Ambush magazine volume 29 issue 21 by Ambush Publishing

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

22nd Annual NO/AIDS WALK presented by Chevron & Avita Drugs Draws Huge Crowds & Raises over $180,000

ver 4,500 people took to the streets on Sunday, September 25th to help raise awareness about AIDS in the community. Participants also helped raise over $180,000 for NO/AIDS Task Force, one of the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organizations in the Gulf South. The dollars raised will help the Task Force continue providing care and services to over 2,000 men and women affected by this disease. A portion of the funds raised will also be given to other AIDS Service Organizations around the state who participated in the Walk Share Grant Program. The crowd at this year’s NO/AIDS Walk was the largest the event had seen in years. The diverse groups that come together in support of NO/AIDS Task Force each year is always impressive. School groups from elementary schools on up to college and university students, businesses, church groups, other nonprofits, and families from across the metro area come each year to support the efforts of the Task Force and help raise much needed funds. This year’s top fundraiser for the second year was Ambush Theatre Critic Brian Sands who collected over $15,000 for this year’s WALK. Other awards went to the top fundraising teams in 4 different categories. The top fundraising school (elementary and high school) went to Trinity Episcopal; the top University/ College Team was Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine; Megateam went to Club LAX, and Michael’s on the Park won best team with 10 or fewer members. 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 the 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 the entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts. For more information, please visit www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601.

Halloween New Orleans Benefits Project Lazarus

urchase a weekend pass or any combination of tickets for Halloween 28 (October 27-30) by visiting HalloweenNewOrleans.COM. Tickets are also available at the door for all events. There is an amazing line up for you this year including world class DJs Manny Lehman, Eddie Baez and Corey Craig! The kick-off to the weekend is at Harrah’s Casino Theater for Thursday night's Lazarus Ball from 7-11pm. This year’s black tie optional event will feature live entertainment, food from some of New Orleans finest restaurants, and the always popular silent auction! Returning to House of Blues for the second year and featuring the amazing music of DJ Corey Craig is Friday's Club HNO from 9pm-3am. This is sure to be

inside under the gaydar 14 trodding the boards 16 celebrazzi 20 snap paparazzi/new orleans 22 snap paparazzi/new orleans 26 halloween new orleans (hno28) 27 chop chop/country club review 28 a community within communities 29 classifieds 32 acadiana paparazzi/lafayette 36

Halloween Issue Oct. 25 DEADLINE: Tues., Oct. 18 acadiana happens/lafayette on the prowl/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie c'est bon/new orleans email/letters ambush paparazzi/new orleans low & slow mobile paparazzi pensacola paparazzi

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an amazing event. VIP Host Lounge will feature it’s own music and enhanced dance floor lighting will transform House of Blues into Club HNO! One of the biggest and best costume parties of the year is Saturday's Wickedly Ever After in a new location at the New Orleans Convention Center from 10pm-4am! What’s your version of a twisted fairy tale? Show the audience and win the group or individual costume contest. Arrive early to check out all the costumes and dance to DJ Eddie Baez before the 12midnight show - and the entertainment won’t stop there.... stick around to see what other surprises are in store for you while DJ Manny Lehman keeps it jamming til 4am! You will be blown away by the amazing Host Lounge, decor and entertainment. Don’t miss out! Don’t miss the boat! Back by popular demand Sunday's Brunch on the Steamboat Natchez is a great way to end the weekend boarding at 2pm, departing at 2:30pm sharp. Great southern food (yes, you can eat now!), great friends (new and old), and a great view of the city - brunch on the Natchez is a great way to end a great weekend! A true New Orleans experience! Join Halloween New Orleans for its 28th year of parties and fundraising for a great cause, Project Lazarus! The mission of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised. The official sponsors of Halloween 28 include Absolut, Avita Drugs, Harrah's New Orleans, Oz, Bud Light, House of Blues, Riverboat Natchez, Advocate, Ambush, Instinct, and Noize.

Archbishop Hannan’s Legacy: Project Lazarus

ccording to Project Lazarus: Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, who passed away at age 98 on September 29, 2011, opened Project Lazarus, an HIV/AIDS Hospice program, in 1985 amidst fear and misunderstanding of the disease. Archbishop Hannan’s legacy lives on each day at Project Lazarus as the foundation of love, acceptance, and trust with which it was created! This powerful and esteemed Spiritual Leader gave the final approval to open Project Lazarus for ALL people living with AIDS that had nowhere else to go. That was almost three decades ago and a lot has changed during that time; however, one thing that will never change is the standard set by Archbishop Hannan to love all people with a zero tolerance for any discrimination. The time was 1985 and the people of New Orleans and its surrounding

parishes were very fearful of this disease called AIDS that seemed to become an epidemic overnight. Almost every person that reached a full AIDS diagnosis died within six months. For many who were infected that was a good thing, since most AIDS sufferers in those early days were full of shame, guilt and ostracized by society. It was a very scary time and it appeared that people wanted to blame someone or some group for the epidemic. There was a lot of controversy associated with any reference to HIV/ AIDS since the disease itself seemed to be impacting the gay community almost exclusively at first. Hundreds of the random deaths that took place were [continued on 10]

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, Rev. Bill Terry, Frankie Wingerter, Rory Wright-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

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the "official" dish ...from 8 concentrated in the French Quarter and in the Marigny section of New Orleans which were populated heavily by the gay community. There were several reports that people were simply dying in the streets. It was not unusual to hear of families rejecting their infected loved ones due to fear, wrongful judgment and misunderstanding of this dreadful epidemic. The stories of how these people living with AIDS were treated are heartbreaking to say the least. When Archbishop Hannan was approached in 1985, by two members of the clergy asking for help with this worldwide dilemma now greatly affecting the people of New Orleans, he asked, “What do you need from me to give these people the help they so desperately need?” These priests came to see the Archbishop, prepared with documents of support, as they just knew this request was going to require deep consideration and would certainly violate somewhat strict boundaries in place for many years. They knew this was a lot to ask but much to their surprise, Archbishop Hannan answered right away, choosing to serve the people in need, as was his passion and purpose, and offer compassionate care. His courage and leadership prevailed even when the sentiment of the community often portrayed attitudes of paranoia and prejudice towards those that suffered with AIDS. It’s the year 2011 now …which is 26 years after Hannan chose to put aside any differences and lovingly support the decision to help ALL people living with AIDS who have nowhere else to go. His great example of love, leadership, diversity, acceptance and overall goodness clearly saved many lives and allowed so many to die with dignity. He was a legend in his own time and will always remain a phenomenal inspiration to Project Lazarus and to all who pass through its doors. His spirit touches every resident that comes through Lazarus as well as those in the community that continue to support its mission.

New Orleans Museum of Art Celebrates 100th Anniversary with 110 New Acquisitions

OMA 100 is the culmination of a five-year acquisition project, celebrating the museum’s 100th anniversary with the exhibition of 110 newly acquired objects, ranging from a laminated color C-print by American artist Matthew Barney to a seven-foot long shark headdress from Nigeria. The exhibition, conceived by Director Emeritus John Bullard and trustee Anne Milling, is on

view from November 13, 2011 through January 22, 2012, reaffirms the museum’s commitment to collecting outstanding works and highlights the dedicated support of the museum’s benefactors. NOMA 100: Gifts for the Second Century is a celebration of the museum’s growing permanent collection and also marks a pivotal moment of transition with the new directorship of Susan Taylor. “NOMA 100 is about telling stories: the story of the museum’s evolution from an eleven object collection to a wide-ranging encyclopedic collection of over 35,000 works today; that of Director Emeritus John Bullard’s enthusiasm and tireless pursuit of extraordinary works; and the stories those works of art tell us about a culture, artist, and moment in time,” said Director Susan Taylor. The exhibition features new works across a number of collection categories, including European Art before and after 1900, American Art, Asian, PreColumbian and Native American, and African and Oceanic, and demonstrates artistic connections across medium, style, time periods, and cultures. Highlights from the exhibition include: * An Untitled reflective, stainless steel 78 inch tall cube sculpture by British, Indian-born artist Anish Kapoor, created in 1997 and to be displayed outside in the museum’s sculpture garden. * American artist Keith Sonnier’s Fluorescent Room, originally exhibited in 1970 and on view only four times prior to its installation at NOMA. The interactive, site-specific installation made from styrofoam, phosphorescent pigment, and ultraviolet light explores the effects of light and audience participation-themes central to Sonnier’s creative output. * Figure 8 from Black and White Numerals, 1968, a lithograph by American artist Jasper Johns. * A two-sided charcoal drawing of a hungry child and woman carrying laundry and Great Lovers II, 1913, a 28 inch bronze sculpture of two lovers in an embrace both by 20th century German artist Käthe Kollwitz. * An outdoor gilt bronze statue of Diana, modeled 1886, cast 1985, by classically-inspired American artist

Augustus Saint-Gaudens. * 18 color photographs by Canadian artist Robert Polidori including 5979 West End Boulevard, 2005, from his After the Flood series, taken in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. * German Expressionist oilpainting, Main Street in Murnau, 1905, by Gabrielle Münter. * A monumental Inverted Spiraling Tower, 1987, by American artist Sol LeWitt, exhibiting his trademark repetition of white hollow cubes. “The diverse group of works that are NOMA 100 create new points of departure for examining future collecting efforts,” said Taylor. “They represent a remarkable gift to the citizens of New Orleans, whom we are committed to serving, and support our role as a center for education and inspiration. We are honored to present these works for the benefit of all of New Orleans and visitors to the city.” NOMA 100 first began as a project idea in 2006, when Director Emeritus John Bullard and New Orleans philanthropist and museum trustee Anne Milling decided to mark the museum’s centennial by underscoring the singularity and strength of the museum’s holdings through an expansion of the collection with 100 new works. They brought together a five-member committee to advise on outreach efforts, and over the last several years have engaged 75 generous donors who have either promised or gifted new works to the collection. The new additions represent the dedication to the culture of New Orleans and diverse artistic passions of the museum’s benefactors, who include individuals new to the museum as well as those who have previously given transformative gifts. “When John and I embarked on this journey, our goal was simple: to expand the cultural experiences of visitors to the museum by widening the brilliant spectrum of artworks in the permanent collection,” said Milling. “John’s emphatic belief and effort in this project combined with the overwhelming enthusiasm of our donors has proven our endeavor more than a success.” On December 16, 1911, the museum open its doors owning nine works of art. Today NOMA has over 35,000 art objects in the permanent collection.

