 50 raffle items, donations and an all star cast this first time out event was a huge success. Watch for an even bigger and better event next year.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 Lords of Leather and the Louisiana State Museum acquire archivally appropriate supplies to house the archive. The event will also celebrate the 40th birthday of Louisiana State Museum Curator of Carnival Collections, Wayne Phillips, who is a Baron in the Lords of Leather. The event will take place upstairs at JohnPaul’s. The $5 donation at the door will provide attendees with delicious food supplied by Mona Lisa. There will be birthday party games and confections from the Kupcake Factory with Mardi Gras-style babies inside a select few cupcakes that can be traded for door prizes from Dunn & Sonnier Flowers & Antiques, the Plant Gallery, Jäger Haus German Restaurant and Bar, A-OK Men’s Gear, and the Louisiana State Museum. Casual attire is appropriate for the event. For more information about the Lords of Leather, please visit www.LordsOfLeather.com. For more information about the Louisiana State Museum, please visit http://lsm.crt.state.la.us.

Call for Musicians! French Quarter Festival April 8-10, 2011, Deadline Nov. 15 French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) is now accepting applications for local musicians interested in performing at the 28th annual French Quarter Festival, to be held April 8, 9 and 10, 2011. Interested performers are encouraged to access the application online at www.fqfi.org. The deadline for application is November 15, 2010. The 2011 festival will feature over 250 hours of great local music across 18 stages throughout the historic French Quarter. In 2010, over half a million people attended French Quarter Festival. In 2009, French Quarter Festival was voted ‘Best Festival’ six times. French Quarter Festival showcases Louisiana musicians, exclusively, with genres including traditional and contemporary jazz to rhythm and blues, funk, brass band, folk, gospel, rock, reggae, Latin and classical. French Quarter Festival’s Entertainment Committee makes the final selection of local and regional artists who will perform at the ‘largest free festival in the South’. Louisiana musicians (both union and non-union), are encouraged to apply. Nonunion musicians may apply after securing a performance sponsor, (union musicians

can do this also, but it is not necessary). The performance sponsor compensates the musicians directly for their French Quarter Festival performance, in return for publicity and marketing benefits offered by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. Members of the local Musicians Union may receive compensation for their performance from the AFM Musicians Performance Fund, a major sponsor of the festival, if selected to perform at the festival. To download an application, or for more information about the performance sponsorship, visit the FQFI website: www.fqfi.org and click on the word ‘application’ at the top of the page. To request an application by mail, contact Entertainment Manager Greg Schatz at 504.522.5730 or via email at greg@fqfi.org. French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest and Christmas New Orleans Style.

New Orleans Fringe Festival is a Wild Week with Five Days of Theater, Nov. 17-21

ow wild? Sea-monster aerialists, revolutionary cabaret, lab science rock-n-roll run amuck, theater-in-a-truck, a Chinese poetry and washtub band, a freakshow with real freaks, industrial-strength butoh, border-war stories, the Weinermobile, bicycle clowns and bingo drama, puppets and fetishists, gorgeous dance in a crumbling church, and a teeny tiny train that you have a ticket to ride...The complete lineup and schedule for New Orleans Fringe Festival is available at www.nofringe.org. Tickets are $8 with the one-time purchase of a festival button ($3), and a 5show pass is $30. One ticket is good for any one show. Tickets are available online at www.nofringe.org before the festival, and during the Festival at the venues or at the Free-For-All Tent on the corner of Press and Dauphine in the Marigny. Can’t decide what to see? Come to the free Fringe Peep Shows, Wednesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 18 from 5-7 pm to see previews of many of the shows at the Fringe and enjoy free NOLA Brew and Old New Orleans Rum. Louisiana groups are pushing all performance boundaries: “Revenge from the Deep Water” is an aerialist circus arts scifi fantasy, “Music for Supervillians” is an

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FreakShow Deluxe @ New Orleans Fringe Festival insane lab rock ‘n’ roll musical by the Consortium of Genius, “Lead Paint Libretto” is a musical rock comedy with puppets and dance about the insanity of deadly lead paint, “Du Fu, Mississippi” by ArtSpot combines the poems of an 8th Century Chinese poet with an old-time washtub bass band, “Shut Up & Fly” is Asia Rainey’s fluid and powerful spoken word story of three generations of women, “N.O. Soul” is a satire of when all black people go missing on Super Sunday, and “Dream of the Marionettes” from Lafayette is a burlesque musical with human puppets. Plus many more local artists.

Visiting groups are coming from all over, bringing their own flavor of Fringe. Highlights include Tit8lou from Switzerland/Italy in their bicycle clowning show “Duo Roccoco”, “FreakShow Deluxe” from Los Angeles is ultimate sideshow with chainsaws, lightbulbs, needles, knives and body parts. In “For Kingdom and Fatherland” a Pakistani-Norwegian Muslim comic tells her hilarious, moving story, “Bombs, Babes and Bingo” from Fayetteville, Arkansas is strange, dark twisting plot that never ends the same way twice, “52 Man Pickup” features the outrageous sexploits of Desiree Burch from New York City, “The Truck Project” is a roving theater in a moving truck, and from Northern Ireland comes “Don’t Go Back to the Dreamhouse”

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Duo Roccoco @ New Orleans Fringe Festival

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industries to continuously promote the Greater New Orleans region as a place to live and work. With our state ranked seventh on the survey, it is clear that we-and our local partners-are succeeding.” ”This terrific news is a reflection of Louisiana’s continued economic progress during a difficult national economic period,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret. “Our dramatically improved ranking is in large part the result of our recent business development successes, as well as our aggressive marketing efforts focused on closing the gap between the perception and reality of Louisiana’s business climate. While we are pleased with our progress, we are not slowing down — we are going to keep working hard to strengthen Louisiana’s position as the emerging economic powerhouse of the South.” The improvement in Site Selection‘s rankings is the most recent item in a long list of accolades received by the state. In August 2010, Louisiana earned the first-ever Most Improved State designation in Pollina Corporate Real Estate’s rankings of top states for business based on its improvement from 2008 to 2010. In July 2010, Louisiana FastStart was ranked the best state workforce training program in the country by Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development magazine named Louisiana “Costate of the Year” for the second consecutive year, also in July.

New Orleans Photo Alliance Announces Winner of Inaugural $5,000 Clarence John Laughlin Award the "official" dish ...from 8 a cabaret about revolution in the 1930s set to bawdy, catchy tunes. Dance is a special feature at the Fringe, with the gorgeous and vulnerable duet tEEth in “Home Made” from Portland, Oregon. FREEFALL returns from New York City with “lie, lay, laid”, accompanied by local band “Why are We Building Such a Big Ship”. “The Divine Feminine” by Chard Gonzalez Dance Ensemble of New Orleans, “Bayou Butoh” from Natchitoches, Louisiana performs at the Old Iron Works in conjunction with MultiSpecies SWARM, “Trail of Tears” from Birmingham Alabama, and “The Tale of Mephisto” a comic satire by local group International Theatre Laboratorium complete a tremendous dance lineup at the Fringe. This is just a taste. For the complete lineup, visit http://www.nofringe.org/ shows_2010.html. The Festival organizes six performance venues at grassroots theaters and unusual spaces in the downtown neighborhoods of the Bywater and Marigny, including the Skull Club, Shadowbox Theatre, Den of Muses, NOLA Candle Factory, Church on St. Ferdinand, and Party World. There is also the Bring Your Own Venue option where artists organize their own spaces. In total, 22 venues will be presenting over 150 shows during the Festival. New this year will be a full schedule of free kid’s activities, called Family Fringe, at the Fringe Free-for-All Tent on Saturday and Sunday, November 20-21, 11am-5pm. Family Fringe will feature a range of free kids arts activities, including improvisation, crafts, open-mike for kids, Nola Rising Paint Party, puppet shows, drum circle, double dutching, and The ReUse District Art Yard. The eccentric GoodChildren Fringe Parade will be rolling down St. Claude from Poland Avenue at 2pm on Saturday, November 20 to the rhythms of the GoodChildren Marching Band and to the steps of performers and neighborhood types alike.

Spoken word is being brought to the forefront at a new free Fringe event involving several generations of New Orleans’ most accomplished spoken word artists. Called “Bam Bam Boom! Baby Boom!!”, this free-to-the-public evening at The Maison at 508 Frenchman Saturday, November 20 at 7pm and again at 9pm. The Fringe is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded by local arts organizers to nurture fearless theater in New Orleans and to benefit artists, venues, neighborhoods and local businesses. This program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. This program is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans. Sponsors: Louisiana Division of the Arts, Arts Council of New Orleans, City of New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Bywater Neighborhood Association, Whole Foods Market, Bernard Productions, NOLA Brewing Company, Old New Orleans Rum, NOLA.com and a host of local businesses and individuals.

Louisiana Breaks Top Ten for First Time in History in Business Climate Rankings

ite Selection magazine released its annual Top State Business Climate Rankings. Thanks to a successful year of business development wins-many in Greater New Orleans-Louisiana placed ninth best in the United States, up from its ranking of 25th in 2009. The recently released ranking is the highest mark to date for Louisiana; it is also the first time Louisiana has appeared in the top 10 in the 18-year history of the publication’s rankings. ”Our rise in the rankings reflects the progress we’ve made as a region and a state,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Over the last year, companies have made major investments resulting in significant job and wealth creation for Louisianians. Since January, we have seen several businesses—such as Blade Dynamics, Globalstar, Folgers, Atlantic Metrocast, and The Receivables Exchange—commit to creating nearly 2,400 new jobs in our region.” Site Selection bases its rankings on two sets of information: 50 percent of the calculation is based on a survey of site selection consultants and other corporate executives who decide locations for major business development projects, and the remaining 50 percent is based on quantitative measures primarily linked to the national Conway Data New Plant Database of new and expanded business facility activity. Louisiana ranked seventh best on the executive survey and ninth best based on quantitative measures. ”Validating our efforts, half of the calculation for this ranking takes into account the feedback of site selectors around the nation,” said Hecht. “We have been committed to building and maintaining relationships with partners in the site selection and corporate real estate

he New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) is pleased to announce the winner of its first annual Clarence John Laughlin Award. Juror John Wood selected Charles Grogg as the recipient of the $5,000 award, which was established to recognize and reward a fine art photographer who is creating or has completed a significant body of photographic work. John Wood writes: “Charles Grogg’s photographs are hauntingly beautiful. And they are strange. But they are strange in a way that most “strange” photographs are not. There is no violence, no brutality, no shock, except the shock of authentic art, that shock that forces a viewer back again and again to look at them and keeps them as fresh on the one hundredth viewing as they were on the first.” “What pulls us back is a resonance that is at once both fresh but also familiar, new but not unknown. We know all the things of Charles Grogg’s world, but we have never seen them before in such combinations. And we have seldom seen them rendered with such beauty.” See Charles Grogg’s winning portfolio, John Wood’s entire essay and the complete list of finalists at: http:// neworleansphotoalliance.org/grants/CJL_Award/2010/ The Clarence John Laughlin Award was created by NOPA to support the work of photographers who use the medium as a means of creative expression. It honors the life and work of Clarence John Laughlin (1905-1985), a New Orleans photographer best known for his surrealist images of the American South. The Clarence John Laughlin Award grants one $5,000 prize annually to a photographer whose work exhibits sustained artistic excellence and creative vision. John Wood, Editor of 21st Editions, served as the inaugural juror. The New Orleans Photo Alliance will present the award to Charles Grogg on December 4th during the fifth annual PhotoNOLA festival. Charles Grogg (b.1966, Gary, Indiana) is an American contemporary artist and photographer. He resides in southern California where he produces fractured photographic images printed in platinum and palladium on handmade Japanese washi which are restitched into whole images and frequently feature tethers, sutures or other three dimensional productions. The resulting images focus on issues of growth and restraint, hesitation and power. His images have been published widely in fine art photography periodicals internationally. To see more of Grogg’s work, visit his website: www.charlesgroggphotography.net The New Orleans Photo Alliance was formed by a diverse group of photographers in 2006 to foster community

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the "official" dish ...from 10

obituary A Fond Farewell to Sylvia DeSylva Frank (Nov. 29, 1914-Oct. 24, 2010)

or so, white balloons and black pens were passed around for everyone to write their personal message to Sylvia. Once the second line band arrived, patrons went outside for the balloon release. One guest noted that all of the balloons had missed the power

ylvia DeSylva Frank, a legendary philanthropist, and dear friend to the GLBT community, passed away October 24, 2010. A celebration of her life was hosted by The Friendly Bar in New Orleans. The neighborhood bar was packed to capacity as friends gathered with her long-time partner Pat Skelly to remember and toast Sylvia. Many spoke out on the wonder that was Sylvia Frank. One of Ambush's favorite memories was at Sylvia's Surprise Birthday Party last year when Sylvia stated, "Age is just a number and mine is unlisted!" Guests were treated to some great eats brought in by various patrons of the bar. After celebrating for an hour and a half

lines and were heading uptown where Sylvia and Pat resided. The second line band then headed to Feeling's Cafe for a champagne toast, then on to Big Daddy's and back to The Friendly to complete the celebration.

The Late Sylvia Frank & Pat Skelly @ Sylvia's Surprise Birthday Last Year

She will be sadly missed by Pat and all of her friends and those that got the chance to know her.

and opportunities for photographers in the Gulf South. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of photography. NOPA currently serves more than 400 members from Louisiana and throughout the United States. Since its inception NOPA has sponsored numerous photographic exhibitions, workshops and educational programs, including PhotoNOLA, the annual photography festival held each December in New Orleans. NOPA administers two $5000 annual awards, The Michael P. Smith Fund For Documentary Photography and the Clarence John Laughlin Award. To learn more about the New Orleans Photo Alliance, please visit our website at www.neworleansphotoalliance.org.

Major Antiques Show @ Old U.S. Mint Draws Dealers & Collectors from Across the Nation Dec. 3-5

here’s a great new reason to visit New Orleans this season – the Winter Art & Antiques Show, December 3-5, at the Louisiana State Museum’s landmark Old U.S. Mint building at 400 Esplanade Avenue in the French Quarter.

“The Family of Hummingbirds” by John Gould, 19th Century, courtesy of Sheryl Cambpell Prints and Paintings, Baton Rouge Presented by Fine Art & Antiques and Louisiana Life magazines, the show features displays of art and antiques from 20 exhibitors as well as expert lectures, panel discussions, entertainment and refreshments. “We’re delighted by the response from dealers to our inaugural show,” said Rebecca Stahr, Louisiana State Museum director of development. “In addition to New Orleans and the South, exhibitors are coming from across the nation, bringing art and antiques in a full range of categories and periods.” Among categories represented are English, Continental, American, Louisiana

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the "official" dish ...from 12 and Caribbean furniture from the seventeenth through early twentieth centuries; jewelry; rare Oriental rugs; lighting; fine paintings, drawings, and sculpture; and American primitive and folk art.

Glass vase with gilt bronze stand, Qing dynasty, courtesy of Asiantiques, Winter Park, FL The three-day weekend show opens Friday, December 3 with an elegant preview party and seated dinner featuring classic New Orleans restaurants. Tickets for the party are $150 and $250 per person. The show is open to the public on Saturday, December 4 from 10am to 6:30pm, and on Sunday, December 5, from 12noon to 5pm. General admission is $15. “New Orleans has long been a center for art and antiques, and also good living,” Stahr said. “We designed the show’s programs and events to reflect that ambience. It’s all about connoisseurship and conviviality.” Tickets to all events are available online at www.winterartandantiques.com. Proceeds benefit the Louisiana State Museum’s acquisition and conservation programs.

Lafitte's Presents 18th Red Party Nov. 20th Benefiting Belle Reve

afe Lafitte In Exile, 901 Bourbon Street, will present the 18th annual Red Party on Saturday, November 20th in New Orleans. The staff turnabout show benefits Belle Reve once again this year.

America, contact Lafitte's manager Jerry Billiot or visit Lafittes.COM.

“Repeal DADT” iPhone Application Released

ervicemembers United, the nation’s largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, has released its first iPhone application. The application, called “Repeal DADT,” can be downloaded for free from the iPhone app store immediately. “We are proud and excited to be able to offer our community this innovative new advocacy tool, especially as we approach another period in which being informed and calling senate offices will be crucial,” said Jarrod Chlapowski, Servicemembers United’s Field Director. “Despite the lowest budget of any organization working on the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ issue, Servicemembers United is committed to creativity, innovation, and outside-the-box thinking, and this iPhone app is the latest manifestation of that mindset.” Servicemembers United’s “Repeal DADT” iPhone application provides users with a wide array of current information on the status of DADT, facts and talking points, extensive polling data on gays in the military, and links to DADT-related social media sites and ongoing online campaigns. The app also provides contact information for the senate offices of each state and incorporates tap-to-call functionality, allowing users to call their senators’ offices directly from the app. More functionality and features will be added in subsequent updates. This development and release of an iPhone application as a political advocacy tool is a first for an LGBT organization. Another application was released in 2009 that displays the rankings of private corporations with respect to LGBT equality, but that application contained no political advocacy functionality. The “Repeal DADT” iPhone app was developed for Servicemembers United by Wells

Don't be left out! Over 85 Distribution Points in the Gulf South

Ambush Past Red Parties have raised over $78,800 for local charities. The theme is It's Raining Red and each staff member will embellish a red umbrella up for auction at the end of each talent presentation. Local celebrity Blanche Debris of Oz fame will emcee the affair. There are loads of great raffle prizes, so get your raffle tickets from your favorite bartender. For more on the oldest gay bar/club in North

Thanksgiving Deadline: Tuesday, November 16

5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Consulting, LLC of Washington, DC. For more information about Servicemembers United and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” please visit www.ServicemembersUnited.org. To download the “Repeal DADT” iPhone application, please visit the iPhone app store and search for “Repeal DADT.”

Harrah's Takes Top Honors in Strictly Slots "Best of Slots" Awards

he votes are in! Harrah’s New Orleans hits the jackpot in Strictly Slots’ “Best of Slots” awards for 2010. The prop-erty takes top honors in 27 categories, including best hotel and best casino in the annual rankings, in the November issue of Strictly Slots magazine. ”It is an honor to be recognized as the best in 27 categories,” said Dan Real, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s New Orleans. “This honor is a representation of the hard work and dedication of our employees and the commitment we have to our community to provide world class entertainment to locals and visitors alike.” Strictly Slots readers ranks Harrah’s New Orleans number one in categories ranging from accommodations, gaming, service and dining. The award-winning hotel located at the foot of Canal Street places first as the best overall casino hotel featuring the best hotel rooms. The casino is rated best overall in the country and the best for winning big with the top video poker, penny and high-end slots, and comps. In addition, Harrah’s New Orleans employees rank best in categories including slot hosts, cocktail service and slot club staff. When it comes to food, Harrah’s New Orleans ranks first for best buffet and best steakhouse for Ruth’s Chris on Fulton Square. For more information on Harrah’s New Orleans, visit www.harrahsneworleans.com.

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paparazzi

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Famous ~ The Main Event, Halloween 27 @ Mardi Gras World ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin-Delain

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Dawn & Karl Ruth & Chris

Thursday night chair Nick gets serenaded by MoJeaux

Bubble Boy Stephan & Steve Kemble

John, John & Rob

Tony & Halloween 27 co-chair Jerry Hot men from Aspen

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Halloween 27 Sponsor Ambush’s Marsha & Rip Naquin-Delain

Vegas Tapas owner Glen & Nick

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More hot men Jorge & Gary

The Fashion Show by The Shops at Canal Place

NO/AIDS Task Force's Cheryl Grace & Wayne Christenberry

Mardi Gras Productions’ Bubble Boys

Dan Adams & David Dietrich

Some of the pretty people

Laura & Cheryl

NO/AIDS Task Force staff

The Fashion Show finale

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The Lazarus Ball @ New Orleans Museumof Art ~ Halloween 27 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin-Delain, Darwin Reed

Rona Conners with Darwin Reed & Opal Masters

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

Bartender of the Month

his is one of my favorite parts of the column, because I get a chance to tell people about some of the most colorful characters in our community, and the most important people in my world, the bartenders. The bartender of the month feature is a wonderful and expressive way for me to spotlight someone who deserves recognition for doing an outstanding job. Being a bartender in the gay community here is like being an ambassador for New Orleans. And, there is no better cheerleader for the Big Easy than my pick for November. He is known by several names, Samson, Sammy or Paloma, but no matter whatever name you call him, there is no denying that he is one of the top bartenders at the Bourbon Pub and in the city. It is no wonder that he was chosen to be Southern Decadence Grand Marshal alongside Tittie Toulouse. When you walk into the Pub, his smile lights up the room and he has the most distinctive and endearing laughs of anyone I know. He does not just work the bar, he lives it, his customers are his friends. He is one of those rare people where the cliché is true, Sammy has never met a stranger. Samson, Sammy or Paloma November Bartender of the Month When you are in Sammy’s section at the Pub, you become enveloped in his world. He makes you laugh, serves you a great drink, and if you are from out of town, he becomes your gay visitor center. He is always upbeat and his vitality lifts your spirits no matter what mood you are in. You just can’t help but like this guy, which is a wonderful asset as a bartender. So when you have a chance, stop by the Pub located at 801 Bourbon Street and say hi to Sammy. If you are lucky, he may gift you with one of his bar cocktail napkin flowers, which is always a treat.

Holiday Pies For Sale

ood For Friends, a program of the NO/AIDS Task Force that provides home delivered meals and food pantry allotments for men, women and children infected and affected by the HIV disease, will be selling pies for the Thanksgiving holiday. This is an effort to raise much needed funds due to cuts in the federal funding. By purchasing pies from Food For Friends this holiday season you will ensure that others do not sit down to an empty table this Thanksgiving Day. The monies raised from the sale of just one pie can guarantee that four people will not go hungry on this very special holiday. Palate New Orleans, a local caterer who currently prepares all of the home delivered meals for Food For Friends, has generously donated their time, talent and recipes to bake the pies for the 3rd Annual Holiday Pie Sale. You can choose from apple, pecan and pumpkin pies for your Thanksgiving feast. Each 9” pie is only $15. If you buy five or more pies, there is free delivery in Orleans and Jefferson Parish only. You are able to even select your own pick up date of either Monday, November 22 or Tuesday, November 23. For more information on ordering your pies, call Glen Kahrman with Food For Friends at 504.821.2040 or email him at glenk@noaidstaskforce.org. Orders should be placed by November 17. I cannot see any better way to show appreciation this Thanksgiving, than giving the gift of food to those less fortunate.

October Rocked in New Orleans This Year

here is no other way to describe the month of October in New Orleans than amazing. This month was a plethora of incredible parties, famous celebrities and wicked happenings. October has always been my favorite month out of the year for two reasons, my birthday and Halloween, which is my favorite holiday. I wanted to share with you just a few of the main highlights that made this month so special. As always, my birthday celebration was fun filled with well wishers and flowing libations at John Paul’s on October 11 which also happened to be National Coming Out Day. My birthdays have been known to be a little wild, but it was nice to take it easy this year and do something more sedate. Then shortly after that on October 18, my company Mardi Gras Productions, worked on the Cablevision event that came to town. It was held at the House of Blues and I have to say that it truly ranks as one of the top ten spectacular parties I have thrown. Jonn Hamm, the star of Mad Men, was the host of the event and he has to be one of the most gorgeous men I have ever met. This event had everything from drag queens greeting to photo opps with live snakes and alligators. In the spirit of the season and to promote their new cable show “The Walking Dead” on AMC, there was a staged zombie attack on a cab outside the HOB. There was a also photo

The star of Mad Men Jonn Hamm at the Cabelvision Party @ House of Blues booth with a Voodoo bride and groom, fortune tellers, top notch musical entertainment which included the owner of the company’s band JD and the Straight Shot. There was costumed areas for guests to dress up or have their face painted. Over 1,000 costumes and accessories were supplied for the guests. It was an interactive evening that engulfed all your senses from the moment you walked through the door until you left. The music, the food, the sights, the entire experience was just superb. On Saturday, October 23, I was part of the team that helped throw the opening reception for the Presbytere’s new Katrina exhibit that has garnered worldwide press. It was a beautiful night under the stars in Jackson Square. If you have a chance you have to check out this exhibit. The following day was the final Halloween host party held at Jim Mounger’s home, which turned into quite a soiree. His home is just stunning and his art collection is extraordinary. Some people even dressed in costume at this party getting into the spirit of the holiday early. By the time the following weekend rolled around, I was feeling the fame. Halloween 27, a benefit for Lazarus House, kicked off Thursday night with a reception at the Museum of Art. It was a magical evening, from the lights that illuminated the entire front of the building to the silent auction which had some of the most incredible art, gift items and services. The elegant evening boasted food from some of the best restaurants and caterers in the city (my favorite was the shrimp dish from Vega Tapas), a great dance band and hot champagne bubble boys at the entrance. The fashion show sponsored by The Shops at Canal Place was filled with beefy eye candy. After the NOMA event, I still had the party fever so I headed over to Pat O'Brien’s for their annual Halloween bash at Jax Brewery. The costumes were fun and the guests were really getting wicked when I got there. There is nothing that says fun more than straight boys with clouded judgment and horny intentions. Friday I stopped in for a minute at the office, then was off to the Halloween Patron and Sponsor Brunch at the lovely home of Dr. Carlos Trujillo located on St. Phillip Street. The food was delicious, with my favorite being the brownie graveyard, very cute and unique presentation. There was a one of a kind, festively attired band that had a unique street sound. The brunch was an intimate setting for Halloween to give a special thanks to the people that

help make the events a success. Then after a quick disco nap, I was ready to hit the party at the House of Blues. And what a party it was. The DJ’s they had playing worked the crowd up into a frenzy. There were hot girls shaking their sweet bottoms on lighted dance cubes flanking the stages in both the VIP area and the main room. The main stage was completely spotlighted by a huge lighted

“Fame” sign. Saturday swept over me like a tidal wave. Jeff Mallon, aka Elizabeth Bouvier, and I caught the Halloween parade at the beginning which was the perfect way to start off the night. Then we went back to my house to change into our costumes for a little pre-party cocktail gathering I had at my humble abode for some friends and clients. Our group was feeling famous and we were lucky to be joined by none other than America’s sassiest lifestyle guru Steve Kemble. We arrived to the party in a stretch limousine with a mélange of costumes which included Aladdin and Jasmine, Pac Man, a peacock, Colin Farrell, Audrey Hepburn (who Jeff nailed perfectly) and me as Sir Elton John. Steve came in nothing but hot pants, boots and a painted purple ribbon on his chest to honor the victims of bullying. Upon arrival at Mardi Gras World, Frank De Caro from Sirius Radio interviewed both Steve Kemble and myself. What a fun way to start of the night. The music was good, the crowd was huge, and the costumes this year were creative and inspired. I loved the Famous Dicktators and the Royal Family. The midnight show was an action packed visual extravaganza with sexy women choreographed perfectly with athletically toned male gymnasts. I partied there until the wee hours of the morning then took the shuttle back to the Quarter for some more fun, then stumbled to the Marigny for a few more cocktails. Strangely enough pieces of costume seemed to disappear throughout the night. The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready. Jeff crawled out of his hole and met me at my house with church hats with matching veils. We color coordinated out outfits with the hats and ventured out into the day. We stopped at a bar along the way, where I misplaced my wig from the night before, which we named Cindy. Amazingly enough we found Cindy behind the bar resting atop a bottle of Jack Daniels. That trampy little minx. My hat and disco ball cod piece had somehow made into Elizabeth’s Tiffany bag, so they too were rescued. My rhinestone sunglasses unfortunately met with a worse fate and could not be salvaged. Next we maneuvered our way through the massive crowds in the Quarter to the Natchez for the final event for Halloween. This was one of my favorite events, because it gave us time to visit with people, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mississippi River and have a great brunch of jambalaya

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under the gaydar ...from 22 and greasy fried chicken. Just what the doctor ordered. They announced the winners of the costume contest, we danced to some great 80’s tunes and partied until the boat docked. A handful of us went to the gay bars to see the sights and decided to have an impromptu party on the balcony of Ambush Magazine. We indulged in more drinks and watched the parade of costumed revelers pass under us. After a few hours, we came down and joined the masses. After another few hours, my energy was spent so I took a cab home. I sat my semi drunk butt down on the couch, watched a scary movie and ordered some comfort food from Bywater BBQ for dinner. What a restful way to end a perfect weekend. I even gave out some candy to the few kids who knocked on my door in the Marigny. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did this Halloween weekend. Now hold on because Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. This was also a month that we said good-bye to some dear friends. I went to two memorials for very special people. One was Toni Pizanie, who was a very popular member of the gay community and writer for Ambush, and the other was Myrtis Butzman, Becky Allen’s mother who supported the community and was a great friend of the Krewe of Satyricon. Ladies thank you for enhancing so many peoples’ lives, we will miss you tremendously.

Satyricon Hosts

his is your last reminder that the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is starting off the holiday festivities with their annual holiday buffet and auction at The Old New Orleans Dance Hall located at the corner of Marigny and Chartres Street directly across from the Friendly Bar in the Faubourg Marigny. The event is from 1 to 4pm, with doors opening at noon. Their will be a complimentary buffet, a live auction of fabulous holiday baskets and décor, great performances by some of the best entertainers in the city, and our hot little elf boys. Tickets are $15. To buy tickets or find out more information, call 504.671.7410 or go to www.themystickreweofsatyricon.com.

The Presbytere Unveils It’s Newest Exhibit

n Saturday, October 23, the Presbytere revealed its amazing new exhibit entitled “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond“ at their opening gala at the museum and inside Jackson Square. This $7.5 million multimedia, interactive exhibit occupies the entire first floor of the building, and documents the storm from a wide range of perspectives. From the moment I entered the exhibit, the memories of Katrina came flooding back to me. The first thing you see is Fats Domino’s flood damaged baby grand piano recovered from his house in the Ninth Ward after the storm. This exhibit is one of the most comprehensive views of the storm that I have ever experienced. You will find yourself in a makeshift attic listening to actual storm survivors recount their harrowing experiences of being trapped. You will see first hand the tragedy and its aftermath. From a pirogue that rescued survivors from the

Fats Domino’s flood damaged baby grand piano 9th Ward to a Coast Guard Rescue Basket their airlifted survivors from rooftops, the exhibit brings visitors the stories of survival and heroism of real people thrown into extreme circumstances. One section of the exhibit has computer generated graphics giving people an hourly recount of the levee breaches. Other displays show how the loss over time of our wetlands, which serve as a natural buffer for hurricanes, contributed to the disaster. The final room of the exhibit brings the story of Katrina full circle and you walk out with a sense of renewal and respect for the city of New Orleans and its denizens. This room also houses one of the most incredible media presentations I have seen in a long time, using several different windows retrieved from homes after Katrina telling the stories of survivors. One of my closets friends, Laura Tennyson, is even interviewed in this show. The Presbytere is located at 751 Chartres Street. It is part of the Louisiana State Museum and was declared a National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970. For more information, call 504.568.6968 or go to www.lsm.crt.state.la.us.

Some Like It Hot

he New Orleans Fire Department has unveiled their revealing new Firefighters calendar for 2011 and these guys are scorching. And something new has been added, two of the months now feature female firefighters posing with the men. I love equal opportunity drooling. Since 1891, New Orleans firefighters have protected the city of New Orleans. There are currently 700 men and women who are firefighters in the Crescent City. In 2006, a group of business leaders created The New Orleans Firefighters Foundation which is a non-profit organization which supports the New Orleans Fire Department with fundraising efforts and partnerships with other foundations. In 2008, the New Orleans Rotary Club created the “Firefighters Look Hot” calendar project. In that year and 2009, the proceeds from the calendar sales allowed the Rotary Club to make donations of over $120,000 which directly benefited the work of the NOFD. In 2010 NOFF assumed sponsorship of the calendar project and proceeds from the 2011 calendar will be used to purchase thermal imagers which translate infrared

radiation into a viewable image, and show a heat picture of the scene. Because infrared radiation is not blocked by smoke, firefighters can use thermal imagers to see through smoke enabling them to find victims faster, to identify the seat of the fire earlier, and to detect structural dangers that can put them at risk. And on a more shallow level, these men are really hot. I especially love Mr. December and the tattooed Mr. October can light up my night anytime. These make great holiday gifts and you help an important cause at the same time. For more information on how to purchase these calendars, go to www.supportnofd.com or www.hotnolafirefighters.com.

Undercover Stritch

“

This is ridiculous,“ I said to Elizabeth Bouvier as we sat in a bar waiting for someone to show up. “We are on a stakeout, now hush up and have another cocktail. My source at Rhonda Roget’s den of iniquity said that one of our guys is here tonight.“ I am not quite sure when it happened but Elizabeth Bouvier was now my investigative partner. Currently we are on a so called stakeout waiting for the second of four potential suspects to show up. Each of these guys work at a male bordello run by Rhonda Roget. They all have dated Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox. And one of them is currently suspected of blackmailing her for all her crowns, sashes and pins. We have already ruled out Renegade Robbie, which leaves three people left on the list. Right now we are waiting for Vespa Vic to show his face. I have no earthly idea how he got that name. “That’s him,“ Elizabeth elbowed me. “Look inconspicuous, like we belong here.“ Then she turned to the man on her left and started kissing him. He fought her hard, but she had a grip like a boa constrictor. Vespa Vic walked pass noticing Elizabeth kissing this struggling man and then looked at me. I must have looked comical because I was sitting there with my jaw hanging open staring at the scene Elizabeth was making. He gave me the once over then moved through the crowd to the other end of the bar. Elizabeth let go of the guy. “Thank you honey, we are undercover, you played your part well.“ Then she turned to me as the guy ran quickly out of the bar mumbling loudly about being violated and calling the police. “How was that inconspicuous?“ I asked. “Besides are you sure that guy is the right one. He doesn’t exactly fit the gigilo profile.“ Vespa Vic was a decent looking man, but was clearly middle aged and not exactly in the perfect shape like the buff guys at the Roget house. “You’re right, but Cathy has peculiar tastes. Oh my god, he is talking to Rocky Road,” she said getting off her barstool. “Who is Rocky Road?” “Just one of the most famous DJ’s in the city. I think my friend mentioned they are roommates. I have always wanted Rocky to work on my Fourplay show. When all this is said and done, we need to come back here and speak with him.” “They look like they are fighting about something,” I said trying to read their lips to no avail. Whatever they were discussing, Rocky Road seemed very angry about it. Then Vespa pulled out his cellphone and looked like he checked a text message.

He waved his hand at the DJ and left the bar. “Lets move.” Elizabeth said pulling me behind her. We got to the parking lot and saw Vespa Vic climb on a little yellow motorized scooter and drive off. “We got to follow him” “Well, now I know how he got his name.” We got into my car and followed a few car lengths behind him to the Hilton downtown. He parked his bike and carried his helmet with him as he entered the lobby. We parked somewhat legally, slipped a guy at the valet stand a twenty and followed Vespa in the hotel. “There he is,” Elizabeth said as he got into an elevator. “Hold the door.” She ran to him with me right on her heels We got into the elevator and saw the button was pushed for the third floor. “What a coincidence? That is our floor too.” He grunted something that sounded like a yes, then got out on the stop. We exited the elevator also and stood watching him as he walked down the hallway. Elizabeth fiddled with something in her purse making small talk with me, to kill time waiting for him to go into a room. He knocked on a door halfway down the hall. An unseen person answered the door and let him in. We ran to the door. “Room 312 at the Hilton, well we will sit here and wait until he comes out,” Elizabeth said. “Perfect,” I said wondering how I ever got myself into this mess. We waited for approximately two hours until he came out. He walked to the elevator and when he was inside, we came out form behind a large potted plant and grabbed the next elevator available and pushed the lobby button. When we entered the lobby, Vespa Vic was nowhere to be found. “Lets try outside,” I suggested and we ran to the door. As we hit the front door Elizabeth collided with someone. “Watch it lady,” he said roughly brushing pass us very quickly. I noticed he looked very familiar, but could not place him. When we got outside his bike was gone. “Dammit, what do we do now,” I said. “We go back upstairs and see who is in room 312. Come on.” I followed Elizabeth back upstairs and found myself in front of the door Vespa Vic just came out from. I rapped on the door. A woman’s voice asked “who is it?” Housekeeping,” Elizabeth said in what seemed to be a bad attempt at a Spanish accent. “I am okay, I do not need any turn down service tonight,” came the voice form inside. Elizabeth knocked again. “Room service.” “Oh, that’s different, just a moment.” I stood puzzled by the airhead that had to be in this room. The door suddenly opened. “Oh my god, it’s you,” I said stunned. “Aww hell,” moaned Elizabeth behind me. (If any of the characters in my story seem real to you, forget it they are all made up, really!) 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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Jason, Travis & Ray @ B-Bob’s

Winner of B-Bob’s Individual Costume Contest, Jasyn-PeacockFowler - Well Done!

That’s what keeps ‘em coming back for more... B-Bob’s bar baron Jerry Ehlen Midtown Pub bar baron Darryl welcomes Miss Cie & Venus Devis kicking off last Wednesday of the Month Cabaret Shows

Gina & Craig attend costume festivities @ B-Bob’s

Queen Of Osiris Michelle Brown enjoying a Tribal Halloween @ B-Bob’s Winner of Group Costume Contest @ B-Bob’s, Ro-Bot Girls & Austin Powers

World famous DJ AJ McKay visiting B-Bob’s with Jason

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papar azzi

Beautiful & talented Penny Holiday performing @ B-Bob’s

Rod & family enjoy the Costume Ball Cory & Lee @ B-Bob’s College Night

I Put a Spell on You... and now, you’re mine... Michael & company enjoying Halloween

The Sanderson Sisters landed @ B-Bob’s to cast their spell... with Miss Toni Dee & The Gulf Coast Cast

Thad, Miss Cie & Don @ Tunstall Manor Costume Ball

Let the games begin!

Mr. Spock arrives @ B-Bob’s Contest joined by Miss Cie

Kyle & Cary enjoy College Night @ B-Bob’s

Tootsie makes a return @ B-Bob’s

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Halloween by The Bay ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

Katy Perry makes a Teenage Dream @ B-Bob’s

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CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

TOULOUSE

600

RAMPART

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GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

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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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Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM

autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave., 246.8317 GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM

bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE OF HARAHAN, 301 Funston St., 305.2160

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

RT PA M A R

casinos New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS

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New Orleans, LA [504] BODY RUB & ESCORT: Charlie 504.430.7413 , Mikey 504.756.9443, 4 hands available, 24/7, in/out/hotels, pics at www.men4rentnow.com. Search by ID# 190508 [is2310]

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Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

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New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

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counseling

800 DUMAINE

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

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 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2410]

circuit/events 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 Oct. 27-30, 2010, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com

computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US

America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com

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

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,

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. HOTEL LE MARAIS, 717 Conti St., New Orleans, LA, 800.535.9111 or visit NewOrleansHotelCollection.COM, is the newest boutique hotel property in the French Quarter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily newspaper, complimentary Wi Fi in all areas and all rooms, complimentary extended continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, complimentary business center, and complimentary welcome drink. 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

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

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is26/10]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln.

LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111,

Gay East erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA

GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, 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 Lesbi-

ans & 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,

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

GE T THE WHOL E PIC TURE!?! GET LE PICT The D ifferre ence… Diffe Ev e r y Edit ion On-line Sinc e 1 9 9 7 Eve EVERY COLUMN! EVERY PHOTO! EVERY AD!

Business! Success! Longevity! • Dedicated to the GLBT Community for over 28 Years since 1982 celebrating Gay life, music and culture, direct from World famous Bourbon Street. • Best local coverage and commitment.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

• The AMgrant (Ambush Advertising Grant) Program, the first of its kind in the country, has donated over $3.5 million in services & monetary disbursements to the Gulf South GLBT community it serves since 1982. • ONE publication serving THE total Gulf South market, Texas-Florida.

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Those who made it through the night & ended up @ the after-party

Valerie Sugarbaker & DJ Wuga hosts Jules’ Monster Ball Josh sporting his hoodie @ Jules

Kasi & Spencer @ Jules Andre, Hunter & Katie @ the Fashion Show Preview hosted by Tyler Hebert Jacque @ Rick Rowan & Andre Guillory’s Halloween Party

Macky, John & Mario @ Tonic

acadiana

papar azzi

Mitch Tate @ Jules

Beaux as Snooky & Adam as a nun pose @ the after-party

Mario showing his love/hate for Trey @ Tonic

Troy aka Kimber shows off his costume @ Jules

Ryan as Ke$ha & Nick showing some love Macky doing his best @ Tonic’s karaoke night Biscuit hanging out @ Tonic

Andre & Hunter playing doctor

Darren & Joey trying to play it sober

Jeremy Broussard is The Hangover!

Brodie Lee Meche bartending @ Tonic

The cape crusading trio: Robin, Poison Ivy & Batman. What a threesome!

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Mardi

Pose, Play, Show-OFF ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

I wonder what these two plan to do with that Pinocchio

acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583

oooaaahhh!!!! We already have eight more weeks until Christmas. How the hell did that happen? I guess that means it’s time to get the ball moving on this holiday season. Before you know it there will be fairies dancing around in their wool pants and cashmere sweaters. If we have a winter anywhere similar as the one from last year then that means even more snow will be in our future. For some of you, that means a lot of excitement. If that’s the case then you’re thinking of the wrong snow. Don’t get too crazy! You’re listening up with Joey Collins.

Bar Spill

y the time you read this Tonic will have already hosted the Mr. and Miss National Apollo 2011 Pageant. I have no doubt that this event was wellattended by many members of the Krewe of Apollo from all over the Gulf Coast. It’s always a pleasure when Lafayette is able to host others from around the area. John Gilland and his staff always pull out the red carpet, so to speak, and be on their game when it comes to hospitality. Much appreciation goes out to all of those who work so hard to make such things happen. Feeling a little on the trashy side? On Saturday, November 20th, Tonic along with the Royal Order of Unicorn will be hosting the $1.98 Pageant. This “trailer trash” event will be hosted by Tammy Tapwater. The pageant will begin at 10pm and all contestants must have registered by 9pm. For more information you may contact Tammy Tapwater at 337.258.5730. Tonic has also begun to pick up a following on Facebook and anyone who has already begun to follow them; you know that Facebook is the best way to catch up on daily specials and events. As always Monday features Happy Hour all night long, Tuesday hosts Kira’s Talent Tuesdays, Chad Evans hosts Karaoke Night every Wednesday, Thursdays ushers the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday with DJ Point N Click, then recover from it all on Sundays with Sunday Funday with Drag Bingo at 7pm followed by Sound Factory’s infamous Drag Show at 10pm. Are you in the mood for dancing in Paris? Well I definitely can’t afford to take you there but you can try to pretend when you attend Jules’ annual Moulin Rouge Party on Saturday, November 13th. Doll yourself up and get ready for the can-can because this spectacle-spectacle plans to out-do what you remember from last year. That is, of course, if you even remember last year. Those were definitely some strong drinks. This all means that it is time to get started on your costume now. Moving onto December (yeah I don’t want to think about December either) Jules will hosts its annual Red Party on Saturday, December 4th. Wear red and support Acadiana CARES as proceeds from this night will be donated towards CARES and their HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support that they work so hard to provide in the Acadiana community. As always the best way to know what drink specials, which one of your favorite bartenders will be serving you, as well as special upcoming events one must follow Jules on Facebook. Thursday will always be Karaoke; Friday will alternate between Valerie Sugarbaker’s Drag Show and Connie G’s performance, and the traditional Dance, Dance, Dance on Saturday nights. Speaking of Facebook, don’t forget to follow Lafayette Gay men as well as Lafayette Lesbians on Facebook. It’s the best way to keep informed about entertainment, politics, and other news and information that may affect you in the local area.

to think that Frank Lloyd Wright was one with the Wright brothers in inventing the airplane or that Georgia O’Keefe is a type of cocktail then you may want to spend more time at the ACA. There are so many upcoming events from theatrical, presentations, showings, and exhibits that it’s impossible to list them all. From poetry readings to 2nd Saturday Art Walk, you can get the full information at www.acadianacenterforthearts.org. As always, please support your local artists and museums. Beginning on Thursday, November 11th and spanning to Sunday, November 14th, the Acadiana Film Festival explores the intersection between entertainment and technology as well as the basic premise of the future of motion pictures. Such a festival will present a platform for local film makers and musicians to present their original work. This festival, an international festival, is located primarily in the downtown area. Throughout the four day event, the festival will host screenings, panels, workshops, seminars, and live

music. The majority of the events are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.acadianafilm.org. For those interested in the 2010 Cajun Cup which will be held on Saturday, November 13th at Parc Sans Souci, you can register at www.cajuncup10k.com. This Louisiana State Championship 10K Race begins at 8:05am. As always do not forget that each Friday night features Downtown Alive as well as every 2nd Saturday of the month features Art Walk in the downtown area.

What is Family?

or some of us this holiday season can be depressing. Many of us lack a family that is as accepting as others. Some of us are not as welcome to visit with the family with our significant other and some of us are not even welcome at all. This can be very hard during this time of year. I always say that as hard as it is it’s their loss because they

[continued on 34]

Downtown Happens

e’ve all been watching and waiting for the construction to finish at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. You know what I’m talking about. If it’s been a typical Saturday night over the past 18 months and you’ve sat in traffic near the intersection of Jefferson and Vermillion due to road closers in front of the ACA then you’ve pondered when the end would be near. Well ACA is finally open and ready to share some culture with you. If you’re still one

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

Voting for the end of your nose.

acadiana happens ...from 33 miss out. Regardless of where you came from and what family you knew when you were younger, you can’t help where or what you came from but you can help where you go and what you make as your family via friends. The best part of our community is that we are more than just a gaggle of gays, we are family. As cliché as it may sound, I find it so true when I think about the close friends that I have around me. For those of you struggling this holiday season, just look around and take note of the loved ones that you have. I encourage you to plan a holiday event with them. Invite friends over for the holidays and even though you may have the happy and accepting family, take note of those who do not. Offer them an invite to join you on whatever holiday adventures you may take part of. Even if you do not feel like cooking, check your local newspaper or restaurants and find out which ones will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal. Many of your

local hotels and restaurants are open for the holidays and feature a special menu for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Get some friends together and enjoy the day. A few drinks, a good meal, and friends always create an environment filled with holiday cheer.

Closing Out

can already smell the aromas of eggnog, apple cider, pumpkin pie, turkey, and pine needles. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself but it only comes once in a year so why not grow with excitement? I always like to think that holiday calories do not count but I know in the back of my mind that this is just not true. Don’t indulge yourself too much because remember that by the time you finish off that last bite of rice dressing it will already be time to fit into your Mardi Gras costume. Now that’s really thinking ahead of myself! You’re listening up with Joey Collins, girl. As always, keep the party going!

ny reasonable and equitable system of democracy needs a few things. Unless it is to become mob rule – the lowest common denominator that drags down all decisions and choices to the level of Mr Average. The electorate must be educated and empathic. Today, even decisions that require expertise and specialist knowledge are often put to the vote – thus we get what we want, seldom what we need. Getting what we want often means voting for the end of our noses, and never giving a moments consideration to the future, or to others. I was listening to OutQ today, and was appalled to hear some guy ranting about him ‘paying his way and asking noone for nothing’ and railing against his taxes being spent on ‘deadbeats’. Often the difference between people who ‘pay their way’ and ‘deadbeats’ is a few years, a lost job or a personal tragedy or illness. Few people are so shortsighted that they fail to understand intellectually that unless there is a safety net, then those who fall never get up again. Also, such people generally never question the fact that the largest slice of federal funding goes to the military, and never, ever ever want to give up their social security or Medicare for the sake of ‘fiscal responsibility’. I was amused to discover that according to a poll, tea party members are more likely than the average to be claiming state or federal benefits. It is worth remembering that most people associate tea parties with mad hatters. When faced with democracy, and the responsibility and privilege of taking a hand in the running of one’s own affairs, we are duty bound to look into and research the questions and the candidates, not just pick whatever agrees with our knee-jerk responses to situations we may know nothing about. A thoughtless voter is as bad as a dictatorship – an electorate that never bothers to ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ is callous, greedy and mean spirited. As a Christian priest, I am appalled to see the mantle of Christianity claimed by those who care nothing for the people Christ called ‘the least of these my children’ and who write them off as ‘deadbeats’. It is easy to conjure a mythical hate figure, and then attack them, and nobody seems to bother about whether they exist or not. When I was younger, I volunteered at a homeless shelter in London, and at the time the Conservative government was campaigning and talking about ‘scroungers’ who begged on the streets and ‘made a fortune’. Because of this, everyone felt better about homeless people and convinced themselves they didn’t have to worry or help because they were all wealthy. At the time I saw the pain of mentally ill and vulnerable people who were sleeping on the streets every night, and turning up at the soup kitchen for food. It told me that this kind of approach was not ‘good politics’ it was actively evil. It was a lie that preyed on the stupid, the ignorant and the cruel, and told them they were right without ever having to learn or change. Well, gay marriage, welfare queens, Muslims, the homeless, communists – detect a common theme? It is our duty to discover the truth, and vote on the truth, not just what fills our wallets if it destroys the integrity and decency of the nation – not just what cuts our taxes if it means vulnerable people going hungry who we and our lifestyles helped to make vulnerable! Before anyone enters a voting station they should be asked to read a card saying.. ‘There but for the grace of God go I’. Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. The Church meets every Sunday at 1pm (mass) and 5pm (Praise and Worship service) at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. (St Matthew’s church), NOLA 70118, revcrawshaw@yahoo.com, 504.214.4340, www.bigeasymcc.com.

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34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Mardi

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papar azzi

Phoenix Block Party Friday

The birth of Audrey on her way to Rawhide

Halloween Weekend ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin-Delain

Guess Who? @ Lafitte’s

Halloween Revelers @ Lafitte’s

Barry Bareass & Lisa Beaumann as Judy Garland & Liza Minelli @ Corner Pocket

Coca, Dominique, Tommy & Sable open Horror Turnabout @ Oz

Horror Turnabout brought Joe, Blake & Bull to the Oz stage Audrey, Rawhide’s own Venus Flytrap

Wuggie in Oz’s Horror Turnabout

Tami Tarmac celebrating Halloween @ Corner Pocket

Chris, Tom & Bebe on board the Natchez for Halloween Brunch

Jaded Jade as Marilyn lands a sailor @ Lafitte’s

Philip & Chuck welcome you to Napoleon’s Itch The cast of Toy Story @ House of Blues

Terry & Bubbles @ Phoenix Block Party

It’s Shelby @ Oz’s Horror Turnabout

Corner Pocket dancer David D. as a Roman Centurion

Bartender Franko behind the new “Back Bar” @ The Corner Pocket

Costumed hotties on the Natchez Cruise for Halloween

Paulina in Oz’s Turnabout

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Gail, Kevin & Carlos @ Friday Halloween brunch

Matthew Hunter does Kocktail Karaoke @ Good Friends Bar

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John Harris & Steve Kemble @ Friday Halloween brunch

girlbar @ the Parade Tuesdays

Bartender Randi Holmes & Josh Finn @ girlbar hosted in the Parade Tuesdays

Bourbon Pub Parade GM Louis & SDGM Julien during girlbar held Tuesday nights

Angela Karlak, Jason George & Elizabeth Roma take in Karaoke @ Good Friends Bar

Becky & Brian @ Becky’s mother Myrtis’ memorial

Bar Baron Mike welcomes you to 700 Club

Stuart & Safonda join Amon-Ra’s Soul Train event @ JohnPaul’s Chris Wecklein & Monica Malta @ Becky’s mother Myrtis’ memorial

Ambush's Tony with Frank deCaro @ House of Blues

Feel the Fame with DJ John Buckely at House of Blues

Jerry, Jeff & TJ @ Friday Halloween brunch @ Dr. Carlos Trujillo’s home

Jay & Ms. Jenkins @ Amon-Ra’s Soul Train event

Jim Mounger, Nick & Don Paul @ the final Halloween host party @ Jim’s home

John & Robert in for Amon-Ra’s Soul Train event

Winston, Mark & Darrin cocktailin' @ Tubby's Golden Lantern

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin Black, Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin-Delain

Hunter Valentine @ girlbar in the Parade

Nick Nevares, Tammy Kern & Demo Diva owner Simone Burni @ the opening of the Presbytere Katrina Exhibit

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Paul & Flex manager Steaven grabbing a cocktail @ Starlight

Ambush’s Devin Black & Ryan Edward @ 4 Seasons’ 80’s Night

Gettin’ some of the fab Art In The Hood Dinner

Princesse Stephaney, Darrin Ferris & State Rep. Helena Moreno @ NO/AIDS Task Force Benefit For Life @ 4 Seasons

Jim slingin’ cocktails @ Cutter’s Wood Enterprises GM Ken Grandpre Miss Ashlee joins Saints QB Drew Brees for Jonathan Vilma’s Haiti fundraiser

Bartender Wayne welcomes you to Big Daddy’s

Transgender of the Year Jasmine SX & Valerie Colby-Carrington @ 4 Seasons

Cutter’s bar baron Mac joins Society Page bar baron Orlando for Art In The Hood Auction raising $6,600 for Buzzy's Kids @ Cutter’s Welcome to Napoleon’s Itch

Society Page’s Trux & Art In The Hood Auctioneer Kevin

Kathy & Jimmy serve up Art In The Hood Dinner

Blanche snags a handsome one @ Oz

Bar barons Bill & Chuck welcome you to Double Play

David, Jake, Blake, Josh, DJ of the Year DJ Myke & Max join 80’s Night on the Patio @ 4 Seasons

Bartender Matthew Muller & Kenneth Matherne @ 4 Seasons 80’s Night

Belinda Bee in Benefit For Life @ 4 Seasons

Bobby Blue Salon’s Grant holds up Will during Benefit For Life @ 4 Seasons

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

The Scene ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin Black, Rip Naquin-Delain

Bartenders Trevor & Will sharing a call @ Double Play

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 9-22, 2010 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM