2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
80,000 Turn Out for 40th Anniversary of Southern Decadence, Economic Impact over $96 Million
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t is estimated that the 40th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music and Culture brought in some 80,000 revelers with a projected economic impact of over $96 million to the local economy in New Orleans. Over 100,000 participants were expected for the 2011 holiday, but Tropical Storm Lee deterred some visitors from coming in for the weekend resulting in roughly 20% in hotel cancellations. As is so often the mantra in New Orleans, inclement weather did not deter those here from enjoying the festivities resulting in the cry that it was "Raining thousands of men" in the city! The economic impact on the city could very well exceed $96 million, based on a conservative spending average of $1,200-$1,500 per person. However, many visitors Ambush spoke with were spending from $1,200 to $3,500 per person including hotel, dining, shopping, services, event fees and night life. Ambush contacted most of the GLBT businesses following the holiday to find that business was up. The weather apparently drove some of the crowds indoors resulting in higher liquor and food sales. The weather led to the cancellation of the Bourbon Street Extravaganza street stage at Bourbon and St. Ann, but a mini version of the concert went on inside Napoleon's Itch. The Leather Block Party live entertainment stage was cancelled, but some of the street fair booths were still in operation in and outside of the Phoenix. The 37th Southern Decadence Parade led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Misael Rubio and Tiffany Alexander on Sunday through the French Quarter got a break in the torrential downpours leaving the parade dry for the most part. Bourbon Street was packed for the parade, and Ambush Headquarters had the largest crowd ever for the 18th Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by the reigning grand marshals. Many gay friendly businesses showed their support of the giant celebration flying pride colors over their establishments and advertising in Ambush and at SouthernDecadence.COM. Both shopping and dining establishments were plentiful this year. Participants also visited museums, art galleries and the Harrah's casino while booking historic tours. The weather cleared Monday with a cold front cooling things off just in time for the 14th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl led by Ted Mahaffy with reigning grand marshals Misael and Tiffany, as well as several past grand marshals, and a contingent of survivors in tow.
22nd Annual NO/AIDS Walk Sept. 25th
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O/AIDS Task Force, one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations (ASO) in the Gulf South will mark the 22nd anniversary of the NO/AIDS Walk on Sunday, September 25th. Thousands will gather beneath the oaks in Audubon Park beginning at 8am and then Walk at 10am in an impressive display of awareness and solidarity in the face of this terrible epidemic. Louisiana currently ranks fifth in the nation for AIDS case rates; New Orleans and Baton Rouge are among the top ten cities nationally. Walkers and supporters are encouraged to meet in Audubon Park at 8am for registration. The WALK will kickoff at 10am and will proceed down historic Magazine Street to Napoleon Avenue and then will turn onto Prytania Street and head back into Audubon Park. The Walk is a great activity for the whole family,
Gay History Month/Natl. Coming Out Day Issue Sept. 27 DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 20
inside
celebrazzi 6 chop chop/nola restaurant guide 12 under the gaydar 14 spotlight/elizabeth taylor's jewels 16 22nd no/aids walk 17 crown jewels of hollywood pics 18 37th southern decadence parade 20 a community within communities 24 lgbt real estate 24 snap paparazzi/new orleans 26
ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette mobile paparazzi trodding the boards pensacola paparazzi ambush paparazzi/new orleans sd grand marshals thank you halloween (hno28)
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
28 30 34 35 36 36 38 40 41 42
even the four-legged members. There will be water stops and doggie stops along the route and a children’s tent with lots of great activities. Additionally, there will be great food and drinks provided by Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Rain Vodka, Coors Light, and Kentwood Springs. The music and registration kicks off at 8am and will run until 2pm that afternoon. Teams and individuals can register for free in advance by visiting www.noaidswalk.com or by calling 504.821.2601 ext. 256. By registering online, participants have access to great, easy-to-use fundraising tools to help them reach their goal. All funds raised at the Walk benefit NO/AIDS Task Force and the men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS they serve. Additionally, through the Walk Share Grant Program, other Louisiana based AIDS Service Organizations will benefit too. Rest assured that every dollar makes a difference. The NO/ AIDS Walk is committed to keeping costs low, especially in these tough economic times. Over 80 cents of each dollar raised goes directly to helping someone affected by this disease. “The NO/AIDS WALK is our largest fundraiser of the year, and the monies raised allow us to continue providing hope and care for men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Noel Twilbeck, CEO of NO/AIDS Task Force. “The WALK also serves another purpose which is to raise awareness that AIDS continues to affect our community and that we must be steadfast in our efforts to provide education and information that help prevent new infections” For additional information or to register, please visit www.naoidswalk.com or www.noaidstaskforce.org. The NO/ AIDS Walk staff can also be reached by phone at 504.821.2601. For over 28 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, 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.
Arlo Guthrie's Rendition of "St. James’ Infirmary" is September Feature
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usic Rising, a post-Katrina program co-founded by U2’s The Edge, legend-
ary producer Bob Ezrin and the Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz along with the Gibson Foundation, with a mission to restore and preserve the musical heritage of the Gulf Coast region continues to celebrate its exclusive, “Spotlight Artist Series” during the month of September with legendary folk singer Arlo Guthrie. Guthrie’s rendition of the now famous song “St James’ Infirmary” involves a man telling the singer/narrator, at a bar, how he went down to the hospital and tragically found his girl, the so-called “baby.” Like most folksongs, there is much variation in the lyrics from one version to another. The song has been performed by art[continued on 8]
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
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 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.535.3615 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist, Steve Patrick, Frankie Wingerter-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL 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. ©1982-2011, 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
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVII Tiffany Alexander and Misael Rubio extend the "official" toast celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Southern Decadence at the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby's Golden Lantern, kicking off the 37th Official Southern Decadence Parade. Parading through the streets of the French Quarter, the walking bar crawl stopped in front of every gay bar in the Quarter. The colorful spectacle celebrated the theme of Viva New Orleans: What Happens in New Orleans Stays in New Orleans with the colors of fuchsia pink, silver and black. The song this year was Fireworks by Katy Perry. It's estimated that some 80,000 participants over the Labor Day Weekend had an economic impact of over $96 million for the City of New Orleans. The 2011 Southern Decadence Sponsors included Absolut, Ambush Mag, Bacardi, Bud Light, GrahamStudioOne.COM. Harrah’s New Orleans, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Sir Speedy Printing and SouthernDecadence.COM.
he annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show kicked off the weekend on Friday at the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby's Golden Lantern. Celebrity guest emcee's Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain brought Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tiffany Alexander and Misael Rubio to the stage as Mayor's rep Larry Bagneris welcomed all to the city and presented the grand marshals with "official" Mayoral proclamations. The action packed show featured SDGM Tiffany Alexander, Lantern Show Director Rikki Redd, Miss Tubby's Golden Lantern Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Vanessa Carmichael, Monique Michaels, Tru Demille, Kiki Carmichael Luchianna, Imani Cassidine Black, and Ms. Alise.
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O/AIDS Task Force CEO Noel Twilbeck accepts a check in the amount of $6,277 as the "official" charity from Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVII Tiffany Alexander and Misael Rubio. The funds were presented prior to the kickoff of the Southern Decadence Parade, and were raised at a number of GLBT clubs throughout the city leading up to Decadence Weekend.
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he 18th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss following the 37th Southern Decadence Parade was hosted by Southern Decadence Susan Lucci's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain at Ambush Headquarters on Bourbon Street. Led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVII Misael Rubio and Tiffany Alexander, and members of their entourage, the group tossed thousands of beads to the huge crowd below.
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1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe
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5 0 4 .2 7 9 .6 3 1 2 the "official" dish ...from 4 ists in the past including Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Dr. John and many others. The song is based on an 18th century traditional English folk song of anonymous origin, though sometimes credited to songwriter Joe Primrose (a pseudonym for Irving Mills). Guthrie first performed his rendition on NPR on November 14, 2001. Guthrie, a long time supporter of New Orleans and the musical heritage of the Gulf South, is best known for his work, “Alice’s Restaurant,” a satirical talking blues song of about 18 minutes in length. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Guthrie boarded a train across the country with fellow musician and friend Willie Nelson to raise awareness and monies for the victims of the hurricane disaster and the rebuilding of the rich region. An Mp3 of “St. Jame’s Infirmary” can be heard here on the site or interested supporters of Music Rising can download the song at iTunes. The Music Rising Spotlight series provides fans and supporters the opportunity to experience musical compilations and current releases by some of the world’s greatest artists and emerging singer/songwriters. All music featured will have a special meaning to the Gulf Coast, celebrate the culture and/or be an original submission from one of the many musicians who have supported Music Rising since its beginning. Arlo Guthrie is the third artist to grace the Music Rising Spotlight series page at www.musicrising.org and follows the inaugural artist Emmylou Harris who kicked off the series with her newly released “New Orleans” in June and Jerad Finck’s “Runaway” in August. Announcements will be made each month on the site and artist’s features will include interviews, up-to-date tour information, album releases and biographies. Other offerings this will include a commemorative issue of “Make It Funky,” an award winning documentary produced by New Orleans native
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David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT Michael Murphy which focuses on the history of New Orleans and the rebuilding after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Beginning in September 15, 2011 Music Rising will also offer new merchandise for the benefit of the organization. Music Rising was formed in late 2005 by U2’s the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. Since its inception it has been recognized throughout the world and has aided thousands of professional musicians, students, choir members and celebratory krewes in the area. The organization is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2006 HALO Award for Cause Marketing, the 2007 Billboard Humanitarian Award and the 2008 PRISM Award. It has been recognized by the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and has worked closely with the Clinton Global Initiative. Music Rising’s entertainment industry supporters have included MusicCares, Guitar Center Music Foundation, MTV Networks, VH1, The Kennedy Marshall Company, ABC Television, Hard Rock International, Julien’s Auctions, The NFL, ACT, Real Networks and many others. Music Rising is administered by The Gibson Foundation. For more information on Music Rising go to www.musicrising.org.
Jack Adams Reinvents the Jockstrap
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AN NUYS, CA. - Hinging on the successful release of its inaugural collection one year ago, Jack Adams will begin
OPEN
9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat..
releasing all new styles of men’s underwear starting with the Army Fly Jock Brief on September 15. The new Army Fly Jock Brief reinvents the traditional jockstrap not only by incorporating an open-rear brief design, but also by adding an unprecedented functional fly and a spacious front pouch that contours. Men will love the pouch design as it provides plenty of room without compromising on support. Meanwhile, the Army Fly Jock Brief provides access unlike any other jockstrap on the market. This new version of the jockstrap gives men multiple reasons to add several pair to their collection of underwear as it is ideal for daily wear, athletic
wear and sexy wear. Made from 90 percent cotton and 10 percent spandex, the new Army Fly Jock Brief is available in four colors: black with white trim, white with black trim, black with red trim and black with yellow trim. It also features a traditional jockstrap waistband. A publicity campaign has begun featuring amazing photography by Michael Stokes of the new Jack Adams Army Fly Jock Brief. Due to the overwhelming success of the original Jack Adams Jock Brief, the campaign also includes brand new imagery of this existing style. All the new imagery of [continued on 10]
8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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the "official" dish ...from 8 the Army Fly Jock Brief and the original Jack Adams Jock Brief is available for download at JackAdamsUSA.com along with imagery from the past. The suggested retail price of the Jack Adams Army Fly Jock Brief is $28.50. It is available online at 10percent.com as well as local community retailers around the world. Following the September 15 release of the Army Fly Jock Brief, Jack Adams will release the BodyFlex Mesh Brief in December 2011. Featuring a soft fourway stretch mesh material that feels like a second skin, the BodyFlex Mesh Brief with its keyhole fly pouch wicks away moisture and is perfect performance underwear for the active man. Jack Adams designs, manufactures and distributes innovative and edgy underwear for the masculine, sexually self-assured man who wears confidence on his sleeve. Sold by retailers internationally as well as online, Jack Adams products express a progressive attitude that customers love. This mindset is coupled with fashion-forward designs and fits that accentuate comfort. For more information about Jack Adams, visit JackAdamsUSA.com.
FEMA Awards More Than $8.3M for Two Home Elevation Projects in NOLA
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he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $8.3 million to the state of Louisiana for the elevation of a total of 33 homes in the city of New Orleans. FEMA’s Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) program will pay 90 percent or $5,726,531 of the more than
$6.3 million project for 22 home elevations and 90 percent or $2,601,850 of the more than $2.8 million project for 11 home elevations. All of the structures are located in areas of the floodplain that flood frequently. The homes will be raised to the FEMAapproved Advisory Base Flood Elevation. The properties were selected based on their severe repetitive loss status and homeowner interest. The project is expected to be completed within three years.
“Our mission through mitigation initiatives is to create safer communities throughout the region by helping to reduce the loss of life and property through the identification and communication of flood risk,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “The ultimate goal is to enable more rapid recovery from flooding and other disasters, and lessen the financial impact from disasters.”
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965, CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.Sat. 11am-9pm, Sat.-Sun. brunch 11am-3pm.
Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green beans @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Cajun Cafe Market, 1100 N. Peters in the French Market, 905.3212, offers local Cajun specialties where you can dine in or take out. Great selection of Louisiana products available here. Open 10am-6pm.
Royal House Maine Lobster, served with drawn butter, Cajun potatoes & corn on the cob @ Royal House, 441 Royal St.
Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY, is an upscale dessert & specialty food store, open Tues.-Sun. with weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, smoked meats, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes.
Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm.
3-Layer Carrot Cake @ Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon St.
Frady's One Stop Grocery & Deli, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688, has both groceries and a fantastic deli whipping up local favorites each day on special. Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-6pm, Sat. 9am-3pm, closed Sun. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Louisiana Jambalaya @ Cajun Cafe Market, 1100 N. Peters
Matassa's Market, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700, a full service grocery and deli serving great food, fine wine and spirits with free delivery. Open Sun.-Wed. 6am-9pm, Thurs.-Sat. 6am-10pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am-10pm.
Roast Beef Special @ Frady's One Stop Grocery & Deli, 1001 Dauphine
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
Pan Seared Wild Pacific Salmon
@ Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St.
Royal House Restaurant, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, RoyalHouseRestaurant.COM. This casual dining New Orleans Restaurant has delectable delights created by its renowned Louisiana executive chef. Step into this dining paradise and be swept away by the romantic lighting, the smell of fresh steamed seafood in the famous crawfish boil, raw oysters at one of the city’s largest oyster bars. Sip on a glass of wine or a true New Orleans cocktail with any of their specialty drinks. Let great southern hospitality and casual yet romantic atmosphere help you escape right into the true heart of New Orleans! Open 11am-11pm Sun.-Sat., 11am-12midnight Fri.-Sat.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM Offic
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Amon-Ra is Broadway Bound
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he Krewe of Amon-Ra presents Girls Gone Broadway on Saturday, September 24 at JohnPaul’s. Come enjoy all your favorite krewe members as they perform all your favorite Broadway hits from the hottest shows past and present in show stopping group numbers. This all star extravaganza begins at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and include a gourmet dinner in addition to the entertaining show. For tickets or more information, go to www.kreweofamonra.com. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.
Do You Need A Chaperone?
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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting the opening night of The Drowsy Chaperone on Thursday, September 29 at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. The show is directed by Gary Rucker with choreography by Kelly Fouchi and stars Brian Peterson, Ricky Graham and Janet Shea. A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, The Drowsy Chaperone boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. If you’ve ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, “Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good,” this is the show for you! It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. Tickets are $30. To buy tickets are for more information, call 504.525.4498. The Westwego Performing Arts Theatre is located at 177 Sala Avenue.
New Cabaret Series Debuts
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usic lovers rejoice, the historic Eiffel Society is introducing a new cabaret series beginning Friday, September 16. The opening performance will feature the multiple Big Easy Theater Award winning singer/actress, Amy Alvarez, and her talented accompanist, Jefferson Turner, both of whom have just returned from taking their show Nothing Like A Dame: The Women of Rodgers and Hammerstein to Bal-
timore and New York City, where they appeared at the well-known Metropolitan Room. They are now bringing their show back to New Orleans, where it first appeared to sold-out crowds at the dearly missed Le Chat Noir. There will be three levels of tickets sold. The first is $30, and this includes admission as well as a complimentary cocktail. The $60 ticket includes admission, a 3-course prix fixe meal and a complimentary cocktail. There are also a limited number of $15 tickets for seating at the bar. You cannot go wrong with this winning combination of harmonious music in an elegant atmosphere. This beautiful venue was brought over in the 1980’s in over 11,000 pieces after being dismantled in Paris. It was then rebuilt on St. Charles Ave. and opened as The Restaurant Tour de Eiffel. Today, it is now known as Eiffel Society, owned and operated by Roger Ivens and Jeff Gapultos, and strives to be an all-inclusive artistic special events venue.
Petronius Offers People Their Just Desserts
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he Krewe is hosting Petronius: Queen of the Desserts on September 17 at 8pm at Kajun's Pub. The cover for this event is $10 for this cake walk and show where guests will bid on the sumptuous desserts being modeled by our favorite performers. Kajun's Pub is located at 2256 St. Claude Avenue. For information or tickets, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org.
Bartender of the Month: September
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ast issue you heard about the marvelous time I had in Lake Charles. One of the major sources of my fun was the bar Crystal’s, which is Lake Charles only gay bar. And one of the people who kept me entertained (and cocktailed) is my choice for bartender for September, Keisha. She is a sassy, exuberant and highly engaging bartender. She works that bar like a pro; pouring drinks, giving advice and keeping the patrons laughing. But she not only serves the cocktails, she is one of the bar’s premier performers. It is hard to find that combination in one person. I was amazed by how everyone in the bar just warms up to her immediately. Her gregarious nature and personality instantly made me feel at home.
September Bartender of the Month Keisha from Crystal's in Lake Charles I travel a lot on my own and as many know, love to check out the bar scene in places. I find that going to bars by yourself in new cities can be a little intimidating. The bartender is the first person you end up speaking with and he or she actually can set the tone for the rest of the night. If you get someone personable all your insecurities fade and instantaneously you feel welcome. That is exactly what Keisha did when I went into Crystal’s. She is funny, flamboyant and fabulous. So go to Crystal’s and check out Keisha either behind the bar or performing in one of their shows. Crystal’s is located in Lake Charles at 112 W. Broad Street.
Fall Movie Preview
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he holidays are right around the corner and that means one thing: Fall Movie Season. Being a huge movie fanatic, I am looking so forward to seeing the hottest new film releases this year. Here is a list of movies and dates to check out. STRAW DOGS – 9/16/11 – David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father’s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy’s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård), leading to a violent confrontation. MONEYBALL – 9/23/11 – based on a true story, Moneyball is a movie for anybody who has ever dreamed of taking on the system. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s and the guy who assembles the team, who has an epiphany: all of baseball’s conventional wisdom is wrong. Forced to reinvent his team on a tight budget, Beane will
have to outsmart the richer clubs. The onetime jock teams with Ivy League grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) in an unlikely partnership, recruiting bargain players that the scouts call flawed, but all of whom have an ability to get on base, score runs, and win games. It’s more than baseball, it’s a revolution – one that challenges old school traditions and puts Beane in the crosshairs of those who say he’s tearing out the heart and soul of the game. MACHINE GUN PREACHER – 9/ 23/11 - Machine Gun Preacher is the inspirational true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing transformation and finds an unexpected calling as the savior of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children. Gerard Butler (300) delivers a searing performance as Childers, the impassioned founder of the Angels of East Africa rescue organization in Golden Globe-nominated director Marc Forster’s (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland) moving story of violence and redemption. When ex-biker-gang member Sam Childers makes the life-changing decision to go to East Africa to help repair homes destroyed by civil war, he is outraged by the unspeakable horrors faced by the region’s vulnerable populace, especially the children. Ignoring the warnings of more experienced aide workers, Sam breaks ground for an orphanage where it’s most needed—in the middle of territory controlled by the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a renegade militia that forces youngsters to become soldiers before they even reach their teens. But for Sam, it is not enough to shelter the LRA’s intended victims. Determined to save as many as possible, he leads armed missions deep into enemy territory to retrieve kidnapped children, restoring peace to their lives—and eventually his own. The explosive, real-life tale of a man who has rescued over a thousand orphans from starvation, disease and enslavement. MARGARET – 9/30/11 - centers on a 17-year-old New York City highschool student who feels certain that she inadvertently played a role in a traffic accident that has claimed a woman’s life. In her attempts to set things right she meets with opposition at every step. Torn apart with frustration, she begins emotionally brutalizing her family, her friends, her teachers, and most of all, herself. She has been confronted quite unexpectedly with a basic truth: that her youthful ideals are on a collision course against the realities and compromises of the adult world. REEL STEEL - 10/7/11 - Real Steel is an action drama about a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who, against all odds, gets one last shot at a comeback when he teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build [continued on 15]
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under the gaydar ...from 14 and train the perfect contender for the new high-tech sport of robot boxing. THE IDES OF MARCH – 10/7/11 – The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate’s shot at the presidency. MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE – 10/21/11 - a powerful psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes). Seeking help from her estranged older sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy), Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. When her memories trigger a chilling paranoia that her former cult could still be pursuing her, the line between Martha’s reality and delusion begins to blur. ANONYMOUS – 10/28/11 – Set in the political snake-pit of Elizabethan England, Anonymous speculates on an issue that has for centuries intrigued academics and brilliant minds ranging from Mark Twain and Charles Dickens to Henry James and Sigmund Freud, namely: who was the author of the plays credited to William Shakespeare? Experts have debated, books have been written, and scholars have devoted their lives to protecting or debunking theories surrounding the authorship of the most renowned works in English literature. Anonymous poses one possible answer, focusing on a time when cloak-and-dagger political intrigue, illicit romances in the Royal Court, and the schemes of greedy nobles hungry for the power of the throne were exposed in the most unlikely of places: the London stage. JACK AND JILL – 11/11/11 – Jack and Jill is a comedy focusing on Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler), a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Jill’s neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down. Katie Holmes plays Erin, Jack’s wife. IMMORTALS – 11/11/11 - Visionary director Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall) transports us in this epic tale of treachery, vengeance and destiny in Immortals, a stylish and visually spectacular 3D action adventure. As a power-hungry king razes ancient Greece in search of a legendary weapon, a heroic young villager rises up against him in a thrilling quest as timeless as it is powerful. The brutal and bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey
Rourke) and his murderous Heraklion army rampage across Greece in search of the long lost Bow of Epirus. With the invincible Bow, the king will be able to overthrow the Gods of Olympus and become the undisputed master of his world. With ruthless efficiency, Hyperion and his legions destroy everything in their wake, and it seems nothing will stop the evil king’s mission. As village after village is obliterated, a stonemason named Theseus (Henry Cavill) vows to avenge his mother, who was killed in one of Hyperion’s brutal raids. When Theseus meets the Sybelline Oracle, Phaedra (Freida Pinto), her disturbing visions of the young man’s future convince her that he is the key to stopping the destruction. With her help, Theseus assembles a small band of followers and embraces his destiny in
a final, desperate battle for the future of humanity. TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY - 11/18/11 - Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government - which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets. THE DESCENDANTS – 11/23/11 - From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning SIDEWAYS, set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-
examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS – 11/23/ 11 – The 3D, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic - a [continued on 16]
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under the gaydar ...from 15 family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns. MUPPETS - 11/23/11 - On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO – 12/21/11 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first film in Columbia Pictures’ three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy. Directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, the film is based on the first novel in the trilogy, which altogether have sold 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a worldwide phenomenon. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian. WAR HORSE - 12/28/11 - Director Steven Spielberg’s epic adventure War Horse is a tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War. War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter-before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
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id you survive Southern Decadence? I barely hung on, but I thought I would share with you my joyride that lasted five long, but exciting days in one of the city’s most unique and naughty holidays. My weekend fun actually started on Thursday night when I went to Tittie Toulouse and Electra City’s Outrageous show at JohnPaul’s. This show truly lived up to its title. It was zany, fast-paced with a little hint of mischief. It was part game show, part drag show
and part strip contest which mixed into one well-tuned show. Congratulations ladies on a job well done. And it did not hurt that there were boys galore there. I even managed to find one young gentleman caller to hang out with for the duration of the evening. Friday I started this festive weekend with Jeff and me hitting the town early around happy hour for a few parties. It is also the night we interviewed a potential new girl about town. After a vacancy was left by Barbara Ella (Chris Arthur) we have been hard strapped to find a suitable partying alternative. We tried Cathy Fox, but she could not hang, and then Amanda Straddle attempted but also fell by the wayside. So Friday night was Little Debbie’s (Darrin Dupplissey) turn at bat. We all met up at the W Hotel for the Halloween host party at Whiskey Blue which as always was a fabulous soiree with mucho hotties. After downing a few vodka cocktails, we climbed the marble stairs to the Passport Magazine party, which even though it was lackluster they continued to serve free drinks, which made up for it. After the hotel parties, we maneuvered our way into the Quarter to the Corner Pocket, which was hopping. My goodness, it was a feeding frenzy of male flesh. To say that this bar was crowded is an understatement. It was wall to wall dancers, some of whom came from as far as Montreal. After flirting with some of the men of the evening, we traveled along our winding path to the 700 Club and what a sight to behold. There were just scores of more men present just looking to meet three girls about town. Little Debbie was holding up quite well. We had a quick snack for sustenance to face the remainder of the long, “hard” night; then we found ourselves at Oz, which was beyond a madhouse. It was like a massive sea of swaying testosterone and I loved every minute of it. But one place could not hold the attention of the girls about town for long, so we briefly visited Napoleon’s Itch, Bourbon Pub and Lafitte’s. After the Quarter we managed to get ourselves to the Marigny to stop by the Radical Faeries Ball at JohnPaul’s which was out of control in a good way. The costumed revelers were dancing and merry. I even met one young man with an interesting tattoo that caught my curiosity for a brief moment in time, but as a girl about town I needed to leave when my posse said. So we crossed the street to the very wet block party at the Phoenix. But the rain did not damper our spirits, we played in the downpour with all the hot, hairy men. After some more frolicking, I walked the two blocks home, Little Debbie’s husband came and collected him, and Jeff (Elizabeth Bouvier) retired to her boudoir upstairs at JohnPaul’s. So it looks like we now have a third girl about town. Little Debbie has officially replaced Barbara Ella who will still make guests appear-
spotlight feature The Crown Jewels of Hollywood
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ew York – Christie’s is proud to announce details of the first in a fourday series of landmark sales devoted to the iconic collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the celebrated film star, fashion icon, and humanitarian. On December 13, 2011, Christie’s New York will present 80 of Ms. Taylor’s most iconic jewels in a special Evening Sale, followed by 189 additional jewels in two Day Sale sessions on December 14. Widely celebrated as one of the [continued on 19] ances here because of contractual requirements. Sort of like when Charlie’s Angels replaced Farrah, but she came back for several episodes.
Tony/Antoinette, Darren/Little Debbie & Jeff/Elizabeth Saturday brought more interesting fun. After waking Jeff up from his slumber upstairs at JohnPaul’s, we got him refreshed and we went to the French Quarter to brave the weather. We started with a few cocktails at the 700 Club and then went to the free concert at Napoleon’s Itch. Because of that damn Tropical bitch Lee, Mary Griffin and Deborah Cox were unable to make it, but the Queen Jeanie Tracy was there in all her glory. Chuck with his right hand Philip was there to make sure everything went off without a hitch. The large stage outside was replaced with a smaller stage inside which meant that the people backstage had an intimate concert feel. Me, Jeff and the fabulous Rona Conners partied like rock stars backstage as we were serenaded by Ms. Tracy who put on one hell of a show due to the circumstances and Voice of Pride Winner Derek Stevens who knocked the audience dead. After the show, we cavorted about the Quarter and I went back to the Marigny to check out the Sire Ursus contest held at JohnPaul’s. Talk about some remarkable wildlife at this event. I was surrounded by men folk who were just all that and some chips. Congratulations to Nathan for winning the contest. I then went to the Phoenix to survey the scene there and definitely broke some rules by feeding the bears. Sunday came in a blink of an eye. I woke up had a cup of coffee, then dashed to the Friendly Bar to the makeup brunch for the Grand Marshals which was just lovely. Misael Rubio and Tiffany Alexander have done a wonderful job this year and they definitely made us proud as our grand marshals of the holiday. So after some food and a few bloody mary’s, Jeff and I made our way to a pre-party at Brian
and Alvin’s new home in the Marigny. Talk about a showplace, what a lovely abode, and on top, it was Alvin and his twin brother’s birthdays. Talk about having twin fantasies. After some more cocktails, we made it to the parade for the start and it was exhilarating. Lots of costumed revelers were on hand to add to the celebration. My favorite costumes were the four gayly decorated playing cards, which were an ace, king, queen and ten. They were a “jack off.” After the parade, we went to Ambush for the SD bead toss at the magazine’s headquarters on Bourbon Street. I always enjoy watching people have a good time and the grand marshals and their entourages had a blast tossing beads to the screaming throngs of people below. Once that fun was over we went to a post parade fete over at the French Quarter home of Rob Sanford and Bill Trapp. They are always the gracious hosts and do a marvelous job for this holiday. Their party also attracts a bevy of pretty young men, which is always nice. Noticing the time, I realized I had a show to do. I rushed off to JohnPaul’s to prepare for Opal’s Follies. The crowd was large and in very high spirits. I emceed Opal’s show as she and her girls wowed the audience. Opal’s Follies is always the first Sunday of the month and it is never a dull moment. After some more drinks, I had to put it down because I was done. I was beginning to think I was speaking with an accent but someone told me that slurring does not count. The following day (Labor Day) I met up with a group of friends and went to the Southern Decadence Survivors Bar Crawl which was a hoot. Everyone was beat, but they persevered. Kudos to Tiffany and Misael for making it the entire way. I had fun the entire way, especially enjoying the fun boys at the Corner Pocket and 700 Club. Also Michael at Mike’s on the Park, had the best food spread as the final stop. His cooking is just delightful. I decided to end the long weekend by taking in some of the Engender show at JohnPaul’s which had its fun moments. I want to thank everyone involved in making Southern Decadence so much fun this year, from the grand marshals to their lieutenants to all the tourists who braved Lee to join us in the rain. You guys made this the best. Now what, Halloween!
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La Pérégrina Early 16th century Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Necklace, by Cartier Designed by Elizabeth Taylor, with Al Durante of Cartier Gift from Richard Burton Estimate: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000
A Suite of Emerald and Diamond Jewelry By BVLGARI, 1958-1963 Gift from Richard Burton Necklace estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000 Ring estimate: $600,000 -800,000 Pendant estimate: $500,000 – 700,000 Bracelet estimate: $300,000 – 500,000 The Taj Mahal Diamond Circa 1627 – 28 Gold and Ruby Chain, by Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, for Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday Estimate: $300,000-500,000
“The Cleopatra Mirror” A Turquoise and Gold Mirror By BVULGARI Estimate: $8,000-12,000
A Charm Bracelet, with 20 assorted charms [below] Estimate: $25,000 – 35,000 “The Prince of Wales Brooch” A Diamond Brooch, circa 1935 From the collection of the Duchess of Windsor Purchased by Elizabeth Taylor from Sotheby’s, Geneva Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000
The Burton Wedding Bands Estimate: $6,000-8,000
Gold and Ivory Necklace [below left] Ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries Gift from the Estate of Edith Head Estimate: $1,500 – 2,000
“The Night of the Iguana Brooch” A Diamond and Multi-Gem Brooch by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co., circa 1964 Gift from Richard Burton upon the occasion of the premiere of the film Night of the Iguana Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000
A Suite of Ruby and Diamond Jewelry By Cartier Gift from Mike Todd Necklace estimate: $200,000 – 300,000 Bracelet estimate: $150,000 – 200,000 Earrings estimate: $80,000 – 120,000
A Ruby and Diamond Ring, of 8.24 carats By Van Cleef & Arpels, 1968 Gift from Richard Burton Estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000
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The Crown Jewels of Hollywood: The Elizabeth Taylor Collection presented by Christie's New York
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, of 33.19 carats D color, VS1 clarity, potentially internally flawless Gift from Richard Burton Estimate: $2,500,000 – 3,500,000
crown jewels of hollywood ...from 16 greatest private collections ever assembled, this dazzling array of jewels includes Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic diamonds, gemstones, historic jewels, and one-of-a-kind creations, as well as a treasure trove of personal mementos and beloved gifts. The total selection of 269 magnificent jewels from this storied collection is estimated to achieve well in excess of $30 million. “From her most jaw-dropping diamonds, gems, and one-of-a-kind historic jewels, to cherished 'It’s Tuesday, I love you gifts'," and never-before-seen keepsakes, Elizabeth Taylor’s magnificent collection of jewels promises to captivate the auction world this fall. This is without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled in one place, and Christie’s is honored to have been entrusted with the global tour of the collection this fall, and the sale of the collection in its entirety this December,” said Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie’s Americas. “Elizabeth Taylor's passion for jewelry was wellknown, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses,” added François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie’s Asia. “From the first time I met her in 1998, it was clear that she possessed an expert's eye for craftsmanship, rarity, quality and history. She collected the best pieces from the best periods, and as a result her collection boasts exquisite examples from the most celebrated of jewelry designers, including BVLGARI, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Schlumberger, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others. Elizabeth Taylor always planned to offer her collection of jewelry at auction and I hope that the next owner of each of these iconic pieces will enjoy and respect
these jewels just as much as she did, and as she herself said, "give them a really good home". Select highlights from the Elizabeth Taylor’s collection of magnificent jewels will begin a three-month global tour this month, starting with a public exhibition at GUM on Moscow’s Red Square on September 15, followed by public exhibitions of collection highlights in London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva,
Paris, and Hong Kong. In December, the tour will culminate in a special tenday exhibition of the complete collection at Christie’s New York from December 3-12. Visit www.christies.com/ elizabethtaylor for additional information.
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paparazzi
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37th Southern Decadence Parade led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVII Misael Rubio & Tiffany Alexander ~ French Quarter, New Orleans
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a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
It boggles the mind!
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he Decadence Festival is now a memory and hopefully a good one for the many who travelled to New Orleans; hopefully a good one for those that live here; hopefully a good one for businesses and causes. As a straight guy who came from a middle class background; as a straight guy who only moved to the city ten years ago after a suburban life I must say – Decadence is a strange and sometimes daunting thing to wrap one’s mind around. Imagine, big girls in small dresses with big hair and lots of glitter on the ground, face, and elsewhere. Imagine a place where drinking and frivolity sit nicely side by side with advocacy and human rights. Imagine, a place where the economy is measured in the amount of trash picked up. Imagine, men and women, who may be a man or a woman or maybe not – at least not in a suburban context. It boggles the mind! We are a curious funny little tribe, we folk that live below Canal and our reach is nationwide if not international
in scope. It is not just Decadence; it is who we are – it boggles the mind! We are a people dedicated to fun, frivolity, and pathos. I use the word pathos because by definition “pathos” evokes not just compassion but sympathy and it is a quality that arouses emotions. The Krewe du Vieux uses pathos and irony to make a point each year. So, as the Grand Marshals and all the ‘ladies’ promenade down Bourbon Street is there not only a sense of joy, happiness, pride, subtly laced with longing, compassion, and a need to say, “I am.” It boggles the mind! In Exodus, the second book of Moses, we find a stuttering shepherd who is on the run from the law standing in an arid field watching his sheep. All of a sudden a bush catches afire. He watches tentatively and yet the fire continues to burn and the bush is not consumed. A voice comes out of the fire and it is GOD. The stuttering shepherd is instructed to take off his shoes and to listen because he is in the presence of the Holy of Holies. This man on the run from the law does just that.
After instruction to return to Egypt this stuttering felon (he murdered a man back in Egypt land) is told to set his people free. He is told to tell his people that “I AM” has sent him. So, people of Judeo-Christian faith now have a name “The Great I AM.” God defied being described or put in a box. The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph, the GOD who Jesus centuries later would call “Daddy” or Abba, defied explanation and categorization. And so they walked: the Marshal’s and ‘Ladies’ and all manner of humans; big hair, no hair, leather and lamé, and all saying “I am.” It boggles the mind! What do Dodwell House, true religion, and Decadence have in common? They are an expression of “I am.” Each is filled with longing and pathos – a voice of compassion that seeks to understand and love. GOD has done wonderful things: GOD gave his only son that we might know salvation and invitation; GOD created a tapestry of diversity in all that he has done. No two fingerprints are the same; there are over 1,740,000 known species of life on this planet alone; studies indicate that the human eye can discern as many as 7 million color variations; recent studies indicate that there are
over 300 sextillion stars in the universe (that is a 3 followed by 23 zeros)! THAT IS DIVERSITY! Diversity then might be said to be the primal fingerprint of GOD upon the universe. That fingerprint, at least a loop or a whorl (fingerprint terminology), includes us – all of us. Not as defective parts of the cosmos but as diverse expressions of the possibilities of the creator “I AM.” We surely are not GOD and so “I AM” is reserved for the God of Jesus and Abraham and maybe others. But, whenever we strive to say “I am what I am” we reflect some of the divine essence that was the first cause - the creator. Dodwell House, is the promise of dignity and a safe place to be - it is an outward and visible sign of “I am”; true religion embraces diversity and invites all of us in – it is an institutional expression that recognizes “I am”; Decadence, a memory for now, says boldly, “I am what I am.” It boggles the mind! “In the beginning was the WORD, and WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him ALL things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” The Gospel of John For more information about Dodwell House Community Center go to www.dodwellhouse.org. For information about St. Anna’s Episcopal Church go to www.stannanola.org.
lgbt real estate The Debt Crisis Impact on LGBT Home Buyers
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espite the downgrading of America’s credit rating there is cause for gay and lesbian home buyers to feel somewhat optimistic. That’s because LGBT buyers now have an even better chance of securing an extremely cheap mortgage to buy a home at price levels that are highly affordable. They also have the unprecedented advantage of knowing where prevailing interest rates are headed over the next 18 months, which can help them lock in a bargain mortgage rate with keen foresight. The Silver Lining for LGBT Home Buyers Mortgage rates had already been super low in recent weeks. But as ironic as it may seem, the recent USA credit downgrade has put additional downward pressure on mortgage rates – which will offer LGBT buyers even lower monthly house payments. Meanwhile the median price of residential properties has been tantalizingly affordable for many months. The day after the markets tanked, for example, the Fed did something totally unexpected by publically announcing what it plans to do with interest rates for the next couple of years. The Fed is notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to revealing its forward-thinking strategies and policies, keeping that information top secret. But this time Fed Chairman Bernanke came right out and stated the Fed agenda for the next two years, declaring that rates will be kept extremely low all the way through 2013. That disclosure injected much-needed confidence into the financial markets and helped the stock market recover almost all of its losses. But it also set the stage for incredibly affordable mortgage rates within the coming months. Fed Rates Influence Mortgage Rates Rather than having to play a guessing game LGBT borrowers can now be [continued on 29]
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Ambush’s Marsha with Greg @ Voodoo Bar SDGM XXXVII Tiffany Alexander on stage @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Bourbon Pub Parade host Nicole Dubois
Phoenix bartender Wayne & bar baron Clint Taylor
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Imani Cassidine Black in SDGMs Drag Show @ Golden Lantern
Hot dancers snag Will @ Double Play Men of Oz on the bar
Karbin, Allen & Dillon @ Oz
Radical Faeries Prince of Perversion Ball @ JohnPaul’s
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40th Anniversary of Southern the Bars ~ NewFrankie Orleans 2Hot Action ~ New Orleans ~ Photos byDecadence Ricci inCorkern, Fierce, Tony Leggio,
18th Southern Decadence Bead Toss hosted by SD Susan Lucci’s Rip & Marsha led by SDGMs Misael Rubio & Tiffany Alexander @ Ambush Headquarters
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Society Page, 700 Club, Ninth Circle, Voodoo, Michael’s On The Park ~ New Orleans
14th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl led by Cruise Director Ted Mahaffy ~ Corner Pocket, Double Play, Le Roundup,
ambush
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higher, making it harder for gays and lesbians to purchase homes. Fortunately, however, just the opposite happened. Amid all the recent chaos, economists were somewhat surprised and very relieved to find that investors continued to have a strong appetite for United States Treasury bonds. Financial instruments backed by the USA are still viewed as the best game in town, and as long as investors eagerly buy American bonds the interest rates on loans made in the USA should remain cheap.
real estate ...from 24 reasonably certain that mortgage finance rates will remain highly affordable. That’s the next best thing to having a mortgage market crystal ball. As a result, gay and lesbian buyers have a strong incentive to take advantage of some of the cheapest mortgage rates in history. Normally a downgrade of America’s credit rating would cause investors to dump their holdings of United States Treasury bonds, which would have the immediate effect of raising long-term interest rates. That scenario would be terrible for the domestic economy and would soon propel mortgage rates
A Great Time to Borrow at Bargain Basement Levels The market for Treasury bonds guides the direction of mortgage interest rates, in other words, and has a big influence on home loan prices. Earlier this year, for example, the federal government invested heavily in purchases of those same bonds by buying 600 billion dollar’s worth. The sole purpose of that stimulus program was to help support the U.S. economy and the housing market by making it easier to borrow money at inexpensive rates. That particular program ended a couple of months ago, however, to the chagrin of many people in the real estate industry. But in light of this month’s financial upheaval government officials have already hinted that they may resume the intense buying program – which would do even more to keep mortgages inexpensive. While these conditions continue, LGBT
borrowers can use a safe fixed-rate mortgage and lock in a rock bottom rate. That virtually guarantees low monthly payments for the life of the loan. But LGBT Buyers Should Control Mortgage Risk Using an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) right now is not recommended, however, because with rates so low there is little room for them to go any lower. Economists concur that within 3-4 years rates will likely go much higher, especially as the economy recovers, and that will typically make ARM loans more expensive. So it is best to rely on safe, predictable fixed rate mortgages for the next 2-3 years. Gay real estate experts also generally recommend leveraging the value of working with a LGBT or gay-friendly Realtor. That’s because gay and lesbian home buyers have special considerations that are best addressed by someone who is keenly familiar with the unique issues faced by LGBT buyers. Those include, for example, experience with legal complications that gay and lesbian couples may encounter when cosigning deeds or mortgages. Gay real estate agents typically also have firsthand information about where to find the most supportive gay-friendly communities. For expert help with all your real estate needs contact www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll free at 1.888.420.MOVE (6683). The members of this network are dedicated to active support of the global LGBT community.
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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 MIDTOWN 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, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807
book stores 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
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
antiques
KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 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 SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0950 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
Lafayette, LA [337] 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, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 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, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM
casinos Lake Charles, LA [337] L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, 337.395.7777 or 866.580.7444, ldlcasino.com New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS, GayHarrahsNOLA.COM
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1511]
circuit/events Oct. 27-30, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 17-21, 2012, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 25-28, 2012, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2012 41st 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
counseling New Orleans, LA [504]
DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] FRADY'S ONE STOP GROCERY & DELICATESSEN, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 MATASSA'S MARKET, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons Mandeville, LA [985] RESTORATION HAIR DESIGN, 1800 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 119, 626.4353 New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555
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. [0711] 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. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com.
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM Offic
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31
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. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. 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. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. 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 [is2611]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161
Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org
HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org
HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, w w w.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NET-
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WORK [RAIN], 523.3755 Softball: NOLA SOFTBALL LEAGUE, nolasoftball.com THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 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] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas, with free discrete delivery; authorized to dispense Serostim; specializing in HIV/AIDS, newto-market and other hard-to-find medications; local pharmacy supporting the LGBT community, partners and programs, AvitaDrugs.COM 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] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM 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 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com
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 Cajun Cafe Market, 1100 N. Peters in the French Market, 905.3212 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874,
DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Frady's One Stop Grocery & Delicatessen, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Matassa's Market, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 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 Royal House Restaurant, 441 Royal St., RoyalHouseRestaurant.COM, 528.2601 Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, HerbImport.COM KRAZY KATZ ON BOURBON, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 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 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 Slidell, LA [985] TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266
spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET
tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM
websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM
N e x t De a d l i n e : T u e s d a y, Se p t . 2 0 t h Ca l l 5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
Claude & Kindrick discuss CARES @ Tonic Annie Lou & Connie Coffee get a surprise @ “Roadkill Diner” DJ Macky Ray attacks Joey’s curls @ Tonic
Always great faces to serve you @ Jules Aunt Ophelia & Ima Nutt of the “Roadkill Diner”
Carl & Miss Mess Stage is set for CARES Anniversary party @ Tonic
Your hospitable staff of the “Roadkill Diner”
Haus of Mess @ Tonic Revenge of Nerds @ Tonic karaoke Hey! What’s going on here?
acadiana
papar azzi
BJ & his entourage @ Jules Miss Mess finally found practical use of her...
What are Steven & Ryan up to? Oh Jules :-)
Nick Rodriguez?
Too cute for words
The infamous Ryan Powell @ Jules
Blake Duhon, your host @ Jules karaoke
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Surprise, Discuss, Serve ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins
John & Darren @ Jules
acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583
T
ricks are beginning to wear their shorts a lot longer now so one can only assume that fall must officially be here. I mean quite recently I was downtown and noticed a group of them huddling over a warm tictac. It happens. Nonetheless, get your cardigans out because it’s that time of year again. You’re listening up with Joey Collins.
Fall into Downtown
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he Fall series of Downtown Alive is ready to commence. Feel free to attend the downtown series at 6pm every Friday at either Parc Sans Souci or Parc International. Admission is free but in order to keep it free please make sure that you do your part and purchase your alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages from the refreshment area of the concert stage. On September 16th TK Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke with special guest Charlene Howard will perform at Parc International. On September 23rd Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys will also be performing at Parc International. Looking for something more family oriented? Look no further! Movies in the Parc begin its Fall series in Parc International on Saturday, September 17th. The first movie to be shown will be Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. On Saturday, October 22nd Jurassic Park will be featured. On Saturday, November 26th, the final installment of the series will present Elf. The event begins 7pm and admission is $2 per person, children 5 and under get in for free. On Wednesday, September 28th, the Acadiana Center for the Arts presents An Evening with Aaron Neville. The event begins at 8pm and tickets can be purchased at acadianacenterforthearts.org. For more information about events in the Lafayette downtown area please visit www.downtownlafayette.org.
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mobile
trodding the boards
papar azzi
by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Glenn Miller: In The Mood at The Stage Door Canteen/National WWII Museum through Sept. 25
Birthdays, BeerFest, Talents ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John
F
The beautiful & talented Miss Mercedes Alexander performing @ B-Bob’s with Stevan From New York City Miss Gina Germaine performing @ Midtown Pub
or the next two weekends, The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen offers a time machine-like visit to the Big Band era with its 17-piece Victory Big Band performing Glenn Miller: In The Mood, a nostalgia-tinged recreation of 18 of the famed bandleader’s biggest hits. Using tight arrangements and featuring four trumpets, four trombones and [continued on 43]
acadiana happens ...from 35
Recapping a Night Cap
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DJ Chromatic (c) with Jason & Jayme @ the Hot Spot ...B-Bob’s We love YOU Jeremy & Louis, Happy BeerFest!
The boys having a great BeerFest Weekend @ B-Bob’s
The gangs all here ...with B-Bob’s bar owner Jerry
hanks to Miss Brodie Mess, his creative staff at Tonic, and all who worked so hard to put together the Acadiana CARES 25th Anniversary Party at Tonic. Bob Pastor and Stephen Barker both did an awe-inspiring job when it came to decorating the venue. More importantly many thanks go out to Hunter Lee Mannies for inviting me to his table and helping to nurture my alcoholism with a bottle of Stoli vodka. You are a dear friend. More importantly, if you were not at the party, you missed the news! Acadiana CARES Director Claude Martin announced the opening of the Lafayette Gay Men’s Wellness Center. This health clinic will be available for gay men of the Acadiana area and will play a pivotal role in promoting a healthier LGBT community. For more information on Acadiana CARES please visit their web site at www.acadianacares.org.
Roadkill Diner
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Happy Birthday Stuart, we love YOU!
Judson being Trans-Mortified
he Roadkill Diner enjoyed an amazing opening weekend from September 9th through the 11th. Local Playwright Dennis Ward has done it again! This laughout-loud comedy has it all. Booze, drunken preachers, tragic drag queens, tranny whores, and maybe a rape or two are all included in this comedic melodrama. I would love to sit here and explain the entire plot and the reasons why this is a must-see production but I refuse. I do not want to ruin any of the surprises so you will simply have to go and see it for yourself. The show will continue to run on the 16th, 17th, and 18th and on the 23rd, 24th, and 25 th . Tickets can be bought at www.citedesarts.org or by calling 337.291.1122. You can also join the Roadkill Diner Facebook group.
Bar Spill Happy Birthday, Maury, we love YOU!
The one & only Mr. Seven Iman having a great Labor Day with Miss Cie
S
o you ever find yourself making your way downtown, walking fast, faces
passing, and you’re looking for a drink. Well Jules Downtown claims to help keep downtown colorful by keeping its doors open so I think you should check it out. Don’t forget that on Saturday, September 17th is the Joey Collins’ 3rd Annual Birthday Bash! This year’s theme is Project Funway. That means get creative, pick a theme, and go crazy, and wear it. Designers, you may begin. Don’t forget that as always each Thursday night is a country-free karaoke with your host Blake Duhon. Friday night is still the Best Damn Drag competition with your host Steven Rogers. Saturday will always be a night to remember when you dance the night away. Tonic just celebrated its one-year anniversary. There were skeptics in the beginning but alas it is here to stay. With so many weekly events I’m not real sure where to begin. Rumor has it that Big Girl has become quite the athlete and now hosts his own Beer Pong tournament each and every Monday night. Tuesday night is always the famous Tuesday Night Talent Show. On Wednesday DJ Chad Evans makes the journey from Lake Charles and hosts karaoke night. Thursday is “drink all you can” for $15 while DJ Macky Ray spins his latest creative endeavors. Friday night is Ladies Night and also alternates with the Krewe of Divas straight from Baton Rouge. Saturday night will always vary depending on what Miss Mess has up her sleeve. Sunday is always Sunday Funday and features free brunch, mimosas, and its infamous Sunday Night Drag Show. As always make sure that you follow it all on Facebook by becoming part of the following groups: Ambush Magazine, Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, Tonic Lafayette, and Jules. Don’t forget that Ambush is always available online at AmbushMag.COM.
Closing Out
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’m only going to close out with this one statement: My birthday is soon so you’d better be ready to party. Keep the party going, Lafayette!
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Andru, Erick & Erin hanging out @ Emerald City
Crystal, Shannon & Colleen @ Drag BINGO
Beni & Lori @ Emerald City
Monica Heart & recording artist Adam Tyler @ Emerald City
Insert Lesbian joke here... David & Jon-Dye allways camera ready
Paul always fun @ Drag BINGO
pensacola papar azzi
Drag BINGO @ The Other Side
Creighton & Andrew @ The Other Side
Tiffany & Rick @ The Other Side
Recording artist Adam Tyler performs @ Emerald City
Kim & Kelvin enjoying Drag BINGO @ The Other Side
Bryan & the ever evolving Taylor Heart @ Emerald City
Andrea Alaska & Mari hanging out @ The Other Side
Adam the fill in BINGO assistant
Emerald City’s newest bartender hottie Jeffrey
Bryan & The First Lady Of Pensacola Ebony Sinclaire
Emerald City’s very own Taylor Heart
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Hanging Out, Evolving, Ready ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
Douglas & Marcus @ Emearld City
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sept em ber 13-26, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
ambush
papar azzi
Natasha & Pat @ Opal’s Follies SD Sunday @ JohnPaul’s
Jeanie Tracy live @ Napoleon’s Itch for Bourbon St. Extravaganza Male models greeting during Passport Party @ W Hotel
Harrah’s staffers Bernado a& Nick @ Harrah’s Kickoff Decadence Party
Hot Men @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile Chuck Robinson & Philip Pizzi on stage @ Napoleon’s Itch
Dawn @ Marvin @ Whiskey Blue in the W for Halloween host party
Kajun’s Pub’s Joann with her winning wagon in the Lords of Leather Wacky Wagon Race Philip in Krazy Katz on Southern Decadence Sunday
Chuck Robinson & Voice of Pride Derrick Stevens @ Napoleon’s Itch
The bears came out & played in the rain @ Phoenix Leather Block Party: “Fluid”
Best Chest Contestants in Outrageous show @ JohnPaul’s
SDGM XXXVII Tiffany Alexander on the Corner Pocket Bar raising $$$ for NO/AIDS Task Force Lake Charles’ Flo Di Lis, with Outrageous hosts Electra City & Tittie Toulouse
New Orleans Bears’ Sire Ursus event @ JohnPaul’s
Tom Conners gets lucky - Lucky Dogs that is at Decadence
Travis behind the bar @ 700 Club
Harrah’s Richard (r) & partner @ Harrah’s Kickoff Decadence Party
Host Barry Bareass & contestant Dusty in the Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contest @ The Corner Pocket
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Southern Decadence Highlights ~ New Orleans
Sexy men @ the Phoenix
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Forces. He organized a 45-member band which was activated in 1943 and sailed to Europe the following year. As five saxophones, band leader Jay the tide of war began to turn in our Hagen brings forth a great full-bodied favor, Miller’s performances boosted sound on such classic numbers as the morale of the troops. Tragically, on Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga December 15, 1944, while traveling to Choo Choo and, of course, In the Mood. France to entertain soldiers there, But this is no mere sit-back-and- Miller’s plane disappeared in bad enjoy show but a participatory experi- weather. His music, though, will live on ence as the Canteen’s center section for many generations. has been cleared of its usual tables In addition to narrating and doling out Stage Door Canteen mugs to audience members who correctly answer a trivia question, Murphy brings his smooth voice to some of the songs. He’s joined on other numbers by a classy quartet— Jimi Burtchael, Kathy DeRouen, John Giraud, Victoria Reed— who sound as though they’ve been directly transported from the 1940s. Reed is especially fine in her I Know Why solo. UnderstandGlenn Miller-In The Mood ably, for an at the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen evening featurand chairs, and the audience is en- ing Big Band music, a certain textural couraged to get up and dance. And if similarity prevails among the various the show you see is anything like the numbers but who’s complaining when performance I attended, there’ll be quite these timeless songs still sound so a few couples who not only think they wonderful. That said, my favorite numcan dance, but prove it with grace and ber just might have been Song of the style. Volga Boatmen, a canny wartime blendJimmy Murphy makes for a genial ing of a Soviet melody (this, of course, host, dispensing interesting factoids was pre-Cold War when we were still about Miller between the songs. on the same side) with American style; We learn that Miller was from its percussive thrust made it stand out Clarinda, Iowa, and that Artie Shaw somewhat from the other songs. passed on In the Mood which was first Because the singers are forced to recorded in New Orleans before the move their microphones around on famous version was taped in New stage, there’s occasionally some Rochelle in 1939. slightly unwieldy maneuverings. But Miller had many #1 Billboard hits that’s about the only criticism I’d have including Tuxedo Junction, which sold for Glenn Miller: In The Mood, a sen3 ½ million copies; (I Got a Gal in) sational 80 minutes of swing and Kalamazoo, an Academy Award nomi- snazziness. nee for Best Song; as well as Chattanooga Choo Choo, which was the first The Fall Season, ever gold record and was #1 in the U.S. a brief preview when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. ith over 20 shows on the We also get some more obscure boards in July and Autidbits. For example, Elmer’s Tune, angust, New Orleans’ theother #1 hit, was written by a mortician ater scene can hardly be said to be named Elmer. Perfidia was featured in emerging from the summer doldrums. Casablanca when Ingrid Bergman and That said, here’s a preview of some Humphrey Bogart are dancing in the productions that will be helping to kick Paris nightclub. And St. Louis Blues off the jam-packed Fall season. March, a W.C. Handy number, was the Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans inspiration for the foxtrot. continues its busy schedule with Miller was made a Captain in the Stephen Karam’s achingly funny Army in 1942, becoming the first bandleader to serve in the Armed Speech & Debate. First seen off-
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Broadway in 2007, this knowing look at teenagers caught up in high school politics and popularity contests was previously done by Southern Rep in 2008 but a show this good well-deserves another local run. And with all the recent headlines featuring sexting and other such naughtiness, the local online sex scandal that ties the three main characters together seems almost prophetic. Jackie Freeman, Kyle Woods, Bobby Cheramie, Joi Warner and Chris Murphy appear under Amanda Francis’ direction. Speech & Debate runs through September 24. ATNO’s theater is located at 4539 N. I-10 Service Rd., Suite 200 (2nd Floor of the WTIXFM Bldg.) behind Target at the Clearview Mall. For reservations or more information, call (504) 456-4111. Theatre UNO and The NOLA Project join forces to present the New Orleans premiere of Is He Dead?. This “new” comedy was written by America’s greatest satirist, Mark Twain, in 1898 but, unfortunately, was never performed in his lifetime. In fact, the script would spend the next century lost in a drawer. The play was discovered among other writings of Twain in 2002 and has been adapted by playwright David Ives. The plot, characters, and dialogue of Is He Dead? contain all of Twain’s trademark humor and keen ear for language. Jean-François Millet, a brilliant but unappreciated artist, lives outside of Paris in 1846. Millet can’t sell a painting to save his life and owes a large debt to a nefarious art dealer who is determined to marry Millet’s girlfriend. As an artist’s work is of high value only after his death, the painter fakes his demise. True to tradition, wealth quickly follows, and with the help of three bohemian friends, the artist returns as his own sister. But how long can Millet keep up the façade? Beau Bratcher directs a large cast featuring NOLA Project stalwarts and UNO students, both graduate and undergraduate. Is He Dead? will be performed in UNO’s Robert E. Nims Theatre through September 18. For more information call 280-SHOW (7469). Through September 25, The Anthony Bean Community Theater presents Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s acclaimed first play Jitney, the 1970’s installment of his renowned cycle of 10 plays depicting African-American life in the 20th century. Jitney tells the stories of the men working in a Pittsburgh “gypsy cab” station where they hustle to make a living as unofficial, unlicensed taxi drivers. Tensions run high as the city threatens to shut down the company while the company’s owner has to deal with his son who has just returned from serving a 20-year prison sentence. Directed by Anthony Bean, Jitney stars Ambie Award-winners Will Williams and Harold X. Evans along with Donald Lewis, Al Aubry, Steven Burke,
Sam Malone, Desmond Ables and Codi Gayles. Tickets are available by calling the box office at (504) 862-7529. The theater is located at 1333 South Carrollton Avenue. Southern Rep launches its 25th anniversary season with Yasmina Reza’s 2009 Tony Award-winning play God of Carnage translated from the French by Christopher Hampton. The production boasts a cast of Ambie Award winners, Maureen Brennan, Lara Grice and Gary Rucker, along with New Orleans favorite John “Spud” McConnell in the role originated on Broadway by James Gandolfini. In God of Carnage, a playground altercation between two eleven-yearold boys brings together both sets of parents for a meeting to resolve the conflict. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the discussion progresses, the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off as Reza asks “How ‘civilized’ are we, really?” Having seen and enjoyed the original slam-bang Broadway production, which also starred Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis and Marcia Gay Harden in her Tony-winning turn, I am looking forward to seeing what our home grown team can do under Ricky Graham’s direction. Carnage begins previews on September 14 in Southern Rep’s theater on the 3rd floor of Canal Place. It opens officially September 17 and continues through October 9. Contact the box office at (504) 522-6545 for tickets. Out in Slidell, Cutting Edge Theater is presenting, through September 30, the regional premier of The Marvelous Wonderettes, a musical comedy with a book by Roger Bean that recently played at the off-Broadway Westside Theatre in New York. The show, which uses pop songs from the 1950’s and ‘60’s to tell its story, pays homage to the high school song leader squads of the 1950’s. When called upon to perform at their senior prom as a last minute replacement, Springfield High Song leaders, Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, rally together to entertain their classmates in four-part harmony. The songs they sing during the course of the musical include Lollipop; Dream Lover; Stupid Cupid; Lipstick on Your Collar; Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me; It’s My Party; and It’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song). The Marvelous Wonderettes stars Samatha Barnes, Annie Gambino, Brian Fontenot, Mimi Ybos, and Gabrielle Ferrari, and is directed By Richard Fuentes. Cutting Edge Theater is located in the Attractions Hair Salon at 747 Robert Blvd. in Slidell. Tickets can be arranged by calling 985649-3727 or 985-640-0333. Musicals, comedies, dramas— looks like we’ll be in for quite an entertaining season. And not just from our politicians!
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