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5 0 4 .8 3 6 .0 0 0 0 3001 Fifth St. Metairie, LA 70002 David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT On Friday, December 16, 2011, NOMA will open the doors free to the public at 10am and stay open until Saturday, December 17 at 5pm. Details about the birthday celebration and NOMA100 exhibition events will be forthcoming. NOMA admission on Wednesdays are FREE for all museum visitors. Adults, $10; Seniors (65 and up) and Students, $8; Children 7-17, $6; Children 6 and under, free. Free Wednesdays are made possible through the generosity of The Helis Foundation. The New Orleans Museum of Art, founded in 1910 by Isaac Delgado, houses over 35,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art. Works from the permanent collection, along with continuously changing temporary exhibitions, are on view in the museum’s 46 galleries Fridays from

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the "official" dish ...from 10 10am to 9pm and Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden features work by 62 artists, including several of the 20th century’s great master sculptors. The Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm. except for Fridays when it’s open until 8:45pm. The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden are fully accessible to handicapped visitors and wheelchairs are available from the front desk. For more information about NOMA, call 504.658.4100 or visit www.noma.org.

ArtSpot Productions & New Orleans African American Museum present Performance Commemoration of 1811 Slave Revolt

rtSpot Productions remounts its epic 2001 performance Rumours of War as part of the 2011 bicentennial commemoration of Louisiana’s 1811 Slave Revolt. Take a journey through the grounds of the New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM) as it presents a fictional and magical account of events that occurred at the Andry Plantation on a January night in 1811. Performances are Fridays through Sundays, October 14-30 at 7:30pm at NOAAM, 1418 Governor Nicholls, New Orleans. A chorus of martyrs singing “Yea though I walk through the valley of…” echoes through the grounds while a room full of unsuspecting plantation

owners celebrate the beginning of Carnival season. The audience moves through songs and gardens, memories and living sculptures to honor the people and ideas that infused the 1811 Slave Revolt. Rumours of War is a performance event that unites a multi-cultural, multi-generational group of New Orleans artists to examine a piece of our community’s buried history, to commemorate the bicentennial of an act of resistance by enslaved Africans in Louisiana, and to explore ways to improve our shared present and future. Co-directed by Kathy Randels (ArtSpot Productions artistic director) and Monique Moss (artistic director of Third Eye Theatre), it features original music by Sean LaRocca, and special music and dance performances by Ausettua AmorAmenkum and Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective. Visual Design is by Jeff Becker and Shawn Hall. It is performed by Kathy Randels, Monique Moss, Ausettua AmorAmenkum, Ray Vrazel, Michael “Quess” Moore, Martin Bats Bredford, and Michael Quintana. Rumours of War is made possible by The Surdna Foundation, and by Tulane University Department of Theatre and Dance. It is resented in collaboration with The Louisiana Museum of African American History, Dillard University Theater Department, Students at the Center, The Renaissance Project, McDonogh 35 Senior High School, and Third Eye Theatre. Tickets are $20 general, $15 students/seniors. Group rates available. Pay-what-you-can night is Sunday, October 16. Buy tickets online at www.noaam.org, or at the Museum.

Lords of Leather set October Events

ctober brings a bounty of leather events sponsored by the Lords of Leather with the support of Oz nightclub and platinum sponsor, the Phoenix. The weekend of October 21 - 23 features the annual Mr. Louisiana Leather Weekend where local and regional men will compete for the title of Mr. Louisiana Leather 2012. The festivities begin Friday night at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields, with a “meat” & greet beer bust at which patrons can mingle and get to know the contestants in this year’s contest. The beer bust starts at 9pm and concludes at midnight, though the fun and “meat” may go on for hours. $5 gets you all the beer or soda you can drink and,”meat” doesn’t mean food... Saturday, the 22nd finds the Lords offering BDSM demonstrations. Onlookers can gain information about various activities including electro play, rope bondage, and more. The demos will cover tips, techniques, and safety. Demos begin at 1pm at the Phoenix and are open to all. Oz nightclub, 800 Bourbon, is the scene for the official Mr.

Louisiana Leather 2012 contest on Saturday night. Beginning at 8pm, contestants will compete in interview, jock, leather image, and speech categories. The winner of the contest goes on to the International Mr. Leather competition in Chicago on Memorial Day weekend 2012. Admission is a $10 donation and includes a ticket for a free drink at the Phoenix after the contest where the winner will be feted until the wee hours of the morning. The weekend concludes with brunch at the Phoenix on Sunday at 1pm. Two events are scheduled for Halloween weekend. First, on Saturday, October 29th, the Lords of Leather and the Phoenix are sponsoring a costume contest and beer bust. The beer bust begins at 9pm and the contest will be held at 10:30pm. Put on your scariest face and you might win one of the fabulous prizes. The contest is free to all. On Sunday, the 30th, the Lords and the Phoenix hold another of those infamous “play” parties upstairs at the Eagle. Entitled “The Devil Wears Nada...”, a $10 donation gets attendees free domestic beer and well drinks from 8pm to 11pm. A clothes check will be provided should you feel the urge to ditch that costume or other clothing. Also in attendance will be the men of ForbiddenFunk.com to raise the sexual energy. Tickets are strictly limited and are available in advance from the bartenders at the Phoenix or any Lords of Leather member. For more information about any of these events, please visit www.lordsofleather.com.

14th Annual International Heritage Celebration presented by the Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, Inc.

ntertainment, exhibits, food and visitors from around the globe will take center stage at the Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, Inc.’s International Heritage Celebration to be held in and around the Baton Rouge River Center and on River Road in downtown Baton Rouge, on Sunday, October 23rd. The International Heritage Celebration will open at noon. The colorful Parade of Nations, one of the highlights of the Celebration, begins at 3pm. Exhibits representing the culture of more than 40 countries, accompanied by flags, native dress, ethnic food, dance and storytelling provide a rich insight into the multicultural makeup of Baton Rouge and the southeast Louisiana area. Louisiana music, food and craft demonstrations highlight our regional traditions. Everyone can receive a free “passport” complete with a Global IQ test,which may be stamped at each country exhibit. Event t-shirts and posters will be on sale. Be sure to shop the International Market and dine at the Taste of Nations Food Court. Performing on several stages this year is a wonderful lineup of talent from the United States and around the World including: International Music Stage: Ovi-G & the Froggies “Las Ranas” (Mexico); Bamboula 2000 (Africa/ Carribbean);Ven Pa’Ca Flamenco Guitar & Dance (Spain); Mariachi JaLisco (Latin America) Louisiana Music Stage: Tribute to Phil Brady; Gray Hawk (Native American); Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor; Choupique Cajun Band; Step Child; Vince Hutchinson & Heavy Storm Band International Dance Stage: Ethnic Dances from Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, Chinese Martial Arts, Zumba Demo This event is free, open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Visit www.brcwa.com for info.

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

Bartender of the Month: October

here are many skills needed to be a successful bartender in New Orleans. Since much of this city’s social happenings revolve around alcohol, bartenders here are like superstars, they carry clout. In fact some specialty bartenders are called bar chefs, because of their intricate cocktail creations.

But making a satisfying drink is only half the battle; a worthwhile bartender must be personable. If you are not a people person, this may not be the career choice for you. My choice for bartender of the month displays both, the ability to make unique cocktail creations and an award winning personality. The bartender of the month for October is Julian from Napoleon’s Itch. Not only is he the head guy behind the bar, but he along with Chuck Robinson own this fine establishment. Armed with leading man good looks and a very outgoing disposition, Julian surpasses just being a bartender. His positive energy is literally infused in every drink he makes. His charming smile can win over anyone within minutes. And there is something sensual in the way he handles a shaker. Order a martini and trust me; watching Julian make one is worth the price of the drink alone. His movie star features just enhance every libation making it sexy. Even though Napoleon’s Itch is a gay bar, Julian manages to have a large following of fans of both sexes. Men and women alike seem to succumb to his charisma. Also another fantastic reason to visit the bar is that it is the only gay bar that is smoke free. Not being a smoker, I love it. So come and let Julian tempt you with one of his cocktails. His martinis are the best. Napoleon’s Itch is located

at 734 Bourbon Street.

Are You Ready For Next Fall?

am not talking about the sea son, but the new show Next Fall produced by Jeff Mallon, better known to audiences around the city as Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier. When is the right time to come out to your parents? Will they ever be ready for the conversation? Will they accept or discard you? And most of all; is it ok to pray after sex? All these questions are broached in the regional premier of the play Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts. The show will be at the Shadowbox Theatre, 2400 St. Claude October 20-22 at 8pm. It’s a moving, at times amusing, emotional journey that not only deals with the rights that any gay person should have if one of them happens to be ill but also touches on the Christian beliefs of Luke (Evan Andrews) an actor and his older boyfriend Adam (Jeff Mallon) who is an atheist. Next Fall was nominated for a TONY award for best play in 2010.

Bill McCarthy directs the intimate comedy with the cast including Rebecca Howell, Karen Shield, Barry Rutherford, and Trenton Ryan Perez. Tickets are available at http:// nextfall.eventbrite.com with a special benefit performance for the Krewe of Petronius on Oct 19 www.kreweofpetronius.org.

Satyricon is Golden

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting the opening night of Running With Scissors smash hit The Golden Girls. New Orleans legend Ricky Graham joins Running With Scissors’ own Brian Peterson, Bob Edes Jr., Jack Long, and Dorian Rush, plus San Francisco’s

acclaimed Heklina and Cookie Dough to present The Golden Girls! They have cracked open the vault and pulled out two classic episodes of the longrunning TV show, and they’re performing them onstage at Southern Rep, located on the 3rd floor of the Shops at Canal Place (365 Canal Street). Spend an evening with Satyricon and relive the comic highs and fashion lows of the 1980s: the floral prints, the pastels, and oh God, the sequins! If you saw the Golden Girls production from 2010, you know the high-camp hijinks they've got in store. But remember: this show is likely to sell out so reserve your tickets early by calling 504.525.4498. Tickets are $25.

Jump Aboard the AmonRa Soul Train!

t is that time of the year again when the Krewe of Amon-Ra presents its annual Halloween party, costume contest and Soul Train revival show. Miss Jenkins and a bevy of your favorite ladies and gentlemen take to the stage to entertain guests with their stunning interpretations of songs from that period, all done in costume. The show is at Michael's on the Park, 834 N. Rampart, 8pm on Saturday, October 22. Ticket prices are $10 and more information may be found at www.kreweofamonra.com.

Gear Up For Halloween

he Krewe of Armeinius is helping people get ready for the spooky holiday by holding their Halloween costume sale Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23 from 10am to 3pm at Frederick Guess Studio. Come find just the right thing to wear this year as you peruse costumes from one of the most flamboyant gay organizations in the city. It is your chance to be Belle of the Ball in one of their stunning creations, literally. The studio is located at 910 Royal Street in the French Quarter.

Who’s Your Leather Daddy?

he streets of the French Quarter will once again run rampant with leather men as the Lords of Leather holds their Mr. Louisiana Leather weekend Friday Sunday, October 21-23. There are several different events in conjunction with the weekend including the Mr. Louisiana Leather contest on Saturday, October 22, 8pm, at Oz. One lucky new contestant will join the ranks of the Mr. Louisiana Leather family representing the state next year at International Male Leather (IML) in Chicago. It is always a great time with some hot looking guys, so definitely check out one or more of the festivities over the weekend. For more informa-

tion, go to www.lordsofleather.com.

LGBT Film Festival returns to NOLA

s part of the 22nd Annual New Orleans Film Festival, the New Orleans Film Society is introducing a new LGBT Film Festival: OUTtakes, a week-long film fest celebrating movies related to LGBT issues. This event is sponsored by Harrah’s New Orleans, and screenings will take place at both the Harrah’s Casino Theatre and the Theatres at Canal Place between October 14 and 20. “The Film Society is really excited to bring more LGBT programming to New Orleans through OUTtakes. Given that the city has not had an LGBT Film Festival in some years, we are thrilled to present OUTtakes and hope to expand our LGBT offerings in the future,” said Jolene Pinder, executive director of the New Orleans Film Society. “We are pleased to offer some of the best LGBT films currently on the festival circuit through OUTtakes,” said program director Clint Bowie. “Some of these films are multi-award winners and are critical favorites. We are very excited to be able to showcase them to a local audience.” Many of the people involved in making these films will be on hand for the festival from the stars to the directors. All feature films will be preceded by a related short film. Here is a list of the films that will screen as part of OUTtakes: WISH ME AWAY screens Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30pm at Harrah’s Casino Theater. Wish Me Away is a poignant documentary about Chely Wright, the first country music star to ever come out as openly gay. It will transform hearts and minds with a character who speaks the language of someone born and raised in the Heartland, the daughter of conservative religious parents; a girl whose only dream was to be a country music star. And she happened to be gay. *Directors Bobbi Birleffi and Beverly Kopf are scheduled to attend the screening. AN ORDINARY FAMILY screens Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9pm at Harrah’s Casino Theater. An Ordinary Family is a humorous drama about one family, two brothers and a really big problem. Currently making the Festival rounds. Thomas Biederman is blindsided when his estranged brother, Seth, shows up unannounced to the annual family vacation… with his boyfriend. *Filmmakers (and cast) are scheduled to attend the screening. (A)SEXUAL screens Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2:20pm at Theatres at Canal Place. Facing a sex obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes and misconceptions, and a lack of social or

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Weir at Deutsche Haus through Oct. 12

t might seem a wee bit odd for an archetypically Irish play to be performed at Deutsche Haus. But when you think about it, the faeries and leprechauns of Ireland are veritable first cousins to Germany’s alvens and dwarves. And whether it’s a German lager served in an earthenware stein or Murphy’s Irish stout in a glass, both countries have rigorous and long-standing traditions of beer drinking.

under the gaydar ...from 14 scientific research, asexuals – people who experience no sexual attraction— struggle to claim their identity. *Director Angela Tucker and producer Jolene Pinder are scheduled to attend the screening. NOAH’S CANOE (world premiere) screens Monday, Oct. 17, at 9pm at Harrah’s Casino Theater. The story of a trans-man who has always wanted to work with his dad building canoes in the north woods of Maine. *Director Juliet are scheduled to attend the screening. WEEKEND screens Saturday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10pm at Theatres at Canal Place. On a Friday night after hanging out with his straight mates, Russell heads out to a nightclub, alone and on the pull. Just before closing time he picks up Glen. And so begins a weekend—in bars and in bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex— that will resonate throughout their lives. WE WERE HERE screens Monday, Oct. 17, at Harrah’s Casino Theater. ”Of all the cinematic explorations of the AIDS crisis, not one is more heartbreaking and inspiring than WE WERE HERE, a quiet, elegiac documentary about the response to the epidemic in San Francisco... Shattering…” Stephen Holden, New York Times. Tickets for individual screenings are $8 for New Orleans Film Society members / $10 general public. Members and non-members can purchase tickets online at www.neworleansfilmsociety.org. You can also get tickets at the festival box offices: Contemporary Arts Center from 1 to 3pm every day, and Prytania Theatre from 4:30 to 7pm every day.

A Little Voodoo Magic for a Good Cause

he dancing ladies of Roux La La will be casting a spell for a good cause on Saturday, October 22nd at their first-ever Halloween event, Roux Doux Fest. This voodoo-themed night of entertainment is a fundraiser for Southeast Louisiana

AIDS Awareness. The evening will be emceed by Princesse Stephaney, who will welcome special guests MC Sweet Tea and da Tastee Hotz, Starr Alexander and many more, including the lovely ladies of Roux La La! Raffle prizes — -include Audubon Zoo passes, a 6month membership to St. Charles Athletic Club, an autographed Saints football and a gift certificate to Salon Diversions. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and enter the Voodoo Queen/King contest! Roux La La is a New Orleansbased all-female dance troupe that was founded in 2009 and debuted in Mardi Gras 2010. Roux La La marches in parades and performs at events throughout the year, wearing their signature brown, green, and white. As part of their mission to give back to the New Orleans community, Roux La La has chosen Southeast Louisiana AIDS Awareness as their official charity for 2011-2012. The Southeast Louisiana AIDS Awareness Organization (SELAA) is dedicated to preventing HIV through education, and providing support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Louisiana ranks the 11th highest in the United States for cumulative reported AIDS cases. Proceeds from SELAA events go to local HIV/AIDS charities, including Project Lazarus. Roux Doux Fest is Saturday, October 22nd starting at 8pm at The Big Top, 1638 Clio Street between St. Charles and Carondelet. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.rouxlala.com or $20 at the door – cash only. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $30, which includes three free drinks from sponsor Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and a complimentary raffle ticket.

All this by way of saying that The Weir has found a perfect home in Deutsche Haus’ small sidebar. And the new Rising Shiners Theatre Company’s first outing is a well-nigh perfect production of Conor McPherson’s haunting play. The story, such as it is, is a simple one. On a stormy night, four people assemble in a pub in a rural town in Northern Ireland. The bartender, Brenden (Mike Harkins), takes care of their liquid needs. Three of the folks are local men; one, Finbar (John Neisler), has done especially well in real estate. He accompanies Valerie (Ann Mahoney), a young lady who’s just moved to the area from the big city and has rented a house from him. What happens? Nothing much. They drink. They gossip. They fight over who’ll pay for a round. And they tell stories, five in all, four of which have a supernatural edge to them. \The stories build in impact and it is not meant as any sign of disrespect to the actors or author that, to me, the first three, though well-crafted and beautifully told, were rather negligible; McPherson himself might even agree. Well, maybe. zations in the New Orleans has taken steps to help not only their organization, but the entire city as they work to “Save the Quad.” NOLA Softball, the city’s gay softball league, has taken measures to restore City Park’s Softball Quadraplex, which has still been closed from destructions due to Katrina (that bitch). They have already restored two softball fields in which they play on now, but they are a distance apart from each other. The opening of the Quadraplex will allow more teams to play together in one area. But this is not just for the gay community. Many of the girls’ softball leagues in the city use the fields now as well as the kickball league. I did not even know we had a kickball league. I use to play that in grammar school, very cool. But I digress, NOLA Softball in its two short years has doubled in members and teams; quickly becoming the “in” thing to do on Sundays. Whether you are an athlete (or an athletic supporter, sorry could not help myself on that one), please make an effort to help them “Save the Quad.” It is good for our community as well as the city. To find out more about how to help, like “Save

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

ven six years after Katrina, the city has not fully recovered. From blighted houses to abandoned buildings, the damage can still be seen throughout the area. Even City Park, one of the favorite spots for locals and tourist alike, is in need of much needed aid. Recently one of the fastest growing gay organi-

Lori Colgan pitching for the Crawlers

But they prepare you for the final two narratives, told by Valerie and Jack (Dane Rhodes), that raise The Weir from mere Gaelic tongue-wagging to a profound elegy and retrospection on aging and loss. While the five monologs are the play’s showpieces, they are set within a marvelous authenticity by which McPherson tellingly captures the way people speak with conversational starts, stops, “um’s”, repetitions, etc., that allows an audience to feel as though they are flies on the wall. And the intimacy at Deutsche Haus, more so than the atmosphere in a cavernous theater on Broadway or in the West End (where The Weir started out), only heightens this sense of eavesdropping. Directors AJ Allegra & Nick Thompson masterfully pace the show from its leisurely beginning as McPherson sets up the situation to the eventual unhurried departure of the pubmates, capturing the quotidian essence of the milieu. They bring out the script’s humor and add their own; note how [continued on 18]

Mark Boline on base

Trent Pike at bat the Quad” on Facebook. And every Sunday in November join NOLA Softball for Fall Ball. This is open to anyone interested in playing softball to come out and have some fun. NOLA Softball is primarily a gay organization, but everyone is encouraged to participate no matter of sexual preference. This allows LGBT family, friends and allies to join in on the camaraderie and enjoyment. For more information on the league, go to www.nolasoftball.com. If you have an event or news item you would like me to cover in this column, please contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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trodding the boards ...from 16 Valerie’s white wine is poured by Brendan. (The request for the wine itself, contrasted with the usual orders for beer or hard liquor, elicits some wonderfully discreet eyebrow-raising.) Though set on a classically “dark and stormy night,” Allegra & Thompson eschew the cliched theatrics of people coming in and making a big deal of shaking out umbrellas and showing how happy they are to be in from the cold. Rather, accompanied by the subtle blowing wind of Harkins’ sound design, the characters come in, take off their coats, hang them up, and go about their business. As they should. Each member of the five-man ensemble acts with a seamless lifelike ease, though “acts” seems like the improper word to use when the result is such a convincing naturalness. It’s often been said that great acting is not so much “acting” as “reacting.” Note, then, how each of these thespians listens and reacts to the others with characterdefining specificity as a measure of the high achievement of this cast. Neisler refreshingly doesn’t overplay Finbar’s higher social-standing. As he strains to blend in with “the guys,” Neisler/Finbar makes clear that, though he may come from a well-off family, the difference in his status is as much the result of hard work and, most likely, spending less time in drinking establishments than the others. Mahoney is splendid as she draws you in and spins out her devastating tale of personal casualty and a possible connection to the afterlife. With her stylishly casual coiffure, chicly simple outfit and taste for white wine, Mahoney indicates that her time in a more urban setting has left its mark on Valerie, again, like Neisler, without overdoing it. Harkins, as the only one who doesn’t get to spin out a yarn of his own, efficiently tends the bar and, while proffering a demonstrable air of bonhomie, one can’t help but wonder, as with any member of the service industry, what his well-concealed inner thoughts are. Completing the quintet as Jim, a soft-spoken, slightly slow-witted handyman who lives with his sickly mother, John Grimsley is nearly unrecognizable, as though there’s been a slight but significant change in his physiognomy. Gone is the razzle dazzle that he evinced as Billy Flynn in Le Petit’s Chicago, replaced by a gentle, selfeffacing mien that is not showy but equally affecting. And then there’s Rhodes, a twotime Ambie Award-winner for roles ranging from the mentally challenged young man of The Boys Next Door to his boffo turn in Sugar Babies. Here he’s a magnificent storyteller boasting Irish charm and finding every possible nuance in his lines. His Jack can be a

cantankerous wheedler one moment, an expansive (would-be) playboy of the Western world the next, and, minutes later, an existentially aware everyman questioning his fate. These five artists work together like a well-oiled machine so that even when some framed photographs unexpectedly fell off the wall, they didn’t miss a beat, expertly ad libbing to cover the mishap. Kudos to Harkins for sweeping up the mess. Cecile Covert’s costumes are simple but appropriately delineate the characters. Don’t worry if you find the Irish accents a bit incomprehensible at first; your ears will get used to the dialect, coached by Alex Martinez-Wallace. Some of McPherson’s circumlocutions, however, can be slightly difficult to follow, or rather, if you miss a word or two you can lose the thread of the conversation. Eventually, though, you’ll catch on again. One of McPherson’s characters observes that you “have to relish the details.” At Deutsche Haus, there are many, large and small, to relish.

The Drowsy Chaperone at JPAS/Westwego Performing Arts Theatre through Oct. 16

he Drowsy Chaperone returns for a second time this season courtesy of JPAS and Theatre 13. Those who saw it during its brief run at Tulane’s Summer Lyric Theatre might have preferred a somewhat longer lag time between the productions. Producer/director Gary Rucker’s frustration with SLT presenting it after his company had already announced its intention to do it is hence understandable. But those who will be encountering Chaperone for the first time, which I suspect will be the majority of its audiences in Westwego, will not only be entertained but surprised and delighted by all the theatrical tricks it has up its proverbial sleeve. The Drowsy Chaperone was a surprise hit on Broadway scoring 13 Tony Award nominations in 2006 and winning five. What began as a birthday bon-bon among friends in Toronto has morphed into a community theater favorite that, with its traditional score and meta-theatrical book, manages to please a wide crowd. In it, a character known only as “The Man in the Chair” breaks through the fourth wall to share with the audience his love for an obscure 1920’s musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” along with all sorts of trivia relating to it and the performers who originally appeared in it. The beauty of the show is that, as he relates the Chaperone plot, it magically comes to life in his cramped apart-

Dane Rhodes, John Neisler & Ann Mahoney in The Weir (Photo by John Barrois) ment as he plays the original cast album on his stereo. (I can already hear the under-30 crowd asking “What’s that?”) At the risk of making it sound more serious than it is, Chaperone’s depth emerges as it becomes a charming treatise on how some people use memories of and love for popular entertainment as a substitute for living their own life. Rucker directs with his customary flair. I was slightly surprised to discover that some little throwaway bits of business, such as the Man in the Chair taking a little juice box out of his refrigerator to sip on during one production number, are actually part of the stage directions rather than directorial invention. That said, Rucker’s staging did an exceptionally fine job of clarifying the flimsy plot and wacky relationships of the characters within the musical. Not only does Kelly Fouchi’s choreography have the requisite pizzazz, but as Janet Van De Graf, The Drowsy Chaperone’s leading lady, she once again outshines Sutton Foster, who originated the role on Broadway, not only matching her technical polish, but underscoring the comic silliness with a layer of emotional depth. As Janet’s fiancé, real-life husband Marc Fouchi is handsome, a good singer and not only tap dances but dances on roller skates—blindfolded! Can’t ask for much more. Janet Shea makes for a delightfully dippy wedding hostess, never overplaying Mrs. Tottendale’s naive silliness. Tottendale’s dress looks like an explosion of tea cozies, marking the pinnacle of Adam Alonso’s vibrant costume designs. As Tottendale’s servant Underling, Roland “Butch Caire, Jr. is all proper starchiness gallantly enduring spit-take after spit-take. With a nod to Kiss Me Kate’s tough guys, Matias Grau, III and Matthew Mickal make the most of the two punny gangsters charged with breaking up Janet’s wedding. Perfectly synchronized for their shtik, they even look like the brothers they’re described as

being. As the dutiful best man, Brian Falgoust mostly has to play it straight, but he gets to let go in the Cold Feets tap number and he does so with elan. Sporting a cigar and one of Brian Peterson’s superb wigs, David Hoover embodies the old school-ness of the Broadway producer Feldzieg, without ever slipping into caricature. And Carrie Hill’s Drowsy Chaperone, a sendup of British music hall grande dames— think of a cross between Bea Lillie and Gertrude Lawrence–is right on the mark; her big number, As We Stumble Along, is a comic highlight. She also did a fine job as Musical Director. Peterson and Carrie Black are both outstanding performers. But as, respectively, the hammy lothario Adolpho and the chorine on the make Kitty, each would be better by doing less. Clearly the roles are meant to be broad but Peterson adds an unnecessary patina of camp to a role that is campy enough already while Black overdoes the dumb blonde routine; a squeaky voice is fine but standing in positions more suited to Olive Oyl is a bit much. One wishes Rucker had reined them in as each could have been perfect. In a bigger way, the same could be said for Ricky Graham’s Man in the Chair. Graham would seem a natural for the role; he’s even been quoted as saying that when he originally saw the show in New York he recognized his musical theater-loving self in the character. Yet rather than being the Man in the Chair, Graham insists on acting it out, scrunching up his face and employing hand-waving mannerisms one usually sees when adult actors portray kids. This robs the production of the reality that balances the zaniness of the musical within it. As in his Twelfth Night turn as Malvolio, however, at the end, after the Chaperone’s last note has been sung, Graham simply and effectively affects true pathos as he contemplates a world without the leavening effects of musical comedies.

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

mbush theatre critic Brian Sands is recognized for the second year as the Top Individual Walker raising $15,863 for the 22nd annual NO/ AIDS Walk by NO/AIDS Task Force Board of Trustee Co-Chair Sergio Farfan and Executive Director Noel Twilbeck at Audubon Park in New Orleans. The Walk brought over 4,500 to the streets raising over $180,000 for the Task Force and it’s important work. For more info, visit NOAIDSTaskForce.COM.

he official portrait of newly crowned Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara was down by renowned photographer Larry Graham of GrahamStudioOne.COM. Maskara will represent the state at the upcoming 39th Miss Gay America Pageant October 12-16 in Columbus, Ohio. Graham is the official photographer of the King Cake Queens, Easter Grand Marshals, and Southern Decadence Grand Marshals.

housands lined the streets for the funeral procession of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, the 11th Archbishop of New Orleans ending at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. Over a 1,000 mourners in and outside of the cathedral participated in his funeral service. Archbishop Hannan gave the final approval to open Project Lazarus for all people living with HIV/AIDS in 1985. The standard set by Archbishop Hannan was "to love all people with a zero tolerance for any discrimination."

artender Bobby Fisher was the beneficiary of a fundraising show at JohnPaul's in New Orleans to help cover expenses due to his recent hospitalization and recuperation at home. The casts of Golden Age Revue, FourPlay, Engender, and Outrageous assisted in the efforts.

H a l l ow e e n N e w Or l e a n s.COM Benef it ing Pr ojec t Lazar us

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Princesse Stephaney

Miss Jenkins & Cathy Fox bring down the house

Ambush Theatre Critic Brian Sands wins Top Individual Walker raising $15,863

Kenny Walker

NO/AIDS Task Force’s TJ Rogers & Lindsey Club LAX wins as Top Mega Team raising $10,622

Opal Masters as Norma Kristi (oh, Norma Desmond)

King & Queen Amon-Ra Jerry Scavo & Tami Tarmac

Michael’s on the Park wins as Best Team with 10 or Fewer Members raising $1,265

Cheryl Grace & Noel Twilbeck flank extreme runner

Keny, Rhonda Roget & David

Joann Guidos Volunteering @ the Walk Krewe of Amon-Ra raises $1,426

The ladies of Louisiana Pizza Kitchen

Deja Deja-Vue’ & Michelle Tarmac Jenkins

Amon-Ra’s David downs a dog

Ricky Callais & Georgeanna Belle

Capt. John Zeringue with Ball Table Auction winner

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Amon-Ra 2nd Annual Girls Gone Broadway! @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, John Zeringue

22nd NO/AIDS Walk raises over $180,000 ~ Audubon Park ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, John Zeringue

Elizabeth, Maybelline & Barry

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trodding the boards ...from 18 Rucker must share some of the blame for this performance but, after seeing these two similar turns, one wonders who’s in control. David Raphel’s evocative scenic design has theatrical posters all over the Man in the Chair’s apartment which

can transform, in an instant, into a garden or even the skies above. That the wings could be seen even from a seat in the auditorium’s center section would be my only quibble. This Drowsy Chaperone may not be perfect, but it offers a refreshing escape from the woes of today. Even if, two hours later, you have to return to reality.

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paparazzi

Bill & Chuck welcome you to Double Play

Richie, Mike & Paul celebrate NO/ AIDS Walk win @ Michael’s on the Park

Mama Cookmeyer in for the Saints Game @ Micheal’s on the Park

Amon-Ra’s Opal & Ricky @ Voodoo

Lafitte’s bartender Shawn with the latest Ambush Bartender Spencer serving up Good Friends famous Separators

Salon D’Malta’s Monica & new Ninth Circle bartender Wayne Lafitte’s manager John & bartender Aletha

Oz bartender Mitch & DL Broadway @ Ninth Circle

NO/AIDS Task Force’s TJ Rogers, Kathleen Gross, Wes King & Chad Stelly @ Lafitte’s

Cha Cha slingin’ cocktails @ Good Friends

Sherron of Mary's Ace Hardware taking a break @ Lafitte's

Ann, Rob, Julie & Craig catch the Saints game @ 700 Club

Irish Mike showing off his antique tools @ Voodoo

Bourbon Pub bartender Chris, Ninth Circle bartender Marty & new Country Club bar manager Drew @ Voodoo

Amon-Ra’s Darwin tries the Saints game day beef & cheese chalupa @ 700 Club

Tim & Joe working the grill for Rawhide’s Chuckwagon Happy Hour

Errol serving it up @ “World Famous” Clover Grill

Bartender Richard welcomes you to Rawhide

The infamous incognito @ Cafe Lafitte In Exile

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Catching the Nightlife ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon Fierce, Tony Leggio, 2Hot Action ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ricci Corkern, Frankie

snap

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chop chop

topping the meat lending a whole new depth of flavor. It was also served with the savory garlicky greens plus what they called baker’s potatoes which were like brabant potatoes which we loved.

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Relaxing Dinner at The Country Club

t’s Tuesday delivery day and we are finally done! After running into Drew on Sunday at Voodoo, we told him we’d be in to see him. It was Drewsday Trashy Tuesdays with Drew himself. As always Drew had us in stitches with his wry sense of humor. Following several rounds of cocktails, we moved from the bar to the dining room taking a table adjacent to one of the windows overlooking the front veranda of the club. It is quite relaxing and gives you the feeling you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our server recommended the Korean Barbeque Chicken (8.00) as one of the most popular appetizers. Since we had previously tried the Boudin Balls (8.00) which are delicious, we asked her if the Korean style barbecue was spicy. It was not so we decided to try it, since we prefer things not too spicy. And we were not disappointed with the tasty sweet thick Korean sauce coating the extremely tender chicken strips.

12oz. New York Strip Also, throughout dinner we had several rounds of vodka on the rocks which we topped with our own diet cranberry, and each cocktail only ran $4. That was quite a bargain, when vodka cocktails during dinner elsewhere can run between $6-$8 each. There are usually daily specials including soup, appetizer and entree. The regular menu includes several more entrees, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and starters. The Country Club, 634 Louisa Street, is open daily Sun.-Thurs. 11a-9p, Fri.Sat. 11a-10p with Sat.-Sun. Brunch 11a-3p. Call 504.945.0742 or visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM for additional information.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide

Korean Barbeque Chicken For an entree, Marsha chose the Boneless Fried Chicken (14.00). It was well seasoned and fried crisp topped with brown country gravy along with creamy creole mashed potatoes and savory garlicky greens.

Boneless Fried Chicken Rip chose the 12oz. New York Strip (23.00) which was ordered medium rare. What was interesting about this steak was the wonderful butter chockfull of garlic

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

chop chop ...from 28 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. 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.-

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Gay Marriage or Civil Union?

K so what’s the difference and why does it matter?! As a priest in a “recognized main-line” religion I believe it matters. First marriage is one of the more controversial of issues throughout history. It’s form and substance changes from religion to religion. For the Buddhist, marriage is a secular affair, but Buddhists are expected to obey secular law. The litany goes on. For those Christian traditions that find root in the Historic Western Church marriage is viewed in varying degrees and emphasis as a sacrament. The Orthodox churches view marriage as a form of ordination. The bottom line is that there is essentially no universal understanding of marriage outside of history and tradition. That said, I believe that marriage is a sacrament, which calls one to a higher spiritual awareness and state of being. “The two shall become one” is profound in its spiritual implications. On the other hand tradition and history tend to say that marriage is a relationship reserved for a relationship between a man and a woman, often with implications of procreation. Back in the day, I am talking before the 15th century it was also a vehicle for the transfer of property (usually the woman) and wealth (a dowry if [continued on 30]

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a community within ...from 29 possible). One need only watch the TV series “The Tudors” or “The Borgia’s” to glean how that worked out. First, marriage from the perspective of this priest is sacramental and sacerdotal. It invites two persons to attain a higher standard of mutuality, trust, affection, sensual intimacy, spirituality and monogamy. I add this last attribute because the reality is that if there is no monogamy can there really be any profound trust and from that flows absolute and true affection, sensual intimacy, and mutuality? Surely if marriage is a sacrament it extends far beyond a call to procreation and calls everyone to a much higher state of self awareness and chastity (note: chastity is NOT celibacy). If marriage is a sacrament then surely it must be an outward and visible sign of a spiritual grace that centers on relationship rather than biology. In the words of the Episcopal Catechism, “The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” Second, if marriage is indeed a sacrament, and I believe it to be so, then I want the state out of the sacrament business! Leave sacraments to churches right or wrong. The state is mostly vested in regulating commerce, providing for the common good, and insuring certain, “inalienable rights.” So, doesn’t it make more sense for the state to be concerned with the orderly transfer of property by mutual contract than to call this institution marriage? The state should provide for the same by developing a ‘contract of union’ wherein essentially the same civic laws apply BUT for ALL people who desire to enter into such contracts. Call it what you will a civil union is just that – a contract between two people without any implications of “love, honor, cherish or until death do us part.” In this case, two people, as seems all too prevalent now have the option of dissolving the contract and disposing of their mutual property and rights as they see fit. This would seem to support a general American ideal of private property and individual rights, etc. If any of the above is true then why is there a resistance in community to be married? Is it because a sort of in-your-face model is at work? Several states now permit “same sex unions” and several churches, “main-line” and otherwise likewise offer “same sex marriages.” If one seeks a profoundly spiritual union that transcends this current time and place; if one seeks a Holy Union that offers the promise of “two shall become one”; if one seeks the comfort and support that marriage offers – seek it out; if not in New Orleans then in P-town; if not in P-town then in Manhattan; if not in Manhattan perhaps Iowa. Even if civil rights is not the issue then let God be the issue and consider opening up ones hearts, hopes, and mutual care in a marriage covenant because surely God is about relationship and not just about biology. It is unfortunate that I cannot marry same sex couples at our local church. We long to do so and will

when the national church law is changed which is forth coming – soon very soon. However, over the past year or so I have had the pleasure of bearing witness to several gay couples that have lived in harmony, for as little as a few years and as many as 25 years plus, join in Holy Matrimony. When they did things changed. A new way of being entered their lives that made the relation between them solid and unquestionable. The effect went way beyond sharing space, legal rights, and domestic bliss; a new way of being entered their lives. In each case I believe that their very spiritual persona was altered and that their very souls became united in essence as well as intellect. It is true that Jesus spoke of creation and man and woman becoming one flesh in marriage (The Gospel-Mark). He said this over and against writs of divorce. Jesus’ point had nothing to do with sexuality, rather, he was profoundly concerned with the spiritual nature of relations over and against writs of law and contracts of marriage – Jesus seems to always seek a broader definition that works out not in letters of the law but in spiritual – cerebral intentionality which leads one to corrupt or glorious states of being. Again, seek the spiritual union of marriage for a real transformation that has real consequences not based on the laws of this government but based on the unity of spirit and humanity. Who knows maybe Iowa in the Fall isn’t too bad.

chop chop ...from 29

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.

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. Royal House Restaurant, 441 Royal St., RoyalHouseRestaurant.COM, 528.2601. This casual dining New Orleans Restaurant has delectable delights created by its renowned

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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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] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson,

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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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

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 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340

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 [is2011]

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

for sale New Orleans, LA [504] MOVING SALE for decorative furnishings, showroom near English Turn. Antique/vintage furniture, art, lighting, fabric, more. Hours vary. Call 433.0797 for info. [is2111]

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM

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 oper-

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

ated 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. 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.;

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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, www.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 NETWORK [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

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.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] BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 241 Dauphine St., 581.6633 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 PLANET BEACH: A CONTEMPO SPA, 301 Burgundy, 525.8266, PlanetBeach.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 GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM

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lafayette

Jacque, Joey & Terry DJ Macky Ray @ Tonic

Queen & King Apollo XXXVI during Apollo Announcement Party DJ Ryan Powell @ Apollo Announcement Party

Nick dead after a long weekend

Trey finally grew a beard!

Rachel Denae celebrating the Apollo announcement

Brodie & Kira @ Tonic

Who is this? The identities of these people are confidential...

Good friends @ Tonic

Co-Captain Darrell Fruge & King Apollo XXXVI Rusty Phillips @ Apollo party Too cute for words!

Fearless!

Swap Party @ Jules

Flawless!

Apollo de Lafayette’s 2012 theme: Toys!

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

Get it!

In The Clubs, Krewe of Apollo Announcement Party ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins, Apollo Historian Jason Guilbeau

papar azzi

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

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

ho is not enjoying this weather? It’s the perfect opportunity to hold a fall barbeque. That’s a hint for Miss Hunter Lee. Rumor has it that some may not be invited to her next event. Wait, am I suppose to repeat that? Let’s move on for there is entirely too much to cover. You’re listening up with Joey Collins.

Fall into Downtown

re you ready for an evening of murder and mayhem served with drinks and a gourmet meal? I mean I’m pretty sure that the mention of drinks has already sold most of you on the event. On Saturday, October 15th, Espirit de Coeur, also known as The Mouton House, will be hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner. For only $39 you can be treated to a four-course meal and a chance to take part in a murder mystery with an offering of a prize package to the team who solves the case. The menu will be catered by Bailey’s Seafood and Grill. The cost covers the performance and the meal. Sorry drunks, alcoholic beverages are extra so bring some cash with you. For more information and ticket purchases please visit www.espiritdecoeur.com. The autumn season of Downtown Alive (DTA) has been helping to kickoff the weekend every Friday evening at 5:30pm. Remember this event is free and open to the public. With that said, remember to support the vendors and sponsor and purchase your food and beverages at the concert. The concert venues range from Parc Sans Souci to Parc International, all located in the downtown area. On Friday, October 21st the Red Stick Ramblers (Cajun/Swing/blues) will be taking stage in Parc San Souci. The following Friday, October 28th DTA will host True Man Posse (Creole Reggae) also to be held in Parc San Souci. In the mood to down something long, hard, and tasty? On Saturday, October 22nd, the Downtown Lafayette Association, CajunGrocer.com, and BoudinLink.com will be hosting the 4th annual Boudin Cook-off in Parc Sans Souci. This event is free to attend and open to the public. At least 25 different vendors will be available for you to stuff that long piece of goodness down your throat, oh and take part in the eating contest as well. Live music, games, a boudin toss, and a people’s choice awards will also be provided. The event begins at 10am. For more information please visit www.boudincookoff.com. By the way,

the boudin samples are fifty cents each but I’m sure for most of you that’s the cheapest link of meat you’ve ever had. As always, for up-to-date information on events in the downtown area please visit www.downtownlafayette.org. See ya around!

Recapping a Night Cap

he latest talk of the town is Cochon, a very unique Cajun restaurant. Nestled right in the heart of River Ranch and along the Vermillion River, native to New Orleans’ warehouse district, this restaurant seeks those patrons who are yearning for an incomparable dining experience. So obviously when I heard this I had to check it out. I gathered a gaggle of gays/besties and headed to the restaurant and before we knew it the night turned into an eventful mess. I must admit, we really didn’t sample any of the food. I mean it was Saturday night, who eats dinner on a Saturday night? With that said, my spin on the place is that the drinks were amazing and the staff was very hospitable. It’s nice to see a business make use of the Vermillion River. The views are charming and the atmosphere is rustic. Shots of moonshine were delivered followed by beer then vodka drinks. That was our version of a three-course dinner, it’s how we roll. Cheers! Cut to driving back across town, parking at our new downtown abode, and deciding to walk to Jefferson St. What an experience! Jefferson Street became a challenge for us. The challenge, should you accept, is gain as many wrist bands as possible, and do as many vodka shots at each bar as possible. Whoever can still stand up and walk back home wins. Ready? Set. Go! So I believe collectively we accumulated about fifteen wrist bands. Who won? I’d say the night actually won….yeah the night did beat us. I made the mistake of wearing new loafers that had yet to be broken in. After finishing of the evening by going crazy on a dance floor my feet were screaming with pain. So yeah, I must admit that I had to walk home with no shoes on. My amazing friend, in all his support and glory, decided to take his shoes off and walk with me as well. Upon arriving at the house the drunken munchies were in full gear so we loaded up the SUV and headed to the nearest drive-thru. With me at the helm I compared drive-thru lines and their lengths and decided on Burger King. Big mis-

take! My friend, who supported me and walked barefoot with me, was not happy. Lack of Taco Bell resulted in him screaming then crying. Did I mention that my friend has a Taco Bell addiction? I’m not even sure which mental rehab clinic will treat such an addiction. Just when I thought the night was over, another member of the gaggle was dropped off by his boyfriend who was not pleased. I guess the mixture of moonshine and vodka really won on this guy because he was drunk and disorderly and ended up being dumped on the front yard by his boyfriend. I mean literally and romantically. This member of the gaggle, in a drunken stupor, yelled at his boyfriend so the boyfriend simply pulled up, threw the guy onto the front yard, and drove away. Of course the boyfriend broke up with him first. I woke up the next morning with blisters on the heel of my foot and numbness in two of my toes. My Taco Bell-addicted friend ended up at an exboyfriend’s house where he was passing out insults on a silver platter and eventually was kicked out while my other, now single, friend had no recollection of what happened and had to spend the morning buying flowers and trying to persuade his way back into the arms of the boyfriend. I guess the night did win. It happens.

Bar Spill

otice anything strange going on lately? All I am saying is that if suddenly you notice a few of the breeders trying to become your best friend, they may be up to something. Pay close attention to the straight guys. Like a snake in the Garden of Eden, it’s about this time of year when straight men sneak into a gaggle of gays. Why? Gay Halloween is right around the corner! Straight men are well aware that gay Halloween is not only the best Halloween; they are also aware of the pack of women dressed in slutty costumes who feel confident with being extremely sexual on any man at the party. This typically occurs when women put their guard down when they assume everyone at the party is gay. Although maybe you can bargain for a few favors from the hetero male side…maybe fulfill a fantasy or two. Consider yourself warned. If you haven’t begun on your Halloween costume by now then you’re in trouble. You just may not make the

punch. Get your act together, queen. It’s time to win some cash. This year Halloween will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29th. Both Jules and Tonic will be honoring the holiday. It’s official, Tonic will be going Toxic for Halloween. The costume contest will commence at midnight and cash prizes and bar tabs will be awarded to those who out-do the others. Jules will be getting the party started early on Friday, October 28th with The Best Damn Halloween Drag Show with host Steven Rogers. Then on Saturday, October 29th, free money will be given away to the top three costumes. Cash prizes of $250, $100, and $50 will be awarded. Let’s get this party started right now! Don’t forget the usual lineup for Tonic. Tonic, which is open seven nights a week, has nightly entertainment and refuses to allow you to sit at home bored and lonely. Cheer up and check out the Monday night Beer Pong tournament with Big Girl. Tuesday night is Talent night with host Roxy Colbert. Wednesday night is karaoke with DJ Chad Evans; Thursday night is Power Hour where for only $5 you are given sixty shots of beer every minute on the minute, starts at 11pm. The weekends are always jam-packed with entertainment and changes weekly. Jules is ready to start its concert series again. On Friday, October 14th Michigan Ave will begin its performance at 9pm. Expect dancers on the bar the entire weekend on October 21st and 22nd. As always, do not forget about the country-free karaoke night each and every Thursday with your host Blake Duhon. Don’t forget to follow these Facebook groups for all of your daily information: Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, Tonic Lafayette, Jules, and Ambush Magazine. Don’t forget that Ambush is always online 24/ 7 at AmbushMag.COM. In Acadiana you can pick up your free copies of Ambush at either Jules or Tonic. Closing Out n order to save time, money, and the chance of an OWI I have simply moved downtown so that I could be closer to the bars. I’ve noticed LPD has become very obnoxious and aggressive with its OWI arrests. This past weekend I noticed the back bumper of a few police cars simply read, “OWI enforcement.” With that said, be careful out there! Keep the party going Lafayette!

NEXT EDITION

HALLOWEEN Deadline Tuesday, Oct ober 1 8 t h

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com

Photos by Gil Chong & Charles Jenkins

Mr. Sire Ursus 2011-12 Nathan Martin

his author wants to thank all of those who responded to my first article in the last issue of Ambush. I plan to cover the local bear and leather communities and their members, activities and charitable contributions to the New Orleans community. This issue I wanted to focus on the newly elected Nathan Martin, whose goal is to promote and expand the bear community in New Orleans, while enjoying being single and representing as Mr. Sire Ursus for 2011-12. I was able to catch up with him at the Rawhide 2010 bar (at 740 Burgundy Street in the French Quarter) recently where we met for this interview and to share an afternoon beer together as we discussed his busy life and new role in the community. I started by asking him where he came from and how he grew up and was surprised to find that his story came with some interesting twists and turns; he, having lived a lot of life in his short 27 years. There is nothing short about Nathan however, he is 6’4" and definitely has embraced his bear identity and heritage over the years. In his personable and direct way, he talked about his early years. “I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in Mr. Sire Ursus December of 1983. We managed to Nathan Martin escape Tulsa, when I was two years old, and moved to a small town in my parents for about three years and Missouri right outside Kansas City. I that break actually caused my mom to have an identical twin brother who is turn around. Now she has just recently straight and is married with two chil- asked me to do all the decorations for dren and an older brother who lives in my brothers wedding, which is defiSan Diego.” nitely progress!” “My twin and I were really close as Having grown up in a small town, kids. Then as we got older, he started being raised Mormon-light, as he debeing interested in girls and I really scribes it, had its own challenges and wasn’t. At the age of fifteen I came out difficulties for a young gay person. of the closet and it drove a huge wedge Nathan discussed his difficulties at that between my parents, my brother and I age. all became estranged. He was very “For a long time I tried to pray the homophobic at the time. I have always gay away. And it wasn’t anyone doing been interested in New Orleans since this to me or trying to change me, I was I was fourteen, I moved here to go to doing it to myself during my early teen college after high school, and he met years I really believed homosexuality a girl and moved here also for a few was evil. I was angry at myself for years. His girlfriend got him to see a awhile and I was angry at God, it was different point of view and we all lived very conflicting. Then I finally came to together for a couple of years and he accept myself and to understand that completely accepted the fact that his this was who I was. And at the age of twin brother is gay.” fifteen I came out and had all this “When I came out at fifteen, we conflict with my brother and my family, were living in a very liberal suburb, so which made me angry at my family and I didn’t have any real problems in high at God. While that was a very difficult school. My family was a different mat- time in my life, over the years there has ter, as I grew up in the Reorganized been a lot of forgiveness that has had Church of Latter Day Saints, so it’s a to go on between all of us to get to the reorganized form of the Mormon better point that we all are at now. I got Church. It was founded by the son of to the point where I came to believe the original founder who was Joseph that this is the way God made me and Smith. My parents took awhile before this was the way I was born. I now they could accept me as a gay man. attend the MCC church here in New Now my mom is supportive and unfor- Orleans and play the viola there on tunately my father is still not but we are Sundays. The MCC is a church which now on speaking terms, which is an accepts all LGBT people with open improvement. I severed contact with arms and a message of acceptance

and love. While he did not always see himself as a bear, his bear identity has evolved as he has grown older. “When I was younger I tried to be such a twink, (he laughs). I had this little goatee beard and would shave and trim my body hair, and this was when I still weighed 300 pounds. When I first got here, I would go to Oz nightclub as a customer and just dance for hours for four of five times a week. I wasn’t drinking and I began to eat right and I lost about one hundred pounds from all the aerobic dancing. Anyway, I tried to be a twink for a long time until I was twenty-four years old and I discovered the Bear website, BEAR411.COM (an international Bear website for Bears and Bear admirers including chat and profiles which has been online for over a decade.) “Seeing the men on Bear411, I realized that I was not the gay guy I was trying to be, I was a bear. I realized I was supposed to be hairy and have a belly and that was okay, and at the time I had a boyfriend who refused to let me trim my body hair at all...”(laughter). “So I experienced my natural hairiness. After I stopped dating that guy, I moved to Dallas for a couple of years and met a successful bear couple who introduced me to the local bear scene and showed me what it meant to be a bear. They taught me about the different groups within the bear community, and taught me to be proud of who I am regardless of my age, size or anything else.” We began to discuss the overall Gay Culture in America and how youth obsessed all of the culture has been, and how a new group of gay men have grown up since the AIDS crisis first began, who are now growing into their twenties, thirties and forties as healthy safe sex practicing active adults. “Back when I was in college, I was kind of praying I’d be dead by the age of thirty, because who wants to live past thirty? (Laughter). But now that I identify as a bear and accept myself for who I am, I am looking forward to each year as it comes and no longer have

any fear of getting older.” We discussed his interest and how he came to win the Sire Ursus contest during Southern Decadence this year. “I had been aware of Sire Ursus for awhile, and while living in Dallas in 2009 I was good friends with the winner that year, so I was encouraged to enter the contest in 2009 but I was not ready to take it on like I am now. I just really enjoyed it and it was something to do and I lost, and Kevin won, which was great.” “When I moved back here to New Orleans permanently, I rented a room from the 2010 Sire Ursus Keith Howard and his partner Jimmy Mondoro (who is Vice President of NOBBTSC this year). What I like about the bear community here, it is much smaller than in Dallas, but, the New Orleans Bears are very inclusive of others. There is a fine line between being inclusive and being too laid back and easy going. Part of why I wanted to be a part of Sire Ursus is to encourage more participation and activity.” “Being a Bear in New Orleans is a unique experience, because we are in the Big Easy, and we eat fried southern food, and red beans and rice, and are less obsessed with exercise or even appearance than other major cities in the world, and that is what makes us the group that we are. It’s less about image, than about self acceptance. I want to be active this year in promoting our charities and events, our Bear Busts, and Pub Crawls. I want to encourage anyone who has not participated to come join us and to let them know they are welcome.” Every year, the members of the New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club volunteer for the NO/AIDS Task Force walk, and provide parking services, and work the water tables. This year the club had a group of volunteers participating as support and others who participated in the walk. In addition the club is a service organization that supports Buzzy’s Kids, Lazarus House and St. Anna’s Kitchen, and other local charities.

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Michael shampooing a client @ Hair Salon of the Year Head Quarters

Tim, Joey & Laura @ Bourbon Pub Parade Witch Eliza”death” “Boo”vier on sale @ Lords of Leather Halloween auction

Bartender Brad in his gay cubicle @ Bourbon Pub

La Familia Cast on stage @ Club LAX in Metairie

Evan Andrews, Trenton Ryan Perez & Jeff Mallon star in Next Fall play @ Shadowbox Theatre

Larry, Carmine, Carl, Ron & Tim out for a cold one Halloween wreath @ Lords of Leather Halloween auction

Travis behind the bar @ 700 Club

Danny, Bruce & Gary @ Lords of Leather Halloween auction Tulane Med School Monday Night Karaoke Party @ Kajun’s Pub Coca in 4 Seasons 4 Sisters & A Bar Stool

Lord Consort Pat emcees Lords of Leather Halloween auction Fiesta Karaoke on the Patio with Rikki Gee @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Cocktailin’ @ 700 Club Joining Kajun’s Pub Karaoke DJ Matt

Brian Sands, Stephen Emling & Halloween Co-chair John Ramsey during Halloween Host Part @ Harrah’s

Ken with a holiday wreath @ Lords of Leather Halloween auction

Kajun’s Pub Karaoke with DJ Matt

Oz’s Drag Race brings in Bianca Del Rio with Tommy Elias, Lisa Beaumann & Dusty Debris

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c'est bon by The Susan Lucci's: Rip & Marsha Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Going Broadway with Amon-Ra

t was off on a big Saturday night to JohnPaul’s to catch the Krewe of Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway. The evening began with dinner upstairs with quite a selection of dishes to choose from. Since we were in drinking mode, we passed on dinner and got right down to business. After an hour dedicated to the dinner, the show began. This is the second year the krewe has done this show which last year was just incredible, so that is why we were looking so forward to this one. They did not disappoint. The girls and boys did an outstanding job! The two act sets included such varied productions as I Will Survive, Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend, I’m A Woman, Victor Victoria, Big Spender, Seasons of Love, We Are What We Are, 9-5, With One Look, An Old Fashioned Wedding, Miss Celie’s Blues, and It’s Not Where You Start. The huge cast did an outstanding job, but between Kenny Walker, Miss Jenkins (Paul Davis), and Cathy Fox, we thought we would fall off of our chairs in laughter. Yes, it was that good! Congrats to all on a job excellently done. Proceeds from the evening went towards the krewe’s 47th carnival ball on January 21, 2012. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM to find out more about the krewe and its upcoming events.

Saints Game Sunday

ollowing Amon-Ra’s Saturday night blowout, we were off to a late start on Sunday. It was the Saints vs. Houston Texans game beginning at 12noon here in the Super Dome. Our friends Darwin Reed and Opal Masters were spending the weekend with us so we decided to start our day at Michael’s On The Park fully intending to take in four or five clubs during the game. We arrived around 12:45 and it was not looking good for the Saints with the Texans leading. Of course, what do you do? Order another round of cocktails. About that time Richie, Michael and Princesse Stephaney arrived just completing the NO/AIDS Walk. And Michael’s On The Park’s Team in the category of 10 or less won that spot raising the most money ($1,265) taking home a plaque and flowers. Congratulations! It was a nail-biter after half time with us going neck in neck. More cocktails were in order, and so was a sam-

pling of Mike’s free Frito Pie. His homemade chili was excellent topping fritos with shredded cheddar, sour cream and jalapenos. Oh, there’s another touchdown for us. Yeah! And that only meant another round of free jello shots which came with each Saints score, so when they made the field goal, it was even another round! Before we knew it the game was over and we had won. Thank God! Heading down N. Rampart, our next stop was the Voodoo Bar. Here patrons were celebrating the Saints win over the Texans! Irish Mike was in and showed us his latest acquisitions. He collects antique tools and had a box full with wood planes and antique manual hand drills. Brought Rip back to the days of his childhood when his grandfather who was a brick mason/ carpenter had many of the same tools. But there were many others celebrating there including Country Club’s Drew, Bourbon Pub’s Chris, Ninth Circle’s Marty, and Voodoo’s Greg. A short walk brought us down a block to Ninth Circle. Wayne White, formerly of Big Daddy’s now hails from Ninth Circle. He served up our cocktails while we had a chance to chat with Monica from Salon D’Malta. DL Broadway was cocktailin’ here along with Oz’s morning bartender Mitch. Then it was down St. Peter to 700 Club, where they were still packed from the Saints game. After getting a round of drinks from Jon, we snagged a table in the dining area. We were soon joined by Deja and Jim. And there were more cocktails, and a sampling of the Saints fare here which were hand fried chapulas that could be filled with beef, cheese sauce, guacamole, sour cream, more cheese and jalapenos. It was the end to a great Saints day!

Oktoberfest & More at Wood Enterprises

ktoberfest is growing in popularity and each year the events at Cafe Lafitte In Exile, Good Friends Bar and Rawhide 2010 get bigger and better. They each cook up a German feast for you to enjoy, free of charge. Just buy a drink. They all have a different German beer and when you buy that beer you get to keep the glass, while they last. The fun is Saturday, October 15th from 5-7pm. Get there early because the food goes fast. There will even be an accordion player outside Café Lafitte playing your favorite German tunes. Next Thursday is the second Thursday of the month which means Black

Out Party at Rawhide. The lights go out at 9pm and stay that way all night long. Next Friday is the second Friday of the month which brings New Orleans Bear & Bear Trapper Social Club monthly $5 beer bust to Rawhide. Joe will be grilling up burgers at 5pm and the beer bust starts at 7pm. Come out and support the Bears and have a good time.

Oktoberfest in the Marigny

on't forget one of the premier spots for Oktoberfest is Cutter's in the Marigny. Jimmie prepares his famous German fare including homemade brats, sauerkraut, spaetzel and pumpernickel bread, along with Dudley's famous potato salad. Yes, we did say homemade! You will not be disappointed. Their celebration is Saturday, October 15th starting at 7pm. The following weekend on Saturday, October 22nd is the annual Art in the Hood fundraiser benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls. It features dinner at 7pm with the auction beginning at 8pm. There's artwork, gift cards, bar tabs and more. And we here that the big surprise of the night is of MC Kevin Limberg promenading in drag!

November Hidden Treasures Features Musician Henry Butler

riends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, will add a world-class musician to the list of experts usually associated with its Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum Series. The Hidden Treasures: Music Edition is slated for Wednesday November 9th at 7pm. Henry Butler, an eight-time W.C. Handy “Best Blues Instrument – Piano,” award nominee, highlights the Preservation Hall at 50 exhibit opening in the Old U.S. Mint and the new performance space on the third floor. Begun in 2010, the Friends of the Cabildo’s Hidden Treasures series highlights and raises funds for the Louisiana State Museum Curatorial Staff to purchase artifacts to include in the State Collection. The bimonthly presentations focus on a specific curator and department, providing the public rare behind the scenes tours of many never before seen artifacts. The Hidden Treasures: Jazz Series will also include musical items featured in the current Preservation Hall Exhibit and the Louisiana State Museum permanent Jazz exhibit slated to open in 2013. Curators will be on hand to assist any questions about artifacts. Butler’s performance is a special addition to the event and is a one-night only performance in New Orleans. A resident of New York City, Henry Butler’s performance

email/letters An Open Letter from Maybelline Maskara, Miss Gay Louisiana America

irst, let me be completely sincere that the naming of myself to the position of Miss Gay Louisiana America has been a true whirlwind experience. I am in as much shock concerning the chain of events as many. However, I wanted to take a few moments away from my preparation for the national competition to express a few of my thoughts. My selection simply proves that anyone can do it with proper preparation and a true desire to entertain friends, audience members, and judges. I want to assure you that during my reign everyone will be welcomed into this pageantry system with open arms. I will make every effort to insure that all of the administrative duties that are within my control will be handled with complete professionalism. My intentions are to focus more on that aspect of the “symbol of excellence” rather than total stage performance. In my opinion it would be wise to keep in mind that this is a job in which duties require service to others—rather than their homage to you. I do not plan to change a thing about my personality. I will make every effort to stay warm, sincere, and totally committed to improving this system in the manner which I feel is my calling. I can make suggestions to improve the administrative aspects and keep them centered, I can assure that all are welcome, and I can assure you that I will make every effort to stress the fairness of judging to all. If ever you have considered entering into a competition, I invite you to go for it. I am living proof that it does not always have to deal purely with outer beauty, but perhaps the beauty from within one’s heart and soul. I am here to serve you, the gay community of the state, in any manner that I can. I would truly appreciate a year of little to no drama. I prefer to have nothing to do with such. Regards, --Maybelline Maskara, Miss Gay Louisiana [continued on 47] is to raise money for the Louisiana State Museum and especially the Collections Department. Times-Picayune music writer Keith Spera will also be signing his book Groove Interrupted at the event. Ticket prices are $25 for Friends of the Cabildo members and $35 for the general public. Complimentary refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. To purchase your Hidden Treasures tickets contact the Friends of the Cabildo office at 504.523.3939 or www.friendsofthecabildo.org.

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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Paul Harris, Bryan Metoyer, Frankie Fierce & Toby Lefort @ Oz Wet & Wild Tuesdays

On The Circuit ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio, Frankie Fierce

Corner Pocket dancer Nate

Jimmy with some of the Art in the Hood works benefiting Buzzy’s Boys & Girls An angel & devil @ House of Blues Heaven Night

Barry Bareass & George Roth @ Barry’s Sundays Booty Show @ Corner Pocket

Wendy G Kennedy, Raven Kennedy, Kyle Satterfield & Blanche Debris @ Oz

Jeff & Tony flank Tony Award nominee Douglas Sills during The Adams Family Cast Party @ Hotel Monteleone Ted & David @ Art For Arts Sake on Magazine Street

Manager & Bar Baron Rick cozy up for Ambush @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Philip behind the bar @ Napoleon’s Itch

Corner Pocket dancer Mitch finding a comfortable place to sit on bartender Ashlee’s head

Joe, Brian & Tony @ Art For Arts Sake on Magazine Street

Bourbon Pub bartender Chris welcomes Phoenix bartender Wayne to the Pub

Bobby Fisher accepts his belated Gay Depreciation Awards for Passed Around Party Bottom & Bartender Most in Need of a Career Change

Shively Bitch & Satan Bitch join the opening of Cutter’s Art in the Hood

A devilish bartender @ House of Blues Heaven Night

Lisa Beaumann hosting New Meat Amateur Dance Contest Fridays @ The Corner Pocket

Ollie Tramp Pizzo makin’ $$$ on the bar @ The Corner Pocket for the Saints game

Tiffany, Miss Gay LA America Maybelline & Dominique raise funds for Maybelline’s trip to Miss Gay America

Gizelle Bouvier in Opal’s Follies

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low & slow with r&m by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

rior to this issue, we went down to Berwick for an overnight stay with Rip's sister Cathy's family. The next day it would be off to St. Joseph's Cathedral in Thibodaux for the christening of Rip's Grand Nephew Landon Thomas. We made wild duck, chicken and andouille gumbo for the occasion (will give that recipe at a later writing). While in Berwick, another sister Cindy loaded us up on wild boar, venison, crabmeat, crawfish, catfish and red fish which her family hunted or caught themselves, which brings us to one of the recipes for this edition. The red fish package consisted of four large redfish fillets with skin and scales for grilling from two red fish. Hope y'all enjoy!

Panzanella with Kalamata Olive Bread & Heirloom Tomatoes 1/4 cup drained capers 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 4-6 slices of kalamata olive bread cut into half inch cubes 7 heirloom tomatoes diced 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves pressed 2-4 tbsp. chiffonade of fresh basil leaves 1 cup drained roasted red bell pepper cut into cubes 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved lengthwise fresh ground black pepper No Salt

Grilled Red Fish with Skin & Scales 1 large red fish filleted in 2 with skin & scales on 4 tbsp. Jack Miller BBQ sauce 2 tbsp. olive oil lemon pepper without salt No Salt silver foil Preheat heat grill to high 10 minutes. Tear 2 sheets of silver foil large enough to enclose each fillet. Rinse off fish and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1 tbsp. oil on scale side of each fillet. Turn over and place scale side down on foil. Brush 2 tbsp. bbq sauce on top of each fillet. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and no salt. Close tightly. Place on grill and grill 15-20 minutes until flaky. To serve use spatula to lift the flesh off of the skin and scales.

Preheat oven to 400. Place bread on tray with rack and bake for 20 minutes or so until crisp. Soak the capers in 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a small bowl for 10 minutes. Drain. In a large bowl whisk olive oil, remaining vinegar and garlic. Season with black pepper and a little no salt. Add basil and mix. Fold in remaining ingredients except bread. Let stand at room temperature one hour. Fold in bread cubes and let stand one more hour. It's ready to serve.

Red Fish Cakes with Quick Hollandaise Cakes: 2 cups flaked left over grilled red fish 1/2 onion chopped 1/2 bell pepper chopped 1 egg sprinkle Old Bay Panko bread crumbs 3 tbsp. canola oil Preheat oven to 350. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in pan. Add onions and bell pepper, saute 10 minutes until soft, cool. Mix all ingredients together except oil. Make 4 cakes and place on plate, refrigerate for 1/2 hour to one hour. Preheat oven proof skillet to medium with canola oil. Pan fry cakes 3 minutes, flip cakes over and place in oven for 30 minutes. Serve with steamed broccoli with hollandaise on top of both. Quick Hollandaise: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) or 1 stick I Can’t Believe It's Not Butter 2 egg yolks 1 tbsp. Worcestershire 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1/16 tsp. cayenne pepper Melt butter in a non stick skillet over low heat. Remove from heat. Place egg yolks, Worcestershire, lemon juice and cayenne in blender and blend until incorporated. With the blender running on low, slowly pour butter through blender shoot. Turn on high until hollandaise is thick. If it is too thick add a tbsp. or two of water. Pour into cream pitcher.

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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Timothy & Tyler hanging out

Miss Mercedes Alexander & Miss Cie performing @ B-Bob’s

Corey & Jennifer having a blast @ B-Bob’s

Andrea pregnant @ TRAILER PARK 3

Zane & Jennifer hanging out Miss Cie with Patrick & Lee Beni @ CD release of David Guetta

AJ & Sadie @ DRAG BINGO

Edward & Company enjoying themselves @ B-Bob’s Saturday night Burlesque

Kat & her mom Jan @ DRAG BINGO

TRAILER PARK 3 party

emails/letters ...from 42

Brian Sands Offers Thanks Dear Family and Friends, hey say it’s better to give than receive. That may be so, but I think it’s even better to receive on behalf of a worthy cause. THANK YOU so much for your overflowing munificence—it doesn’t get much better than receiving all your edonations and checks! With your help, I raised $15,863 making me the highest fundraiser again this year. At over $3,000 more than last year, words fail me to express my gratitude. All I can say is thank you, Thank You, and THANK YOU again!!! Walk day was beautiful & sunny which helped to bring out the largest amount of Walkers since Katrina. Due to the repaving of Magazine Street, the route changed slightly this year as we went up State Street and then looped around on Prytania—an enjoyable change of scenery. You’ll be pleased to know that the Walk total was over $182,000, an increase of $12,000 from

2010. And, later that afternoon, the Saints won their game in the Superdome. Not that the two are connected, but can we say “Perfect day”?! On Monday, Sally-Ann Roberts of WWL-TV interviewed me and Toby Lefort, whose team raised the most money this year, for her Quiet Heroes series. You can see the resulting segment at http://www.wwltv.com/ video?id=130668548&sec=554827. I think it turned out pretty well, though it’s the first time I’ve ever been called “quiet”! I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Mike Vranos, a pal and entrymate from freshman year in college, and the Vranos Family Foundation for their extra special contribution. A number of others who also made outstanding donations will be receiving a Walk premium as soon as I get them from the Task Force. Enjoy! Again, gobs of appreciation for your marvelous support. Let’s hope that some day—soon—Walks like this will no longer be necessary. Much love and Happy New Year to all who’ll be celebrating, Brian Sands

Kyle, Jason & Christian having a hoot @ B-Bob’s Saturday night performances

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Biloxi’s Sophia Luchianni performing @ B-Bob’s

Miss B-Bob’s Jawakatema Davenport & Miss Pensacola Zeus 2011 Nadja Simone performing @ B-Bob’s Burlesque

B-bob’s Cruise Director Judson taking a break!

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Performing, Hanging Out, Enjoying, A Blast ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

Emerald City Highlights ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

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48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 11-24, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM